My 3 weeks on carbs! ...and what I learned

I feel like I've said this a lot lately (no kidding!) and yet I'm going to say it again. I've just returned from Africa and the amount of life lessons, knowledge and experience I've returned with has been monumental.

I'm guessing a food blog is the not the place to go into depth about the harrowing poverty and confronting encounters and utter joy/ pure happiness on kid's faces who had nothing and all the other indescribable sights I witnessed.

Instead, I think a food blog is a perfect forum to go into depth about some of the experiences I encountered with the food (being blessed with a bit of a sensitive stomach and all!)

Just kidding- I know it's me ;)

I had a few concerns before embarking on the trip to Tanzania:

1. There wouldn't be enough protein for me and I'd have to eat meat to ensure I didn't get sick.
2. There would be mainly unhealthy sugar-laden foods that would mess with my stomach.
3. There wouldn't be enough food to cater for my hangry double side of me.
4. I can't remember any others but I was a bit of a nervous wreck.

In case you're reading this and thinking; 'What is wrong with this girl?' Please refer to this post where I go into depth about a time in my life where I struggled with eating and living to perfections (that is NOT living by the way!) and it's true that parts of that crazy old part of me still resurfaces and can create some food angst in me.

But here's something crazy that happened on the trip. I ate what I wanted, when I wanted and what my body was telling me it wanted. And I survived.

Shocker, right?

But seriously, it's probably been a good few years since I've allowed myself to relax like that and just enjoy... life. And the people around me and the utterly delicious food in front of me!

It became evident very early on that African cuisine focused around fats and carbs. Emphasis on the carbs.

But the beautiful thing about African cuisine was it was all fresh. Unprocessed. Made from scratch merely hours before. That included the breads, scrolls, buns etc. We would walk past the kitchen window and see the cooks rolling out great masses of dough that we knew would feature in our next meal, warm and fresh and delicious.

As I've mentioned before, this trip was demanding. It was hot in Africa (surprise, surprise) and we would spend full days outside doing some sort of activity or another. Food was fuel to keep us going and the white bread and white rice and white potatoes and other carb-y goodness were what we needed to get through. Often I would find myself finishing a meal (be it soup/ stew/ stir-fry) and reaching for a buttered bread roll afterwards because my body instantly felt replenished after I had eaten it. It didn't take long for me to realise the carbs (even though they were white- not something I'm used to) were what I needed to power through.

There would be days where I would have 4-5-6 pieces of bread. I inhaled the delightful warm cinnamon scrolls at breakfast, thickly spread their home-made salted peanut butter onto my fresh toast, laughed as I ate the Vegemite scrolls they'd whipped up especially for us with one of the girl's tubes of Vegemite she had brought over.

African cuisine uses a lot of beans. And veg. And mushrooms. And there were always eggs at breakfast and yoghurt. Protein was not an issue. There was also A LOT of food. And I did not shy away from going up for seconds (or thirds) the food was just too good!

I was probably the easiest to feed out of all the students because this was my kind of diet, and I reckon I could live in Afrcia (especially after seeing them put bananas in a curry. Life complete.)

All this is to say that my trip to Tanzania opened my eyes again. Showed me what life is like when you step away from the constant analysing of food and just enjoy where you are, what you're doing and who you're with.

My body didn't grow/shrink at all during this diet change up and I feel that's because I listened to what it wanted (and did increase my intake- I'm fairly sure!). I didn't die. I didn't lose a limb. I didn't even cry (only when watching a sad movie on the plane).

Instead I was happy. I laughed and enjoyed the energy food had given me, proving me once more how gosh darn incredible food can be!

Now I'm really craving those cinnamon scrolls!!

You're turn:
Have you ever had a pivotal moment in your life that re-opened your eyes to the world?
Has a trip ever forced you to drastically change your diet?
Any bad food experiences in other places?

That's it from me today folks, I'm just thinking out loud thanks to the awesome Spoons for the link-up! Have yourself a wonderful day and do something nice for someone else- it'll alwasy bring a smile to both your faces :). Bye!! :D

WIAW #75- Overdosing... on VEG!

