Barbara Karafokas - Holistic Nutritionist MSc.
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Citrus Peach Cooler with Bee Pollen 

27/6/2014

2 Comments

 
A refreshing non-alcoholic drink, perfect for a summer garden party.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lemons, juice only
  • 2 limes, juice only
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 lime, thinly sliced
  • peach juice (preferably all natural, sugar free and for hardcore freshly juice your own)
  • cloudy lemonade
  • a few sliced strawberry
  • sparkling water
  • mint sprigs
  • Bee Pollen (optional see note below)

Method


  1. Put the lemon juice and lime juice into a large jug. Add the sliced lemon and lime, and a handful of ice cubes. Add peach nectar to fill about one-third of the jug and top up to fill with lemonade.
  2. Add the strawberries and top up with sparkling water and mint sprigs.


Note: If you want to make your own drink more nutritious, you could add a teaspoon or so of bee pollen to your glass. Let it dissolve, stir, mix and drink ! Enjoy !

Why Bee Pollen ?

Bee Pollen is made by honeybees, and is the food of the young bee. It is considered one of nature's most completely nourishing foods as it contains nearly all nutrients required by humans. Bee-gathered pollens are rich in proteins (approximately 40% protein), free amino acids, vitamins, including B-complex, and folic acid.

Bee Pollen can be used medicinally for a wide range of conditions from prostate health, immune booster, energy enhancing, treating allergies, infertility problems, supports cardiovascular health, respiratory system, digestive health, to skin conditions and can help correct specific nutritional imbalances within the body.
2 Comments

Watermelon & Chia Seed Cooler 

26/6/2014

0 Comments

 
makes 2 approximately 8-ounce drinks

5 cups cubed watermelon
1/2 peeled lime or lemon (or juice from 1/2 lime)
2 teaspoons chia seeds
6 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
Ice (optional)

If using juicer: Juice the watermelon, and lime according to juicer's instructions. Discard the pulp.

If using blender or food processor: Blend the watermelon, strawberries, and lime until smooth. Strain through a sieve, pushing the juice through with a spatula. Discard the solids.... to be honest I would just have it as a smoothie and not bother with the straining ! :)

Mix the chia seeds into the juice and refrigerate for about 15 minutes to let the chia seeds swell.

Muddle 3 mint leaves in the bottom of each glass. Fill glasses with ice (optional). Stir the juice to break up the chia seeds, pour into glasses, and serve.

Variation:  You may add 1 cup strawberries and turn it into a watermelon, strawberry cooler. Yum !

Summer Tip: You could use frozen watermelon and blend it with some water and turn it into a refreshing slush puppy ! Just get imaginative !


Why Chia Seeds?

  1. Help weight loss. Chia seeds are popular for weight loss. They reduce food cravings by preventing some of the food that you eat from getting absorbed into your system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes them a great diet helper.
  2. Feel fuller faster: They can also help your diet by making you feel full. This is because they absorb 10 times their weight in water, forming a bulky gel.
  3. Hydration for athletes: They are also great for athletes because the "chia gel" can hydrate the body.
  4. Reduce your blood pressure: There's evidence to suggest they can reduce blood pressure.
  5. Omega-3: They are the richest plant source of Omega-3 (the vital fats that protect against inflammation—such as arthritis—and heart disease). In fact, they contain more Omega-3 than salmon!
  6. Benefits for diabetes: Because chia seeds slow down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrates into simple sugars, studies indicate they can control blood sugar. This leads scientists to believe chia seeds may have great benefits for diabetics.
  7. They are easier to digest than flax seeds, and don't need to be ground up.




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Superfood Trail Mix 

18/6/2014

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Ideal for healthy snacking.

Goji berries are good for the immune system.
Cacao nibs give you energy.
Sunflower seeds are a good source of Vitamin E.
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of vitamin E. Pumpkin seeds are rich in omega oils.
Brazil nuts reduce cancer risk.

1/2 C Goji berries
1/2 C Cacao nibs 
1/2 C Raisins
1/2 C Brazil nuts
1/2 C Sunflower seeds 
1/2 C Pumpkin seeds

Mix all the ingredients together in a large jar.
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Barbara's Summer Smoothie / Great for After Workout Recovery Drink or Energy boost.

18/6/2014

0 Comments

 
As the weather gets warmer I seem to indulge in a couple of smoothies a day. I make them very watery so they keep me hydrated and add in a couple of superfoods to keep my energy levels high.

They are great recovery drinks after you exercise  and love drinking mine after my swim or jog.

Today's invention was...

1/2 cup frozen strawberries 
1 tsp carob powder 
1 tsp maca powder
1 glass water   

Blend and drink ! 

You can do this with any fruit ranging from peaches, kiwis, apples, pears, bananas and melons are great options. Use your imagination, get creative and come up with your own super smoothie.  :) 

P.S.
This is also good for weight loss as it fills you up and you don't snack on naughties !
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