Inspirational thursday!

We all spend far too much of our time focusing on the negative e.g. what we don't have, faults in our appearance, comparisons to others etc, draining our mind and soul of the confidence and happiness we each deserve. What is this crazy hippie banana girl going on about? Stress. Sadness. Despair. They are all unnecessary emotions in life and are so simple to remove!

How? I ask you to step back from your crazy world and take time to just observe, appreciate and understand the wonders around you that are so unique and provide so many opportunities to expand as an individual. It starts with the simple things; how about that ray of sunshine that started your day, that colleague that held the door open for you? Anything can bring light in your day if you just look for it!

But why stop at being an observer? Why not be an instagator? You could spend some time with a friend who has been feeling lonely, smile at a stranger, or even 'heavens forbid' share a banana! (forget the last one, ripe bananas are never shared.) But life is exceedingly more free and enjoyable when you learn to let go and enjoy it, so I challenge you, who will you inspire today?

P.S My english teacher is always a very fond companion in my life and never fails to enlighten me and make me smile. She shared this quote from one of my favourite novels 'Jane Eyre' and it summises me to a 'T'!

"'I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will."

Be yourself because why would you want to waste your time being someone else?

First blog interview with Gina Topley

Name: Gina Topley

Origin: San Francisco Bay

Occupation: Currently studying a degree in marketing and aminor in nutrition.

Ambitions: To work in the health and fitness industry after graduating, and obtain her personal training       degree in the next few years.

When I first began my Instagram profile over 2 years ago, Gina was one of my first inspirations due to her abundance of positivity and ambition to achieve her goals and happily live the life she set out for herself. Although she is only in her twenties, this inspiring young lady is well educated in nourishing her own well being as well as inspiring others, especiallu with her mouth watering recipes! I am fortunate to share her inner thoughts as well as a bonus recipe that I am addicted too! I am sure you will love her as much as I do! Namaste <3

Since transitioning to a healthy lifestyle, what changes have you noticed?

When I first began to take holdof my health and cut out most of the processed, fake foods I was consuming, the first change I noticed was the way I interacted with others. I became an overall more relaxed, happier and energetic person.

Do you think your lifestyle change has had an effect on those around you?

I have seen firsthand many of the people I love making conscious efforts to improve their health, and I can only humbly believe I may have played a role in those changes. 

What is your daily routine?

Since my schedule changes so often, my daily routine does as well. A typical day for me currently consists of waking up, working out, showering?getting ready for the day and eating breakfast, going to class or a coffee shop to work from my laptop depending on the day, eating a lunch I packed the night before, seeing a friend or stopping by my parents' house for a visit, returning home to cook dinner and unwind with a movie or blog reading, having dessert and tea, the finally heading to bed.

I love the spontaneity of your life, it keeps each day fresh? However, is there anything strict about your diet and lifestyle?

I try to make sure my diet never has any firm restrictions because I know for me personally, that can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food. I strive to focus on real, whole foods that nourish my body.

Now that is the way to think! Life is precious and should be lived freely. What are your must have foods?

Squash, fruit, raw chocolate, green vegetables and oats.

Delicious! And what about your favourite form of exercise?

Weightlifting and yoga are tied, don't make me choose!

Oh I won't don't worry, I haven't tried weightlifting but yoga is a great way to unwind and there is so much on youtube now! For others eager to begin their journey, what are your top tips for health and happiness?

My best tips would be to simply be true to yourself and your body's needs. Every single person is different, and by acknowledging what makes you feel the best (from the foods you choose to eat to the attitude you choose to have) is the way to go.

Identical to my outlook! Everyone is an individual star in sky each with their own beauty and wonder. Speaking of stars, you are so radiant and shining, do you fancy sharing your top 5 beauty routines?

Honestly, I am extremely low maintenance when it comes to beauty. I gave up most artificial products and heat tools a few years back, and focus on using minimal natural products. That said I swear by dry brushing, coconut oil as a hair/skin moisturizer, rosebud salve for my lips, apple cider vinegar as a toner, and getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D.

I will bare those in mind! On a different subject, I think many people fear verging from the path prescribed to us, what are your opinions on this vs creating your own?

I say step outside your comfort zone and go for whatever it is you dream of achieving, whether those dreams be on the path you are on already or a completely different path. It may be scary, but fear is often what brings on the best changes.

Change can be daunting, especially because it is so spontaneous and out of control. Name 3 changes in your life that have shifted you to new levels?

The main change that truly shifted my perspective on life was getting in touch with my spirituality and discovering authors such as Eckhart Tolle, Gabrielle Bernstein, and Marianna Williamson. Two other significant factors that have brought me to new levels are my yoga practice and my introduction to the lcoal food movement. 

