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Chocolate Caramel Mini Mud Cakes


Print Recipe
Chocolate Caramel Mini Mud Cakes
You will need: Blender or food processor. *Due to thick consistency of the Caramel layer (almost turns ‘toffee-like’), be careful not to burn out the motor of smaller blenders. In this instance, add small amounts of Spring Water to slightly thin the sauce.
Prep Time 20 - 25 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 5 minutes (for freezing/setting)
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Mud Cake Layer
Caramel Layer
Chocolate Topping
Prep Time 20 - 25 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 5 minutes (for freezing/setting)
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Mud Cake Layer
Caramel Layer
Chocolate Topping
Instructions
  1. Mud Cake Layer: Drain the soaked Dates and place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until mixture gets sticky. Set aside.
  2. Caramel Layer: Drain Dates and blend all ingredients together until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Chocolate Layer: Blend all ingredients together until smooth (include the water the Dates were soaked in). Set aside.
  4. Mix half the Chocolate Layer mixture in with the Chocolate Mud Cake mixture.
  5. Shape the Chocolate Mud Cake mixture into balls and place in silicon or paper cupcake cups and press slightly into the moulds.
  6. Using a spoon, add a dollop of the Caramel Layer and smooth over the surface using the back of the spoon. *Tip - a little Coconut Oil on the back of the spoon helps prevent the caramel from sticking to the spoon.
  7. Using a spoon, add a dollop of the Chocolate Layer to the top, again using the back of a spoon - this time no Coconut Oil though so you can create a ‘whip’ shape on the top of the little cakes.
  8. Optional: Place in fridge for 15min+ to allow to set before serving. Sprinkle with Calendula petals and/or Lavender flowers.
Recipe Notes

*You can enjoy straight away or put in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to set.

*Store sealed in a container in the fridge/freezer.

*Choose the cleanest ingredients possible:

-Choose spray-free/organic fresh produce for fresh ingredients where possible, and if buying conventional, rinse in diluted white vinegar water to remove.

-Choose dry ingredients (i.e. nuts, seeds, dried fruits ) that are spray-fee/organic where possible, and which don’t have preservatives such as sulphur dioxide.

- Choose virgin, cold-pressed Coconut Oil in glass where possible. It should be pure white in colour. Do not choose cheaper, deodorised/neutral flavoured coconut oils that are off-white.

-Choose Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk that is clean/free from additives, preservatives and E numbers. Plain Coconut Cream/Milk is better than the ones with added guar gum as this changes the consistency of recipes. You can use Nut Milk as an alternative. 

-Choose to homemade Nut Milk instead of buying. Most store bought ones have additives and stabilisers. Quick Tip: It’s easy to make your own: just grind ¼ cup nuts, then blend with 1 cup water. 

-Choose whole fruits over optional sweeteners if you need to add more sweetness. My preferred choice is Date Paste (pre-soaked Dates). Quick Tip: Keep a jar filled with Dates covered with water, in the fridge ready to go and use as is (instead of actually blending to make Date Paste). 

Quick Link to FLIMJ Program resources for Fresh Life Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes:

Module 2 - refresh on information about The Toxic Fat Effect and how bioaccumulation of toxins in our bodies can lead to weight gain (that’s hard to lose), brain fog, low energy and many more poor health symptoms.

Module 3 - To get you into the swing of things, redo our 7 Day Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes Challenge - you’re always supported in our Fresh Life Tribe (Private Facebook Group), no matter when you decide to do any of the 7 Day Challenges.

You’ll find your Recipe Book: 7 Days of Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes and Shopping List print offs to guide you through the challenge.

 

