Tried, Tested and Loved!

Eat Real Quinoa Chips (or crisps to most of us!!)

Published on January 15, 2015January 14, 2016 by Clean CuisineLeave a comment

Randomly this product was one I was treated to as a gift over Christmas and I pretty much knew what I would do with them from the get go 🙂

The chips are made by Cofresh Snack Foods and are available from quite a few retailers locally- Holland & Barrett, Nourish,and even some Tesco stores. They can also be purchased online.

I sampled the Sour Cream and Chives flavour but there are a few different flavours available. Quinoa first domesticated around 3000 years ago and was also held sacred by the Incas who valued it for its nutritional benefits. Quinoa today is considered to be a “Superfood” all around the world. Some of the other flavours are Sundried Tomato & Roasted Garlic, Hot & Spicy, and Chilli & Fresh Lime flavours.

So what is so good about these…??? Well they are-

Suitable for Vegetarians- Suitable for Vegans- Free from GMO

Wheat Free- Naturally Gluten Free ingredient- No artificial colours

No artificial flavours- No preservatives- Free from MSG

They come in a 80g bag which works out approx. 3 servings. 1 serving is 30g/ 22 pieces with around 170 calories. Really tasty snack especially if you want to cheat clean- and that is exactly what I did….!

I had the chips smothered in my homemade salsa, topped with grilled chicken and feta- Hey Presto….NACHOS!!!!

Delicious Saturday night ‘indulgence’ without the guilt- and isn’t that what life is all about hehe!

I can’t wait to try the other flavours and see what kind of creative things I can make with them. Watch this space!!

Keep it clean,

Love, Michelle x x

The Nutribullet… I think this might be my new best friend 😆

Published on November 4, 2014January 4, 2016 by Clean CuisineLeave a comment

I decided to splash ouf this week and treat myself to a couple of things for the kitchen.. One of them being a Nutribullet. I have heard so much about this gadget that I just bit the bullet (pardon the pun 😂😂) and bought one for myself!

The pack comes with 12 pieces:

– The Power Base

-1 x Tall Cup

– 2 x Small Cups

– 2 x Removable Handles

– 2 x Re-sealable lids

– 1 x Extractor Blade

– 1 x Milling Blade

– 1 x Pocket Nutritionist

-1 x User Manual and Recipe Guide

– 1 x Quick Start Guide

I did have a quick flick through the user manual just to see which pieces fit into which but after that it was pretty easy to figure out. The quick start guide is ideal for anyone who may not have made shakes or smoothies before and breaks down exactly what foods to use first and then next etc.

The pocket nutritionist is excellent!!! It is a little pocket manual with a breakdown or loads of different fruits/seeds/nuts and how they are good for you or not so good. So useful for most people who may not be aware of products that may actually be full of sugar and not all that good for you. The concept of the Nutribullet is extracting the goodness from the fruit and vegetable rather than just juicing or mushing them- very interesting indeed!!

I made a Spinach, Berries and Protein shake- I added a tbsp. of natural yogurt too and filled the tall cup with water to the max line. You then twist the blade onto the top of the cup and fit the blade into the power base. Twist down and there you have it.. blitzed! I blended for maybe a minute and the consistency was fine 🙂 So quick and painless.. yay!

I also took the opportunity to try out one of my favourite blend-able recipe- my banana oat pancakes. I used a small cup this time, cracked 2 eggs, sliced 1 banana, added 1/4 cup oats and 1//4 cup almond milk, attached blade, blitzed and hey presto.. perfect pancake mix. The shake combined with the pancakes made the ultimate post workout breakkie/lunch 😀

Eeeek this makes me so happy 😀 😀 :D! I am going to look up some nice soup recipes as I think it could save one a lot of heart ached blending up a soup mix. I am already thinking about how I will do a juice detox when I get back from my trip to NYC hehe!

The Nutribullet retails in both Argos and Currys for €109.99. It is also available online on amazon.com.

For more information check out their website – http://www.nutribullet.com 😀

If you have been thinking about the investment, I definitely recommend it. I am so excited about the recipes I can create with this gadget and it’s possible many uses 🙂

Thanks for reading,

Michelle x

Propercorn Popcorn- Nom Nom!

