Details

Servings

2 servings

Prep time

5 minutes

Cooking time

0 minutes

Difficulty

Easy

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Ingredients

• 1 cup Califia Espresso Cold Brew, frozen in an ice tray

• 1/4 cup Califia Espresso Cold Brew, not frozen (this helps blending process)

• 2 bananas, frozen

• 1-2 medjool dates

• 2 tsp mesquite powder (optional)

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Directions

• Blend in a high speed blender until smooth.
  
• Transfer to bowls and serve as is or with choice of toppings.
• We recommend a vegan chocolate drizzle for added deliciousness!

There are studies that show coffee has potential preventative effects against Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Type II diabetes as well as heart disease and liver disease.  From a vitality perspective coffee has been shown to improve performance, assist with weight loss and helps prevent depression. Coffee also contains a number of antioxidants and micro-nutrients.  Using cold drip coffee greatly reduces acidity associated with hot coffee which in turn reduces or eliminates reflux / heartburn symptoms in susceptible individuals.

If you enjoyed our Cold Brew Coffee Nice Cream then you should definitely try more of our Nice Cream recipes including our Crunchy Peanut Butter Banana Nice Cream!

Nice Creams are a great Ice cream alternative for vegans, diabetics, or those who want a healthier option that tastes just as good! The creamy texture, the fruity sweetness and indulgent flavours to make sure nobody misses out!

The post Cold Brew Coffee Nice Cream appeared first on Healthy Luxe.

Morning tea sorted! These Apple, Cinnamon and Peanut Butter Muffins are gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free. The perfect lunchbox snack for your little ones. For a nut free option, you can replace almond meal with sesame flour.

Our favourite way to enjoy these muffins is with a dollop of coconut yoghurt, an extra dusting of cinnamon and a drizzle of smooth peanut butter.

There are a number of different opinions when it comes to the topic of whether we should or shouldn’t snack…

Where nutrition is concerned, one size does not fit all. This point is key to our philosophy and we believe that the better we understand our individual selves; the better our physical and emotional health will be. 

While our dietary requirements will vary from person to person, we do all need an abundant supply of nutrients in order for our bodies and minds to function optimally.  Requirements for nutrients will differ due to variances in biochemistry, overall state of our health, age, levels of toxins, lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking, stress levels, etc.  Of course, more nutrients are required during pregnancy, rapid growth such as infancy and adolescence and during convalescence.

The same applies when it comes to choosing whether or not to snack.  It is always contextual and ideally there should be an intuitive aspect.  Research is conflicting, probably as a result of not always considering context, such as individual metabolic differences, the amount of exercise the individual does, body composition (ie muscle mass v fat mass), blood sugar regulation and importantly, the type of snack.  In order for snacking to be beneficial, the snack needs to have a good quantity of protein, healthy fats and fibre, as well as a range of micronutrients.  Pic’s Peanut Butter ticks all of these boxes and in fact, the Hi Oleic acid concentration in Pic’s PB may assist with weight management by helping to signal satiety, via the endocannabinoid response.  The higher circulating compound, oleoylethanolamine (OEA), which occurs after consuming high oleic acid foods, was shown to reduce calorie intake at subsequent meals. 

What does apply to everyone though is that waiting until we are ravenously hungry is not a good idea. This can diminish our judgement, leading us to reach for a fast sugar ‘fix’ and tends to result in overeating. When we reach for sugary snacks, the quickly absorbed glucose high is followed by a crash. High sugar snacks also leave you craving more, whereas choosing nutrient rich foods, that are high in protein and healthy fats will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.

We’ll take that as reason to snack on these delicious Apple, Cinnamon and Peanut Butter muffins!

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Ingredients

• 
  2 cup almond meal 

• 2 tsp cinnamon (+ extra to serve)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 organic eggs
  

• 1/4 cup oat milk or plant based milk of choice
  

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2-3 tbsp peanut butter (+ extra to serve)

• 3 green apples, peeled, sliced and lightly poached

• 30 grams flaked almonds

• Coconut yoghurt, to serve (optional)

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Directions

• 
  Combine almond meal, cinnamon and baking powder in a mixing bowl, mix well.
• In a seperate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup and peanut butter until well combined.
  
