Superfood |

My Superfoods: Matcha + Matcha White Chocolate Slice

Did you know 1 serving of Matcha powder is equivalent to 10 cups of green tea!!

So what is Matcha?

Matcha powder is a finely ground, bright green tea powder. It is a natural, organic green tea which has been the heart of the famous Japanese tea ceremony for over 900 years. The Buddhist monks honored matcha tea as the ‘health elixir’. Matcha is prepared from a high-quality shade-grown leaf known as tencha. The tea bushes are sheltered to avoid the exposure of direct sunlight. This provides the leaves with a darker shade of green and stimulates the production of chlorophyll and amino acids.

Why I love Matcha:

1. An antioxidant powerhouse: According to the latest innovation in antioxidant research, Matcha is packed with exponentially more antioxidants than any other superfood. This helps build a strong defence up against infection and disease. One of these unique antioxidants in particular, catechises, provides potent anti ageing properties. As we know an external glow is a direct result of internal health!

2. Detoxifies the body: The chlorophyll profile in the powder allows it to cleanse and detoxify the body.

3. Boosts energy: Healthier than a cup of coffee, matcha contains a natural caffeine component to boost energy.

4. Assists mental functions: A serving of match will boost concentration and focus as a result of its rich L-Theinine profile.

Matcha White Chocolate Slice:

This recipe I put together as part of my BareVitality PT client christmas goodie bags last year. A big hit!!

1.5 cups of almond meal

1 cup natural vanilla protein powder (I used Quest protein powder for this recipe)

1 tbs matcha powder

2 tbs tahini

1/2 cup melted coconut oil

1/2 cup goji berries

Its as easy as blending all the ingredients (minus the goji berries) together in a high speed blender or food processor. Spoon the mixture onto baking paper on a tray. Sprinkle with goji berries and place in the fridge to set.

An hour or 2 later you can slice it up into desired shape and size ready to be consumed. It is very rich so you will only need small slices 🙂

Store in a sealed container or jar in your fridge.

If you liked this recipe you will love my raw chocolate recipe here!

Sources:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/matcha-tea.html

20/01/2016
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health benefits of matcha powder, matcha, recipe, Superfood, white chocolate

Desserts

Superfood Chocolate Mousse Summer Cups

Summer is on its way in Sydney, so I have been putting together some fresh new Summer recipes for you. Starting with these Superfood Chocolate Mousse Summer Cups!

You really cant beat fruit and chocolate together!

This amazingly indulgent, raw, healthy treat is completely guilt free.

Im sure a lot of you have seen the Avocado Chocolate Mousse recipes trending around. Despite making it a lot, I didn’t have a recipe up on the blog. So here you have it! This is my version of it, along with summer fruits and highly nutritious cocao nibs to add a bit of crunch.

With the seasonal fruit you can either freeze it, buy organic frozen fruit so its extra cold and refreshing, or serve with fresh chopped up fruit.

Superfood Chocolate Mousse Summer Cups Recipe:

Makes 3-4 servings:

Chopped fruit, fresh or frozen- I used frozen mango and mixed berries!

Cocao nibs

Mousse:

2x ripe avocados

1 heaped tbs cocao powder

2 pinches of a high quality salt

1/4 cup honey

2-3 tbs coconut milk

Remove the seed and scoop out the avocado into a blender or food processor. Add the cocao powder, salt and honey. Combine on a high speed, wiping down the sides regularly until you have a thick, smooth chocolate mousse. If the mousse if too thick, add a bit extra coconut milk.

Place 2 heaped tbs of mousse into each cup. Top with your fruits of choice and then sprinkle with the cocao nibs.

Now all you need to do is chill back by the pool side with your Superfood Chocolate Mousse Summer Cups and your printed out copy of Your Holistic Metabolism.

Enjoy!

Don’t forget to tag me in your foodie & fitness pics on instagram @claudiabarevitality . Love to see what health and fitness adventures your up too.

Store any left over superfood chocolate mousse in your fridge for later.

