Raw April

For April I am going to try eating more raw food and seeing the effect (if any) it has on my health and any challenges I face. 

It shouldn't be such a challenge to eat raw food but these days it is easier to eat quick, processed foods as they are easy to prepare and often cheap. 

Adding more raw food into your diet can only be a good thing as many nutrients and vitamins are lost when cooking, so it is one way to improve your health and immune system.

I have already stocked up on fruit (apples, bananas and melon) and will be trying new foods throughout the month, I like trying new things and trying to constantly work towards being as healthy as possible so I will keep you updated on my April challenge and share raw food recipes I attempt along the way. 

It can be hard to find a good Vegan cider but this Harry Westons Vintage cider is available in supermarkets and labelled vegan. Not a lot of brands label their alcohol so it is nice to find one you can trust which tastes good too. 

Jammy Dodgers No longer Vegan

The once accidentally vegan biscuit will soon be no longer vegan as the brand have sadly decided to change their recipe which will now include Milk protein. 

I have no idea why this is added to so many snacks which could easily be made vegan, I have to assume it is because it is a cheap additive which is more cost effective for the company but is bad news for Vegans and anyone with allergies to milk, it's also not great for the cows who are mistreated at dairy farms but obviously this company doesn't care. 

I think this is a bad move for the brand as many people have complained- not just because it will no longer be vegan but because people like the taste, why change something that people already like. 

Just a warning to vegans who may buy this brand thinking they are vegan. Start checking the labels as the new recipe may be in shops soon or just boycott the brand all together until they change the recipe back to dairy free. 

You can always make my home made version here which are nicer and healthier anyway http://vegoutveganguide.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/jam-biscuits-simple-recipe-for.html who needs shop bought junk food! 

Hiking Snacks

Ma Baker bars are delicious! This strawberry bar was so tasty and filling. They are the perfect vegan snacks for hikes and outdoor adventures. Having a fruity flapjack makes it a healthy alternative to chocolate bars but the fruit gives it a sweetness that makes you feel like you are having a dessert. 

It is a perfect portable size that makes it a great travel snack. You can easily fit this is a bag or in your pockets. It is light but filling which is ideal if you are planing a long hike or long journey. I have only recently started seeing these bars around, I found this one at a farm shop but they are also available online. I think this brand will become more popular soon and will be available in more places.

Superfood Salad

Healthy food is not only delicious but good for you too. Eating well keeps you body and mind in good shape, remember you are what you eat. This super food salad of avocado, brown rice, hummus, mushroom and red onion, broccoli and mashed chick peas has many health benefits that will turn your evening meal into medicine. Here's how the foods you eat benefit your health: 

• Avocados are good for normalising your blood pressure which is great for lowering your risk of kidney and heart disease. 
• Broccoli is a great source of Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant which keeps you healthy and helps cuts to heal. 
• Hummus is a great source of protein and add flavour to the salad.
• Brown rice contains fibre which can reduce high cholesterol levels, fibre also helps keep blood sugar levels under control making it a great choice for people with diabetes. 
• Mushrooms are a source of selenium which is an antioxidant. They also contain protein showing that you don't need meat to get enough protein in your diet. 
• Chickpeas contain protein, fibre, magnesium and folate they are a great vegan friendly source of protein to consume regularly.
• Red onion contain many nutrients such as folate, calcium, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K. 

Eating healthy foods on a daily basis helps prevent chronic diseases. They contain all the nutrients you need and also make delicious meals. Try making your own super food salad which can be added to and contain seasonal vegetables. 

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone! I will be celebrating with a lovely vegan meal and a dairy free Easter egg. I'm happy to read in the news that there has been a rise in dairy free Easter eggs being bought this year, here's to vegan power and more people choosing to live a cruelty free life. No animals need to be harmed for you to celebrate a holiday. I hope everyone has a lovely day. 

Avocado and Broccoli Potato Salad

Left overs can quickly be used to create healthy meals. This Avocado and Broccoli potato salad is made from left overs from the previous nights dinner. By adding a few extra ingredients and herbs you can create a healthy lunch or delicious side salad to have with a meal. 

You will need: 

* boiled potatoes 
* Half and avocado
* chopped red onion
* cooked broccoli 
* mixed Italian herbs

Simply fry all the ingredients in a pan using fry light (the potatoes and broccoli should already have been boiled until soft.) 

Add herbs and cook until the potatoes are brown

Fry the onion first, followed by the potatoes then the broccoli and avocado. 

Serve. 

This is such a simple salad to make but it tastes amazing, chilli flakes or yeast flakes can be added for extra flavour.