Bec's 7 Day Juice Detox

WOW what a week it has been! I'm sure a lot of you have seen my posts on FB or Instagram during this detox... I just want to say firstly, while I naturally lost weight during this, I didn't do it specifically for weight loss. This was about cleansing my insides. If you don't already know, I am studying Naturopathy, and strongly believe in the healing powers of nature over chemical based pharmaceuticals. However, I had a pretty bad bacterial infection a couple of months ago and had to be on an extremely strong dose of antibiotics. I'm talking, one of the strongest antibiotics there is, 2000mg a day for 3 weeks. Because antibiotics kills all your bad AND your good bacteria, my immune system was left extremely weak and fragile. I jumped onto the probiotics straight away, but my immunity didn't build up in time, and I got a viral infection and pharyngitis over Christmas. Now, being a singer and performer, getting sick just isn't an option for me, because regardless, I have to perform my shows once they're booked. That's the tough life of showbiz. So I have a home call doctor come out on Boxing Day to check me out and prescribe me antibiotics so that I would have time to recover before my NYE show. Another 2 week course of a strong antibiotic, 2000mg a day. My immune system just hasn't been the same since, so I decided I really needed to do a detox before I go back to full time study and give my body a little head start in the healing process. My housemate Bonnie said she'd do the juice detox with me so I was super excited not to have to do it alone, because lets face it, I would have probably given into temptation had I done it alone.

The last time I did a juice detox was in January 2011 with Tommy. We wanted to try and go for 30 days, but only made it to 2 weeks. We had followed a program I had found online, and basically you just alternated a green and a red juice throughout the day, with the variation of a lemon water and almond milk in the middle of the day. NO solids for 2 weeks. The juices weren't that nice either, and doing the same thing every single day was hell!! I looked forward to my almond milk each day! Poor Tommy, I wanted to rip his and my hair out. I was irritable, cranky, tired, weak, lethargic, hungry as anything and grumpy as all heck!

That wasn't really an experience I would have wanted to share because it didn't really have positive outcome. I lost some weight, yes, but put it back on within a week because I ate everything in sight. I did detox, but I didn't really get to a good place with it where I felt at all great. So because of this, this time I wanted to create my own program. I searched through my many Raw E-books and looked for some delicious juice recipes, making sure I was going to get the goodness I needed and also keep it exciting by changing them all the time. I also allowed myself to have one simple, light salad for dinner, because mentally, not chewing for week can drive you nuts (TRUST ME!). I feel energized, lighter, healthier, happier and I feel like my immune system is back on track to getting nice and strong again.

I lost a total of 3.6kgs. This was WITHOUT training as I injured myself in ballet a couple of weeks ago and have mild achilles tendonitis. Now, here is the important part... It is VITAL to reintroduce food slowly and to still watch what you eat! After losing weight though, it kind of comes natural to want to keep doing what you're doing when you're seeing results. So coming off this detox I'm having my green smoothies again for breakfast (ohhh I missed them so much) I'm still juicing as well and I will tell you my favourite juices from this detox also, and I'm just eating tones of salad and veggie soup. NO complex carbs just yet, only those naturally occurring in fruit and vegetables. The reason for this is, if you come off a juice fast and your first meal consists of a nice bowl of pasta, your body is just going to store this straight away because it doesn't know if you're going to eat again. The best thing to do is introduce foods slowly, and eventually (maybe after a week) you can go back to COMPLEX carbs (whole grains), no refined please (anything white, pasta, rice, bread etc). Also remember to keep your portions small at first until your body gets used to the heavier foods, and breaks it down properly rather than feeling the need to store it.

Bonnie and I also decided to go and get a foot detox the day after our detox ended. This just really helped to draw out any unwanted crap that we may not have been able to pass while juicing. Bonnie has been a couple of times, I had never been in my life. I've got to say it was an awesome experience and I'm definitely going to keep it up regularly. More on this later.

Here are my results...

Now.... For my incredible 7 day Juice Detox Program!!!

It is important to start your morning EVERY morning with the first preparatory drink. This prepares your body for detoxing. It tastes foul but just skull it and chase with some water.

Udo's Oil is a unique blend of fresh flax, sesame and sunflower seeds, as well as oils from evening primrose, rice germ and oat germ. It delivers a very reliable source of Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, at a ratio of 2:1:1. Remember, essential fats aid in a variety of benefits such as; Increase in energy, stamina and performance; Strengthen the immune system; Lower most risk factors of cardiovascular disease; Improve brain function: mood, intelligence, behaviour and vision; Aid in weight reduction; Regulate organs and glands; Speed recovery and healing; Improve digestion; Decrease infection; Keep bones strong; Protect genetic material; Ease PMS (ladies & gents will like this one); Produce beautiful skin, hair and nails.

NOTE: If you are not able to find Udo's Oil (I'm not sure if it's available outside Australia) just use Flaxseed Oil.