18/11/2015
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avocado, chocolate mousse, guilt free, healthy treat, raw, summer, Superfood

Health

The Magic Of Maca + Your Caffeine Free Maca Cocao Latte with Jenny Travins

We are lucky enough to have the lovely Jenny Travens, chief editor, wellness coach and fitness blogger from Superfood Living share with us the magic of Maca Powder and her super delish morning coffee substitute.

If you are looking for a caffeine-free way to replace your morning cup of joe, then I’ve got the recipe for you. This Maca Cacao Latte utilizes maca, a superfood that naturally boosts energy without any adverse effects such as a caffeine crash or caffeine headache. Loaded with vitamins B, C, and E, maca also provides plenty of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acids. The nutrients in maca help to naturally boost your mental performance and clarity needed for work tasks and studying, making it the ideal caffeine-free way to get that energy boost you need.

While maca has a wide range of health benefits, it offers specific benefits to women. Maca is used to promote sexual function in both men and women; however maca helps to balance hormones in women as well as increase fertility. For instance, if the body is producing too much of a certain hormone, maca helps decrease the production, and vice versa if your body is producing too little of a hormone. This balance of hormones helps to fight off symptoms of PMS and menopause such as mood swings, depression, cramps, body pain, hot flashes, and anxiety.

What is the importance of regulating hormones? Hormone regulation is responsible for all the physiological processes including fertility, sexual function, digestion & metabolism, brain and nervous system physiology, as well as energy levels.

So if you are in need of a caffeine-free pick me up or simply looking for a tasty way to balance your hormones and get a quick shot of nutrients, this Maca Cacao Latte is for you!

Maca Cacao Latte

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 cup almond milk

1 teaspoon cacao powder

1 teaspoon maca powder

Raw honey/maple syrup to taste

Directions:

Place all ingredients into a small pot.

Heat on medium to high heat and simmer, whisking until all of the ingredients are well mixed.

Froth the milk using a frother or by pouring the mixture into a blender and giving it a quick whirl.

Pour into a mug and enjoy!

Notes:

Maca has a unique taste and is balanced out by the cacao in this recipe, but if you find yourself in love with the flavor of maca then feel free to take out the cacao!
Any kind of milk can be used in this recipe, however almond milk keeps the latte dairy free.
Maca can be stirred into almost any drink, from hot or cold coffees to smoothies and hot cocoa drinks!
Try these Maca Super Bites for another delicious way to incorporate maca into your diet.

Jenny_pic

Jenny has over 10 years experiences and loves to share her knowledge about the different ways of staying fit and healthy and helping people to conquer over health related issues and maintain their fitness regime.

Connect with Jenny!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/superfoodliving

Twitter: https://twitter.com/superfoodliving

Pinterest: pinterest.com/superfoodliving

06/05/2015
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caffeine free, health benefits, mac cocoa latte, maca, Superfood, superfood living, superfoods

Snack's

Cocao Mint Superfood Protein Balls

One of my absolute favourite snack is a store bought whole food choc mint protein ball, however when you devour as many as I do in a week they start to become a large percentage of your food shopping bill.

So I decided to attempt to make my own. By making your own snacks (and meals) you can have 100% control of what is going into your body. You can choose ingredients that are suited to your individual nutritional needs. Ingredients that are of high quality and super importantly, to your personal taste preference.

Gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, raw.

Recipe:

5x medjool dates (pre-soaked in filtered water)

1/2 cup raw almonds

3/4 cup quinoa flakes or alternately, gluten free oats

2 tbs cocao powder

3 tbs coconut oil

1/2 cup raw almonds

5-8 drops peppermint oil

Optional:

1 scoop of natural protein powder + 1 tbs of filtered water

As simple as blending all ingredients in a high power blender or food processor. Roll heaped tablespoons of the mixture into balls and then they are ready to enjoy. If the mixture a slightly dry, add a small amount of filtered water (1-2 tbs).

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for optimal freshness.

Enjoy with a cup of tea for a mid morning or afternoon energy boost.

01/05/2015
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almonds, cocao, Dairy free, energy boost, gluten free, mint, organic, protein, quinoa, raw, Sugar free, Superfood, whole food

Health

Day 2 of my Nutrition Cleanse!