• Create a well in the centre of the dry mixture and gradually add wet ingredients, stirring constantly. 
  
• Add poached apple, reserving enough slices to place on top of muffin batter. 
  
• Spoon evenly into cupcake cases, top with apple slice and flaked almonds.
   
• Bake for approximately 20 minutes. 
  
• Serve warm with coconut yoghurt, extra peanut butter and/or additional cinnamon.

The post Apple, Cinnamon and Peanut Butter Muffins appeared first on Healthy Luxe.

There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a nourishing bowl of porridge on a cold morning. This nutrient rich quinoa porridge is so flavoursome, especially when paired with our blueberry or raspberry coulis. The blueberry coulis is made exactly the same way, simply changing the type of berries used. We also recommend serving with peanut butter for a protein hit, but mostly because it’s delicious. As a nut free alternative, tahini is a great porridge topper.

What makes quinoa so healthy?

Quinoa is not actually a grain, as commonly believed, but rather, a small seed that serves as an excellent alternative to grains such as wheat.  It is very versatile, absorbing flavours of foods and spices added, it is quick to cook and economical.   The texture, when cooked, is similar to cous cous, so can be easily substituted to create a gluten free dish. 

Some of the health benefits include:

• Excellent protein profile, being around 17% and containing all essential amino acids
• High in fibre
• Low on glycaemic index, assisting with blood sugar regulation
• Low fat content, consisting of omega 3 and omega 6 
• Gluten free
• Mineral rich (containing good sources of calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium and zinc)

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup quinoa flakes

• 3/4 cup coconut milk (or coconut water), add more according to desired consistency 

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• 1/2 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 serve blueberry coulis (*Replace raspberries with blueberries)

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Directions

• Firstly, prepare blueberry coulis (refer to recipe in basics).
  
• Combine all porridge ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring regularly for approx. 5 minutes. Add additional coconut water or milk of required.
• Spoon into a bowl and top with blueberry coulis, peanut butter, hazelnuts and/or mixed seeds.

If you love this quinoa porridge recipe we highly recommend you try our warming apple & cinnamon oats next! Not only are these oats delicious but they are also packed with nutrients. Cinnamon is a delicious and warming spice that also helps to regulate blood sugar and apple adds natural sweetness. We have also added superfood lucuma powder which creates a creamy texture and enhances nutrient profile.

The post Quinoa Porridge appeared first on Healthy Luxe.

This mango coconut chia pudding is great for a quick and easy weekday breakfast or a nutritious afternoon tea. It is packed with nutrient dense, delicious ingredients.

Why chia seeds?

Chia seeds are considered a superfood due to its high nutrient to calorie ratio and high anti-oxidant status.  Additionally it is a gluten free whole food with some stand out nutritional benefits, including:

• Exceptional source of both soluble and insoluble fibre (approximately 40%).  This assists with healthy bowel function and creates a conducive environment for the proliferation of ‘friendly’ gut bacteria, supporting immune function.

• One of highest plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids, essential for brain health, heart health as well as reducing inflammation.

•  Good source of protein, containing all eight essential amino acids.

•  Creates sense of satiety due to gel like expansion when mixed with fluid, thus may assist with weight loss.

•  Assists blood sugar regulation and maintenance of energy levels.

• Good source of minerals, including, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and phosphorus.

Chia seeds are easy to add to almost any meal to add nutrients.  We find bircher or chia puddings a particularly good way to add  chia to the diet as this meal is traditionally soaked overnight (or at least for 4-4 hours), allowing swelling of chia, assisting with digestion and ensuring enough liquid is consumed.   If seeds are not pre-soaked, it is important to drink plenty of water.

We’ve also added marine collagen to this recipe, to enhance the nutritional benefit.