BEC'S 7 DAY JUICE DETOX PROGRAM

** After each Day I have put my diary entry on how I was feeling throughout the day. This can and will be different for everybody, and please be aware that you may experience lethargy, headaches, lack of energy. ESPECIALLY if you drink a lot of caffeine and/or alcohol. 

DO NOT: 

• take any medication including painkillers whilst detoxing. Girls on the pill: do this detox on your week of sugar pills, however DON'T take the sugar pills. If you are on prescribed medication, please consult your doctor before  you stop taking them or coming onto this detox.
• Drink caffeine or alcohol

YOU MAY:

• Drink water with fresh lemon throughout the day, and be sure to drink plenty of water as well to keep hydrated.
• Eat a few carrot or celery sticks, plain, if you are desperately hungry. Don't go overboard, and allow your mind and body to be challenged.
• Exercise, however don't go too hard at first to ensure if you have a loss of energy that you don't faint.
• Do yoga!! All I wanted to do all week was walk my puppy and do yoga, but unfortunately I couldn't. Yoga is a brilliant way to detox your mind and soul whilst the juices take care of your body. It's a great way to gain clarity and mental stability throughout this detox and beyond.

DAY ONE

Upon rising...

Drink 1 cup of filtered water

20 minutes later drink:

1 cup of water
Juice of 1 lemon or lime
1 inch piece of ginger root
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon of udos oil OR flaxseed oil
1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Juice the garlic, lemon/lime, and ginger.
Mix with the rest of the ingredients in a blender or with a spoon.

Breakfast

Pineapple Fruit Cocktail

¼ medium pineapple

2 pears

1 inch fresh ginger

Lunch

Green Cappuccino

8 stalks (leaves) of kale

4 stalks of celery

1 apple

1/2 cucumber

1 carrot

1/2 handful of parsley

Afternoon

Yerry & Yammy’s Green Juice
4 stalks of kale
4 stalks of collard greens
2 leaves of swiss chard
1 handful of spinach
1 cucumber
2 stalks celery
1 pear

About 1 ½ hours before dinner

Water or herbal tea with lemon

Dinner

Mango Avocado Salad

4 cups mixed greens

1 avocado

1 mango

1/4 cup red onion

Toss ingredients in a salad bowl and mix in Simple Vinaigrette dressing.

Simple Vinaigrette
3 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

cracked black pepper

celtic salt
juice of ½ lemon

Night- Before Bed

Chamomile or peppermint tea 

Diary Entry

Day 1: 57.6kgs

Woke up feeling good, though had little sleep the night before. Started with my first drink at 7am. 

Had my first breakfast juice at 9am, drank it slowly to make it last. Finished at 9:40am.
11:00am and already feeling hungry. I normally eat a lot while I’m cram studying for exams because I burn so much energy. Right now I’m almost regretting starting the detox 2 days before my exam lol!
Having a massage at 11:30am, so will wait until after the massage to have lunch.
Smells are already driving me crazy!! – My stomach needs to shrink!!
I have to keep snapping myself out of my habit to go into the pantry and grab a handful of nuts!! Argh!!
Having salad for dinner was SO good at the end of a day of all liquids. Physically it feels easy, mentally, not so much. I’m a grazer and am struggling not to graze and snack.

DAY TWO

Upon rising...

Drink 1 cup of filtered water

20 minutes later drink:

1 cup of water
Juice of 1 lemon or lime
1 inch piece of ginger root
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon of udos oil OR flaxseed oil
1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Juice the garlic, lemon/lime,and ginger.
Mix with the rest of the ingredients in a blender or with a spoon.

Breakfast

Apple Spritzer

4 apples

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/2 cup fizzy/sparkling water

2-3 ice cubes

1. In a juicer, juice the apples

2. Add the lemon juice and fizzy water and serve over ice!

Lunch

Yerry & Yammy’s Green Juice
4 stalks of kale

4 stalks of collard greens

2 leaves of swiss chard

1 handful of spinach

1 cucumber

2 stalks celery

1 pear

Afternoon

Blue-Green Orange Bliss

5 oranges (or grapefruit)

1-2 tbsp of blue-green algae (ie. Spirulina, chlorella, etc…)

1. Juice of the oranges using a citrus juicer (or other tool)
2. Add blue-green algae to a glass and stir in orange juice.

About 1 ½ hours before dinner

Water or herbal tea with lemon

Dinner

Mexican Salad

2 corn on the cob

1 tomato, cubed

1 avocado, cubed

1 red pepper, cubed

1/2 cucumber, cubed
1. De-cob corn using a knife, chop up additional ingredients bite size and add to a

medium bowl.

