Paleo Waffles (NOT VEGAN)

by Layla Brice,
 
 The perfect breakfast in bed recipe to treat your Valentine!
  • 3 eggs room temp (can seperate them if you choose for extra fluffiness)
  • 1/2 cup organic coconut milk 
  • 6 Tbsp coconut oil refined, melted and cooled to almost room temp
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cup blanched almond flour
  • 1/4 cup tapioca flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, combine all the dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, coconut milk, maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix by hand until well combined.
If separating the eggs, beat the egg whites on high speed with an electric hand mixer until stiff peaks form, then fold egg whites into batter to combine.
Heat your waffle iron and brush it well with coconut oil 
Pour batter into the centre of iron, gently spreading just a bit before closing. Cook waffles according to your waffle iron’s instructions. This recipe will make about 4-6 servings but may vary depending on your iron. 

Serve with optional toppings such as berries, nut butter, coconut whipped cream and additional maple syrup. 


Interview with Qnola

by Layla Brice, , link

 We're thrilled to have had the opportunity to interview Danielle Copperman, Founder of Qnola, full time model, qualified nutritionalist, food writer and chef! We talk eating natural, feeling good and juggling the two with modern day life.

 

So, tell us the story behind Qnola. What was your motivation behind developing a healthy alternative breakfast?

Qnola is a range of quinoa-based breakfast goods free from gluten, dairy and refined sugars and made from only 100% natural ingredients. Our original products are paleo, vegan and super high in fibre, protein and antioxidants. We have also just launched a range with grains (which is not paleo), to keep up with demand and customer desires as we expand into new markets. I started making Qnola for myself when I changed my diet quite drastically in 2013 in order to enhance my skin and energy levels and to keep in shape for my career as a model. Before starting Qnola, I was addicted to sugary, shop bought granola's and when I cut out gluten and sugar from my diet, I was inspired to make something just as delicious and just as simple and quick to prepare, using whole and functional ingredients.

Like you, we believe that consuming things that are good for you is key to ‘feeling good’. What was the process behind selecting and developing your ‘feel good’ ingredients?

I just did a lot of research. I studied a diploma in nutrition and also just read loads of books and research online. In the end it was simple; I only used ingredients that were close to their natural form - i.e. not having processed, heated or refined, and as fresh and functional as possible. We source our ingredients as locally as possible and are proud to be using quinoa grown right here in Britain.  
 After discovering the benefits of eating natural, what was the first thing you noticed after cutting out processed and refined foods from your diet?
 
The first things I began to notice were no headaches, better and brighter skin and more energy. I also experienced less bloating and, strangely, less hunger and less cravings (after the initial few days of withdrawal symptoms!).

You’re a full time model, qualified nutritionalist, food writer and chef! What is your secret to managing such a busy schedule whilst maintaining your health and wellbeing?
 
Mmm, it is overwhelming more often than not! I truly live and breath what I do and so maintaining health and wellbeing is actually the easiest part. I know my body and mind now after years of research and tuning into my ever-changing needs and cravings, and I know what it likes and needs and what doesn't serve it at all. When I'm working, I find it super easy to eat well, as I prepare my own food as much as I can, or have become familiar with eateries all over the city that I rely on for unprocessed 'proper' foods when I'm out and about. The only times my healthy and wellbeing falter are when I'm super busy and rundown or stressed. but I use sleep, yoga, meditation and herbs and adaptogens to manage these at the onset of these kinds of symptoms. I guess its all about being educated and empowered and confident in yourself and the power of natural foods to keep you feeling good. I of course have less healthy foods from time to time, but I understand how to act in moderation and maintain balance. I think unhealthy foods can be just as important as the healthy ones, as eating something purely for its taste and because you enjoy it is incredibly satisfying and joyful, and I think the minute you get stressed out by trying to eat well all the time, the attempt can be almost counteractive.
 
We love your morning melodies feature on Spotify and agree that waking up well is vital to feeling well. What was the inspiration behind the song selection?
 
Our tagline Wake Up Well is the core of our business and we emphasise that, although our products are incredibly functional, we don't promise you will feel 'well' simply from adding them to your diet. For us it goes much deeper, and we suggest all kinds of things, from fragrance, movement, rituals and, like you said, music. Music is such a powerful tool and can really have an effect on your mood. We like to include energising and uplifting melodies in our playlists aimed to invigorate but also bring joy and happiness to the morning, to ensure you start the day in a good mood. You can't feel miserable with Sister Sledge blasting in the background!
 

Ombar - Why we love them

by Layla Brice, , link

We've collaborated with Ombar for our limited edition Valentine's Gift Box this year so we asked them to share with us what makes them great - and we sure do agree!

Ombar's Lucy Day - 

We’ve unpacked the ingredients of conventional chocolate, thrown out the bad stuff, and put it back together again to make a healthier, tastier chocolate bar.


WE RESPECT THE CACAO
Starting with the incredible cocoa beans all chocolate is made from, we keep ‘em raw.  In normal chocolate they are roasted at high temperatures, which is damaging to healthy compounds like flavanols.  We call this RAW CACAO.

WE FOUND A BETTER SUGAR
There’s no two ways about it – refined sugar sucks.  We discovered whole, unrefined coconut sugar made from the sap of the palm tree, complete with minerals and tasty caramel flavour.  Did you know we were the first chocolate maker in Europe to make chocolate with coconut sugar?

WE DITCHED THE DAIRY
Whilst our chocolate is definitely not just for vegans, we’re proud to have created an uber-creamy, dairy-free mylk chocolate using coconut instead of dairy milk.  Because a plant-based diet makes better sense for our planet and for our bodies. 

WE MADE IT HEALTHIER
Having already chased all the bad stuff out of town, we’ve got plenty of room for healthy superfoods like blueberries, acai and gojis – all real, whole fruits, no compromises.  We even throw in a healthy dose of friendly bacteria for good measure.

We are also really passionate about looking after all the people who work for Ombar, even the cacao farmers, so we have a team member based out in Ecuador who works directly with small cooperatives helping them improve their farming practices to get more money for their crops.

Here is their founding story: https://www.ombar.co.uk/pages/the-ombar-story

 



Established London 2009
100% Organic Cold-Pressed
Delivered across the UK