Pumpkin soup with Power

Autumn has arrived and we’ve had a snap of cold – it got me excited to start up the soup regime! I had two Jap(anese) Pumpkins in my kitchen so I decided to use a whole one for soup.

I love pumpkin soup – it’s yum, filling nourishing, and full of goodness.

And here are 5 top health reasons why you should love this particular recipe:

1. Pumpkin is full of phyto-nutrients and Vitamin A, which will support your immune system and make your skin glow.
2. Turmeric is a potent natural anti-inflammatory, reducing inflammation in arthritis, psoriasis, speeds up skin healing, is a natural liver detoxifier and studies are indicating it may prevent the spread of certain cancers
3. Garlic is a natural anti microbial, potent anti-oxidant and assits in the reduction of cholesterol
4. Coconut oil is an anti bacterial
5. Natural yoghurt is a pro-biotic, restoring healthy gut bugs.

Here is my simple and delicious recipe full of health benefits.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 Organic Jap Pumpkin

1 Brown onion

2-3 cloves of garlic

2 dessertspoons of Coconut oil

1 tsp. of turmeric

1 Organic Veggie stock cubes

Water

Pepper 

Salt  - Himalayan Pink Salt

Fresh Coriander

Natural Yogurt

Preparation:

Peel and roughly cut the pumpkin flesh into approximately 1cm cubes.

Peel and finely chop the onion.

Heat the coconut oil in a large pot, add onion and gently brown for 10 minutes, until soft and golden-brown.

Add the garlic, stir then add the pumpkin.

Mix ingredients, add a glass of boiled warm water

Add the turmeric, and a few more glasses of water

Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Increase the heat to medium and cover with the lid.

Cook for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the base from burning and until the pumpkin is cooked through.

Serve hot

Add a generous dollop of natural yogurt each bowl

Sprinkle with fresh coriander

Enjoy

Energy Packed Power Smoothie

This Energy Packed Power smoothie is full of antioxidants and gives you a perfect energy boost. The PROTEIN keeps me full and is important for building and repairing ALL my cells in my body, it's especially good for nervous system maintenance, muscle repair, immune system support and lots more! The COCONUT OIL is great for my metabolism, my skin and my gut – it's anti-microbial for the gut. Maca powder gives more energy and regulates hormones. The cacao is fantastic for energy, metabolism, and anti-oxidants. The LSA (Linseed, Sunflower seeds, Almonds) is full of fibre, good fats and will feed the good bugs in my gut. You really can't go wrong - try one and you too will fly!

Ingredients:

1 banana
1/4 cup frozen raspberries
1 heaped tsp maca powder
1/2 tbs raw cacao powder
1 scoop protein
1 tsp coconut oil
1 tablespoon LSA
1-2 Cups of Water/Milk - almond/Coconut Water

Method: Pop all ingredients into your blender or use a stick blender, until smooth and pour into a long glass. It’s a perfect breakfast smoothie that will keep your energy up, maintain your day and improve your health, it may seem like a little extra effort to begin with but the benefits will pay off - you'll feel more energised, recovery will be easier and you'll maintain energy through out your day, your brain and body will thank you for it. 


Enjoy!

Super Nutty Choc Balls

This is a recipe that I have taken from loads of people - every one has made their own superfood ball in the last 2 years, so here is mine. It's especially for a few of my clients who want a little snack to keep them on track through out the day.

My recipe really does depend on what I have in the cupboard - you can use all or some of the ingredients listed, but it goes something like this:

• Nut spread - (choose from) Organic Peanut butter, Almond spread, ABC spread - 1/2 a jar
• Organic Butter - 1/2 to the full 250g block
• Coconut Oil/Butter - it's the same thing
• Nuts; Almonds, Macadamias
• Pepitas
• Sunflower seeds
• Walnuts
• Coconut desiccated
• Raw cacao powder 
• Maca powder
• Almond meal
• Protein Powder

I blend the nuts and seeds with a stick blender, but not too fine, add the other powders, blend the nut spreads, pour melted butter and coconut oil. Mix together, depending on the texture, if its too moist or to dry I add what is required, more liquid or powders. Roll in balls and then in shredded coconut. Put in fridge or freezer if I'm needing a quick fix! Enjoy.