Spirituality most certainly has an important role in overall mental and physical health, especialy in learning to appreciate and cherish oneself. What is self love for you?

To me, self love is accepting yourself, flaws and all, exactly where you are at this moment in time. We will never benefit from thinking we will be better tomorrow, or the next day, or twenty years from now. So, to love yourself today is to achieve self love.

Such inspiring words! You mentioned being inspired by many authors, do you have a favourite quote?

"Realise deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life." Eckhart Tolle

I will be making a note of that one! Anyway, now to the food! What inspires your recipe creations?

I have social media and all the wonderful people I have connected with through my blog, Instagram, and Facebook to thank for inspiring much of what happens in my kitchen. I think we all have so much to give and share, and to be inspired is on the greatest things to come from the increased prevalence of social media.

'Cheesy' Kale chips

Ingredients

• 1 bunch kale (washed and dried)
• 1/2 cup cashews (soaked overnight)
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt (sea salt would work as well)
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• juice of 1 lemon

Directions

Step 1

Set oven to lowest possible setting. Ideally, this will be the "warm" setting. This should be about 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2

Combine all ingredients except for the kale in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Add water as needed to obtain a paste consistency.

Step 3

Tear the kale into large pieces and massage the mixture into them with your hands. This will get messy!

Step 4

Spread the kale onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, taking care to separate the pieces so they are lying flat and only slightly touching.

Step 5

Place try in the warm oven and let cook for 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the heat of your oven. You may prop the door of the oven open while the chips bake for better results (although this is not the most efficient way to go in terms of energy efficiency).

Creamy burrito heaven!

I can honestly say that I was salivating just typing up this recipe it was that delicious, and a perfect way to get in all your veggies whilst keeping satsified in the evening. I don't often use overt fats just because my body hasn't been craving them recently, but if you enjoy avocado like I do then this recipe is definitely for you!

       

Now doesn't mine look better?

                                                                                                  

Ingredients

Creamy cauliflower mash

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1/2 avocado
• 2-3 spirng onions
• bunch of fresh dill
• 1/2 lemon juice
• 2 sticks celery

Burrito additions

• 4 carrots
• 3 large beetroot
• 2 zucchini/courgette

Burrito

• iceberg lettuce

Instructions

1. Begin by making the creamy cauliflower mash (this is the best part so must take priority in my opinion.) Chop the head of cauliflower into smaller pieces then pulse in a food processor until it forms a 'rice' consistency. 
2. In a seperate bowl place the chopped avocado, celery, onion, dill and lemon juice and blend with a hand blender (alternatively place in a posh blender you may have.) You may need to add a touch of water to give it a runnier consistency but do this to your taste. 
3. Once you have perfected the sauce, place it into the food processor with the cauliflower and blend until all is combined. It should create a creammy mash consistency if the sauce is runny enough.
4. In a seperate bowl place the carrots, beetroot and courgette/zucchini, I finely grated mine but you can chop if you prefer.
5. For the burrito itself I used iceberg lettuce. I took two leaves at a time, folded up the bottom and filled with all of the ingredients (it is easiest to put the mash on first so you can spread it around.) However, you can use cabbage, collard, romaine etc this was simply what I had in the cupboard.
6. Have fun, get messy and enjoy!

You can increase or decrease the quantities on how much you can handle, and if you have a fruit friend it's a great sharing recipe!

My first vegan fruit luck!

I had heard from fellow vegans on instagram about these vegan 'fruit luck' sessions, but I was never fortunate enough to discover one near to where I live, so I felt very much isolated in my lifestyle because there aren't any vegans in my area, let alone someone who is knowledgeable of 801010 or raw veganism. However, thanks to a wonderful group on Facebook, I was able to connect with many fellow 'fruities' as I call them, in the UK, and not only discover where there were great deals but also of any vegan meet ups.

I found out and attended this meet up in Stoke-On-Trent by chance, and I am so thankful that I did beccause it was a lifechanging experience that nourished my soul in so many ways. Well where do I begin? The fun starts at the train station where I was meeting fellow fruities to do a 'shared lift' to the location, but how do I recognise them you ask? From a man jumping around with a banana in the air...brilliant! Just an everyday occurence in my random life. 