Collagen is a protein that acts as the glue that holds our bodies together. Collagen is the second most abundant substance in our body behind water and is the building block of our tissues. Collagen makes up 75% of our skin, over 90% of our ligaments and tendons and 35% of our bones. Other structures that are primarily made of collagen are our hair, nails and cartilage.

In our mid-twenties, our collagen production begins to decrease at a rate of 2% a year and by our 50’s we’ve lost over half the amount of collagen in our bodies! This is what is known as the ageing process and is most noticeable in our skin and hair, whether it’s wrinkles, sagging skin, finer hair or grey hair.

Natural supplementation through Vida Glow, our choice when for a collagen supplement, increases the body’s collagen levels as well as the production of this super protein.

Collagen is an optional ingredient in this delicious mango coconut chia pudding, yet highly recommend!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen mango

• 1 cup coconut milk 

• 1/3 cup chia seeds

• 2 tbsp unflavoured collagen (optional)

• 1 tsp vanilla  

• 1/4 cup coconut yogurt, to serve 

• Fresh mango, to serve (optional)

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Directions

• Add mango and coconut milk to a blender.
• Place chia seeds in a medium sized mixing bowl and stir through mango-coconut milk blend, collagen and vanilla (if using). 
• Place in fridge for 30 mins to an hour.
• Layer with coconut yoghurt and garnish with additional fresh mango (optional).

Looking for more ways to include chia seeds in your diet? Try our almond chia granola. It’s a great smoothie bowl topper.

The post Mango coconut chia pudding appeared first on Healthy Luxe.

Bites of heaven! These PB & J profiterole pancakes are an ideal morning tea or afternoon treat. As long as you have a dutch pancake pan, they’re really easy to make. Alternatively, you can make regular pancakes and simply top with Pic’s peanut butter and raspberry chia jam.

For the base of these pancakes we’ve used a blend of almond meal and buckwheat flour – our go-to blend for gluten free recipes. The almond meal creates a soft texture and the buckwheat helps to bind.

What are the health benefits of almond meal (ground almonds)?

Almond meal involves minimal processing and retains the nutrients of the whole almonds.  The nutrient profile is considerably superior to that of wheat and grain flours, which can be highly processed, sometimes chemically milled and may come from genetically modified and highly sprayed crops.

Nevertheless, almond meal is controversial.  Rather than address potential concerns, we would again like to reinforce that nutrient density is an important benefit and that ensuring dietary variety (alternate flours for example) largely avoids these potential issues. 

To summarise, nutritional benefits of almond meal include:

• Does not contain gluten
• High protein content (contains all essential amino acids)
• Good source of mono-unsaturated fats (these are predominant omega-6, so it is important to balance with this plenty of omega-3, found in fish and flaxseed)
• Good source of anti-oxidant vitamin E, as well as Biotin and Vitamin B2
• High mineral content, including magnesium, manganese, calcium, zinc and copper
• Contains anti-oxidant flavonoids to improve blood lipid/cholesterol ratios, improving heart health
• Assists with blood glucose levels, reducing GI (glycaemic index) of other foods consumed with almonds

The best way to ensure almond meal is minimally processed is to make it yourself. All you need is almonds, a blender and a strainer. Find out exactly how to make it here.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup almond meal

• 1/2 cup buckwheat flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp mesquite powder (optional)

• 2 organic eggs, separated

• 1 cup almond milk

• 1-2 tsp coconut oil (to cook)

• 90 grams smooth Pic’s peanut butter

• 3 tbsp raspberry chia jam

• Organic honey or maple syrup, to serve

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Directions

• Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
• Then add egg yolks and milk, mix well.
• Whisk egg whites until firm peaks form, gently fold into the mixture.
• Place coconut oil in a ‘dutch pancake pan’ and allow to melt over medium heat.
• Spoon approx. 1 tsp of the pancake mix into the pan (1 tsp per pancake). Then add approx. 1/2 tsp peanut butter and 1/2 tsp raspberry chia jam to the centre, cover with more pancake batter.
• Allow to cook for approx. 1 minute. Gently turn over and allow the other side to cook for a further minute or so.
• Repeat this process for the remaining mixture.

