Fat Burning Mango Smoothie

Here is a dessert smoothie that is really delicious and comes with great benefits!  The best ingredient in here is mango!  I think it is sad that fruit is often given a bad rap by some as they feel there is too much sugar in it, not so true when you compare it to other things.  Fruit is so vital for vitamin and mineral intake, and it contains phytonutrients which work with other essential nutrients to promote good health.  I want to share something really interesting about the mango fruit today......

Mango Burns Fat!

Yes, you heard me right!  Mango can help you to shed unwanted pounds.  How?  Mango increases the production of adiponectin. Adiponectin is a protein hormone produced and secreted by your fat cells (adipocytes).  It is involved in regulating the metabolism of fats and glucose.  It helps you lose weight by perfecting how your body processes insulin and glucose from the foods you eat!  Adiponectin increases glucose uptake into the muscle so that it can be used to burn off as energy.  Glucose is stored in the muscle in a form called glycogen. Adequate adiponectin levels means that you will not have excess glucose in the blood stream that would normally result in excess fat if not used up.  So, it would definitely be a great idea to eat some mango about one hour before your work out to ensure that you can burn up and utilize excess glucose.

I decided to make a smoothie with mango, and I thought I would take this to another level by adding cayenne pepper, as this would increase your metabolism further!  Mangoes do taste great when they are eaten with hot spices.  I remember when I was a teenager, my friend, Tracey, and I would hunt for mango trees; we would sprinkle curry powder on mango and eat it...we loved it!  And...it is so wonderful to know that cayenne can boost the fat burning ability of this fruit further!

If you are drinking this before a workout, add banana.  Banana contains potassium and is great for muscle recovery and preventing cramps. If not...then leave out the banana and use one whole mango.  This is a new smoothie that I created with mango this week:

Ingredients: 

1 banana (or use one whole mango only)
1/2 a piece of mango (depending on size, if big, you may only need a quarter)
350 ml of ice cold water
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
*Try source organic

Instructions:  chop up the banana and mango, add it to the water with cayenne and blend.  Get to enjoy the natural flavours and sweetness of your fruits in your smoothies, and try not to add sweeteners.

Here are some more wonderful benefits of mango:

Enjoy The Benefits Of:

Mango:  Alkalizes the body and improves digestion.  Cleanses the blood and lowers cholesterol. High in copper. Improves vision.  Improves sex life.  Boosts immune system.  Heat stroke remedy. Boosts red blood cells. Reduces heart disease and maintains healthy nerve function.


I am going to be looking at introducing more fat burning smoothies.  I am going to experiment with some more ingredients and share them with you.  I just love experimenting with natures nutrients and creating wonderfully healthy and yummy things to eat and drink....it makes me feel like a mad Scientist sometimes....ha ha....I have great fun doing it!

So....be sure to buy some mango this week and enjoy it!  Keep those adiponectin levels up friends.  Make a smoothie.  Or...slice some up...eat a little everyday.....and don't forget to sprinkle cayenne pepper...yes...for extra fat burning power!

And...my motto for the day is:  "Drink....Shrink....and Enjoy!" 

Yours In Good Health

Jess

x

#weightloss #mango #adiponectin #smoothie #fruit #cayenne

Energizing Green Superfood Smoothie!

I normally love making green juices with raw living foods and lots of leafy greens like kale, spinach or lettuce.  I also like getting in extra green healing superfoods in my day, like organic wheatgrass, moringa, spirulina, and a mix of herbs; I normally take it with water.

So...I was thinking...how could I use these green superfood powders, to make a nutritious, fast, energizing superfood smoothie?  And this is what I came up with.  You don't have to use so many like I have, you can just use one powder.  Here goes:

Ingredients: 

1 Banana or half an avocado
250ml ice cold water or ice
1/2 Teaspoon wheatgrass
1/2 Teaspoon moringa
1/2 Teaspoon spirulina
1 Teaspoon mixed herbs (alfalfa, comfrey, ginseng, dandelion, carrot)
1 Tablespoon of sunflower and flax seed freshly ground (optional, but highly recommended)
Nuts - just a few pecan or walnut or almonds (optional)
2 Dates or honey (optional)
3 Tablespoons of coconut milk or cream (optional)

*This serves one. If you add another banana and more water, you can make this for two, be sure to use a teaspoon of the greens then too.

