POSTED ON APRIL 17, 2015 BY [email protected]

You know the story.  You’re in the health food section looking at all the high energy, raw protein bars and balls, trying to decide which one you like best, but most of all trying to weigh up which one is going to give you more mileage for your money.   It’s so hard to justify spending so much on such a little morsel, and you think to yourself “that’s never going to get me through the morning….”   So you head over to the coffee shop and purchase a massive blueberry muffin for the same price, feeling justified that you’ve done the right thing.

I know I’ve been there, and still do on the odd occasion.  That’s why I prefer to make my own energy balls, bars and treats so I don’t have to think about it. They are as fresh as you can get, taste amazingly good, will sustain me for hours and I can make up a large stash for the freezer.

These little balls are packed with protein and are perfect to eat before or after a workout, or to take with you on a hike or bike ride.  They are quite filling and will sustain you longer than a chocolate bar and you won’t have the quick sugar crash afterwards.   They are also really nice if you’re looking for an alternative to that mid-morning Cinnamon Bun!

Walnuts are super high in protein, and if you have a dehydrator you could use soaked and dehydrated Walnuts to get the best out of them.

Makes: 14-18 balls (depending on how generously you size them!)

You will need: A food Processor

Ingredients:

1.5 cups / 150 g Walnuts

3/4 cup / 100 g Raisins

2 tbsp Chia Seeds

2 tbsp ground Flax/Linseeds

1 tbsp hulled Hemp Seeds

1/4 cup / 20 g Goji Berries

2 tbsp Coconut Oil

1 tsp Cinnamon

Pinch fine Himalayan or Sea Salt

Optional: 1 tbsp Protein Powder (eg, Sun Warrior, Pea Protein)

Method: 

Melt the coconut oil over a bowl of hot water.  Place the Goji Berries into the oil for 10 minutes to soften while you get the other ingredients ready.

Put all ingredients into the food processor, adding the Goji Berries from the Oil – but don’t add all of the oil, use about half.

Process all the ingredients together until they form a soft dough that sticks together when pressed between your fingers.  Roll the dough into individual balls, place on a plate and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.

These will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for at least a week, or freeze for up to one month…or so.  Defrost in the fridge before eating.

Raw Protein Ball Tips:  Use any nuts, seeds and dried fruit that you like to make these.  Grind up a mixture of seeds such as Pumpkin, Sunflower and Sesame.  Add in some Raw Cacao to make them chocolaty!

POSTED ON APRIL 1, 2015 BY [email protected]

I have to confess to being a little obsessed with breakfast smoothie bowls at the moment.  After my morning green juice has gone down I start thinking about what deliciousness I can conjure up in the blender in case I’m still hungry. You must understand this is a healthy obsession, and with my new box of Iswari breakfast superfood goodies to hand it does make breakfast time a whole lot more interesting.

So this morning I was feeling the cold after my run with the dog.  The wind was pretty cutting for the 1st April! And when I got back I really fancied something comforting like porridge, but didn’t want to start messing around with saucepans and cookers.

Although I do occasionally cook gluten-free porridge oats, I personally prefer them raw.  If you have trouble digesting oats I’d suggest you would benefit from soaking them overnight first.  However, because this recipe is blended they are broken down very well so you may find them easier to tolerate.

You can also get raw sprouted oats which is even better.  Irish company Iswari do them and they are very nice I have to say.

I’m using the Incan Trail Mix this morning to top my porridge.  Incan Golden berries are high in super anti-oxidants and have a rich, tangy taste which is just amazing with the crunchy activated almonds of the mix.  They are also good for the liver and kidneys and can help to lower blood sugar.  Maca is an amazing superfood and fantastic for balancing the hormones and moods, so a big plus for us women!

I simply whipped this up in a blender and served in a bowl.   I served it at room temperature and have to say it really hit the spot because it was so filling!

You will need: A blender, bowl for serving

Ingredients:
1 cup Gluten-free Organic Oats (or raw sprouted oats)
Half cup Brazil Nut Milk (or other non-dairy milk)
2 tbsp Iswari’s Buddha’s Awakening Maca & Vanilla Instant Raw Superfood Breakfast Mix
1 tbsp Almond Butter
1 tbsp Maple Syrup or Honey (or as required)

Garnish:
Handful of Iswari’s Incan Trail Mix
Fresh Blueberries

Blend everything together in a blender until smooth and creamy, garnish with a handful of Iswari’s Incan Trail Mix and some fresh Blueberries. Serve with extra milk if required!

A little tip: I always rinse my blender out straight away after use with warm water, and give it a thorough wash with soapy water every few days.  If you are blending something thick like this, it’s a great idea to rinse the pitcher out then fill it one third with warm water and a little washing up liquid.  Then blend on high speed for several seconds to clean off the sticky bits.  Works a treat.  Any remaining bits can be easily cleaned off with a brush or sponge.