Peppermint Caramel Mini Tarts


Print Recipe
Peppermint Caramel Mini Tarts
You will need: Blender. One which has grinder blades where at least 2 blades lie flat, to grind nuts and seeds. *A coffee grinder can also be used to grind nuts and seeds. Or food processor. *Due to thick consistency of the Caramel layer (almost turns ‘toffee-like’), be careful not to burn out the motor of smaller blenders. In this instance, add small amounts of Spring Water to slightly thin the sauce. Optional: silicon paper cupcake moulds.
Prep Time 25 - 30 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Peppermint Mousse Layer
Caramel Filling
Mini Tart Base
Optional Toppings
Prep Time 25 - 30 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Peppermint Mousse Layer
Caramel Filling
Mini Tart Base
Optional Toppings
Instructions
  1. Mini Tart Base: Blend ingredients and then press a base layer into the silicon paper cupcake moulds (or you can use other small glass/ceramic containers).
  2. Caramel Layer: Drain Dates and blend all ingredients together until smooth. Add a layer to the mini tarts.
  3. Peppermint Mousse Layer: Blend Cashews until ground into a flour-like consistency.
  4. Peppermint Mousse Layer: Blend ground Cashews, Coconut Cream and Coconut Oil until smooth.
  5. Peppermint Mousse Layer: Add the rest of the ingredients except for the Peppermint Essential Oil and blend until smooth.
  6. Peppermint Mousse Layer: Only mix the Peppermint oil into the mousse in a glass or ceramic bowl/container. The potency of Essential Oils can leach materials (such as plastic) into food.
  7. Add the last layer of Peppermint Pudding to the top of the mint tarts.
  8. Optional: Allow to set in fridge for 15 min+.
Recipe Notes

*You can enjoy straight away or put in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to set for a more mousse-like consistency.

*Store sealed in a glass jar in the fridge. Eat within 1-2 days (if it lasts that long!) 

*Choose the cleanest ingredients possible:

-Choose spray-free/organic fresh produce for fresh ingredients where possible, and if buying conventional, rinse in diluted white vinegar water to remove.

-Choose dry ingredients (i.e. nuts, seeds, dried fruits ) that are spray-fee/organic where possible, and which don’t have preservatives such as sulphur dioxide.

- Choose virgin, cold-pressed Coconut Oil in glass where possible. It should be pure white in colour. Do not choose cheaper, deodorised/neutral flavoured coconut oils that are off-white.

-Choose Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk that is clean/free from additives, preservatives and E numbers. Plain Coconut Cream/Milk is better than the ones with added guar gum as this changes the consistency of recipes. You can use Nut Milk as an alternative. 

-Choose to homemade Nut Milk instead of buying. Most store bought ones have additives and stabilisers. Quick Tip: It’s easy to make your own: just grind ¼ cup nuts, then blend with 1 cup water. 

-Choose whole fruits over optional sweeteners if you need to add more sweetness. My preferred choice is Date Paste (pre-soaked Dates). Quick Tip: Keep a jar filled with Dates covered with water, in the fridge ready to go and use as is (instead of actually blending to make Date Paste). 

Quick Link to FLIMJ Program resources for Fresh Life Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes:

Module 2 - refresh on information about The Toxic Fat Effect and how bioaccumulation of toxins in our bodies can lead to weight gain (that’s hard to lose), brain fog, low energy and many more poor health symptoms.

Module 3 - To get you into the swing of things, redo our 7 Day Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes Challenge - you’re always supported in our Fresh Life Tribe (Private Facebook Group), no matter when you decide to do any of the 7 Day Challenges.

You’ll find your Recipe Book: 7 Days of Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes and Shopping List print offs to guide you through the challenge.

 

Raw Caramel Boat Cookies


Print Recipe
Raw Caramel Boat Cookies
You will need: Blender and/or food processor. *Due to thick consistency of the Caramel sauce (almost turns ‘toffee-like’), be careful not to burn out the motor of smaller blenders. In this instance, add small amounts of Spring Water to slightly thin the sauce.
Prep Time 10 - 15 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Caramel Date Sauce Filling
Prep Time 10 - 15 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Caramel Date Sauce Filling
Instructions
  1. Caramel Filling: Drain Dates and blend all ingredients together until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Raw Cookie Base: Blend/process the Almonds & Dates until crumbly in consistency.
  3. Press firmly into balls, and then into an oval-like shape in the palm of your hand.
  4. Press a thumb into the middle of the ball to create a place to add the Chocolate Filling.
  5. Using a spoon, add the Chocolate Filling to each raw cookie.
  6. Optional: Place in fridge for 15min+ to allow to set before serving.
Recipe Notes

*You can enjoy straight away or put in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to set. Or in the freezer.

*Store sealed in a container in the fridge/freezer.

*Choose the cleanest ingredients possible:

-Choose spray-free/organic fresh produce for fresh ingredients where possible, and if buying conventional, rinse in diluted white vinegar water to remove.