Day 2 started with a natural protein and superfood kick and then onto the fresh fruit and veg throughout the rest of the day ending with a larger meal.

So here was my day 2:

~ Started the day with 1x glass of warm filtered water with apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper.

~ Next I consumed 2 jars of a nutrient rich natural protein smoothie throughout the morning.

This Chai, Dandelion and Cinnamon smoothie contained an organic banana, cinnamon, dandelion and chai tea infused almond milk, coconut oil, chia seeds, raw honey and an organic raw egg.

~ Lunch time was nori, hummus & veggie (cucumber, coriander, capsicum, bean sprouts) rolls.

~ Then more juice- 1.5L through out the afternoon.

Rockmelon, lettuce, aloe vera, cucumber, lemon, filtered water and ice.

~ Snacks & extras included wheat grass shot, turmeric tonic, lots of filtered water & a natural protein bar.

~ Dinner was grilled fish and salad. Followed by herbal tea and a couple of my guilt free earthling bites again.

One more day to go!

Day 1 of my Nutritional Cleanse

11/01/2015
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cleanse, Day 2, juice, natural, organic, raw, smoothie, Superfood

Breakfast's,Health,Recipes

Cocao & Your Health + My Cocao Super Start Bowl Recipe

Yes I post a lot of chocolate recipe- guilty!!

Firstly this is because I just love chocolate. Secondly knowing the incredible health benefits of the cocao bean causes me to want to just add it to everything (including my breakfast).

This type of chocolate each day WILL keep the doctor away!

So what is cocao?

Also know as cocoa, the cocao bean is best known as our natural form of chocolate before it has been roasted, processed and had sugars, dairy and other chemicals added. Cocao has potent, medicinal health benefit and is concidered one of natures best kept secrets in the entire history of food. The addition of refined sugars and other production processes to our chocolate has created a highly addictive, nutrient depleted food item.

Cocao health benefits:

The two main health benefits of this superfood is its high antioxidant and mineral concentrate. Cocao has been considered the greatest natural medicine of all times and when consumed regularly this powerful substance can help to prevent primary killer diseases better than anything.

Releasing a chemical that stimulates the nervous system cocao is fantastic in creating a positive state of mind and mood and increase cognitive function. For centuries cocao has also been used to promote a healthy cardiovascular system and has been shown to lessen the risk of strokes, heart attacks and reduce high blood pressure and risk of cancer. Happy mind and happy heart!

Some of the ways I like to use cocao:

Hot chocolates

Cocao shots (pure energy boost)

Chocolate brownies (2 recipes on blog)

Snack on cocao nibs

Chocolate smoothies

In my bliss balls

Through my breakfast bowl whether it be cereal or porridge

Choc chip biscuites

Cocao nibs in salads

Homemade chocolate

Slices

Through a winter soup or stew

Cocao nibs mixed through quinoa with lemon juice, sultanas and seasoned

Here is a morning favourite, my Cocao Super Start Bowl!

Recipe:

Serves 2

1/4 cup chia seeds

2 tbs cocao powder

1/4 cup sprouted buckwheat

6x chopped dates

2 tbs goji berries

10x roughly chopped raw almonds

2 tbs cocao nibs

1 tsp nativia

Pinch of Himalayan salt

Yogurt and milk to serve

Mix together all the ingredients. Serve with your favourite choice of milk (almond, coconut, hemp seed, whole milk) and a heaped tbsp of Natural yogurt (greek, sheep, goats, byodynamic).

Coco pops you have nothing on this bowl of chocolaty superfood goodness.

Enjoy!

19/02/2014
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breakfast, cardiovascular system, cocao, Cocao and your health, cocao bean, cocao super start bowl, cognitive function, health benefits, mood, recipe, Superfood

Health,Recipes

How do you like your daily dose of coconut oil?

Coconut oil is an absolute staple in my house. I use it in most of my cooking and baking, as a supplement, nourishment for my hair and skin and for oil pulling.

