Sweet Potato Chips with Guacamole

Another favourite healthy recipe. A great snack or side dish, these sweet potato chips are delicious and so easy. I'm a bit of a no fuss kind of cook, so if there are too many steps I can't be bothered. But I have made these most nights lately, and I don't feel guilty given all the good vitamins (Vitamin B6, C, D, beta-cerotene, magnesium) and slow release energy.  

1 Sweet potato - cut into 5cm chips (leave the skin on)

2 tsp of chilli powder (you can use a spice of your liking ie paprika, garlic or coriander seeds) 

Canola oil spray 

Microwave or steam the sweet potato to start the cooking process (I microwave in a small amount of water for 2 minutes)

Drain and pat dry. Spread chips onto a baking tray to create one single layer. Give chips a very light spray of oil and sprinkle with half of the seasoning. 

Grill or fan grill (depending on you oven) for about 5-10 minutes or until they start to brown and crisp up. Remove from the oven turn all the chips give another light spray and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning. Grill for another 5 minutes. 

Serve with guacamole (avocado, natural yoghurt, lemon juice and chilli powder)

Enjoy!

Megan x

#meganadores

Lash Envy - eyelash extensions

One of my favourite indulgences (and addictions) is getting my eyelash extensions on a regular (maybe too regular). I started getting my lashes done when Angela, Lash Envy's founder, was running her salon from home. Since then they have expanded to a great salon in Oakleigh, (south east Melbourne) and many skillful technicians. The fact that lashes is all they do, might be a little boring and monotonous for them, but for their clients it means perfectly preened lashes applied with precision. All the staff are highly trained and are passionate about their clients getting the most from their lashes (always giving tips/advice/dos and don'ts). 

I have lately been getting a "natural" set refill, but opted for a fuller more glamorous look in a "full" set. Lash Envy also do "glamour" set for a look with plenty of wow and impact. I never have to wear mascara which is great because I'm pretty low-fuss when it comes to make-up, and they are put on so well people actually ask if they are real!  I can imagine what I would look like without them and don't really want to. I love them! 

If you're thinking of getting your eyelashes done, whether for a one off special occasion or just to give your current look a lift you have to book in with Lash Envy. If Lash Envy isn't within your reach, before you choose a salon do your research. Do they specialise in lash extensions? Are they self taught or have they done any specialised training? Do they have any pics of their work? Everyone's lashes (as I was educated by my technician Kryshina - who is a new and amazing member of the team) will wear and grow differently but if they are being applied well you're already a step ahead of the rest. 

Photo courtesy of Lash Envy Facebook page

Be careful! It's highly addictive.

Check out Lash Envy's Facebook page for more details and info or their website. 

Enjoy! 

Megan x 

#meganadores

Post cleanse recipe - Broccolini Mushroom Zucchini Stir fry

Broccolini, Mushroom and Zucchini Stir Fry

1/2 bunch Broccolini 

4-5 button mushrooms

1/2 zucchini (cut it length ways)

1 tsp of terryaki sauce (could be soy, hoisin or oyster if you prefer)

4-5 drops of sesame oil

Cut the broccolini and mushroom into thirds. 

Using a peeler, peel strips/ribbons of zucchini, including the skin, but not using the centre seeded part. 

With some paper towel squeeze the excess moisture from the zucchini (will hold together and cook better).
Mix terryaki with sesame and a tablespoon of water. 

Heat the wok and spray with Canola spray.

Add broccolini and mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add zucchini and cook for another minute or two, them finally the sauce and cook until the vegetable are to your liking.

Easy. Healthy. Delicious!

Finished product - looks good! tastes good!

Enjoy! 

Megan x

Pressed Juice Cleanse - Part 2

So my three day juice cleanse has come to an end, and can I say I'm feeling really great! I don't feel heavy or bloated, or craving bad foods. In fact I've just eased myself today into solid foods on just fruit and vegetables and a few nuts and seeds and I was worried I wouldn't have enough energy after the cleanse, but despite a long week at work I'm feeling ready to get back into my running training tomorrow. 

I'm not sure whether it is because I have completed a few cleanses before, or whether my diet has improved over the last few months but I didn't feel many adverse side effects this time around. These can include:

Headaches

Fatigue

Cold-like symptoms

Irritability (some say I stay the same during a cleanse - lol)

Skin breakouts

These are just normal reactions to a detox - your body ridding itself of all the toxins and waste build up, but can be minimised by lots of water and sleep during your cleanse. The benefits after outweigh these lows:

Reduced cravings 

Better digestion 

More energy

Better quality of sleep

Improved mood

Clearer mind

And my favourite: the motivation to make better choices in your diet. 

Tips: 

If you're not sure you can complete a cleanse, (physically or mentally) before you make the commitment, complete a small test first. Give up something for a whole week that isn't really good for you, that you probably have a bit too much of and replace it with something good for you. IE give up coffee and/or soft drink and replace it with herbal tea and lots if water, replace the unhealthy snacks (chips, lollies or high processed foods) with fruits and vegetables

Berry Glow - Can't wait to get stuck into
one of these tomorrow

If you:

A) have the will power to stick your test

B) feel better for making the switch

you're ready to do a cleanse or detox. 

Do your research. Your cleanse should be about a healthier you, not to lose weight, putting you on track to make healthier choices and get more from the foods you eat. Of course, Pressed Juices has worked well for me, but find cleanse that will work for you.

If you can, complete a cleanse with a friend. While your experience and results may vary, the support you provide each other will be invaluable. (Safety in numbers when temptation rears it's ugly head). 

I will post some post-cleanse recipes I'll be enjoying in the coming days, so stay tuned. (Follow me on Instagram or follow my blog via email for the latest updates).

Enjoy!

Megan x