Instructions:  Place ice water first, then all the green powders, then the seeds and nuts etc, and banana last. If you  place the powders last you will find that it flies everywhere and sticks on the top when the blender starts, this way it will mix better.

Well...I can tell you that this smoothie gives you serious turbo boosting power....haha...it really does!  You can actually feel an amazing increase of energy in your body.  And...your cells will just love it and suck it all up.

Chlorophyll and blue green algae powders are wonderful for revitalizing, regeneration and renewal of the cells.  They offer great protection from radiation too.  There is so much to say about these green superfoods that I will really have to do another post on them some day.

Enjoy The Benefits Of: 

Banana, Sunflower and Flax seeds and Coconut Milk:  Read the benefits on my previous smoothie post

Avocado:  High in potassium, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Rich in fiber.  Boosts immune system. Beautiful skin. Healthy heart, brain and eyes. Anti-inflammatory. Anti-aging. Aids digestion.  Healthy cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Prevents osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Wheatgrass:  Chlorophyll cleanses blood, detoxes and makes skin beautiful. Increases energy and improves digestion.  Slows aging, reduces grey hair, anti-inflammatory. Prevents tooth decay. Purifies liver.  Boost immune system.  Restores fertility.

Moringa:  Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory. Rich in calcium, protein and iron. Complete amino acids. Aids hair growth and weight loss. Increases sex drive.  Healthy skin and anti-aging, fights wrinkles and dark circles. Treats depression. Good for minor infections. Reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol.  Controls diabetes, epilepsy, heart problems and thyroid disorders.

Spirulina:  This blue green algae is rich in protein and loaded with anti-oxidants.  Anti-aging and purifies liver. Increases energy and fat burning. Removes heavy metals, boost immune system.  Benefits eye, cardiovascular and brain health.  Alkalizes the body. Relieves allergies.

Alfalfa:  Full of vitamins and minerals. Protects heart and supports kidney and urinary system.  Relieves allergies and lowers cholesterol.  Boosts immune system and increases bone formation.

Comfrey:  Is a great healer of - acne, broken bones, sore muscles, torn cartilage, bruises, scrapes, sprains, strains and minor burns.

Ginseng:  Improves memory and concentration. Helps depression and insomnia. Combats stress and fatigue. Slows Alzheimers. Treats insomnia. Protects against radiation

Dandelion:  Mood enhancer. Skin health. Treats arthritis, eczema and psoriasis. Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory. Aids weight loss. Fights anemia. Cleanses kidney.


I buy wheatgrass, moringa and spirulina at a health store or Dischem. I like to buy my mixed herbs from Sue Clarke, at Essential Herbal Products, in Durban North.

If you don't enjoy the taste of these green powders in water, try it in a smoothie.




Enjoy
x

Banana Split Smoothie

I have been having great fun creating new and yummy smoothie desserts all December.  It is so nutritious and delicious and beats reaching out for unhealthy processed desserts.  I enjoyed this one for breakfast....in fact....I had two very large glasses....hmmm!  These smoothies are energising and will make your skin glow!

I was in the mood for something with strawberries, so I decided to create a banana split smoothie.  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 banana

4 strawberries

1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds & flax seeds (optional for extra nutrition)

4 tablespoons of coconut milk

1 glass of ice cold water (250ml)

Instructions: Blend all ingredients and pour into a big glass and garnish with some strawberry.  This serves one person.  If you wish to make for two people, double up on banana, strawberries, coconut milk and add another glass of water. *Try to source organic ingredients 

Enjoy the benefits of:

Bananas: potassium for nerve and muscle function. Vitamin C boosts immune system and cell health. Vitamin B6 to grow new cells. Manganese for bone health and metabolism. Fibre for digestion.  Iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, vitamins A and E, folate, carotene and choline. Trace amounts of amino acids. Carbohydrates for energy.

Strawberries:  fights wrinkles, promotes eye health, healthy hair, improves complexion.  Good for heart and bone health. High in vitamin C rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, boosts memory, regulates blood pressure.