-Choose dry ingredients (i.e. nuts, seeds, dried fruits ) that are spray-fee/organic where possible, and which don’t have preservatives such as sulphur dioxide.

- Choose virgin, cold-pressed Coconut Oil in glass where possible. It should be pure white in colour. Do not choose cheaper, deodorised/neutral flavoured coconut oils that are off-white.

-Choose Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk that is clean/free from additives, preservatives and E numbers. Plain Coconut Cream/Milk is better than the ones with added guar gum as this changes the consistency of recipes. You can use Nut Milk as an alternative. 

 -Choose to homemade Nut Milk instead of buying. Most store bought ones have additives and stabilisers. Quick Tip: It’s easy to make your own: just grind ¼ cup nuts, then blend with 1 cup water. 

-Choose whole fruits over optional sweeteners if you need to add more sweetness. My preferred choice is Date Paste (pre-soaked Dates). Quick Tip: Keep a jar filled with Dates covered with water, in the fridge ready to go and use as is (instead of actually blending to make Date Paste). 

Quick Link to FLIMJ Program resources for Fresh Life Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes:

Module 2 - refresh on information about The Toxic Fat Effect and how bioaccumulation of toxins in our bodies can lead to weight gain (that’s hard to lose), brain fog, low energy and many more poor health symptoms.

Module 3 - To get you into the swing of things, redo our 7 Day Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes Challenge - you’re always supported in our Fresh Life Tribe (Private Facebook Group), no matter when you decide to do any of the 7 Day Challenges.

You’ll find your Recipe Book: 7 Days of Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes and Shopping List print offs to guide you through the challenge.

 

Caramel Date Ice-cream


Print Recipe
Caramel Date Ice-cream
You will need: Blender that can blend ice. One which has grinder blades where at least 2 blades lie flat, to grind nuts and seeds. *A coffee grinder can also be used to grind nuts and seeds.
Prep Time 5 - 10 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 - 10 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Caramel Date Sauce: Drain Dates and blend all ingredients, except Ice, together until smooth.
  2. Use ½ of the Caramel Date Sauce, add Ice as needed and blend. And/or add a little Spring Water if becomes too thick to blend.
Recipe Notes

*Eat right away!

*Serve with fresh fruit, warm poached fruit or enjoy on it’s own

*Choose the cleanest ingredients possible:

-Choose spray-free/organic fresh produce for fresh ingredients where possible, and if buying conventional, rinse in diluted white vinegar water to remove.

-Choose dry ingredients (i.e. nuts, seeds, dried fruits ) that are spray-fee/organic where possible, and which don’t have preservatives such as sulphur dioxide.

- Choose virgin, cold-pressed Coconut Oil in glass where possible. It should be pure white in colour. Do not choose cheaper, deodorised/neutral flavoured coconut oils that are off-white.

-Choose Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk that is clean/free from additives, preservatives and E numbers. Plain Coconut Cream/Milk is better than the ones with added guar gum as this changes the consistency of recipes. You can use Nut Milk as an alternative. 

-Choose to homemade Nut Milk instead of buying. Most store bought ones have additives and stabilisers. Quick Tip: It’s easy to make your own: just grind ¼ cup nuts, then blend with 1 cup water. 

-Choose whole fruits over optional sweeteners if you need to add more sweetness. My preferred choice is Date Paste (pre-soaked Dates). Quick Tip: Keep a jar filled with Dates covered with water, in the fridge ready to go and use as is (instead of actually blending to make Date Paste). 

Quick Link to FLIMJ Program resources for Fresh Life Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes:

Module 2 - refresh on information about The Toxic Fat Effect and how bioaccumulation of toxins in our bodies can lead to weight gain (that’s hard to lose), brain fog, low energy and many more poor health symptoms.

Module 3 - To get you into the swing of things, redo our 7 Day Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes Challenge - you’re always supported in our Fresh Life Tribe (Private Facebook Group), no matter when you decide to do any of the 7 Day Challenges.

You’ll find your Recipe Book: 7 Days of Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes and Shopping List print offs to guide you through the challenge.

