Repair your body with tasty treats!

Yummy protein treats!

Protein is such an important part of your diet when you are training, and especially for those of us that are vegetarian or vegan.

I try and get enough plant and seed based proteins in my diet but the extra boost of a powder helps to repair muscles and maintain your metabolism.

There are so many delicious ways to get that extra serve of protein when you're using a decent powder- I use protein snacks and smoothies instead of treats and desserts!

Here are some of my fav ideas. Please note that I'm hopeless with following recipes and using correct amounts so just use this as a guide and your common sense can hopefully fill in the gaps!

Blueberry and coconut protein shake

1/4 cup blueberries
1 scoop protein powder
coconut water to max line
ice

Blend and enjoy!


Banana and Kale Smoothie

1 banana,
1 cup raw kale
1 scoop protein
ts chia seeds
ts honey
Almond milk to max line
ice

Blend and enjoy cold

Peppermint Crisp Protein Bars
(This one is thanks to thehealthymaven.com)

1 cup of dates
1 cup of raw nuts (almonds or cashews or a mix)
3/4 cup protein powder
1/4 cup cacao powder
1/2 ts peppermint extract
2T Almond milk
1/2 ts table salt
1/2 cup puffed brown rice or millet etc.

Put nuts into a food processor until ground. Add dates and combine until a paste like consistency has formed.

Add protein powder, cacao powder, peppermint, almond milk and salt. Process until a well blended sticky ball is formed.

Place into a bowl and add puffed rice and mix well with your hands (time to get dirty)


Use a reasonable sized baking dish
 (I never have the right sizes they suggest in the recipe, so just find something that is rectangle and looks like it suits)

Line with glad wrap and press the mixture in, flattening it to make sure the top is even.

Place in the freezer for at least 15 minutes, then cut into bars or squares. Bloody delicious- in fact it's my boyfriends favourite, his exact words were "I can't believe YOU made it!" Thanks CJ.

Keep in the fridge or freezer. (The slice I mean, not your cheeky boyfriend)



I use a vanilla protein for these recipes, so you don't get conflicting flavours or added sugars. My favourite is Sun Warrior Classic Protein. I'd love to hear what you guys are doing at home too! If you have any other recipes for bliss balls or ways to create protein based desserts and snacks I'd love to hear them!

Email, tweet or comment!

Love Jade

xx

Wake Up Flawless

Busy girls guide to looking glam without makeup!

Are you a gym bunny, busy mum or  career woman on the go? Some superwomen are all three! Regardless of what your days are filled with, life is too short to spend time in front of the mirror worrying about makeup!

Avoid next day awkwardness if you 'play sleepovers' unexpectedly! No panda eyes or foundation left on the pillow.

2014 was the year of the #nomakeupselfie and 2015 is the year to put this into practice everyday!

If you're particularly attached to your bronzer or can't leave the house without mascara then here are some great beauty ideas for bare faced confidence.


Gradual Tan- Using a gradual tanner will help even out your skin tone without applying foundation. Great for all over the body and face, it's the easy, natural looking way to be ready for any occasion. My favourite is Mine Tan three-in-one gradual tan. It's gentle enough to use all over; even on sensitive skin. No tan lines or orange cake face, just your own gorgeous features with an added glow.

Teeth Whitening- The most effective way to enhance your smile is to brighten up your pearly whites. Having your teeth whitened will give you more confidence and another reason to smile! It's no secret that I love an occasional glass of red wine! (I know that my friends reading this will be rolling their eyes at this point or smiling remembering one of many great nights on the red!) However red wine, along with coffee and foods with strong pigment (think deep colours like spinach and beetroot!) can dim your smile over time. I visited Pure Smile in Sydney recently and was thrilled with the results. There are plenty of at home treatments to top up the treatment as well, so you can keep enjoying your favourite pinot guilt free!

Eyelash extensions- I'm not talking about huge stripper eyelashes! When I worked at Luella in Prahran years ago I was amazed to see how natural and lovely eyelash extensions can look! Particularly useful if you don't have time for mascara, have sensitive eyes or if you exercise a lot. I had them done when I was doing lots of Bikram Yoga, because mascara is ALWAYS a bad idea if you plan to get sweaty after work!

Arnica Cream- This little beauty secret is the best tool to improve dark circles under the eyes. It is an anti inflammatory cream that is often used to treat skin bruising, but a little dab under the eyes will help lighten any signs of a big night out.


After working in the beauty industry for years as a therapist, laser technician and manager it's nice to be able to share some tricks of the trade!


Have I missed anything? Let me know your other makeup free beauty tips!

Fitness Life Hacks

My New Balance

2015 is off to a great start, with so many resolutions and health goals kicking off it's a great time to make significant lifestyle changes for overall health.

Although I've always led an active lifestyle, somehow my routine has been amped up and I'm seeing changes in my body that before I struggled to achieve. Maybe because I've turned my whole life upside down. I've put myself in a position where I'm forced to go that bit further.

Here's How.

Ditch the car

So I moved from Melbourne to Bondi and made the decision to leave my car behind. It's been life changing. Public transport to work has been pretty easy and there are so many hills around Bondi that all the walking has been paying off! My walk to travel to work puts another 30minutes on my daily activity and that's not even counting walking to yoga classes, the beach or the supermarket!