Published on October 21, 2014January 4, 2016 by Clean Cuisine1 Comment

I was out and about recently and I grabbed a packet of Propercorn’s Popcorn with my Americano. A complete impulse purchase but at further look- I realised I could be on to something. I picked the Sweet Coconut and Vanilla popcorn which stated they were only 109 calories. The packet is 25g too; so a decent sized snack. They were a little salty as well as sweet. A nice alternative to the usual sugar loaded toffee or caramel popcorn.

I decided to do a little research on Propercorn and to see it they have anything else to offer us conscious snackers 🙂

Propercorn is a UK based company. The recipes and flavours originated within their family from making popcorn at home. They have created Propercorn as a guilt free snack based on the flavours they loved growing up. It is air popped with a little rapeseed oil so it really does have a lot to offer.

They are all gluten and wheat free as well as being suitable for veggies- WINNING!!

There are five flavours altogether-

Sour Cream and Chive, Lightly Sea Salted, Fiery Worchester Sauce, Sweet and Salty and Sweet Coconut and Vanilla. They are available in big share bags too.

For more info check out http://www.propercorn.com

Really good little find even if I wasn’t looking always good to have some nice treats/snacks you can have on the go! I can’t wait to try the other flavours- let me know if you have tried them or found them out and about I am on the hunt to see where stocks them in Dublin 😀 Hope you all like them too!

Thanks for reading,

Michelle x

Forever Living Aloe Vera – The Products I have tried and loved!

Published on September 14, 2014October 5, 2014 by Clean CuisineLeave a comment

Many of you have more than likely heard of Forever Living Aloe Vera and it’s products. Well I was introduced to the range some months ago from a good friend of mine Natalie. I attended a product launch and got some insights into the full range of products they produce. Not only do they produce the aloe vera juices and supplements range, they have a hair and beauty range, sports nutrition range, weight management range, and even a pet care range.

I had heard a lot about the Clean 9 products and why quite curious to how it all worked. Clean 9 is a detox- lasting 9 days- ridding the body of toxins and giving it the natural kick it needs for weight loss. I was about to head off on an all inclusive holiday so I knew that when I got back that just might be what was in order for me.. a post holiday kick up the bum!! When I returned from holidays I stood on the scales to see a 5kg GAIN??!?!?!?… Now it may have been water, the flight or the ridiculous food and wine consumption but either way it needed to be gone and soonish 😀

So I got on to Natalie and got what was needed to complete the program.

The Clean 9 pack contains-

3 x 1 Litre bottles of Aloe Vera Gel 
1 x Forever Lite Ultra with Aminotein
1 x Garcinia Plus (70 softgel capsules)
1 x Bee Pollen (100 tablets) 
1 x Shaker 
1 x Tape measure 
1 x Measuring cup + Weight management guide

What does Clean 9 do for you?

What it does is cleanse your body of all the unnatural chemicals and really kick starts your weight loss.It gives you full nutrition which means your body doesn’t try and hang on to it’s fat stores! When you drink Forever’s Aloe Vera Gel, it gently cleans all the waste matter out of your intestines. You can then absorb the nutrients from your food better, which in itself helps you feel good.But it gets even better, because you will also absorb all the many nutrients contained within the aloe vera! The Bee Pollen is packed with energy-giving nutrients and is high in protein. The Garcinia helps the body burn fat by enabling the metabolism to work properly. It also lowers cholesterol and fatty acids and balances the blood sugar levels. Fianlly the Forever Lite Ultra Shake is a meal replacement shake that is packed with vitamins and minerals.

How it works

Day 1 and 2

Getting past the first two days is the toughest part. You need to be serious about improving your life and losing weight. The results are worth it so stick to it! The first step to a clean body is to control your intake of harmful preservatives and other chemicals. Consume only these products, which contain natural ingredients for the first two days, and you are on your way to a healthier, happier you.

Morning

2 Forever Garcinia Plus (20 mins before aloe)
30ml (1oz) Aloe Vera Gel + minimum 240ml (8oz) water
20 minutes of exercise – walk, run, cycle or swim

Snack

2 Forever Bee Pollen + 240ml (8oz) water
WARNING: Test a small amount of Forever Bee Pollen (1/4 tablet) to ensure no allergic reaction and then gradually increase daily intake. Consult your doctor before taking this or any other nutritional supplement.