 

Caramel Date Sauce


Print Recipe
Caramel Date Sauce
You will need: Blender or food processor. *Due to thick consistency of the sauce (almost turns ‘toffee-like’), be careful not to burn out the motor of smaller blenders. In this instance, add small amounts of Spring Water to slightly thin the sauce.
Prep Time 5 - 10 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 - 10 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Drain Dates and blend all ingredients together until smooth. Add back a little of the water, bit by bit, to help blend if too thick.
Recipe Notes

*Store sealed in a glass jar in the fridge. Eat within 1-2 days

*Serving Suggestions:
You can use this cream/sauce to top or add to a great many things, let you imagination run wild.

-Enjoy as a topping on any other Desserts / Sweet Treats.

-Enjoy as a topping on fresh cut strawberries or other fruit of your choice.

-Mix through or serve as an accompaniment to the Vanilla Chia Pudding.

*Choose the cleanest ingredients possible:

-Choose spray-free/organic fresh produce for fresh ingredients where possible, and if buying conventional, rinse in diluted white vinegar water to remove 

 -Choose dry ingredients (i.e. nuts, seeds, dried fruits ) that are spray-fee/organic where possible, and which don’t have preservatives such as sulphur dioxide.

- Choose virgin, cold-pressed Coconut Oil in glass where possible. It should be pure white in colour. Do not choose cheaper, deodorised/neutral flavoured coconut oils that are off-white.

 -Choose Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk that is clean/free from additives, preservatives and E numbers. Plain Coconut Cream/Milk is better than the ones with added guar gum as this changes the consistency of recipes. You can use Nut Milk as an alternative. 

-Choose to homemade Nut Milk instead of buying. Most store bought ones have additives and stabilisers. Quick Tip: It’s easy to make your own: just grind ¼ cup nuts, then blend with 1 cup water. 

-Choose whole fruits over optional sweeteners if you need to add more sweetness. My preferred choice is Date Paste (pre-soaked Dates). Quick Tip: Keep a jar filled with Dates covered with water, in the fridge ready to go and use as is (instead of actually blending to make Date Paste). 

Quick Link to FLIMJ Program resources for Fresh Life Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes:

Module 2 - refresh on information about The Toxic Fat Effect and how bioaccumulation of toxins in our bodies can lead to weight gain (that’s hard to lose), brain fog, low energy and many more poor health symptoms.

Module 3 - To get you into the swing of things, redo our 7 Day Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes Challenge - you’re always supported in our Fresh Life Tribe (Private Facebook Group), no matter when you decide to do any of the 7 Day Challenges.

You’ll find your Recipe Book: 7 Days of Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes and Shopping List print offs to guide you through the challenge.

 

Caramel Date Chia Pudding


Print Recipe
Caramel Date Chia Pudding
You will need: Glass jar with lid. Blender or food processor. *Due to thick consistency of the Caramel sauce (almost turns ‘toffee-like’), be careful not to burn out the motor of smaller blenders. In this instance, add small amounts of Spring Water to slightly thin the sauce.
Prep Time 10-15 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Caramel Date Chia Pudding
Caramel Date Sauce
Prep Time 10-15 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Caramel Date Chia Pudding
Caramel Date Sauce
Instructions
  1. Caramel Date Sauce: Drain Dates and blend all the Caramel Date Sauce ingredients together until smooth.
  2. Chia Pudding: In a separate glass jar, throw the first group of ingredients in a jar, put the lid on and shake well. Shake a few times to prevent Chia Seeds from sticking together.
  3. Chia Pudding - Optional: Place in fridge for 15min+ to allow the seeds to expand/set before serving.
  4. Serve Caramel Date Sauce on top of the Chia Pudding or mix into the pudding.
Recipe Notes

*You can enjoy straight away or put in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to set for a more pudding-like consistency.

*Store sealed in a glass jar in the fridge. Eat within 1-2 days 

*Serving Suggestions:

-Serve with your choice of fresh fruit.

*Choose the cleanest ingredients possible:

-Choose spray-free/organic fresh produce for fresh ingredients where possible, and if buying conventional, rinse in diluted white vinegar water to remove 

 -Choose dry ingredients (i.e. nuts, seeds, dried fruits ) that are spray-fee/organic where possible, and which don’t have preservatives such as sulphur dioxide. 

- Choose virgin, cold-pressed Coconut Oil in glass where possible. It should be pure white in colour. Do not choose cheaper, deodorised/neutral flavoured coconut oils that are off-white.

