Archive | March, 2011

Quick Hommus

March 27, 2011 by N-Ergise 0 Comments

For those of you who live in Singapore like us you will appreciate just how expensive Hommus can be to buy in the shops! After 2 years of spending what is probably hundreds of pounds on Hommus we finally decided that enough was enough and that we needed to start making our own! We also realised that a lot of the Hommus you can buy, however tasty, has a least one unknown chemical ingredient on the label or it is full of added salt, sugar etc.

We found this recipe and I have to say it is so easy, quick, inexpensive and very tasty! You literally just put all the ingredients in a blender and there you are!

  • 400g tin of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 tbsp of lemon juice
  • 1-2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp of cumin
  • handful of fresh coriander (optional)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Enjoy with chopped crudities (peppers, broccoli, celery or carrots)

Recipe Ideas

Quinoa

March 18, 2011 by N-Ergise 0 Comments

If you haven’t tried this awesome ‘superfood’  pronounced ‘keen-waa’ yet then you are seriously missing out!

Quinoa is not only really delicious but it’s also one of the best sources of protein in the plant kingdom.

So, what’s great about it?

It’s low in fat and full of slow release carbohydrates which means it balances blood sugar levels. It also contains all eight essential amino acids making it a complete protein. I also love it because it  contains B vitamins  making it a great energy booster and for all you worriers out there it can even help to combat stress!

What do I do with it?

  1. Soak the quinoa for 15 min in the cooking pot. Soaking helps quinoa to cook evenly, and loosens up the outer coating of saponin, which can give a bitter taste if not removed
  2. If you don’t have time for a longer soaking, use hot water and soak for five minutes
  3. To Rinse: Stir the quinoa with your hand, and carefully pour off the rinsing water, using a fine mesh strainer at the last
  4. Drain quinoa well in the strainer, transfer to the cooking pot, add 1 1/2 cups water & 1/2 tsp salt if desired
  5. Bring to a boil, cover with a tight fitting lid, and turn the heat down to simmer
  6. Cook for 15 minutes
  7. Remove quinoa from heat and allow to sit five minutes with the lid on
  8. Fluff quinoa gently with a fork and serve

Coming shortly… check out the recipe section for healthy, tasty Quinoa Recipes!

Energising Foods

Increase your Metabolism by 50-100 Calories per Day!

March 16, 2011 by N-Ergise 0 Comments

If you want to burn off  additional calories then try weight training!

For every 1lb of lean muscle mass gained you can burn off an additional 50-100 calories per day at REST. To put it into context 100 calories equates to a bread roll, a cookie or a glass of white wine.

Ok, I am not talking about turning your body into Arnold Schwarzenegger but just doing your squats, lunges, shoulder presses etc will help you to build muscle and turn that flab into fab!

Make sure you also get in a sufficient amount of protein as this will help to repair and grow those muscles. Research has shown it is most beneficial to get additional protein at breakfast, so include a hard boiled egg with your toast or natural yogurt with your cereal.

Fitness Tips