Then the location itself, once everyone arrived the room was alive with an abundance of delcious fruits and raw vegan creations as well as the joyous atmoshpere and enthusiasm everyone radiated. I have never felt so at peace and at one with the people and my surroundings. We had a famous 'banana-berry smoothie', grapes, oranges, apples, spotty bananas (ofcourse), figs, strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, mango, dates; then exotic fruit such as tamarind, zapote, papaya, mangosteen, rambutan, cherimoya (my new favourite thing) and the king of fruits....DURIAN! We also had my famous raw pumpkin pie, and two delicious salads with divine flavour combinations that tickled your tastebuds. So, as you can see I had a definite food coma afterwards, but it was most definitely worth it. Regardless of this array of colourful and nourishing fruit, the realy joy came from the conversations I had. Being quite isolated in my area it was so exciting and enjoyable to have people who shared my interests, for the first time I could talk for hours about fruit! From humorous fruit experiences, to the typical vegan criticisms 'where do you get your protein', to hints and tips on this lifestyle.

                                           

 

           


One of the things that I found most inspiring was how we were all on different stages in our journey, some were mature vegans very well educated in the area, others strictly raw, others rawtill4, others new to the system, and others curious and willing to give it a go. Yet despite our differences we all bonded like atoms in a solid structure and encouraged each other to keep going!

BUT...the absolute highlight had to be the skype session with the one and only DR DOUG GRAHAM!!!!!

If you aren't aware, he is a celebrity in the raw vegan food movement and is famous for his life changing book '801010'. If you haven't read this book I highly recommend that you do, it is my bible and personal library for information if I am ever unsure of anything. I am not fully 801010 yet, still occasionally eating cooked food, vegan treats like chai latte and chocolate etc as well as herbs and spices, but I am still in the transitioning stage and do the best for my circumstances and environment, and at the minute I am happy. Anyway, only 5 minutes into the skype call I already witnessed a kind, selfless, comedic individual who simply desires ultimate health and happiness for the world and everyone it. I won't force my opinion on you, but if you ever get the opportunity to speak/see this man it will be worthwhile! He has left a permanent imprint upon my life! Not only did he give us an insightful talk with some brilliant vegan jokes, but he also answered all of our questions clearing up our uncertainties and motivating us to pursue this lifestyle and realise that we are not alone. One of the most prominent things he said was that 'we are the future', and that is so true! It is us, each as an individual we have the capability to change the world no mater how small, and if that means I can save one animal, keep a local grocer's business going, or reduce pollution in the world then my life is definitely fulfilled. 

Peace, love and smiles to everyone out there pursuing their own journies to happiness and health. Remember you are not alone, seek love and light and you will thrive in its company! Live the life you want to lead and just let it all go, every day is a gift and every meeting creates a lifetime friend.

Raw vegan 'mac n cheese'

I was never a fan of macoroni and cheese when I did eat dairy because to be honest I didn't like cheese :D However pasta has always been a real passion of mine and I wondered if I could improve this American heart attack meal and make it into something I would enjoy. BOOM! I made this! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and you can change the quantities according to how much you can eat ( I like to carb up baby.)

Ingredients

'Pasta' 

• 6 large zucchini/courgette peeled or spiralised into noodles (I don't have a spiraliser but I use a vegetable peeler and manage fine)

If you want the macaroni consistency then shred the above instead

'Sauce'

• 2 large corn on the cobs (about 4 cups of frozen)
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes (can use fresh but provides a different consistency)
• 1/2-1 large red bell pepper 
• 3 stalks celery
• the remainder of the zucchini/courgette after making into pasta
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 hot chilli

Additions

• Spinach is my favourite! I usually use the whole bag (around 200g) because I love it so much!
• Broccoli can be a nice accompaniment but if I use this I make this dish beforehand and allow the broccoli to soak because I can't digest it that well raw

Instructions

1. I like to peel the courgette/zucchini into a large bowl first, because then I can dip some of it into the sauce or munch on it as I go along :) <<<HEALTHYGIRLPROBLEMS
2. In a seperate bowl add the 'sauce' ingredients: corn off the cob, sun dried tomatoes, pepper, celery, and zucchini/courgette all chopped, the garlic clove grated and the hot chilli finely diced.
3. Blend with a hand blender like me, but if you have a fancy blender like a vitamix then you are a lucky vegan!
4. Sample the sauce! This is the MOST IMPORTANT part of the whole preparation
5. Add any additions to the 'pasta' (spinach is the best!) and pour the sauce over, mixing thoroughly with your hands so that everything is nicely coated (you can use a spoon but then you don't get to lick your fingers and where is the fun in that?)
6. Et voila! You can eat as it is, or scoop into lettuce to make pasta boats.

Let me know if you make this recipe and tag me on instagram @smiletohealth I would love to see your version!

Eating out as a high carb low fat vegan...indian restaurant

Since transitioning to a hclf vegan lifestyle I have found eating out a stressful experience because you have little if any control over the ingredients used and cooking methods. However, my family and friends love to eat out so I had to teach myself how to accommodate to this whilst ensuring I am happy and keep to the lifestyle that makes me thrive.

