Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Why is coconut water so good for you? And a Quinoa Recipe for the kids


While I was recently in Bali, I practised Bikram Yoga everyday and after every class, the Balinese had glasses of coconut poured from real young coconuts ready for us to drink. My first taste of coconut water made me feel a little sick, but I was unsure if it was from after the gruelling practise that completely rinsed me out from inside out. 



But I noticed everyone was drinking coconut oil everywhere I seemed to go. 

I have grown to love the taste of this water, its so pure, natural and filled with goodness.
The reason why they serve it after a sweaty Bikram class is because of its high electrolytes. Its great for hydrating the body, and the beauty to its natural and no added sugars, and no fat.
Not to be confused with coconut milk which is the fatter part of the coconut, this is the water from a young green coconut.


  • Its a nutritional gold mine
  • Heart drink
  • Full of natural electrolytes
  • Cholesterol free
  • Low in fat
  • Low in carbs
  • Boosts zinc, selenium, iodine, sulfur and manganese, ascorbic acid, B- group vitamins
  • Promotes smoother and more youthful skin
  • Can improve blood circulation
  • Great for healthy digestive system and urinary health
  • Claims it slows down ageing 
It is recommended to avoid coconut oil if you have heart disease, kidney  disease or if you are on low potassium diet. Always check with your Doctor if you have any disease or illness first.

I love coconut water and after a strong sweaty workout I feel confident I have replenished my stores. 


Super Food Quinoa for kids
serves 4


Making healthy nutritious meals for the kids can be  challenging. When little eyes tend to judge how things may look. I know your kids will love this recipe, the whole family can enjoy it. It is vegetarian, packed with protein. Remember a little cooked food is ok. Aim for 80% Raw 20 % cooked.
Children need carbs and this is packed with added  fiber. 



INGREDIENTS


1 cup quinoa - cooked 
1 cup brown rice -cooked
1 can chickpeas 
1/2 cup fresh basil
1 cup green beans
1/2 cup carrots
1 brown onion, diced 
1 Tbsp oregano
sea salt
1 Tbspn olive oil
1 Tbson pesto



My tip- Have brown rice and quinoa cooked, prior to making 
this dish a quick and easy 
meal. Great if you get in the door late, for a quick healthy meal.

METHOD

Wash  brown rice and quinoa, then  add onion, bring to the boil, simmer off.
Lightly steam vegetables. Add quinoa, rice, vegetables, chick peas  and all other ingredients to a large pan, and lightly stir fry until well mixed through. No need to over cook, just enough to warm and mix through. This recipe is quick, easy and tasty.
Is Quinoa a Seed or a Grain? It is commonly referred to as a grain, but it is actually a seed, and grain free. It is cooked and used like a grain. You can make bread from it, and use it for many recipes.



If your time poor there is  'No excuses to eat healthy.' Nicky xx








Saturday, February 23, 2013

Do you take the skins off Almonds?


Why take the skin off almonds and why?



Almonds are filled with nutritional value, and becoming a Raw foodist, vegetarian and mostly Vegan nuts and seeds have become a big part of my diet.  Many years  ago I struggled with health issues from all the  weight  training for competitions and eating a  high protein diet I was left with sugar cravings, fluctuating weight and digestive problems. In fact before the competitions I also struggled with sugar cravings,  fluctuating weight, and low immune system. My mum often said I was burning the candle at both ends. She was right. I was over training, depleting my body and depriving my body from eating a  hundred percent wholesome, natural and varied diet. I consumed protein powders, protein bars, a lot of chicken, tuna.  I exercised like a mad thing, from running races , boxing, personal training , spin classes you name it I did it.   At one stage I worked very long hours, trained hard and partied hard. 

Since I have embraced the healing journey of my Yoga and Raw Food lifestyle I have not felt so vibrant healthy young and energised ever before and I am now in my 40's.

Yoga helps you restore and balance your hormonal system. You needn't pound the pavement for hours like I did just to feel light, energised and grounded. In fact looking back it did quite the opposite. But in your twenties you explore all sort of exercise, and it can be fun setting these goals. I have many trophies  from my achievements and all those experiences are what shape and help me help others today.
Setting personal goals can help you enjoy your life, motivate you and keep you active. However as we age, I believe at some point it is critical to really listen to your body and learn how to restore, rejuvenate and re-organise it.

 'IT's also important to know how to prepare, combine and eat foods so that you can create energy and vitality.'

Almonds are a great  source of protein, full of fiber, vitamin E, omega -3, omega -6 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium and zinc.  However it is important to know how to eat almonds.  Correcting you  digestive system is essential for great health and  weight loss. It really is the key to great health and not enough people are giving their digestive system a break. 

Consuming too many almonds with skin on  makes  it difficult  for your digestive system to break them down and eating too many at once can make you put on weight.  Everything in moderation.  Almonds are usually difficult for most people to digest because of an enzyme-inhibiting substance in their brown coating. Soaking or sprouting removes this inhibitor so that the enzymes secreted during digestion can do their job.  
While I was in Bali having Raw Food lessons, I was shown an easy way to remove the skins. I use to soak my nuts with cold water over night., But this way is quick and easy and the nuts taste Delicious, even my daughters loved them. All you have to do is add the almonds to a glass bowl, pour over boiling water, allow to sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze the skin and it will easily pop off. This is something kids love to help out with in the kitchen.
Once you have skinless almonds you can add them to a green bean salad or a basil and brown rice or quinoa salad for extra protein and fiber. 

Next Workshop March 9th Sydney 
email nicky@nickyarthur.com 
Bali Yoga DVD back in stock order today at http://www.nickyarthur.com.au






Sunday, February 10, 2013

February and Love is in the AIR


It's February 
and 
LOVE 
is in the air... 

"It's not about finding the right person, it's about being the right person." Yoga helps us all be more healthy, more patient, more compassionate, more calm, more loving.  

                        Yoga is all about LOVE.

Sweet Greens Juice

From our test kitchen to your home kitchen
Any one who knows me well, I often have a well stocked fridge with an abundance of fresh greens. One of my favorite greens right now is the super food 'Kale' You can do some much with this green vegetable. This week I have created a stunning sweet and satisfying new 'Green Juice' along with Silver beet that also has many health benefits.

We'll be back next week with another wholesome recipe.

Happy juicing,
Nicky xx

 

INGREDIENTS
3 large silver beet leaves, including stalk 
3 kale, including stalk
1 large green apple
1 cup of  fresh pineapple
1 cucumber
1 zucchini 
3 celery stalks 
½ lemon
1 teaspoon fresh ginger 

 

5-10 mins
RAW
Serves 2
UP & COMING WORKSHOPS

Discover a Healthier and Happier You!
Saturday March 9th 2013 9am-12pm $120
VENUE: Northbridge Sailing Club,
end of Sailor’s Bay Road, Northbridge
PRESENTED BY: Nicky Arthur & Kathy Widjaja

Two fantastic speakers, lunch, recipe, meditation, relaxation,take home mindset tools & handouts
Nutrition: valuable questionnaires to help you asses
your current lifestyle and well being.
Motivate, Inspire, Empower