Sunflower seeds: controls cell damage, strong bones. Vitamin e combats UV rays, keeps skin youthful. An enemy of cancer, it eases all inflammation.  Lowers bad cholesterol preventing heart attack.

Flax seeds:  vitamin B, magnesium, potassium, manganese, phosphorous, iron, copper.  High in omega 3's, fires up metabolism and burns fat. Pulls debris out bowels. Potent anti-inflammatory with anti-oxidants.  Rich in lignans - phytoestrogens that protect against cancer. Anti-viral and anti-bacterial.

Coconut Milk:  Reduces kidney stones, reduces food cravings, enzymes aid digestion, soothes urinary tract infections, kills intestinal worms. Rich in vitamins B1, B3, B5 and B6, C, E and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorous. Full of electrolytes. Boosts metabolism and aids weight loss.


Try it out and let me know what you think friends.


Enjoy!

x

#smoothie #banana #strawberries #coconut #health #desserts 

Creamy Melon Summer Smoothie

The heat has been getting really crazy in Durban lately....and so....I have been making more and more smoothies!

I felt like something yummy....but real simple....yesterday.  And so....I created something new!  This is a very refreshing smoothie; it is naturally very sweet, be sure not to use any sweetener in it because you really do not need to.  Here goes:

Ingredients:

1 cup of ice (or cold purified water)

2 cups of diced watermelon

6 tablespoons coconut milk

Fresh mint leaves to garnish (add some to the mix if you wish)

Instructions: Blend the ice, watermelon and coconut milk.   Pour into a glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves.  This is enough to serve two.  

This is the most simple smoothie I have created so far.  Watermelon is so refreshing on a hot day, and combined with coconut milk, it is very delicious and creamy!  If you haven't tried coconut milk yet....you don't know what you are missing! Coconut milk is great, it is actually quite thick and creamy, and has a lovely flavour!

Enjoy the Benefits of: 

Watermelon:  Antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. Rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene and manganese. Free radical scavenger, anti-estrogenic effects, helps with hydration and blood pressure. Beneficial for pyorrhea. Aids digestion and helps constipation. A natural remedy for treating tapeworms. High silica content helps brittle nails. May relieve gout and arthritis pain. Beneficial for diabetes. Reduces cholesterol, helps with kidney stones and aids weight loss. Great source of vitamin B. Effective hangover cure!

Coconut Milk:  Reduces kidney stones, reduces food cravings, enzymes aid digestion, soothes urinary tract infections, kills intestinal worms. Rich in vitamins B1, B3, B5 and B6, C, E and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorous. Full of electrolytes. Boosts metabolism and aids weight loss.

I am busy exploring and creating many different smoothies this summer that I will be sharing with you. There are so many healthy delicious dessert treats, that you can make in a smoothie, that will keep you looking and feeling great; it is way better than reaching out for unhealthy options, and it will leave you feeling more satisfied and full of energy.

Try out this watermelon smoothie and let me know what you think?  I know that you will absolutely love it! 

Enjoy the holidays! 

Jess

x

#smoothie #recipe #health #wellness

Irresistible Hot Chocolate Treat!

Hello Friends,

I know you have all been waiting real long for my next blog post.  Well...here it is!

I have been inactive since March 2015.  Many changes are happening in my life this year.  There are great new things to look forward to...but I will chat all about that in another post.

Right now...I really want to share with you a real good hot treat.  I have been enjoying this irresistible hot chocolate drink almost every night this month!

In winter we all like to indulge, but we know what that can lead to? Yes, we want to look good and stay in great shape! Well...this hot chocolate recipe has incredibly healthy ingredients that have wonderful beauty benefits and even increase your metabolism!  I love my spices and have included some very good ones along with the raw cacao, that together will enhance serotonin and melatonin, ensuring a happy mood and better sleep.  It really is a great comfort treat...and beats buying the chocolate drink products in store that are loaded with, preservatives, additives and toxins!