The post PB & J Profiterole Pancakes appeared first on Healthy Luxe.

We’ve made a lot of nice cream bowls in our time but we don’t think anything will ever beat the classic peanut butter nice cream. This one contains just 3 ingredients: frozen bananas, frozen coconut flesh and crunchy Pic’s Peanut Butter. To retain the crunchy texture of the peanut butter, we recommend blending the banana and coconut first until smooth and creamy, and then adding peanut butter in at the last minute.

Want to learn more about the health benefits of peanuts?

Peanuts are in fact legumes, rather than nuts, and are packed with nutrients including monounsaturated fats, protein, fibre, vitamins B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin) and B9 (folic acid); vitamin E and anti-oxidants.  This combination of nutrients makes peanuts very beneficial for heart health as well as protective against cancer, supported by published studies.  Niacin rich foods are also beneficial for brain health, improving mood and helping to prevent cognitive decline.

As with all foods, quality is important.  This is perhaps even more true of peanuts due to their susceptibility to aflatoxin (a dangerous mould).   Therefore ensure peanuts are always fresh and preferably organic.  Store in a cool, dry place and do not consume if they have a musty smell.

Although peanuts are healthy for many people, it is important to recognise that they are one of the foods implicated in serious food allergies and would be wise to advise guests when using in recipes.

All the more reason to try this delicious peanut butter nice cream!

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Ingredients

• 4 frozen bananas

• 200 grams frozen coconut flesh

• 1/4 cup crunchy Pic’s Peanut Butter

• 1 tbsp mesquite powder (optional)

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Directions

• Combine frozen bananas and coconut in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Add peanut butter and briefly blend (this will retain the crunchy texture).
• Spoon into bowls and top with additional peanut butter, banana and/or cacao nibs.

Want to try more nice cream recipes?

Check out our full selection here! We’ve got everything from Dulce de Leche and Ferrero Rocher to classics such as chocolate and pistachio.

The post Crunchy peanut butter nice cream appeared first on Healthy Luxe.

This almond butter acai bowl is jam packed with nutrients. The acai itself provides a serious antioxidant hit and the almond butter adds protein. We have also added a tablespoon of Amazonia collagen protein powder which provides a number of essential vitamins and minerals (as well as great taste!)

What is Collagen Protein?

Amazonia Raw Collagen Protein is a premium blend of Marine Collagen with organic sprouted and fermented plant protein designed to support daily protein intake, collagen production and connective tissue structure. This formula contains 5000mg of highly bioavailable, type I & III Collagen and plant-based enzymes to support easy absorption. The blend also contains organic Vitamin C to aid collagen production and Zinc to support hair, skin and nails.

We add it to our smoothies/smoothie bowls daily. It is also delicious mixed through oats or in protein bliss balls. We have a cookie dough collagen protein ball recipe on our app!

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Ingredients

• 200 grams frozen acai (we use Amazonia)

• 2 frozen bananas

• 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries

• 2 generous tbsp almond butter

• 1/3 cup plant based milk (add slowly to desired consistency)

• 1-2 tbsp Amazonia Raw Collagen Protein

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Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a high-power blender, blend until smooth and creamy.
• Spoon into bowls.
• Add toppings of choice – we recommend granola, cacao nibs, goji berries, coconut, fresh berries and/or nut butter.

Are you a fellow acai bowl addict?

If you love this almond butter acai bowl then we insist you try our peanut butter acai bowl next! It is very similar to this one but we have used peanut butter in place of almond butter which adds a subtle but delicious peanut flavour, as well as adding to the smooth and creamy texture.

The post Almond Butter Acai Bowl appeared first on Healthy Luxe.

There’s nothing quite like a green juice or smoothie when you’re craving a bit of a health fix. This prebiotic greens smoothie is sweetened naturally with frozen banana and mango, and has the added health benefits of Amazonia Prebiotic Greens powder.