This superfood has a unique combination of fatty acids with powerful medicinal properties. I try and consume 2-4 tbs of coconut oil each day. While Im happy to take it by the tablespoon, many will cringe at the thought. I have put together a list of delicious ways as to how you can enjoy your daily dose of coconut oil and allow your body to reap its benefits.

– Blend through smoothies

– Mix through your morning porridge

– Add to your hot cocao, tea or coffee

– Use to fry or bake with

– Make homemade chocolate

– Through a soup

– Add to your main meals- pasta, rice, lentils, bolognese

– Melt over steamed veggies

– Use as a base to make slices and baked treats (my fav)

– Melt with cocao powder and a natural sweetener for a healthy chocolate sauce or with vanilla extract and coconut sugar for a caramel like sauce

– Use as part of a dressing

– Spread it on your toast

– Make your own marinades, sauces and mayonnaise

– Mix through your yogurt

How do you like to enjoy your daily dose of coconut oil?

11/12/2013
3 Comments
coconut oil, daily, health, health benefits, nutrition, repair, Superfood, wellness

Smoothies

Cocao Superfood Smoothie

This smoothie is packed with nutrient dense superfood goodness and will satisfies those afternoon chocolate cravings.

When I have a bit of time in the afternoon I love making this smoothie & savouring it one teaspoon at a time while Im enjoying the sun in my backyard- pure bliss!

Recipe:

3/4 cup almond milk or coconut milk if you want it extra creamy

1/2 cup cold filtered water

1/2 banana

1 tbs chia seeds

1 tbs maca powder

2 heaped tsp cocao powder

1 tsp honey

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1- 1/2 scoop natural protein powder (I used a vanilla bean natural protein)

Handful of baby spinach leaves (optional)

6-8 ice cubes

On top:

1 tbsp goats milk yogurt, biodynamic, coconut or Greek yogurt

1 tsp cocao nibs

Blend all the ingredients together, excluding the toppings. Add more cocao powder if you prefer it richer in chocolate flavour. If it’s not thick enough, blend through some more ice.

Pour into a glass or jar and top with the yogurt and cocao nibs.

Enjoy!

01/08/2013
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almond milk, chia seeds, cocao, goats yogurt, smoothie, Superfood

Breakfast's,Desserts,Recipes,Snack's

Blueberry & Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

The inspiration for my creation of the blueberry & vanilla chia seed pudding stems from my need to change up and add a twist to my usual blueberry smoothie. The ingredients are all the same as my usual blueberry smoothie, however, it transforms from smoothie to pudding when allowing for the chia seeds to expand and absorb the liquid, creating a thick pudding like substance.

Not only will this fill you up for the morning, this pudding is rich in antioxidants from the chia seeds, blueberries, and cinnamon!

Chia seeds are an amazing superfood that should be incorporated into one of your staple pantry items. Regularly consuming chia seeds provides many health benefits such as: enhancing athletic performance, stabilising your mood, giving you instant energy, and healthy glowing skin!

They’re also high in fibre and omega -3, and assist your weight loss as they expand in your stomach and keep you full!

There are so many ways to incorporate these super seeds. I love including a tablespoon of chia seeds in my quinoa muesli or smoothie bowls and creating new recipes to include them in my everyday life.

This delicious recipe is ideal for when you need to rush out the door and take your breakfast on the go!

Enjoy x

Blueberry & Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding Recipe:

– 3 tbsp chia seeds

– 1 cup of milk ( almond milk or coconut milk are my fav options)

– 1-1.5 tsp vanilla extract

– 1/4 tsp cinnamon or to taste

– 1/2 cup blueberries (frozen work just as well)

– Coconut sugar to taste (optional)

Method:

Place the seeds, milk, vanilla, coconut sugar and cinnamon in a glass or jar to soak in the fridge. You can leave it overnight or, if you are desperate to enjoy it sooner, 10 minutes usually does the trick.

Once ready mix layer with blueberries in a glass and there you have a super nutritious, delicious and easy pudding!

Don’t forget to share your creations with the BareVitality Studio Instagram page

18/04/2013
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antioxidant, Chia Seed Blueberry & Vanilla Pudding, chia seeds, energy, reduce sugar cravings, Superfood, weight loss

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