Lunch

2 Forever Garcinia Plus (20 mins before aloe)
30ml (1oz) Aloe Vera Gel + minimum 240ml (8oz) water
Meal replacement shake – 1 scoop of Forever Lite Ultra with 300ml (10oz) skimmed or soya milk
2 Forever Bee Pollen tablets

Dinner

2 Forever Garcinia Plus (20 mins before aloe)
30ml (1oz) Aloe Vera Gel + minimum 240ml (8oz) water
2 Forever Bee Pollen

Evening

120ml (4oz) Aloe Vera Gel + minimum 240ml (8oz) water

On the plan it suggests exercising early on in the day. During my 9 days I kept training as usual. I normally attend 5 classes a week. I still had the energy to attend class as normal so if you are training do not worry – train when you can even if it is in the evening.

Day 3-9

Morning

2 Forever Garcinia Plus (20 mins before aloe)
45ml (1.5oz) Aloe Vera Gel + minimum 240ml (8oz) water
1 meal replacement shake – 1 scoop of Forever Lite Ultra with 300ml (10oz) skimmed or soya milk
20 minutes of exercise – (walk, run, cycle or swim)

Snack

2 Forever Bee Pollen + minimum 240ml (8oz) water

Lunch

2 Forever Garcinia Plus (20 mins before shake)
1 meal replacement shake – 1 scoop of Forever Lite Ultra with 300ml (10oz) skimmed or soya milk
2 Forever Bee Pollen + minimum 240ml (8oz) water

Dinner

45ml (1.5oz) Aloe Vera Gel + minimum 240ml (8oz) water
2 Forever Garcinia Plus (20 mins before meal)
600-calorie meal (see calorie counter for suggestions)
2 Forever Bee Pollen

Evening

Minimum 240ml (8oz) water

After 9 days…

So I am not saying it was easy because it was not- but once you get day 1 and 2 over with it does get easier. I think after a mental food and drinking holiday I learned to appreciate what a 600 calorie meal looked like. I really enjoyed the meals too rather tahn just shovelling food into me!

Day 1- Weight – 87kg

Measurements– Leg – 27 1/4, Bum- 48, Hips- 40, Waist- 34, Neck- 14, Bust 37 3/4

Day 9 – Weight – 81kg

Measurements- Leg- 26, Bum- 47, Hips 37.5, Waist 32.5, Neck 14, Bust 37

Total Kilos Lost– 6 kg

Total Inches lost– 7 inches

I was absolutely delighted with my results. It really gave me the kick and reset me as such for my goals. I would honestly recommended the program to anyone looking to detox. It literally does just that. Again if its post holiday or post bingey blow out this will definitely help!! I still take the Aloe Vera Juice every morning before I consume everything else. I honestly think that is the reason I lost the inches in that area during my 6 week programme that followed. It had helped my tummy area so much- inside and out! I am raging I did not take pictures before and after 🙂

Other products-

As I said above- there is a huge range of products you can choose from in Forever Living. I use the Juice daily now. I also use the Deodorant. It is a roll on and is super smoothing and soothing. It is free from aluminim salts and parabins. I use the Aloe vera gel tooth gel and I am so impressed by it. It also has whitening qualities and I have had some great comments about my teeth looking so white recently too 🙂 I have also used the MSM gel. It is great for aches and pains expecially joint pain. Great if you are working out a lot too. Lastly, I take the fish oil capsules everyday. They are called Artic Sea. I take 2/3 with food 2/3 times a day. I was recommended by my Trainer to take fish oils as they are great for breakdown of fat and recovery. They are definitely something I will be taking on going.

If you want more information on any of the products please get in touch with Natalie. Her email address is natalierossiter1@gmail.com. You can also have a look at the full range of products on her website- http://www.natalierossiter.flp.com

Thanks for reading,

Keep it clean,

Michelle x

Whooo Protein Ice Cream.. and it’s yum!

Published on September 8, 2014January 14, 2016 by Clean CuisineLeave a comment

I have recently tried out Wheyhey protein ice cream and I was not disappointed one bit 😀

Wheyhey is the world’s first protein based ice cream. Each tub of Wheyhey is 100% Natural, contains no added sugar and packs in 22g of whey protein isolate! The ice cream comes in three different flavours- vanilla, strawberry and chocolate.

It is available in 500ml tubs and in small individual treat size tubs.

Wheyhey was founded in 2011 buy two college friends based in the UK. The first retailer was in Richmond, London. Lots of hard work and determination later and the brand is fast becoming widely available.