Buy a nutribullet

I got one for Christmas and it's been amazing. I've been whizzing up my greens for breakfast every morning and it keeps me full right through till lunch time. If I've done some yoga after work I'll make a yummy protein blend as my dessert.

Go Green

The other thing about not having a car is that I'm less inclined to go out to eat or give in to any cravings that a quick supermarket trip may have fixed! Also my closest store is an organic fruit and veg shop, so it's easier to stock up on nutritious goodies! I'm surrounded by stores and cafes that encourage healthy options. Find your own closest health stops and make the most of them!

Find a training buddy

In my first week in Bondi I was lucky to find so many people who share a fit lifestyle. I got chatting to someone who was working out near my house- and now we train together 3 mornings a week! It pays to network and find like minded people to keep you inspired and motivated! Try joining a local fitness class or find an online forum to connect with people in your area.

Use what's around you

Remember that old skipping rope? Use it for 5 minutes a day. Sprint up that hill on your way home. Run along the sand when you go to the beach. Take the stairs. Use whatever is around you to incorporate movement into your day.

Fruit instead of lollies

Think of fruit as natures candy. If you watch a movie instead of chips and chocolate try having a big bowel of fruit salad. So delicious. Why would you want a strawberry flavoured lolly when you can have the real thing?

Find a Happy Balance

Be happy. This is the key to success. Don't be so focused on training that you forget why you're doing it- to make the most out of life and your health! I've been having so many great adventures, pool parties with harbour views, Flickerfest film festival, So Frency, so Chic French music festival (champagne included!) and we have lots coming up for the long weekend as well!




Let me know how you're finding your balance in 2015

@JadeHunter_

Health, Holidays and Love

Wow! What a year!

I hope everyone got through the Christmas period not feeling too guilty about delicious indulgences, beautiful gifts and afternoon naps!

The after lunch nap on Christmas Day is probably my favourite sleep of the year. It's a big call, I know. There is just something about the atmosphere of being surrounded by people you love, no work, no judgement, lots of food and it's my way of congratulating myself for all the hard work I've done all year!

Sleeping and getting enough pillow time is a key factor in well being and weight loss. I know that I crave healthier foods and have more energy when I've gotten my eight hours at night. Some days when I have been really busy or rushed I'll opt to give my body a 30min nap or meditation instead of a workout. This time of year has been crazy with work parties, christmas shopping and preparing for the new year, so it's more important than ever to be kind to yourself.

 Being in a good frame of mind and relaxed is when your body will perform at its optimal level. Apps such as Zova are great because they offer short workouts that you can do at home. This time of year it's much easier to convince yourself to do 10mins at home twice day than slog out at the gym for an hour. Add some nice longs walks to your routine or a 20min morning run to stay fit whilst you're not in your usual routine. To help balance out the change in diet, add some lemon slices to your water, it will help to detox and cleanse. Simple but effective.

I was so lucky this year to be taken away for a surprise trip to Daylesford by my boyfriend. Just what I needed, to be pampered and indulged for a few days! It would have been very easy to drink cocktails, lie in a day spa, go out for delicious food and relax in the spa at our boutique accommodation. Of course we still did all of these things, but to keep a balance we had lots of active things to do as well. He'd even booked us a private yoga class- what a keeper! Before we left I made sure to pack some healthy snacks, so we weren't tempted to indulge too much- especially right after Christmas! We had carrot, celery and cucumber sticks with hommus, some salads, fruit and raw nuts to nibble on instead of chips, chocolate and lollies! Of course CJ rolled his eyes when I told him what I was packing, but he still went along with it for my sake! haha.

We went for walks around Lake Daylesford, tried out the paddle boats, almost tipped our canoe at Lake Jubilee and hiked up Mount Franklin. Lots of R&R at a day spa (3 hours of pampering!) plus some yoga left our bodies feeling amazing. Although I over indulged on the champagne and cocktails in my excitement on the first night- We had an amazing and relaxing holiday without coming home feeling like baby elephants. We tried some lovely restaurants and had fun exploring the markets and town. I came back to a lovely surprise from my parents and a dinner organised by my best friend. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect birthday.

There are two reason that I'm sharing this post-

As an example on how to enjoy a holiday and the festive season without worrying about diet and gyms- there are so many ways to keep active and have healthy options no matter where you are!
The second reason is to acknowledge why it's important to share your life with somebody who supports your lifestyle. My boyfriend and I are complete opposites; he would much rather be riding motorbikes or lying on a beach than being dragged up hills and hit on by middle aged yoga instructors! But he knows how important fitness is to me, so we have found a balance. One of my surprises was a bottle of Moet champagne and a jar of natural peanut butter instead of chocolates! I feel like I've won the lottery. I don't think I've ever smiled so much or felt so grateful. Thank you so much for making my birthday so special CJ and sorry that I just told everybody that you did yoga! Haha.

 I  want to say a huge thank you to everyone who went out of their way to make my birthday so memorable, especially my mum and dad for their expert baking and room decorating skills and my best friend Cara for the amazing photos and for just being there no matter what. For all the birthday messages and phone calls- I appreciate it so, so much! I was a bit scared of 25 (quarter century and all that) but now I'm just excited for this new chapter and all the adventures I'm going to have surrounded by the most amazing people.