Hidy ho friendly friends!

No fancy intro today- all you need to know is that it is Wednesday, I eat food and this is a full day of eats! WIAW style! Thanks as always to Peas and Crayons for creating this awesome weekly link-up for us bloggers to drool over everyone else's food... and maybe get some inspo along the way ;).

Now- FOOOOD!

Breakfast: 7:45am
This is a look into one of my last few days of holidays and first few days of being back in Australia after returning from Africa- in other words, ALL the veg and fruit and fresh stuff and deliciousness!

My brekky:

 Rich, chocolatey fudge bites made with oats, oat bran, mashed banana, raw cacao powder, almond butter, chia seeds, cinnamon and almond milk- all mashed up together and placed in the freezer for around 30 mins.

 Eaten alongside some super creamy, sweet mango fro-yo:

 Frozen mango + greek yoghurt- whazzed in a food processor until smooth.

 Yup, it tasted as good as it looks!

 Then it just got better...

Lunch: 12:15pm
Ever since I've come back my hunger seems to kick in all at once and with a vengeance. So this was a quick throw-together meal of chopped up raw veg (capsicum, carrot, tomato, peas, corn, beetroot, spinach,  mixed sprouted beans and a torn up quinoa veggie burger:

 So fresh and exactly what the body ordered!

 Nom.

Snack: 3:30pm
Again, super hungry- again, I ate :)

 Some delicious crisp and sweet watermelon with two chopped up kiwi's (skin on- it's great trust me!) and a mug of soy milk.

Dinner: 6:45pm
I was still in veggie-land (you don't know how much you miss something until it's gone!) so I roasted up some pumpkin, potato, sweet potato, parsnip, brussels and eggplant in some olive oil for around 45-50 minutes at 180 degrees celsius:

 Then I added in some spinach and lentils to the bowl and devoured (it was a tad hot but Steph was hungry!!)

 Nothing beats roasted veg!

 And there's just something about roasting eggplant and brussels sprouts that take their flavour to a whole new level!

 Finishing off the night with 4 pitted dates- nom!

Aaaand that's what I ate!

What about you?
Do you ever make super-chocolatey breakfasts? It's quite the regular occasion for me!
Ever come home from a trip and eat ALL the veggies?
Favourite vegetable to roast and why? 

I hope you all have a fabulous day and eat something super delicious. Feel free to share your delicious adventures with me too! Bye for now friendly friends! :D

Meal prep for the week!

Hello there!

As you may have guessed from the title, Steph is right back into the swing of things with some meal prep from what is most likely going to be a hectic first week back at school for term 4 (also known as exam term!!!).
I feel like I need an extra week off at home to truly feel as though I've had some holidays (5 days- where most of those days were spent getting over fatigue and jet lag- is not enough to rest and recover and rejuviante for what is definitely going to be a challenging next few weeks!).

Alas, I do not have an extra week, so I had to jump into my organised and prepared Steph jeans and start getting my life back in an ordered fashion to prevent any unwanted stress. In short, I did some meal prep for the week's lunches.

Because I'm not one to enjoy eating the same thing day-in-day-out (unless it is nut butter- even then I change it up between nut types ;) my meal prep involves two different creations that cater for 2 days (four days in total) and generally the 2 meals it creates are slightly different as well.

Now that I've successfully confused you, I'll explain what I mean and hopefully you can gain some meal prep inspo!

First off the ranks was a kind of green salad-y type thing-o made with lots of fresh yummy flavours and the capacity to change up the grains (which is what I did).

Here's how to make your very own:

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of cooked grain (I used millet and freekeh)
5 chopped cherry tomatoes
1/4 red capsicum chopped
1 green capsicum copped
2 x 125g tin mixed 4 beans
Handful of bean sprouts

Green sauce:
1 bunch basil
1 large handful spinach
squeeze of lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Method:
1. Place half the veg in a bowl- the other in another bowl.
2. Add each grain to a single bowl (or just the one bowl if you have just one grain)
3. Place every ingredient for the green sauce into a small food processor and process until combined.
4. Stir half the sauce into each bowl.
5. Transfer to separate containers and store in the fridge until required 

Dee-lish!