2. Top with dressing

Simple Vinaigrette
3 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

cracked black pepper

celtic salt
juice of ½ lemon

Night- Before Bed

Chamomile or peppermint tea 

Diary Entry

Day 2: 56.1kgs

Feeling great again today. No headaches or tiredness, but I had a wonderful 10.5 hour sleep. I don’t think I will be as prone to headaches though because in general I eat extremely healthy.
Had breakfast at 8:30am. 9:50am and I’m already starving, but that has a lot to do with the fact that my sister is eating delicious coconut-rice bites right in front of my face!!!!
Had my green juice for lunch while I watched my beautiful family eat solids! There wasn’t a whole lot of vegan options which made it easier, but there was some gorgeous fruit that I so wanted to stuff my face with! It’s really a test of my mental strength, and I enjoy eating so much that having to miss out sucks!!
Had a yummy salad for dinner tonight. I was at the venue for my show. I ate at around 5pm and was on stage from 7:30 until 10:30pm.
I was really hungry when I came off stage and so badly just wanted to eat something naughty, but I went home and had a shower and a chamomile tea and fell asleep around 11:30pm.

DAY THREE

Upon rising...

Drink 1 cup of filtered water

20 minutes later drink:

1 cup of water
Juice of 1 lemon or lime
1 inch piece of ginger root
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon of udos oil OR flaxseed oil
1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Juice the garlic, lemon/lime,and ginger.
Mix with the rest of the ingredients in a blender or with a spoon.

Breakfast

Apple-Watermelon

2 apples

3 slices watermelon

Lunch

Blue-Green Orange Bliss

5 oranges (or grapefruit)

1-2 tbsp of blue-green algae (ie. spirulina, chorella, etc…)

1. Juice of the oranges using a citrus juicer (or other tool)
2. Add blue-green algae to a glass and stir in orange juice.

Afternoon

Popeye’s Secret

4 cups spinach, tightly packed

2 carrots, top removed

4 tomatoes

1 cucumber

Juice of 1/2 lemon

About 1 ½ hours before dinner

Water or herbal tea with lemon

Dinner

Salad Slaw

2 large handfuls mixed greens

4 carrots

3 radishes

1/4 cup red onion

1 orange, juiced

1/2 avocado

2 heaping forkfuls of fermented sauerkraut (found refrigerated in health food stores)

1. Place mixed greens in a large bowl

2. Roughly chop the carrots, radishes, and red onion and place in food processor.

Process until finely shredded and empty onto the greens.

3. Roughly chop the avocado and place in food processor (no need to clean it from

previous use) with orange juice and process until creamy. Pour onto Salad mixture

and mix by hand.

4. Heap sauerkraut on top and serve.

Night- Before Bed

Chamomile or peppermint tea

Diary Entry

Day 3: 55.1kgs

Woke up fairly tired this morning, due to the late night from the show.
Breakfast was so yummy!! It piped me up straight away J
Today was the day we had the worst of the juices in my opinion! Well Bonnie thought so too. I am NOT a fan of tomato juice and the taste of the tomatoes was really strong. So I just thought about the incredible goodness I was putting into my body, and then skulled the whole thing.
1:30pm and I’m hungry again… what’s new… (I have a really fast metabolism so I get hungry very quickly, however Bonnie is content and satisfied with the amount she’s getting, so it’s different for everybody).
2pm and I’m ready for my afternoon juice, but Bonnie isn’t home so I will hold off and wait until she gets back to have it.
I am peeing like every 10 minutes.. Detox… Detox… Detox…
Sipped my afternoon tea while I did my microbiology exam! K Argh!! Glad that is over… So ready to relax and hang out with my baby sister tonight. Though, I’m going to have to buy her something for dinner and then watch her eat it boo hoo…

DAY FOUR

Upon rising...

Drink 1 cup of filtered water

20 minutes later drink:

1 cup of water
Juice of 1 lemon or lime
1 inch piece of ginger root
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon of udos oil OR flaxseed oil
1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Juice the garlic, lemon/lime, and ginger.
Mix with the rest of the ingredients in a blender or with a spoon.

Breakfast

Gut-Soother

2 pears

2 carrots

½ pineapple

½ inch ginger

Lunch

Athlete Booster
2 cups coconut water
2 tbsp of Spirulina

1. Combine both in a glass and stir

Afternoon

Cucumber Summer Breeze

1 large cucumber

2 stalks celery

1 small handful fresh mint (plus additional for garnish)

Juice of 2 limes

1. Run all ingredients through a juicer

2. Squeeze in lime juice, stir, and pour over ice.

3. Garnish with mint sprigs if desired.

About 1 ½ hours before dinner

Water or herbal tea with lemon

Dinner

Mango Avocado Salad

4 cups mixed greens

1 avocado

1 mango

1/4 cup red onion

Toss ingredients in a salad bowl and mix in Simple Vinaigrette dressing.