All of these ingredients will improve health, make you glow, keep you looking and feeling good!  I suggest that you indulge in this every evening....why not?  Let it be the last thing that you drink...wait about an hour after your dinner to make it.  Here goes:

Ingredients:  

1 tbsp raw cacao powder

Cinnamon powder

Nutmeg powder

1 tsp cold-pressed coconut oil

Hot water 

Raw organic milk (can substitute with almond or coconut milk/cream)

Raw honey

*Try use organic where you can*

Add your first three dry ingredients, then coconut oil, add hot water and stir it up to dissolve the spices well.  Then add your milk or vegan substitute as above, stir again.  If you want it extra creamy you can leave out the hot water and simply boil milk and use that.   Now...add your raw honey after the milk, so that the mixture is not too hot and doesn't scorch it, this helps better preserve the nutrients in the honey. Stir up and you are ready to go! 

You can choose to decorate it further if you want with a little blob of full cream or coconut cream, then maybe sprinkle a little more cinnamon over the top to make it look yummy!  

Enjoy!

xxx

Tropical Summer Smoothie

The Durban heat was really sweltering today.  Summer is not really my favorite time of the year, high temperatures just don't go down well with me.  I was feeling for something yummy, nice and cold, but nutritious.  I realized that it had been a long time since I last made a smoothie, or used my blender.  So...an ice cold smoothie sounded perfect!

I was feeling a bit experimental, and so, I decided to make something different.

Today, I would like to share a new creation with you!  This smoothie has a sort of tropical look, and flavour.   It tastes really great!  My hubby absolutely loved it!  I know you will love it too.


So....here goes:

Ingredients:

1x bananas

1/2 cup papaya

1/2 cup pineapple 

2x Tbsp fresh coconut or dried coconut 

1x Tbsp cold pressed coconut oil

1x Tbsp  sunflower seeds

1x Tbsp flaxseeds

Fresh ginger  (or powder)

Fresh turmeric root (or powder)

Cardamon seeds (or powder)

Nutmeg

Cinnamon

6 blocks of ice

250ml cold water purified

*Sprinkle spices as desired.  I love ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg, and so I'm very generous with my servings.  You don't want overkill though.  Half a teaspoon of ginger and nutmeg is quite sufficient, cinnamon is not as strong so one teaspoon will do. 

Simply throw all ingredients into your blender and whizz away! 

This makes a nice big portion, big enough for four in fact.  My hubby and I love to have two servings each, so we like to make up a large quantity.  You can halve the amount of banana, papaya, ice and water to make two servings.

Papaya is very healing and has great skin and beauty benefits.  The banana, coconut, seeds and spices are great for brain health, energy and serotonin levels.

If you're experimenting,  try not to use very sweet fruits for smoothies, you need to watch the sugar content so that you don't spike your blood.  Banana is a good base, especially avocado which gives a real smooth consistency.  Avo really thickens it, so a quarter to half a small avo will do.  You could add avocado to this recipe, or simply replace the banana with avocado for lower sugar content.  

If you don't have a blender, get one.  You'd rather be making smoothies than reaching out for sweets and chocolates too often. 

Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring.  Homemade smoothies can be so delicious!

Let me know if you try this smoothie, and what you think of it?  Enjoy....

The Super Beauty Breakfast Smoothie!

Today I want to share with you a delicious breakfast smoothie.  It can be made with only a few of the ingredients (*) if you want it really simple, however, I love my spices and like to add extras for good nutrition. This smoothie has great beauty benefits, and will pack you with energy for the day.....

It is my very own recipe that I have created, my husband just loves it!  It is yummy, so we make up just more than 1 litre and split it.  Place the following in a blender and blend:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon almonds*
1 tablespoon organic coconut oil (or coconut)
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder*
1 pinch nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon 
6 heaped tablespoons raw rolled oats*
1 tablespoon raw honey
3 large bananas*
8 ice blocks *
300ml of filtered water*

(Always use organic ingredients when available) 

Benefits: 

Sunflower seeds: controls cell damage, strong bones. Vitamin e combats uv rays, keeps skin youthful. An enemy of cancer, it eases all inflammation.  Lowers bad cholesterol preventing heart attack.