 -Choose Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk that is clean/free from additives, preservatives and E numbers. Plain Coconut Cream/Milk is better than the ones with added guar gum as this changes the consistency of recipes. You can use Nut Milk as an alternative. 

-Choose to homemade Nut Milk instead of buying. Most store bought ones have additives and stabilisers. Quick Tip: It’s easy to make your own: just grind ¼ cup nuts, then blend with 1 cup water. 

-Choose whole fruits over optional sweeteners if you need to add more sweetness. My preferred choice is Date Paste (pre-soaked Dates). Quick Tip: Keep a jar filled with Dates covered with water, in the fridge ready to go and use as is (instead of actually blending to make Date Paste). 

Quick Link to FLIMJ Program resources for Fresh Life Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes:

Module 2 - refresh on information about The Toxic Fat Effect and how bioaccumulation of toxins in our bodies can lead to weight gain (that’s hard to lose), brain fog, low energy and many more poor health symptoms.

Module 3 - To get you into the swing of things, redo our 7 Day Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes Challenge - you’re always supported in our Fresh Life Tribe (Private Facebook Group), no matter when you decide to do any of the 7 Day Challenges.

You’ll find your Recipe Book: 7 Days of Healthy Sweet Quick Fixes and Shopping List print offs to guide you through the challenge.

 

Falafel Salad Plate

This is one of those awesome make-in-bulk-and-freeze kinda recipes. This is something I make big batches of, portion and then store sealed in smaller containers in the freezer for those all too familiar week day evenings when you are stretched for time or don’t feel like preparing something from scratch. There are so many ways to enjoy this Falafel mix. Make into balls or smaller ‘bites’ and serve with a dip or sauce for lunch boxes, social get togethers, or as a healthy filling little snack in between meals. You can create burger size patties and serve with salad or on toasted Clean Multiseed Bread. Perhaps you prefer to serve them between lettuce leaves instead of a burger bun. Or in between sliced and toasted Coconut Buckwheat Flatbreads, (or your choice of locally sourced gluten-free buns).

This recipe is: Gluten-free (GF), Wheat-free (WF), Dairy-free (DF), refined Sugar-free (SF), Plant-based/Vegan (PB), Vegetarian (V)

Print Recipe
Falafel Salad Plate
You will need: food processor or blender NOTE: You can pre-make this mixture a day or few hours before using, for flavours and dough to 'develop' - this is not necessary though of course. If making homemade Hummus, this recipe will take 15 minutes longer to make.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10-15 minutes
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Falafel Mix
Creamy Hummus
Salad (per person portion)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10-15 minutes
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Falafel Mix
Creamy Hummus
Salad (per person portion)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F or 180°C. You can skip this and cook on stove top in a pan.
  2. Falafel Patties: Combine everything except Chickpea Flour and Baking Powder in a food processor.
  3. Falafel Patties: Pulse to create a rough, but well combined mixture - don't pulse/blend for too long or else you will make a puree/paste.
  4. Falafel Patties: Pulse in the Baking Powder and half the Chickpea Flour. Only add enough flour to make dough slightly firm to press into shapes.
  5. Falafel Patties: Line a baking tray (or cooking pan) with non-toxic parchment paper or silicon baking mats.
  6. Falafel Patties: Shape the mixture into your choice of either bites, balls or patties and space them out onto the baking tray (or cooking pan).
  7. Falafel Patties: Bake for 10-15 minutes on one side, turn over and bake for a further 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. If cooking with a pan, cook on low heat for the same amount of time.
  8. Falafel Patties: Optional - You can brown the patties up in a little heated Coconut Oil in the pan to finish them off.
  9. Creamy Hummus: Blend Tahini and Lemon Juice together until smooth, fluffy and creamy - continually scrape sides using a spatula to combine well.
  10. Creamy Hummus: Add Garlic, Cumin, Salt, Olive Oil. Blend well.
  11. Creamy Hummus: Slowly add Chickpeas to the mix, blending in between.
  12. Creamy Hummus: Only add Water if need be to reach desired consistency.
  13. Combine your choice of Salad Ingredients on a plate, add 2-3 tablespoons of Hummus and add the patties to the Salad plate.
Recipe Notes

*Avoid baking/cooking on aluminium and non-stick surfaces - they will bake/leach toxic substances into your food. Cook with stainless steel and ceramic where possible. Or use bleach-free, non-toxic baking paper and food-grade silicon mats to line baking trays or pots and pans when baking, and cooking on stove top. Use a little Coconut Oil in a stainless steel pan if you prefer not to bake.