Simple Vinaigrette
3 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

cracked black pepper

celtic salt
juice of ½ lemon

Night- Before Bed

Chamomile or peppermint tea

Diary Entry

Day 4: 54.9kgs

Today I woke up feeling quite lethargic. A lot less energy than I’ve had for the last 3 days, and a little headache… Oooo my body is certainly detoxing now!
I really want food…
Lunch time, but I’m at my parents watching the Grammy’s and forgot to bring my lunch… I’m so hungry!! But I’m really testing my self control and doing ok…
Had afternoon juice followed by a slice of watermelon. Due to the high water content I felt it was alright, and my body was really needing something more.
While this detox is supposed to be a challenge, I also believe in listening to your body.
Tonight I have felt shakey and lightheaded. I feel like I have restless leg syndrome over my whole body… Restless body syndrome!!! Having an early night as it’s a struggle feeling like this.

DAY FIVE

Upon rising...

Drink 1 cup of filtered water

20 minutes later drink:

1 cup of water
Juice of 1 lemon or lime
1 inch piece of ginger root
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon of udos oil OR flaxseed oil
1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Juice the garlic, lemon/lime,and ginger.
Mix with the rest of the ingredients in a blender or with a spoon.

Breakfast

Pineapple Fruit Cocktail

¼ medium pineapple

2 pears

1 inch fresh ginger

Lunch

Cucumber Summer Breeze

1 large cucumber

2 stalks celery

1 small handful fresh mint (plus additional for garnish)

Juice of 2 limes

1. Run all ingredients through a juicer

2. Squeeze in lime juice, stir, and pour over ice.

3. Garnish with mint sprigs if desired.

Afternoon

Skin Rejuvenator

1/2 cup chopped radish

1 large cucumber

1/2 bunch watercress (or 4 to 5 kale leaves)

4 cups green grapes

Small knob of fresh ginger

About 1 ½ hours before dinner

Water or herbal tea with lemon

Dinner

Mexican Salad

2 corn on the cob

1 tomato, cubed

1 avocado, cubed

1 red pepper, cubed

1/2 cucumber, cubed
1. De-cob corn using a knife, chop up additional ingredients bite size and add to a

medium bowl.

2. Top with dressing

Simple Vinaigrette
3 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

cracked black pepper

celtic salt
juice of ½ lemon

Night- Before Bed

Chamomile or peppermint tea 

Diary Entry

Day 5: 54.3kgs

Woke up feeling fine today. Energy was still down a little, however I’m much better than I was yesterday.
Started my liquids at 6:30am and had breakfast at 9:30am. Cleaned the house and worked up a nice sweat, which was nice since I haven’t been able to exercise or go to dancing  due to my Achilles tendonitis.
12pm and my tummy is rumbling. Had lunch at 12:15pm.
Went to my parents office at 12:30pm and a few of their staff were eating lunch... Smells are driving me crazy today!!!
I’m so glad Tommy is away while I’m doing this, because there’s no way I wouldn’t have cheated if he were here and had taken me out for Valentines!
Got home at 4pm!! Had afternoon juice which was AMAZING!! Probably my favourite green juice so far!!

DAY SIX

Upon rising...

Drink 1 cup of filtered water

20 minutes later drink:

1 cup of water
Juice of 1 lemon or lime
1 inch piece of ginger root
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon of udos oil OR flaxseed oil
1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Juice the garlic, lemon/lime,and ginger.
Mix with the rest of the ingredients in a blender or with a spoon.

Breakfast

Apple Spritzer

4 apples

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/2 cup fizzy/sparkling water

2-3 ice cubes

Lunch

Skin Rejuvenator

1/2 cup chopped radish

1 large cucumber

1/2 bunch watercress (or 4 to 5 kale leaves)

4 cups green grapes

Small knob of fresh ginger

Afternoon

Cucumber Apple

2 stalks of fennel
½ cucumber
½ green apple
1 handful of mint
1 inch of gingerroot

  

About 1 ½ hours before dinner

Water or herbal tea with lemon

Dinner

Salad Slaw
2 large handfuls mixed greens

4 carrots

3 radishes

1/4 cup red onion

1 orange, juiced

1/2 avocado

2 heaping forkfuls of fermented sauerkraut (found refrigerated in health food stores)

1. Place mixed greens in a large bowl

2. Roughly chop the carrots, radishes, and red onion and place in food processor.

Process until finely shredded and empty onto the greens.

3. Roughly chop the avocado and place in food processor (no need to clean it from

previous use) with orange juice and process until creamy. Pour onto Salad mixture

and mix by hand.

4. Heap sauerkraut on top and serve.

Night- Before Bed

Chamomile or peppermint tea 

Diary Entry

Day 6: 54.3kgs

If I don’t get a decent nights sleep, I do not wake up feeling 100%... I went to bed early on Tuesday night and woke at 11pm not being able to fall back asleep. So I allowed myself a sleep in until 8am.
All day I’ve had dizzy spells, so I’ve spent the day resting.
I felt ok in the afternoon but was ready to have a good night sleep.
Smells coming from next door are driving me a little crazy, but it’s not as hard as it was at the beginning of the week!
Dinner was yummy!! Chamomile tea and BED!!

