30 small things bringing me joy

There have been several points in my life where I have really struggled to find joy. The world has felt dark and all consuming. Round every corner is a new panic attack and my heart feels filled with dispare. I dropped in and out of these periods of my life for a long time before I discovered I was not on my own in this feeling. In fact I didn’t actually realise how common it was until I started on the journey to heal and learn how to manage these emotions.

Through my healing journey, one of the most powerful things I learnt was that happiness is a skill. For most of my life I believed that happiness was something that would come once my life ‘fell into place’. I found my self constantly striving for an idealist life that I pictured would help me to finally attain the mythical happiness. When I finally realised that happiness was a skill to be practiced everyday before it became a habit…. a weight was lifted from all the pressures of ‘need’.

There are still times ofcourse where this knowledge slips and my strive to practice, is overcome by the temptation that it would all be so much easier if I just had more.

However whenever I see myself slipping back into the darkness, I find one practice brings me back. Listing my joy.

Listing moments of joy, not matter how small, triggers something so powerful in your mind. Although at first it can feel uncomfortable, with practice you will re-programe your brain to find small moments of joy everywhere you go.

To help get you started here are 30 things that are bringing me joy right now.

  1. My husband bringing me my morning coffee in bed, and a little snuggles and chats we have while I drink it.
  2. My youngest daughter sleeping in just that little bit later, allowing me to wake up a bit more gently.
  3. Making things with my hands again. It helping me reconnect with my body in a creative way that I started to forget.
  4. Time spent talking to my eldest daughter about her favourite games, and embracing her special interests.
  5. Falling back in love with my home again. Making things for our home is helping me feel like its actually our space again, and somewhere I want to be at the end of the day.
  6. Swimming. Being back in the water this year has lifted my mindset. As someone with a-lot of fire in me, contact with water helps me rebalance and cool off.
  7. Autumn leaves. This is the first week were we have found some crunchy leaves on our walks, its just so satisfying.
  8. Sweater weather. I live for the cosy.
  9. Simple meals. Life is busy, but making the same simple meals again and again that I know are nutritious and enjoyable makes it all so much easier.

11. All my friends who are there to chat to at a moments notice. There have been many times in my life where I felt this wasn’t possible but thankfully now I know who I can turn and talk to.

12. I understand what my body needs more than ever, my health doesn’t feel like a guessing game any more.

13. My furbaby. who doesnt love fluffy snuggles.

14. The playlist my husband makes for me.

15. Embracing comfy loose fit clothes again. Comfort wins everytime.

16. When my kids try to tell a joke and it makes absolutely no sence.

17. Tea, all the teas.

18. Yoga and Tai Chi, for helping me control and embrace my energy.

19. The smell of baking on the weekends.

20. Learning about literally anything.

21. Time spent outside.

22. Everytime I get inspired with a new creative idea and even mores o when I already have the reasoures to carry it out.

23. Date nights with my husband and date days with my girls. Making the most of the opportunity for 1-on-1 time.

24. Clean bed sheets after long herbal salt baths.

25. Board game nights. I like the excuse to be away from screens these days,. Board games give us that opportunity, along with actual human interaction.

26. Listening to old music. Nostalgia.

27. Anything cinnamon flavour.

28. Listening to a rain storm while I am snuggled up warm, with a hot chocolate and my sketch book.

29. Planning with my family. It can be adventures or just what game we are going to play on the weekend. Having something to look forward to lifts my heart.

30. Movie nights with all the snacks.

Taking the time to be consciously thankful for this little things can make a big impact in how we see the world. Life is made up of many more small moments that big. We so often will let big bad moments control our emotions throughout the day but we only allow the big good moments to shift our mood. When we choose to recognise the little good moments a powerful shift in the dynamic of our perspective of the world happens.

Is it easy? No. Like any change that takes conscious focus, it takes discipline. But it is so worth it.


This blog follows my personal research and learning into health and wellbeing, as well as my own personal comments on the subject matters. All blog posts contain my own personal opinions and does not reflect the opinions of any organisations I may be affiliated with. Any information I provide on my blogs is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge but there may be omissions, errors or mistakes that I am unaware of. All information presented on this blog is for informational purposes only and shouldn’t been seen as advice. I reserve the right to change how I manage or run my blog and may change the focus or content on my blog at any time 

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Raw Fudgy Pecan Bars Recipe

Deliciously decadent fudgy pecan bars are the perfect afternoon pic me up. With the perfect combo of high fibre carbs and fatty protein, these energy bars give you an all-round balanced source of energy, not to mention the vast mix of vitamins and minerals to help your body effectively metabolise.

Ingredient Notes:

You’ll notice there are surprisingly little ingredients in these energy bars, making them a great budget make, however getting the right ingredients is important. Here are a few quick tips for getting the right ingredient and alternatives when needed.

Pecans: I really enjoy pecans in this recipe, but it works perfectly well with any nuts. From a nutritional point of view, all nuts have slightly different nutritional value, so using a mixture or a different variety every-time you make a batch would be ideal. From a financial perspective peanuts are cheapest and do work well in this recipe, especially with an added pinch of sea-salt.