In the beginning, I would often succumb to social pressure or fear of being a 'nusicance' to the staff in the restaurant, and would settle for second best rather than making special requirements to aid my happiness and enjoyment of the evening. Many restaurants are quite accommodating anyway regarding their food selections, because veganism is becoming an increasingly popular movement that they must satisfy. However, many menus are limited to the American 'SAD' diet, and can make life very difficult when trying to enjoy social time with loved ones. But not anymore!

Here is a recent specific example of how I managed in an indian restaurant this weekened:

Curry has always been one of my favourite foods, however since my body has adapted it can't cope with the high amount of oil and variety of flavours, and leaves me sluggish with uncomfortable bloating so I had to be more aware of what I am consuming. That does not mean im going to deprive myself however! I will satisfy my food cravings and the wonderful flavours of the cuisine but in a way I can remain vegan and not feel uncomfortable.

REMEMBER! No meal is a cheat, don't deprive yourself of a food just because you think it is unhealthy, this habit will not only cause misery but could develop into a disorder which could be dangerous. So if you follow a similar lifestyle then just aim to keep it high carb, plant based and low fat but if you eat more fat than usual don't stress because one day will not destroy your life it is minor in the large scheme of things. Going out should be an enjoyable experience not a stressful one, so relax and enjoy yourself! 

Here is my order:

Instead of poppadoms (often fried and I never had a taste for their bland flavour) I ordered a plate or raw cucumber and had it with a coriander onion salad and lots of spicy lime pickle.

For my starter I had garlic mushrooms and coriander with a side salad.

My magnificent main course. Two roasted peppers filled with curried vegetables and potatoes, a side salad, and steamed lemon rice.

All of the above I specified to be cooked in no oil or ghee to keep my fat ratios low but also because I dislike oily food. I may have eaten more than others but I remained high carb and vegan which was my perogative, as well as having a wonderful time with my friend.

Top tips for staying high carb low fat when eating out:

• Check the menu online beforehand and get an idea of possible meal options
• Phone the restaurant beforehand to see if they can accommodate your needs e.g. gluten free, oil free, steamed etc.
• Stay carbed up! Most restaurants have potatoes, rice and pasta so if there isn't a specific meal then order one of these with some vegetables and you are good to go!
• Don't be afraid to ask, waitors and chefs are always happy to help, they just want you to enjoy your restaurant experience
• Avoid fried and salty foods these play havoc on the digestion
• Be kind to yourself, one 'none ideal' meal won't hurt

Let me know about your eating out experiences, what is your favourite hclf meal?

Sunbed controversy...are they as bad as they seem?

I have always been highly apprehensive of sunbeds due to the bombardment of negative press in the media enforced upon us. We all know the claimed health risks; cancer (particularly skin), increased ageing, and damage to the eyes such as cataracts. So obviously, like many people of society I avoided them like the plague, fearful of these 'risks', yet ironically I would happily lie all day on the beach on holiday with my family, experiencing the same if not greater level of exposure. 

So if UV rays are so damaging, then why are people in warmer climates with constant exposure to the sun, often healthier, happier and more vibrant than those trapped in the cold climates, freezing with 'sad' disorder? The answer is vitamin D. Vitamin D boosts the 'happy hormone' making us feel more radiant from the inside and prepared for the day. It also aids the immune system, maintains cognitive functions, helps maintain a healthy body weight, protects against radiation damage, increases recovery for those suffering from T.B. and reduces the risk of contracting cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, M.S. (multiple sclerosis) and heart attacks. It is a salvation!

So where do all these health problems come from? If sunbeds arent to blame then what is? The answer to that is your lifestyle! As I am sure all of my fellow foodies are aware, what we put into our body and what we expose it to has a huge effect in its well being. If you are currently living on the typical American 'SAD' diet then you are exposing your body to a mountain of toxins from animal products, dairy, processed food, fast food and artificial preservatives that are building up in your body and will be rejected! Your body cannot thrive when it is lumbered with such disease and malnourishment. Imagine having to carry twice your weight on your back for the entirety of the day, wouldn't life be far more difficult? So, let us all make life easier and cherish the holy temple we have been given.

I am not saying you must be vegan to be healthy and happy, but following a plant based diet will definitely help! Ofcourese, don't deny yourself the foods you love, I myself love chai latte, falafel, vegan chocolate and a good curry so I am not trying to take over. But it is all about the small changes that will make all the difference! Once you start to feel the benefits you will never go back I promise you! I have been vegan for 9 months now and it is the best decision I have ever made! Not only am i appreciating my body but the world and its inhabitants! What could be more satisfying?