The second meal I prepped was original going to be ratatouille, but then I started adding some more random stuff in, so now I call it a delicious random assortment stew!

 Ingredients:
You can basically chuck any veg you like in the pot but here's what I used:
A handful of chopped sweet potato (2 cm cubes)
handful of chopped white potato (2 cm cubes)
1/4 large zucchini (chopped to the same size as potato)
1/4 large eggplant (same size)
handful of chopped cherry tomatoes
4-5 chopped button mushrooms
1 teaspoon garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon rosemary
2 tablespoons no-added-salt tomato paste

Polenta:
Either ready made polenta, or follow directions on packet (vary) then spread onto baking paper, leave to the side for 10-15 mins, then slice into cubes, fry off slightly in a pan with some olive oil.

Method:
Place the garlic and potatoes in a saucepan over medium heat and cook for a few minutes until fragrant and slightly browned
2. Add all the other veggies and cook for a further few minutes
3. Add some water and continue cooking for 1 minute- then add the tomato paste, herbs and 2 cups of water and stir to combine.
4. Place a lid over the pot and boil for 20 minutes (make sure the water doesn't run out- but don't add so much that it loses flavour)

5. Remove lid, continue cooking for 5 mins until most of the water is absorbed and then stir through the slightly fried polenta bites:

 Tasty leftover polenta never goes to waste!

 6. Leave to cool slightly and then transfer to a container to be placed in the fridge until required.

ENJOY!


I can't tell you how relived I am to have 4 meals prepped and waiting in the fridge for this week and even though it takes out about an hour from my day- it definitely saves me so much time during the week! Definitely give it a go!!

Your turn:
Are you a meal prepper?
Favourite meals to prep?
Do you eat the same meals day in day out because that's how your prep works?

That's it from me today folks. We'll see how much posting I can get done during the week, but until next time- have a great week, eat something awesome and do something everyday that makes you proud to be you! Bye for now friendly friends!! :D

Sundays, pancakes and links you'll love!

Happy Sunday friendly friends!!

Guess what I did today without even realising it (still not sure what day/ time/ year it is currently ;)?

I made pancakes!

On pancake Sunday!

Pat on the back for Steph!

They were even banana pancakes. With big warm gooey chunks of banana scattered randomly throughout. And cherry fro-yo to go with :) (frozen cherries + remaining banana + greek yoghurt- whazzed in food processor)

T'was good!

So that was breakfast- now onto the links I've been loving from the week!!!

Food:

Healthy Edible Banana Bread Batter for one (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free)

Vegan Cupcakes in Mini Cones

Vegan Buttercream Frosting

Homemade pumpkin spice soda

Baked sweet potato falafels with tahini sauce

Fitness:

Why Running Recovery Phases Are Important

Strength Training for the Time-Pressed Runner

Chair Workout - Kayla Itsines

Running Is Never Boring

Health:

Q&A Friday: sugar addiction

How To Eat For Your Body Type, According To Ancient Wisdom

 Good Reads/ Funny:

Can You Get Through This Post Without Craving Cake?

Differences Between Working Out in Your 20s vs. Your 30s

9 Fitness Quotes That'll Make You Feel Strong

Here’s What Actually Happens When You Eat Horrifying Vintage Recipes

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your day, relax, have fun, do something you love and as always; eat something delicious! Bye for now freinds!! :D

A little recap!

Hidy-ho friendly friends!
Happy Friday to you all!

Now, I'm going to go ahead and guess that you might want to know just a little bit about what I did in Africa, if not just wanting to know all the different and awesome foods I ate (this is a food blog, I know, and I'm guessing that's why the majority of you are here? :)!

