Today we are exploring 5 products that you might not have tried before, but might just learn to love.
Besides the health benefits for weight loss, which are numerous, it’s also a good thing to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Who knows, you might just become a convert!
Haloumi
First up, the salty, squeaky, seriously tasty cheese haloumi. You might have seen it in the cheese section next to the feta.
Haloumi originated in Cyprus, and is traditionally made with cow, goat, or sheeps milk. It’s a firm cheese that you can grill in a frying pan or on the BBQ.
Interestingly, unlike most cheeses, it doesn’t melt when heated. It retains its shape and is quite firm (a bit like form tofu). Great for popping on top of a salad with some roast pumpkin, or adding to some veggie kebabs.
The 3 main health benefits of haloumi are protein (100g of haloumi has 22.5g of protein); it is rich in calcium (100g provides almost all of your daily recommended amount); and it also contains Vitamin A (100g provides 17.5% of your daily requirement).
Recipe to try: Chickpea and Haloumi Salad with Pita Bread Croutons (pictured).
Quinoa
Pronounced ‘keen-wa’ this gluten free seed can comfortably take over from rice as a side dish; bulk out a muffin instead of using flour; take over from oats as a breakfast porridge; and fluff out a salad instead of cous cous.
Quinoa has a high protein content, along with a healthy serving of iron and fibre, all essential components for healthy weight loss. The best part is that the protein will help keep you full for longer, making it the ideal energy source for busy mums who want to lose baby weight but not feel hungry.
Recipe to try: Nutty Quinoa Protein Ball
LSA
LSA stands for linseed, sunflower kernel and almond mix. The nuts and seeds have been finely ground to give you a breadcrumb-like consistency.
Gluten free and nutrient dense, LSA mix can be added to almost any meal to give it an extra hit of protein, fibre and omega-3 fatty acids.
LSA is also packed full of essential nutrients like magnesium, vitamins E, D, B1, B2, B5, calcium, potassium and zinc.
Pop it into your Healthy Mummy Smoothie, sprinkle over yoghurt or cereal, and even add it to your baking.
Recipe to try: Healthy Wholegrain Banana Bread.
Chia Seeds
Pronounced ‘chee-ya’, these gluten free goodies are tiny in size, but pack a real nutritional punch. Packed full of fibre, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, they’re also what is referred to as a ‘complete protein.’
This means that they contain all the essential amino acids your body needs to stay fit and healthy.
The seeds actually act as a mild appetite suppressant as they keep you feeling full for longer, largely due to their protein content and ability to absorb more than 12 times their own weight in water. This means they’ll fill you up, without adding any extra calories.
Adding chia to your normal meals may mean that you end up eating less, simply because you’re unable to fit in your usual portion, due to all the chia filling up your tummy!
Similar to LSA you can add them to your Healthy Mummy Smoothie, on your yoghurt or cereal, or as a healthy addition to your baking.
Recipe to try: Healthy Bircher Breakfast with Crushed Almonds and Chia
Cacao
Pronounced ‘ka-cow’, cacao is a type of tropical tree, part of the evergreen family, that produces the world’s chocolate in raw form. That means before fat, sugar, and other sweeteners are added. It is available in powder form, or as nibs (little pieces).
Cacao is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that make it almost a super food or natural multi vitamin. Cacao beans are loaded with many essential minerals the body needs. These include magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese. And essential vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and Pantothenic acid.
By weight, cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than blueberries, red wine, or black and green teas. In fact, it has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in green tea.
While cacao is highly nutritious, as with most things it can be fattening if not eaten in moderation.
It is much more bitter than chocolate, but once you get used to the taste it can make a tasty addition to your recipes. Add a teaspoon to your favourite Healthy Mummy Smoothie for an indulgent chocolate hit; use it in desserts instead of cocoa; sprinkle over cereal or add the nibs to your home made trail mix.
Recipe to try: Cacao Mousse
In a blender, mix together 2 medium sized ripe avocados (peeled and chopped up),
1/2 cup raw cacao powder, 90mls agave nectar and 1/2 tspn vanilla bean paste until smooth and creamy. Spoon into dishes and refrigerate until firm.
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If you are ready to lose weight then the Lose Baby Weight plans offer a healthy and safe exercise and diet routine and you can get a 10% discount by using code LOYALTY at the checkout.
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