The reason I have chosen to feature Monique is because of her inspiring passion for health and her positive health philosophies in which she implements into her daily life.

Our health is a gift and our most precious asset. We must nurture and protect it to allow ourselves to live our lives  with little limitations and abundant vitality and happiness.

Name:  Monique Nymeyer

Age:  27

Occupation/studies:

4 days a week – lawyer. 1 day a week (and weekends!) – Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional Medicine.

What makes you happy?

Seeing the world, learning new things, being with friends, farmer’s markets, cooking, eating (good stuff!) and feeling fit and strong.

What does health mean to you?

I think of myself of being “in good health” when I’m feeling mentally and physically capable of getting through my days and doing so enjoyably.  Health involves physical elements (diet, digestion, exercise, sleep) and mental elements (relationships, self-esteem).  It’s about finding a balance that works for your lifestyle and results in you feeling happy.

What lead you to choose a balanced healthy lifestyle?

Spending much of my early 20s being really unbalanced and feeling rotten as a result, it’s been wonderful learning that there’s a much better way to live!

What do you do to keep your body healthy and happy?

I could write so much here but I think to keep it simple – I prepare, exercise and enjoy.

Preparing refers to getting organized and making healthy food to sustain me during each busy week.  Exercising is pretty self-explanatory! And as for enjoying – that refers to (trying) to put some time aside to go out to dinner with friends, go for walks in the sunshine…do the simple stuff that puts a smile on your face, whatever works.

Monique’s recipe to share with you:

Apple Zucchini Snacking Cake

This is a staple in my house. I tried this recipe of Monique’s a few months ago and I have been addicted ever since. This gluten free loaf is so moist and nourishing. I usually slice it up and individually freeze half the loaf so I always have some available to easily defrost and enjoy with a cup of tea in the afternoons. The other thing I love about this loaf is its protein content which ensures its a sustainable snack.

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini
1 small red apple
2 cups almond meal
1 cup natural protein powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 small pinch Himalayan salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 small overripe banana, mashed
5 eggs, beaten
3-4 tbsp honey
1/4 macadamia nut oil (or coconut oil)
1 tbsp vanilla essence/extract
Optional – 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or pepeta’s to decorate the top

Preheat oven to 160 C, and prepare a loaf tin (I lined mine with baking paper)

Rinse, and then cut the tips off the zucchini and core the apple.

Use a food processor or grate the zucchini and apple, then set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond meal, protein powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add in the beaten eggs, mashed banana, honey, oil and vanilla, then combine until smooth. Stir through the grated zucchini and apple until just combined.

Pour the batter into the loaf tin and smooth out evenly. If you’re using them, scatter the seeds over the top.

Bake for about 1hr – 1hr + 15 minutes.  The loaf should turn a lovely dark golden brown.

Take the loaf out of the oven and reduce the heat to 130 C.  Wait about 10-15 minutes so the loaf cools a little so you can handle it.

Take the loaf out of its tin and then return the loaf to the oven, placing it directly on the wire rack.  Bake for a further 20 minutes.  I found this last step really helped to firm up the cake as it is quite moist on the inside, but keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t dry out too much for your liking.

Enjoy!

You can check out more of Monique’s delicious recipes on her blog: http://cookchewconquer.blogspot.com.au