Unfortunately, like the terrible food blogger I am, I didn't actually take a single photo of my food. Oops. What I did save the memory on my card for was photos like this instead:

 See what I'm saying?

So instead I'll simply describe it for you.

My school took 14 students to Tanzania as a way to give back to a school tied to ours (called St Michaels) and also to experience the complete foreign-ness of another culture. And that we did! Tanzanians are the most open, generous, welcoming and simply inspiring people I have ever met and most likely will ever meet.

Anyone you met in the streets would stop and greet you, maybe even shake your hands once, twice or five times.

I won't lie, there were moments when I truly felt challenged/intimidated/plain scared, but there were far more moments when I felt what can only be described as true in-the-moment happiness!

It is almost impossible to put what I experienced into words but just know this; when I returned from this trip to Tanzania I felt a change in me that I have not yet worked out. Somehow I look and pretty much am the exact same as I was when I left. But I know deep down that I'm not.

Now back to the food. Because let's be honest, we're all food lovers here.

Everyone kept worrying about how/what I was going to eat while in Tanzania as my vegetarian and low dairy diet had been a problem on previous camps. But to quite a few people's surprise I was probably the easiest to feed out of the whole 14 of us. The meals were generally traditional African, which meant veggies, beautiful sauces, lots of fruit, lots of freshly made breads and LOTS of rice. Yes the breads and rice and other grains were white (gasp!) but in all honesty I could feel my body crying out for the energy source after a long day in the hot sun.

I definitely didn't come short on my veggie intake and experienced some of the best meals of my life. There were beautiful mushroom dishes, many fried rice creations, carefully spiced soups and stews and even a curry with bananas in it(they were green bananas that tasted quite similar to potatoes when cooked up in a curry sauce.).

Some of the other vegetarians who didn't like veggies (yes, I was/am confused as well.) found it extremely challenging to meet their energy needs when all they would eat was bread and fruit, but in all honesty, it's times like this when you really have to let go and dive in to a new experience.

literally ;)

So that was my experience with African food. I'm not going to pretend I wasn't looking forward to cooking my own meals when I got home though- I was craving the kitchen! So here's a look at what I ate on my first full day back (Thursday):

Breakfast:

 I was reunited with my baby- the Vitamix, and whipped up the thickest (it was soft serve consistency) green smoothies ever!

 Frozen banana, frozen avocado, frozen cherries, rolled oats, chia seeds, vanilla protein powder, crunchy peanut butter, spinach and water.

 Yeh, I had to take off the lid and eat it with a spoon. It was delicious!!

Lunch:

 I just wanted ALL the veggies. And no grains.

 Voila! Broccoli, beans, broad beans, peas, carrot, four beans, capsicum, tomato and spinach topped off with some blobs of hommus. Just what the body needed!

Dinner:

 Roast veg (pumpkin, parsnip, swede, beetroot and sweet potato) cooked in olive oil, cumin, coriander and basil, with some spelt pasta spirals, lentils and spinach boiled with the pasta in the last few minutes:

 Again- delicious!

Sad to be gone away the beautiful Tanzania but happy to be home in the beautiful Australia- complete opposites. It's a weird feeling but one that I'll have to learn to live with. Until I do, let's focus on eating the best foods, enjoying every single second of the wonderful life we're blessed with and taking every opportunity to say yes!

Your turn:
Have you ever been to Africa?
Best school trip you ever went on?
Ever had banana curry?

Have yourself a wonderful Friday! Take a moment to think about how blessed you are! Bye for now friendly friends! :D

I'M HOME!!!

Greetings strangers!

It's been a while and seems like a whole year since I last posted, but then I think back to my time in Africa and it seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye (no that was not meant to rhyme!)

I will most likely do a longer post on my time/ experiences (and food adventures!) in Africa a bit later but this is just to say Hi! once again and also that I'm quite glad to be back to cooking for myself (even though having someone else prepare all my meals was kinda awesome!) and being back in Aus with family and friends!!

Until next time...

Bye for now friendly friends!! :D