Dates: Ideally go for mejool dates, they have the best sticky fudgy texture. Majool are fairly expensive though, so if you are on a budget, opt for those cheep extra dry dates, and rehydrate them. You can do this by pouring hot water over them and letting they sit for 30 minuets, this will help them get that sticky rich texture we need for the bars.

Cacao: Raw cacao is ideal. Cacao is minimally process cocoa bean, allowing more of nutrients to remain unaffected, however it is more expensive and cocoa powder (roasted and processed) is more readily available, cheaper and still contains many of the nutritional benefits of cacao.

Raw Fudgy Pecan Bars

Deliciously decadent raw energy bars.
Course Snack

Equipment

  • 1 high speed food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pecans
  • 2 mugs dates
  • 3 tbsp cacao powder

Instructions
 

  • Place all the ingredients in the food processor, and blend until the dates and cacao are fully combinded and smooth. Don't worry about getting the pecans smooth, they are best a little chunky.
  • Transfer the mixture into a lined baking tray, and smooth them out as even as you can.
  • Freeze the mixture for an hour to help them set.
  • Once set cut into your desired size and store in the fridge.

Notes

Remember any nuts will work so use what you have, or mix it up every time. Different nuts have different nutritional benefits, so variety is always a good thing. 

If you would like more recipes like this explore the site for free, or checkout all these ways to support the running of this site and out work:

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Peanut butter flapjacks.

Great for breakfast or a snack, these yummy peanut butter flapjacks will give you the energy you need for the day. Packed full of complex carbohydrates, along with healthy fats and protein.

Ingredient Notes:

Oats: rolled porridge oats are best for texture

Peanut Butter: you can opt for any nut butter you like they are all delicious had hold great nutritional benefits. I tend to stick to peanut butter for this recipe due to it being easily available and more cost effective. If you prefer a creamier milder flavour I highly recomend cashew butter.

Maple syrup: You can opt for agave syrup or honey (if you are not vegan)but maple syrup is my favourite for flavour.

Bananas: you want some really ripe bananas here, they will be sweeter and cook down better, if you’ve only got green. give this recipe a miss they really wont work.

85% Dark Chocolate: Don’t substitute, dark high cocoa chocolate is not only nutritionally superior but will give the perfect sweetness balance to these flapjacks.

Peanut butter flapjacks

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 4 tbsp peanut butter
  • 4 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 bar dark 85% chocolate

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 220c(180c fan)
  • Mash the bananas and transfer to a small saucepan.
  • Add the maple syrup and peanut butter to the pan and slowly bring to a simmer on a low heat.
  • Allow to simmer while stiring for 2-3 minuets
  • It should now be a deep brown and everything fully combined.
  • Take off the heat and stir in the oats, making sure all the oats are coverd
  • transfer to a deep baking dish and press down firmly making sure it is tightly compact.
  • Bake in the oven for 15-20 minuets.
  • When golden brown on the edges remove from the oven.
  • Leaving in the dish, brake up your chocolate and scatter it on top of the hot flapjacks.
  • Let the chocolate sit for a few minuets to melt before using a spoon to spread it out.
  • Allow the flapjacks and chocolate to cook completely before cutting, and storing in an airtight container.

If you would like more recipes like this explore the site for free, or checkout all these ways to support the running of this site and out work:

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10 Nourishing Plant Based Soups

Soup Season!!

We are finally on the brighter side of Winter, but that doesn’t mean it’s warming up just yet. If anything its going to get a bit colder first. Don’t worry though we have got you covered with this warming and nourishing soups. Perfect to warm you up from the inside and keep your immune system strong to ward off those pesky bugs.

1. Sweet potato and coconut soup with crispy kale

A creamy satisfying soup, perfect for those with a bit of a sweet tooth. Bringing a great balance of complex carbs, healthy fats, a little protein and of-course wonderful super greens. Crispy kale makes a wonderful nutritious alternative to croutons, great if you like a little texture.

2. Creamy brocoli soup

Cant get enough of those cruciferous veggies! They are packed with so much goodness, and this recipe is a great way to get your broccoli.

3. Spinach Soup

One for those struggling with iron levels. My partner makes this for me every-time I’m sick. Not only is it full of so so so much spinach, but immune supporting garlic and onions give it the more divine flavour. Not forgetting this soup has some sneaky hidden protein, great to support aching muscles during a cold.

4. Squash Soup

We grow so much squash every year I had to include this classic. In fact we love this so much it is our starter for Christmas dinner every year.

5. Thai Noodle Soup

The spice in this will kick any colds but!. Honestly Ive never seen anything clear a snotty nose like it. Wolf down a bowl of this deliciousness, fall straight to sleep, and let your body heal.

6. Lentil Soup

Classic, and great if your watching your protein levels. This tastes almost just like a vegetable soup, but it is giving you that bit extra to keep you full and energised.