You can see the guys inspiring story here- http://wheyhey.co.uk/our-story/

The Wheyhey is available in a couple of local retailers – Bodyfirst Nutrition in Clontarf and in JC’s Supermarket in Swords. Some larger Holland & Barrett stores also stock these little gems.

The large tubs can be purchased for approx. €5.00 and the smaller tubs are approx. €2.99.

I recently went to an outdoor cinema and brought a salad and a tub of vanilla Wheyhey!! It was so easy to be able to go prepared and still have something yummy too. Nothing miserable about that at all 🙂

A fab treat for the flicks, a great sunny afternoon snack or even after a long day in work!

I know you won’t be disappointed when you try them!

I am so intrigued as to what delicious treats I can make using Wheyhey- so definitely watch this space. 🙂

Looking forward to trying the Strawberry flavour too!

Hope you all love it as much as I do,

Thanks for reading,

Michelle x

Pure Green Juices!

Published on September 4, 2014 by Clean CuisineLeave a comment

A great product I got to try out at Ultimate Day Out was the Pure Green Juices range.

Pure Green is Ireland’s first raw vegetable juice delivery service. They are cold pressed juices made from the finest Irish fruit and vegetables. I normally do not go for juices or smoothies, but these juices were really good. The juices are designed as a cleanse to detoxify your body from impurities. They have a few different options to purchase- The Pure Green 3 day signature Cleanse , The Pure Green 3 Day Boost Cleanse and the Pure Green 5 Day Intensive Cleanse.

The 3 day cleanses are €75.00 and the 5 day cleanse is €130.00.

There are 7 different flavours to choose from–

Liquid Lunch- Spinach, Cucumber, Avocado, Apple, Pineapple, Spirulina, Wheatgrass and Lime

Super Juice- Kale, Spinach, Celery and Cucumber

Up Beet- Beetroot, Broccoli, Carrot, Courgette, Celery, Kale, Spinach, Ginger, Lemon, Cucumber, Parsley and Apple

Enerjuice- Spinach, Apple, Celery, Cucumber, Lime, Pineapple and Avocado

Ginger Tonic- Carrot, Apple, Lemon and Ginger

Lean Green- Spinach, Cucumber, Celery, Apple, Lime and Ginger

Pep in your Step- Red Pepper, Yellow Pepper, Beetroot, Lemon and Apple

My favourite ones were the Liquid Lunch and Lean Green. The Liquid Lunch is very tasty, a little heavier than the others perhaps. As the names suggests it contains super good nutrients to pack in all of the goodness needed at lunch time. It is in fact their signature juice- and so it should be! The lean green juice is quite zesty and the ginger gives it a nice kick. Full of green veggies that contain nutrients to help fight infection, regenerate the body and boost your digestive system.

For those looking for a kick start or to indulge in a detox, PureGreen is without a doubt on of the healthiest ways in to do it. You can order directly from their website at puregreen.ie. Lots more info and FAQs on there too! There are a number of stockists listed on their site too, if you would rather buy in store.

I am not advocating these are ‘quick fixes’ for weight loss or anything of the sort. They are one of the best ways to rid your body of toxins and boost your immune system.

I will definitely try out one of the cleanses- I find them ideal for the post holiday period when your body may not be at it’s best. 🙂

Keep it clean,

Michelle x

Lemon’s Sour Cream and Black Pepper Popcorn!

Published on September 4, 2014September 4, 2014 by Clean Cuisine1 Comment

I recently attended the Ultimate Girls Day out in the RDS and Lemon’s Savoury Popcorn was one of the highlights of the day! Lemon’s have been producing confecting since 1842 and are currently being promoted by the Love Irish Brands campaign.

If you are like me and enjoy popcorn this is a perfect choice! It’s air popped and full of flavour! The bags are 30g and are produced here in Dublin. The nutritional information isn’t bad either.. 144 kcal, low in fat and sugar- 0.8g Saturated fat and 0.9g of Sugar and high in fibre!

The Sour Cream flavour puts a cheeky twist on the standard air popped corn. It actually reminded me of Sour Cream Pringles- which we all know are just not good for a clean eating lifestyle 😀 😀

Both the Sour Cream and Black Pepper flavour as well as their Cheese and Onion flavour have just launched and can be purchased throughout the country- RRP €0.98.

Great snack idea for the Cinema or for when you are out on the go!

I hope you like them as much as I did!

Michelle x