DAY SEVEN

Upon rising...

Drink 1 cup of filtered water

20 minutes later drink:

1 cup of water
Juice of 1 lemon or lime
1 inch piece of ginger root
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon of udos oil OR flaxseed oil
1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Juice the garlic, lemon/lime,and ginger.
Mix with the rest of the ingredients in a blender or with a spoon.

Breakfast

Apple-Watermelon

2 apples

3 slices watermelon

Lunch

Cucumber Apple

2 stalks of fennel
½ cucumber
½ green apple
1 handful of mint
1 inch of gingerroot

Afternoon

Veggie Mix

3-4 carrots
2 celery stalks
½ beet
2 broccoli florets
½ lemon

About 1 ½ hours before dinner

Water or herbal tea with lemon

Dinner

Mango Avocado Salad

4 cups mixed greens

1 avocado

1 mango

1/4 cup red onion

Toss ingredients in a salad bowl and mix in Simple Vinaigrette dressing.

Simple Vinaigrette
3 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

cracked black pepper

celtic salt
juice of ½ lemon

Night- Before Bed

Chamomile or peppermint tea

Diary Entry

Day 7: 54kgs

LAST DAY TODAY!!! So excited!! I feel quite proud of myself, as I am an eater! I can’t starve myself, and while I haven’t been starving throughout this, I could never live on liquids! I love to chew food… More often than not, I’m not hungry but I want to chew and taste food.
I had breakfast relatively early and by 9am was so hungry again, but had an appointment. Got home at 11am and had my lunch early.
12pm now and I’m about to work on my assignments and do a little study. Still hungry, but I can hold off for a couple hours… I hope…FAIL… I caved and had my afternoon tea juice at 1:30pm.
I.am.going…..CRAZY!!!! The temptation is seriously killing me right now!! I just want food!! It is 3:15pm and I’m about ready to serve up dinner, but I know I will just be super hungry again later so I’m trying to hold off..

So there you have it guys.... Copy and paste the program into a Word document, print and away you go!!

IONIC HEALTH CLEANSE (FOOT DETOX)

WARNING: THE IMAGES ARE NOT PRETTY SO JUST BE PREPARED AND HAVE AN OPEN MIND... BETTER OUT THAN IN I SAY...

Bonnie took me this gorgeous place in Mermaid Beach. It was a beautiful balinese style house with ponds, bamboo, lots of exotic greenery and a gorgeous big timber double door front door. Teresa Cannon is a Paramedical Aestheticiam and beauty therapist and runs her business on the lower level of her gorgeous home. Set up even more beautiful than a shop, it boasts a delightful, warm, homely atmosphere full of positive vibrations and energies.

We took a seat on the comfortable lounges provided, and there were 3 other people there already in their detox. They were chirpy and chatty and made me feel completely comfortable, as did Teresa. She asked me to place my feet in a bucket of warm water she put something around my wrist and this belt thing around my midline which was hot. As soon as my feet went in the water you could see the detoxing had already begun.

It was incredible. I could actually feel tingling on the bottom of my feet, it was like I could literally feel all the icky yucky stuff being drawn out. I didn't get a photo as soon as I sat down, but like I said, the detoxing starts as soon as your feet enter the water so within 5 seconds this brown stuff was entering the bucket of water.

To help you better understand what this Ionic Health Cleanse is all about I have taken a snippet from Teresa's website:

"Ionic Health Cleanse is an all natural way to detox the inside of your body through your feet, in a relaxing foot bath. Detoxification begins the moment you place your feet into the foot bath. Detoxification benefits your all round health and can help with the aging process. As believed in reflexology each foot is actually a channel, a conduit, through which your body attempts to cleanse itself of toxic wastes and heavy metals that are building up in many parts of your body. During the foot bath you will actually see the cleansing process taking place as the water interacts with the compound electric current and magnetic field structure. This body cleansing process results int he correct frequency required for cells to return to a healthy state, and to release waste that has been bonded to them over the years. This detoxification therapeutic procedure also enhances the effects of other therapies.

Helping to treat health problems such as;arthritis, weight loss, gout, hormonal balancing, hot flushes and night sweats; liver problems, kidney, digestive system and gallbladder."

Here you can see my progress throughout the cleanse. The first picture is 5 MINUTES after my feet entered the water. The second is 20 MINUTES into it, and the third picture is after the full HOUR.

A 30 minute session is $35 or an hour session is $45. I would highly recommend this and will definitely be frequenting here from now on. Teresa also offers a multitude of other services such as Microdermabrasion, Enzyme Facials, IPL, A range of detoxifying treatments; Musculoskeletal Infra Red Cocoon Sauna, Sculpting Wrap & Cocoon Sauna, Waxing, Tinting, Ear Candling, mani's & Pedis, CHEMICAL FREE Spray Tanning using  aloe vera and sugar with a choice of 13 different colours and bases, Paramedical Lash Extensions which contain NO formaldehyde Toluene or DBP.