Almonds: of all tree nuts, almonds rank highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin. Magnesium and potassium. Good heart health. Prebiotic properties - contributes to health in the gastrointestinal tract. Prebiotics are non-digestible food substances, which serve as food for good bacteria in the intestinal tract, maintaining healthy balance.

Coconut:  anti aging. Weight loss. Regulates blood sugar. Increases metabolic rate. Acts as anti inflammatory in the digestive tract. Antibacterial. Thyroid support and so much more....

Raw cacao powder:  anti aging and rejuvenating. Anti depressant, balances mood.  Cardiovascular health, dilates blood vessels reducing clotting. Regulates blood pressure. Protects from environmental and metabolic toxins. Reduces appetite, assists weight loss. Increase focus and alertness. Healthy pancreas.

Nutmeg: Potassium, calcium, iron and manganese. Clear skin. Relieves digestion. Protects teeth and gums. Combined with cinnamon, makes a powerful antiseptic, anti microbial paste.  Brain power, shields against degenerative disease. Relieves muscle and joint pain. Improves blood circulation.

Cinnamon:  anti aging, anti inflammatory. Boosts brain activity. Regulates blood sugar. Fights cancer. Protects heart. 

Rolled Oats:  Has greater health benefits than instant oats which is over processed. Low calorie, stops cravings. High in fiber and protein. Removes bad cholestrol. Contains lignans which protect against heart disease and cancer. Enhances immune response to disease.

Honey:  prevents cancer and heart disease. Reduce ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders. Antibacterial, anti fungal. Increase athletic performance. Regulates blood sugar. Probiotic. Creates beautiful skin.

Bananas: potassium for nerve and muscle function. Vitamin C boosts immune system and cell health. Vitamin B6 to grow new cells. Manganese for bone health and metabolism. Fibre for digestion.  Iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, vitamins A and E, folate, carotene and choline. Trace amounts of amino acids. Carbohydrates for energy.

Ladies, beauty starts from the inside out.  You are what you eat! Remember to keep it real with natures foods, but also by using natural body products and makeup too.  


Be Beautiful Naturally!

Jess
Love and Light
x






#smoothie #cacao #beauty #banana #almonds #hutmeg #cinnamon

                      

Pine-Mint Banana Super Smoothie!

Tonight I was in the mood for a treat, but wanted to keep it really simple, so I created a new smoothie....

Are you in the mood for something yummy?  Don't reach for the biscuits, try out this really simple smoothie.  The herbs are optional, but make a big difference:

Ingredients:

1 pineapple  (peeled and diced)

3 bananas  (peeled and sliced)

1 teaspoon of alfalfa*  (buy herbs at Essential Herbal Products) 

6 peppermint leaves*

8 blocks of ice

200ml filtered water

(Always use organic ingredients when available) 

Place all the above in the blender and blend.  This makes 1 litre, for two large servings or three medium servings.

Healing Benefits:

Pineapple:  vitamin C, anti inflammatory, immune system support, strengthens bones, promotes healthy gums, improves digestion, helps constipation. Rich in vitamin A and beta carotene. Helps with arthritis and gout. Lowers risk of macular degeneration. Bromelain for digestion. Promotes detoxification.

Banana:  potassium for nerve and muscle function. Vitamin C boosts immune system and cell health. Vitamin B6 to grow new cells. Manganese for bone health and metabolism. Fibre for digestion.  Iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, vitamins A and E, folate, carotene and choline. Trace amounts of amino acids. Carbohydrates for energy.

Alfalfa:  is a 'superfood' containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, iron and zinc. Vitamin A, B1, B12, C, D, E, K, niacin and folic acid.  9 essential amino acids. High in chlorophyll, energy food. Restorative tonic for the digestive, muscular and glandular systems, the liver and kidneys. Treats arthritis and gout. Effective diuretic. Lowers cholesterol.  

Peppermint:  increases memory and alertness. Improves blood circulation, aids digestion. Provides stress relief and increases immunity. Helps headaches. Antiseptic qualities. Helps irritable bowl syndrome. Protects against radiation induced DNA damage and cell death. Helps respiratory concerns. Inhibits prostrate cancer growth.

For healthier living nourish the body...get blending...and start glowing!

Love and Light

xxx