*As mentioned, this recipe can be made in bulk, portioned into smaller containers, sealed and stored in the fridge or freezer.

*If you can, choose organic Chickpeas canned in BPA-free cans. I use an organic brand called Eden (available in Australia & USA). Haven't yet found a brand in South Africa - please share in our Fresh Life Community Facebook page if you do find one.

*See Creamy Hummus Dip recipe to see how to activate and prepare Chickpeas from scratch.

Serving suggestions:

* Make Falafel burgers, by putting them between two sides of a toasted Coconut Buckwheat Flatbread, served with Hummus and salad ingredients.

* Made into balls they are great for lunch boxes or served with a dip as a pre-dinner snack

Caramel Date Smoothie


Print Recipe
Caramel Date Smoothie
You will need: Blender that can blend ice. One which has grinder blades where at least 2 blades lie flat, to grind nuts and seeds. *A coffee grinder can also be used to grind nuts and seeds.
Prep Time 5-10 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Caramel Date Sauce
Prep Time 5-10 minutes
Cook Time 0
Passive Time 0
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Caramel Date Sauce
Instructions
  1. First grind nuts/seeds together using the grinder attachment on your blender (for smoother end consistency). *A coffee grinder can be used to grind nuts/seeds.
  2. Blend all ingredients except ice, until smooth. Add ice and blend again.
Instructions to make Caramel Date Sauce
  1. Drain Dates and place all ingredients in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. *Use at least a 800W+ blender or food processor.
Recipe Notes

Please Note: The Caramel Date Sauce is a very thick sauce and almost turns ‘toffee-like’ in consistency. If you are using a handheld blender with food processor attachment, be sure to pulse gently until a smooth consistency is reached.

Give your blender a break if it starts to get hot. It’s easy to burn out the motor of a smaller blender making a thick sauce such as this, so be careful. I use at least an 800W+ blender for this. Adding a little more liquid helps the blending process if it gets too thick.

If you have a more powerful blender or food processor then you shouldn’t have too much to worry about.

*Always make fresh and consume immediately, where possible - you get the most benefits and cleansing/detoxing and nourishing effects from freshly made smoothies.

*If need be, prepare the ingredients you’ll need for your smoothie the night before. Put dry ingredients together in a container, add fresh ingredients to a container and put it ready in the fridge, portion frozen ingredients in with the ice you’ll need in a freezer bag and have that ready in the freezer for the morning.

*Seal your smoothie in with a lid in a glass bottle or stainless steel container - never in plastic. Plastic will leach into your smoothie and plastic adds to the bio-accumulation of chemicals in the body (chemical body burden), contributing to The Toxic Fat Effect! (see Module 2). A great idea is a flask which helps keep your smoothie cold and fresher for longer when you are out and about.

*When traveling, take your personal blender with you. Take portions of nuts and superfood powders. It’s easy to pick up a banana or some fresh berries or other fruit to sweeten and freshen up your smoothies. I travel with my Tribest Personal Blender everywhere I go (weight 4.4 lbs / 2 kg).


 

*Choose the cleanest ingredients possible:

-Choose spray-free/organic fresh produce where possible, and if buying conventional, rinse produce in diluted white vinegar water.

-Choose dry ingredients (i.e. nuts, seeds, dried fruits ) that are spray-fee/organic where possible, and which don’t have preservatives such as sulphur dioxide

- Choose virgin, cold-pressed Coconut Oil in glass where possible. It should be pure white in colour. Do not choose cheaper, deodorised/neutral flavoured coconut oils that are off-white.

-Choose Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk that is clean/free from additives, preservatives and E numbers. Plain Coconut Cream/Milk is better than the ones with added guar gum as this changes the consistency of recipes. You can use Nut Milk as an alternative.

-Choose to homemade Nut Milk instead of buying. Most store bought ones have additives and stabilisers. Quick Tip: It’s easy to make your own: just grind ¼ cup nuts, then blend with 1 cup water.