Top Cats Beauty is located in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast, Australia.

W: www.topcatsbeauty.com.au

E: topcatsbeauty@gmail.com

P: 07 55265818

M: 0412934401

Banana Pancakes

What do you do when you have a banana too ripe to eat, a ridiculous craving for something sweet at breakfast time and when it's been raining nonstop for a week? I had a look in my pantry to see what else I had and decided to...

.... MAKE BANANA PANCAKES!!!!  ♥ 

Just because I'm a vegan doesn't mean I can't enjoy scrumptiously yummy foods right? :)  And while you may think that you can't make pancakes without eggs, milk and cane sugar, and that without these ingredients you'll be left with a rubbery, weird, bland tasting, crumbly disaster, think again! These pancakes are still super fluffy, and the fact that I use a plant based milk and sweetener really doesn't alter the taste much. Plus it's cruelty-free and much healthier for you!

Now I don't want you to think, because this doesn't contain these ingredients that you can still eat these everyday and not gain a little :| haha... While they are much healthier than regular pancakes, they're something that's still best kept as an occasional treat.

So with no further adue, I present...

Banana Pancakes

1 cup organic wholemeal flour

1 heaped tsp baking powder

1 Tbsp Agave nectar/syrup

Splash vanilla extract

1 ripe banana

3/4 - 1 cup organic rice milk (or almond milk)

Pinch of healthy salt (celtic or himalayan pink salt) 

Coconut or Olive oil

Mash the banana with a fork and put to the side.

In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix together well.

Combine 3/4 cup rice milk, vanilla, agave and banana. Add to dry ingredients and whisk. If it's too dry add more milk. The batter should be pourable but not too runny. 

On medium-low heat, heat a little oil in a nonstick pan. 

Pour in the mix as big or small as you'd like.

When bubbles appear on top, it's ready to flip over. Cook for a further minute or 2 on the other side and remove from pan. Repeat.

Serve with real organic maple syrup, fresh strawberries and blueberries.... ENJOY  ♥ 

♥ LOVE BEC ♥  

XXX

Coconut Dream Smoothie

BE PREPARED FOR THE MOST DELICIOUS SMOOTHIE YOU WILL EVER TASTE!!

So I wasn't going to share any Raw recipes until I wrote my post introducing raw food and its benefits to you, but this smoothie has to be an exception because it is soooo gooood!!! I get a lot of emails from a lot of my Raw food mentors, one of which is the gorgeous Karen Knowler. I have a folder in my email that I store all my e-newsletters, a lot contain recipes etc. Eventually when I have time I go through them all and read the articles and save the recipes. So I did just this yesterday and found this smoothie recipe in one of Karen's emails.

I was so excited to try this one, that I went out and bought the ingredients straight away and made it for lunch today. I can't even begin to explain the feeling Tommy and I got when we took our first sip. Karen described it best when she said "it makes you feel comforted as if you've just drunk a big fat hug". Tommy thinks it's like similar to rice pudding and I think it's like coconut custard! You could eat it in a bowl with a spoon as a dessert as well!!

'Spiral Organic' is my favourite coconut milk. It's of course organic and available from Mrs Flannery's. However any organic coconut milk will taste delicious!!

This smoothie is the most simple, quick and easy smoothie and only requires a couple of ingredients. You can either drink it warm or cold, by putting the coconut milk in the fridge before making it.

Four simple, cheap, delicious ingredients :)

Coconut Dream Smoothie

1 can organic coconut milk

1 medium mango

4 medjool dates

1 tsp vanilla extract or scrapings from 1 vanilla bean pod

Blend all ingredients until combined.. ENJOY!! <3

Avomato

Monday Morning Madness!!

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you've all had an amazing 2012 thus far!

I had a pretty hectic week last week... I decided that rather than doing Psychology and Counselling Theory over the 13 week semester, that I would get it over and done with in Summer School. So 1 week, 13 weeks of content, 3 assessments, 1 fine for being on my mobile whilst driving (I was changing a song on my iPhone booo), and $180 in fuel for the week later, I have completed the subject! It was an expensive and intense week, to say the least! However it does feel amazing to have it over and done with. It was extremely interesting and I loved the subject, however, I'm glad I got it out of the way so that I can 100% focus and knuckle down on my other subjects this semester.

I had a show in Noosa on Saturday, that went off! Everybody loved it and were having a great time dancing and going silly to ABBA! Makes me love what I do even more when I see people having a great time and being entertained. My sister and I drove home after the show though so I didn't get home and into bed until 3am Sunday morning.