Probiotics are becoming increasingly recognised for their gut healing benefits, but what about prebiotics? 

Including prebiotics (or a prebiotic supplement) in our diet further support our gut health. This is because prebiotic fibre feeds beneficial bacteria colonies that help us to fight off illness and improve our overall wellbeing including digestive health, weight management, brain function and mood. There is also evidence to suggest that taking prebiotic helps with absorption of probiotics.

We’ve included a prebiotic greens powder in this recipe which is jam packed with superfoods. 

Amazonia prebiotic greens powder

Amazonia Raw Prebiotic Greens is a Certified Organic formula containing 9 sources of green superfood ingredients (alkaline chlorophyll). These ingredients may assist detoxification processes and support energy production in a formula designed for optimal absorption.

This blend combines nutrient-dense sprouts, leaves, juices, grasses, algae, herbs, prebiotics and over 74 trace minerals to support vitality.

We add 1-2 teaspoons of this prebiotic greens blend to our smoothies/smoothie bowls daily.

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Ingredients

• 1 frozen mango

• 1 frozen banana

• 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves

• 1 medjool date

• 3/4 cup coconut water

• 1-2 tsp Amazonia prebiotic greens blend

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Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a blender, blend until creamy.
• Pour into glasses and garnish with mint (optional).
• Serve and enjoy.

More of a smoothie bowl person?

Try our Blue Smoothie Bowl – delicious as it is pretty.

The post Prebiotic Greens Smoothie appeared first on Healthy Luxe.

This decadent cacao cashew cluster granola recipe make for the perfect breakfast or snack! They are delicious served with vanilla coconut yoghurt, fresh berries and a spoonful of peanut butter or as a topping on açai.

What are the health benefits of cacao powder?

Cacao is actually raw chocolate, made by drying Cacao Theobroma beans at low temperatures.  The better known product, cocoa, has been through a number of processes, including roasting at high temperatures, before sugar is added to create the chocolate bar, which often contain less than 40% cocoa solids.

The ‘superfood’ status of raw cacao is due largely to its exceptional anti-oxidant rating, meaning it has high propensity to reduce free radicals, thereby protecting cell membranes, reducing inflammation and slowing aging, amongst other benefits. 

Cacao also contains substances including anandamide and phenylethylamines, which may improve concentration and are reported to have mood lifting properties, which may be further augmented by the presence of the amino acid, Tryptophan, the precursor to mood stabilising neurotransmitter, serotonin.   Other nutrients in cacao include magnesium, essential for cardio-vascular health and energy production; and calcium, required for healthy bones.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups organic gf oats

• 1 cup puffed quinoa

• 1 1/2 cups cashews

• 1 cup buckinis

• 3/4 cup cacao powder

• 1 tsp vanilla bean powder

• 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt

• 1/2 cup organic coconut nectar

• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil

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Directions

• Preheat oven to 170 degrees C.
• Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Then add coconut oil and nectar, mix well.
• Scatter granola over a lined baking tray.
• Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning every few minutes.
• Allow to cool completely.
• Break apart into clusters and store in an air-tight glass jar.

The post Cacao Cashew Cluster Granola appeared first on Healthy Luxe.

We don’t know about you, but we struggle to think of a better start the day than a big bowl of Espresso Nice Cream.

If you’re after a chocolatey twist, top with our chocolate-tahini sauce.

We’ve included mesquite powder and maca powder for the flavour and nutritional benefits they provide, however these ingredients are optional and can be substituted with your superfood powder/supplement of choice.

Serves 2.

Ingredients

3 large frozen bananas, chopped
3-4 tbsp cold-dripped coffee
2 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp mesquite powder, optional
1/2 tsp maca powder, optional
1 tsp vanilla bean powder
1/4 tsp Himalayan salt

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a high-power blender. Blend slowly on a low setting to retain thick texture.
2. Transfer to two bowls and serve with your choice of toppings.

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