Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies 

The media is predicting the worst spring and summer for allergy-sufferers. This is caused by more pollen in the air and the dramatic changes in weather.

Spring and summer can be horrible time for allergy sufferers with constant sniffling, sneezing and itchy eyes. Grasses, tree pollen and weeds are the main culprits of seasonal allergies. 

Allergy symptoms are caused by the immune system trying to cleanse irritants from your body.  The immune system overracts to the allergen and produces antibodies which then release histamine and other chemicals.  Allergy-sufferers are often sensitive to more than one thing.  Other culprits can include foods, dust, pets, medicines and cleaning products. 

There is hope though as some people's allergies disappear when they reach older age (60-70) because their immune system is less reactive.  However, you should not suffer until then and there are natural methods to combat allergies. 

• Omega-3 fish oil: Natural anti-inflammatory.  Organic oily fish (salmon, sardines) 3 x week, seeds or take a supplement. 
• Vitamin D: Boost immune system.  Get out to the sunshine (avoid burning though) and take vitamin D supplement. 
• Probiotics: Gut health is essential to support healthy immune system. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, fermented foods such as natural yoghurt, kefir and miso. 
• Increase intake of organic vegetables, fruits and wholegrains. Avoid dairy, meat, refined sugar as these are pro-inflammatory.  

If the symptoms continue, you may want to consider food intolerance testing. Please contact me for further information. 

Raw Cacao Energy Bars

I'm always looking for healthy snacks ideas for my kids and myself when we're out & about. These are normally fruit and wholegrain rice cakes but I also love Nakd and Raw Bites's nut bars but these can be pretty expensive if buying every day.  So I decided to make some myself and they were delicious!  Free from dairy, wheat and sugar, this bar is super easy to make and gives you a nice energy kick! 

Raw Cacao Energy Bar (makes 12)

• 10 medjool dates (pitted)
• Big handful of raw cashews
• 2 tablespoons of raw cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon of crushed linseeds 
• 1 tsp of vanilla essence 

1. Put all ingredients into blender and blend until fine crumbs.  You may need to clean the blender blades for a few times.
2. Press the dough into a small tin / oven tray and freeze for 2 hours.  
3. Keep left-overs in fridge

You can also make these with banana, berries, dried apple or cinnamon.  

Orange Chocolate Slice

Here's the recipe for the delicious orange chocolate slice!  

Free from: dairy, sugar, wheat. 

Ingredients (makes about 12): 

• 1 cup of shredded coconut 
• 10 medjool dates, pitted
• 1 orange zest & 1 tbsp of its juice
• 3 tbsp raw cacao powder
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• Small handful of raw cashews
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

1. Put all ingredients into blender / bowl if using a hand blender.
2. Blend until smooth. This may take a few minutes and you may need to clean the blades a few times.
3. Put in a small tin / oven dish and press the dough in hard until smooth.  
4. Put in fridge for 2-3 hours or freeze for an hour.  Store leftover slices in the fridge. 

Talking Sugar

Today I had a fantastic opportunity to talk about sugar, its effects on health and how to curb those cravings at the Finnish women's weekend.  

Sugar has been in the media recently and for a good reason. Several studies has shown sugar and refined carbohydrate's role in increasing a risk of chronic diseases. 

Highlights of the presentation included: 

• The amount of sugar that is eaten has increased 31.5% since 1990
• The number of people with diabetes has more than tripled since 1980
• Sugar increases levels of triglycerides in blood and may contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Read food labels carefully.  Sugar has many names such as fructose, glucose, maltose, dextrose.  Even products labelled 'natural' or 'healthy' may have added sugars in. 
• Increase intake of wholegrains, vegetables and good quality protein that contain fibre and are slower to digest.  These won't raise blood sugar as quickly as refined carbohydrates

Spring Cleanse

Do you feel run down, heavy and tired?  If the answer is yes, then join me for the Spring Detox where I will be guiding you to back to health!  

Our bodies are exposed to many harmful substances (pesticides, poor dietary choices, heavy metals, alcohol, etc) and over time this can overload our detoxification processes.  

During these 10 days we will give your body a gentle cleanse by avoiding caffeine, sugar, wheat and alcohol.  We will be eating fresh and nutritious food. This will help you to increase your vitality and improve well-being.  You may even lose a few kilos!  

We start on Friday 28th March. For 79 euros you will receive a personal health assessment, insight to detoxification, detox guide plus 2 x 5 day menus and shopping lists!   You will also be part of a fantastic online community where you get daily tips and have support of other cleansers.  

This is not a fad detox and you won't be starving. You will be eating delicious meals and feel fantastic!  

There is no better time than today to sign up with our 10 day Spring Detox!  

Scrumptious Ice-Cream

Here's a recipe for a delicious and healthy ice-cream.  Super easy to make too!   

Banana & mango ice-cream 

Makes 4 portions. Dairy-free. 

• 5 frozen bananas (peel before freezing)
• Handful of frozen mangos
• 1 tbsp organic honey
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 heaped tablespoon of raw cacao

1. Put bananas and mango into a blender and blend until smooth. 
2. Melt the honey and coconut oil in a glass bowl / heatproof dish on top pot of simmering water. Add raw cacao and mix until smooth and glossy consistency.
3. Put the ice-cream in bowls and drizzle warm chocolate sauce on the top.  Enjoy!