Anyway back on track... This morning I woke up feeling SO tired and to top it off had little to NO food in the house, so I made my FAVE trusty Avomato!!! (Avocado and Tomato on toast) Tommy and I named it Avomato about 2 years ago when we were having serious problems controlling ourselves from eating it 20 times a day! I can't say that 20 times a day is going to be good for you, but it is seriously one thing you can easily get addicted to! So the name has stuck, and I always get funny looks from people who have never heard it called that before, but it's starting to stick and friends and family call it Avomato as well now :)

It's nothing that requires a recipe, it's totally straight forward, and I'm sure a lot of you already make it, but I thought I would share it with you all anyway, as it really is super delicious, it's quick, easy and healthy.

Avomato

Half an avocado

4 slices of tomato

2 slices of Dark Rye/Pumpkin & Rice or other bread (preferably not white as this is NOT healthy)

Celtic Sea Salt

Cracked black pepper

1 lemon wedge

Cook toast, spread the half avocado evenly on both slices of bread, place tomato on top, sprinkle with salt, cracked pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Deeeeelicious :)

♥ LOVE BEC ♥  

XXX

Fight Off Your Flu and BOOST Your Immune System

Well this season we have definitely been hit with the flu and viral infections. I know myself, about 2 weeks before Christmas up to a week after I had a viral infection, my sisters had it as well, but there's had progressed to pharyngitis and were verging on laryngitis. Then my parents got it but not as bad, and Tommy got it as well. I have spoken to numerous people who were also hit with this nasty infection over the Christmas period. So, because of this, I decided to do a blog on fighting the flu and building your immunity, the HEALTHY, VEGAN way, and without nasty pharmaceuticals. Most of you probably don't know that most over the counter cold & flu tablets are NOT vegan. They are also not the answer when you are sick. Cold & Flu are a suppressant and do not fight and destroy the CAUSE, rather, suppressing the symptoms so you FEEL better, but the microbes/bacteria are more than likely still in your system.

What is the immune system?

Your immune system is a collection of specialised cells, organs and tissues that work together to protect and defend the body from being attacked by foreign invaders. Primarily, these are microbes, which are tiny organisms like bacteria, fungi and parasites that can cause infections. Viruses also cause infection but cannot be named a living organism. Your body can provide a great environment for microbes, so it's the immune systems job to keep them out, or if that fails, to destroy them.

Garlic

Facts - Here is a great summary about the history of garlic and botanical, culinary and medicinal facts about one of the most useful root vegetables out there: Garlic - Stinking Rose or Revered Medicine?

Remedy - One clove of raw garlic, crushed, and taken once a day (more than this might upset your tummy). If you do this before bed, you won't smell AS much the next day lol. This remedy is still used in many parts of Europe to improve immunity and help speed up recovery from colds and influenza.

Ginger

Facts - Ginger has been long revered in Ayurvedic Medicine for it's healing properties and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than 2,500 years, it's no doubt that ginger is a true powerhouse when it comes to the medical claims associated with it. Check out this link to read more about the healing powers of ginger: Properties of Ginger.

Remedy - Take one tablespoon of raw, minced ginger per day. Chasing it down with fresh squeezed orange juice helps to remove the strong taste from your mouth and get it down faster. You can also use ginger by putting a few slices of the raw root in hot water with lemon and agave nectar. Taken a few times a day, a fresh ginger tea will also help warm your body (in case of a cold, that is) and keep you hydrated.

Green Tea

Facts - The benefits of green tea of long been touted in many Asian and Middle Eastern cultures and have received much hype in recent years for proven (and unproven) health benefits. Considering green tea is rich in phytonutrients and polyphenols it wouldn't be such a bad idea to down a few cups when you're feeling under the weather.

Remedy - Buy a premium quality organic (fair trade) Japanese or Chinese green tea to drink. As green tea still contains caffeine, limit yourself to two cups a day or opt for decaffeinated green tea.

Leafy Greens

Facts - Ok, so there is no doubt here, everybody knows it's important to eat your greens, and when you're sick, you can do no better for yourself than to eat as much leafy green as possible. Want more information on the incredible effects of greens? Read this article: The Power of Greens.

Remedy - There is no such thing as eating too many greens, so eat them how you please, however RAW is best (you're not killing the enzymes). Salads and green smoothies are the most beneficial suggestions. Haven't ever had a green smoothie before? Well if you haven't already seen my many photos and posts on them on my facebook, have a little read about them here.

Immune System Booster Juice

Another option is a fresh juice. A great combination whilst a flu or virus is present is as follows:

6 carrots

1 apple

2 stalks of celery

handful of parsley

2 cloves of garlic/1.5cm ginger

Juice the garlic/ginger first. Next juice the celery and parsley together. To juice the parsley, tuck the stems and the leaves into the grooves of the celery sticks. Finish juicing with the carrots and apple.