-Choose whole fruits over optional sweeteners if you need to add more sweetness. My preferred choice is Date Paste (pre-soaked Dates). Quick Tip: Keep a jar filled with Dates covered with water, in the fridge ready to go and use as is (instead of actually blending to make Date Paste).


 

Quick Link to FLIMJ Program resources for Fresh Life Smoothies:

Module 2 - refresh on information about The Toxic Fat Effect and how bioaccumulation of toxins in our bodies can lead to weight gain (that’s hard to lose), brain fog, low energy and many more poor health symptoms.

Module 5 - Become a Smoothie Master cheat sheet to print off and put up on the fridge so you can make awesome smoothies from scratch with my Fresh Life Smoothie Formula with what you already have in your kitchen.

Module 5 - To get you into the swing of things, redo our 7 Day Smoothies Save the Day Challenge - you’re always supported in our Fresh Life Community, no matter when you decide to do any of the 7 Day Challenges.

You’ll find your Recipe Book: 7 Days of Smoothies Save the Day and Shopping List print off’s to guide you through the challenge.


 

My thoughts on having a Fresh Life Smoothie Habit:

Drinking fresh smoothies is a very important, wonderfully quick and convenient, key to your Fresh Life Internal Makeover Journey. Just like fresh juicing, it is a fast, delicious way to get live enzymes - which can only be obtained from raw plants/veggies and fruits - plus vital nutrients into your body for your cells to function optimally.

It is also one of the best ways to provide your body with enough soft bulk (plant fibre) which our bodies need for proper gut function. Good quality plant fibre is what the good bacteria in our gut feeds on! Plus it helps the body to move xeno-toxins (which cause The Toxic Fat Effect - Module 2) from the body every day.

Gone are the days of getting away with occasionally doing a cleanse, or doing a detox a few times a year. The influx and exposure of toxins we have on a daily basis is now too much and too varied for our bodies to handle on its own.

These daily toxins bio-accumulate in our bodies (refer to Module 2 work) and most won’t move out of the body without specific assistance.

We have to be proactive to get the results we want.

We have to, as I like to say, “ABC - always be cleansing…”

You also need to “ABN - always be nourishing…” And smoothies really are an amazing way to jam a whole lot of good quality, clean nutrient-dense ingredients and healthy fats and oils into one tasty drink.

If you want to Live Your Best Fresh Life, smoothies need to be a regular part of your days.

During the initial stage of my journey I was drinking a lot of freshly made juices, especially first thing in the mornings.

Essential during periods of healing as lots of fresh juicing gives the body highly concentrated amounts of nutrients that it really needs without fibre and fats/oils.

This means juices are easier to digest and the body is able to assimilate and utelise those nutrients, faster. Which is why I was able to lose so much toxic fat/excess weight so quickly. And in a healthy way.

Smoothies became a huge hit for me as a way to compliment what I was achieving with juicing and other cleansing rituals.

Firstly, because they are so quick and easy to make, they became my go to for lunch or as a on-the-go breakfast if I was really pressed for time in the mornings. I also used smoothies to answer late afternoon cravings and after dinner sweet tooth cravings.

Remember, cravings are our bodies way of asking for the nutrients it needs. But it’s confusing because we crave foods that aren’t good for us and won’t actually give our bodies what it needs.

A fresh juice or a smoothie is able to help give our body the nutrients it’s really after.

A Fresh Life Habit I use myself is to meet cravings with a juice or smoothie first, and then go after what I thought I was craving.

I find that l either don’t want that thing I was craving in the first place, or at the very least I’ll eat a lot less of it. A win win situation. More baby-steps to help us get to where we ant to be and a great Fresh Life Habit to cultivate.

Secondly, smoothies offer a delicious way to give the body whole food ingredients along with their beneficial plant fibre, healthy fats/oils and is also a great way to add nutrient-dense superfoods. After juicing, smoothies are the next best, easiest food for our bodies to digest as the ingredients have been blended, helping the body with the digestive process.

After cleansing and flushing the body with easy to digest juices, smoothies can nourish and make our tummies feel full and satiated.

One beautiful smoothie a day became a way of saving time - often a smoothie is enough to fill me at lunchtime, and help abolish cravings by packing in the nutrients the body loves. This is why smoothies are an integral part of my Fresh Life Formula.

Fresh smoothies nourishes, and helps the body bind and push toxins out of the body, every single day.

Prep Tip: You can always prep your smoothie ingredients the night before if you’re going to be rushed the next day. As mentioned in the Recipe Notes, you can put dry ingredients together in a container, add fresh ingredients to a container and put it ready in the fridge, portion frozen ingredients in with the ice you’ll need in a freezer bag and have ready in the freezer for the morning.

Storing Tip: Just seal in a glass jar with a lid or stainless steel container in the fridge so it’s ready to go in the morning. A great idea is a flask which helps keep your smoothie cold and fresher for longer when you are out and about.

Blender Tip: When traveling or working away from home, take your personal blender with you. Take portions of nuts and superfood powders. It's easy to pick up a banana or some fresh berries or other fruit to be able to sweeten and freshen up your smoothies. I travel with my Tribest Personal Blender everywhere I go (weight 4.4 lbs / 2 kg).

The darker the green colour of a plant, the more chlorophyll the plant contains. And chlorophyll helps to push toxins from our cells and bind and remove them from our blood stream and gut.

Over and above everything, if I can only do one thing in a day, it will be to ensure I have at least one raw juice or smoothie a day - preferably a Green one!

Alternating colours is also a good idea to ensure your body is receiving a full spectrum of nutrients - eating/drinking the whole rainbow of colours we find in vegetables and fruits will achieve this without you even having to think about what your body needs.

Got questions for me? Or want some friendly support and accountability to help you on your FLIMJourney?

Our Fresh Life Community is the place to be!

See you over there!

Big Hugs,
xx Sam

Creamy Hummus Dip

 

You’ll love the creaminess of this Hummus, and there is a trick you’ll learn in this recipe that ensures it comes out with a beautiful smooth consistency. A good Hummus is hard to beat, and can be added to salads, sandwiches and wraps or be enjoyed straight out of the jar. I regularly make and keep a jar of Hummus on hand in our fridge for every kind of occasion.

This recipe is: Gluten-free (GF), Wheat-free (WF), Dairy-free (DF), refined Sugar-free (SF), Plant-based/Vegan (PB), Vegetarian (V)

Print Recipe
Creamy Hummus Dip
You will need: food processor or blender
Prep Time 10-15 minutes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Prep Time 10-15 minutes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Blend Tahini and Lemon Juice together until smooth, fluffy and creamy - continually scrape sides using a spatula to combine well.
  2. Add Garlic, Cumin, Salt, Olive Oil. Blend well.
  3. Slowly add Chickpeas to the mix, blending in between.
  4. Only add Water if need be to reach desired consistency.
Recipe Notes

Serving suggestion:

* Garnish with a few Kalamata Olives, a drizzle of Olive Oil and a sprinkle of Paprika.

* Serve with fresh slices of Carrot, Cucumber, Capsicum/Bell Peppers or any other veg you like, or Flaxseed Crackers or any preferred choice of gluten-free crackers.

Other Notes:

*If you can, choose organic Chickpeas canned in BPA-free cans. I use an organic brand called Eden (available in Australia & USA). Haven't yet found a brand in South Africa - please share in our Fresh Life Community Facebook page if you do find one.

*I like the above mentioned brand because they prepare their beans with Kombu seaweed, which helps break down the oligosaccharides in beans which can hinder or upset the digestion process (acting as an enzyme inhibitor).

This is good if you don't usually do very well with beans and legumes. Bean’s and Legume’s enzyme inhibitors can cause slightly upset tummies which is why they are joked about as ‘causing gas’. 

You can buy your own Kombu seaweed from an Asian supermarket and activate/remove enzyme inhibitors by boiling store bought Chickpeas for 15-20 minutes with hot water and Kombu Seaweed,

*Or you can make your own Chickpeas from scratch:
It's not as hard as it seems, I've recently been doing this and it just takes a little planning/time management.

Day 1 PM - Soak Chickpeas in water (add few extra inches water above Chickpeas - keep covered), with 1 tsp of Sea Salt per litre/gallon.

Day 2 AM - Change water (using same formula as above).

Day 2 PM - Boil Chickpeas until soft. This usually takes a couple hours, so plan to do this while you’re watching a documentary in the evening. Drain and let cool. Store in fridge before bed.

Day 3 anytime - follow recipe above to make your from-scratch Hummus!