Olive Leaf Extract

Facts - Olive Oil is good, but Olive Leaves are better! First used medicinally in Ancient Egypt, it is now recognised as one of the greatest defenders against sickness. I am a walking, talking, breathing example, and BIBLE on this stuff! I can't even explain how many times I have had show after show after show, and especially in Canada where it was cold, my body and voice was tired and sore, and this was that special stuff in a bottle I would not have been able to get through a whole tour without. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant rich, anti-parasitic, anti-septic, anti-viral, immune-boosting, this stuff is no joke!!! This article explains it all in much greater detail and is so interesting: Olive Leaf

Remedy - The label should designate specific dosages for different ages, but personally (I don't share my bottle) I just take a swig every now and then. More often if I'm really in a bad way, and maybe once or twice a day when I'm healthy to maintain my wellbeing.

PLEASE NOTE: Olive Leaf Extract does NOT taste good. Like most herbal remedies, it tastes foul. You can get peppermint flavour which does ease off the nasty taste a little. However all in all, it's not going to be enjoyable. You can either shot it and chase it down with water or fresh juice, or put it in your juice or smoothie etc.

Now that i have let you in on a few little secrets to help fight off your flu and boost that immune system, don't stop using these methods once you have rid the sickness. Making these little tricks a habit in your daily life will help your immune system defend your body better, and you may avoid the virus or flu when everyone else around you has it ;)

♥ LOVE BEC ♥  

XXX

Banana-Maple Oatmeal Cookies

I have so much that I want to share with you all, especially introducing the benefits of RAW food to you all :) However it is something I'm going to want to sit down with and work on until I am content that all the information you need to know is in there. Until I do this I will not be posting any Raw food recipes. This is mainly because I really want everyone to understand it first, and really develop the passion for it that I have!! By understanding it's benefits before trying a recipe, will really excite you even more, and UNcooking will be that much more stimulating and exciting!! 

Regardless, to begin the week I thought I'd give you a great recipe for a great little healthy snack! These cookies are FAT FREE and SUGAR FREE and are so yummy!!!

PLEASE NOTE: 

I use a mixture of ground chia seeds and water to mimic the consistency of eggs, but you can also use flax seeds. Grind chia seeds in a blender or coffee grinder before soaking, however if you can't grind them it will work without do so. Chia seeds (once soaked) are a great source of fiber and the highest vegetable source of Omega 3 (even higher than flaxseeds!) These fatty acids and oils are useful for absorbing fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Chia seeds are also helpful in absorbing calcium, which is important for vegetarians and vegans.

To make these gluten free, use a gluten free flour (buckwheat or spelt or other) and gluten free oats.

Banana-maple oatmeal cookies

1 tsp ground chia seeds or 2 teaspoon ground flaxseeds (linseeds)
2 Tbsp water
1 cup wholegrain oats
1 cup whole wheat/spelt/buckwheat flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup sultanas
1/2 tsp vanilla (either from the bean or extract)
1/2 cup real organic maple syrup
1 banana, mashed
1/2 tsp lemon juice

Preheat oven to 180 C.

In a small bowl, combine the chia seeds (or flaxseed) with the water and set aside until thickened.

Mix the oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Add the sultanas.

Add the maple syrup, vanilla, mashed banana and lemon juice to the chia/flax mixture and combine well. Pour into the dry mixture and stir well but don't overmix.

Drop in heaped tablespoons or teaspoons to make more and smaller, onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until bottoms and sides are lightly brown. Cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving.

Servings: 18

A New Year + A video from Christmas Carols 2011

EMBRACING 2012

Well it is officially a new year! I am welcoming 2012 with positivity and optimism! 2011 had it's fair share of hard times!! There were moments I wanted to give up on everything and run away, and then something would happen and that little spark inside of me was ignited again. There were so many times I wondered if I was doing the right thing with my life and questioned the decisions I was making. However, things always have a way of working out and 2012 is going to be a SUPER year!!! I am so so excited about the opportunities and business endeavours I will be involved in this year! I cannot wait to share it all in full detail with you all!

One thing that I really have had to grasp a hold of is staying POSITIVE and believing in myself and that everything I'm working for will be all worth it one day. Working hard and staying dedicated and focused on my goals, have been my saviour this year. I've learned to turn negatives into positives, even when you can't see the blessing being disguised amongst the pure B/S.  

Regardless of anything bad that happened to us in 2011, we all get a chance to start a fresh. We have the choice, not just at the start of a new year, but DAILY to change our mindset, our attitude and our actions.

So, with that I leave you to ponder... It's up to us to make a change and take control of our lives and the direction it's heading.

Here is a video of my performance at the Christmas Carol Spectacular - Gold Coast, Australia, on the 23rd Dec 2011. I'm not sure why, but when I uploaded it to youtube it stretched like crazy and I can't work out how to fix it... Anyone who knows, feel free to email me and let me know :) Also, please excuse my mother's not-so-tech-savvy video skills, she accidentally put her finger over the microphone for a little bit... Enjoy

♥ LOVE BEC ♥  

XXX

"DREAMS ARE RENEWABLE. NO MATTER WHAT OUR AGE OR CONDITION, THERE ARE STILL UNTAPPED POSSIBILITIES WITHIN US AND NEW BEAUTY WAITING TO BE BORN"