7. Tomato Soup

I cant go the Winter without some tomato soup, it’s just a moment from our childhoods. After walking home from school in the pouring down rain . Bliss

8. Quick vegetable Soup

I love a good basic vegetable soup, simply for the fridge clear out. Its a satisfying, I make this meal from scraps feeling. I have beat the system…… not quite but I get excited anyway.

9. Vibrant Pea Soup

This was one a the very first meals I made in my own house, experimenting with changing my diet. It was an exciting and daunting time. I had very little money, and alot of my meals where made from food bank boxes. I didn’t know how I was going to heal myself with such little money, but I was determined.

10. Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

I couldn’t resist with this recipe. Although I never had is as a child, but as someone who grew up with an obsession with American sitcoms, it still felt like a staple I had to experience. This version with rice noodles and homemade chicken seitan is perfection. The effort is totally worth the comfort factor.


If you would like more recipes like this explore the site for free, or checkout all these ways to support the running of this site and out work  …….

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Please be aware all information in this blog is based on my own personal experience and research, and I am not a medical professional. If you are needing advice about a medical condition, please seek advice from a medical professional.

Black Forest Smoothie

I have fond memories as a child of my parents hosting dinner parties for friends and family. Most of these memories revolve around the joy of choosing what dessert to eat, there would always be a beautiful selection of cheesecakes, gateaus and ice creams, and no matter what we picked we would always beg that my dad put the squirty cream on top because he would always put on waaay to much, which when you are a kid, is just enough. Around Christmas time the desserts were particularly magical, one that always sticks in my mind is black forest gateau; a rich chocolate cake, infused with cherry sauce, covered in cream, cherries and more chocolate. It was one of the Christmas flavours that always stuck in my head (even if I always picked the cherries off)

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I decided I wanted to recreate my Christmas memories of black forest gateau, but this time with my health wholefoods plant-based twist. All the flavour, but leaving you feeling energised and healthy, packed full of nutrient-dense ingredients that keep your body working efficiently over the winter months.


And you can have it for breakfast!! What’s better than dessert for breakfast?

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 frozen banna
  • 1/2 cup frozen sweet cherries
  • 2 cups Hazlenut milk (or other plant milk of choice)
  • 1 tbsp Cacao powder

Toppings (optional)

  • Whipped coconut cream
  • Melted dark chocolate

Directions

  1. Place all the smoothie ingredients into a high speed blender (see notes below)
  2. Blend until sliky smooth.
  3. Serve in a chilled glass with cream and melted chocolate on top or drink on the go.

Notes

Cherries – Buy them frozen, for quick use and a better consistency of smoothie.


Hazelnut milk – hazelnut milk keeps the Christmas vibes going with this smoothie, and pairs well with the cacao; however it is one of the more expensive plant milk even when homemade, so if you don’t wish to make this stretch feel free to use any other plant milk that you fancy they will all taste great.


Cacao powder – stick to raw cacao powder or cocoa powder


Whipped coconut cream – to make whipped coconut cream you need to start with a really good quality tin of coconut milk (shake the tin, you can hear sloshing it won’t work) you then want to put it in the fridge upside down for at leats and hour to help separate the water and cream. open the tin then pour away the water. Whip the cream until desired consistency and enjoy it ontop of your smoothies or desserts.


Melted dark chocolate – we are talking about a high-grade, dark chocolate with a cocoa solid percentage of 80% or higher.


If you would like more recipes like this explore the site for free, or checkout all these ways to support the running of this site and out work  …….

…. you can donate a coffee here : http://ko-fi.com/restorativewellbeing

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INSTAGRAM (@restorative_wellbeing) ► https://www.instagram.com/restorative_wellbeing

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Send me an email! Emily@restorativewellbeing.com


Please be aware all information in this blog is based on my own personal experience and research, and I am not a medical professional. If you are needing advice about a medical condition, please seek advice from a medical professional.

Support your Wellbeing at Christmas

It’s a week to go till Christmas day and the to-do lists are overflowing. Overwhelm and panic are setting in and the ability to enjoy the true message of Christmas seems like a distant memory. 

Let’s be completely honest as a society we have completely ruined the heart of Christmas. It’s nothing new, but more noticeable in my 30s and the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. When you are having to think about paying the bills or paying out for all the expenses expected at Christmas, it puts into perspective all the demands Christmas can bring. The pressure capitalism brings at this time of year can make you feel like you are drowning. 

It’s not just the financial pressure, it is also the expectation to be everywhere at once. As work pressure increases, as everyone is expected to do extra, we are also expected to have social engagements with everyone we know. Then if you have kids, there are the nativity services, the Christmas parties, the fairs, visiting Santa, winter wonderlands……it goes on and on and on. The pressure to do everything, and being a terrible person if you miss out, is intense. 

light man love people
Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels.com

Winter is a time of restorative healing

Like many animals, at this time of year, our bodies want to slow down for the Winter. Humans aren’t an exception. We are more susceptible to disease, food doesn’t grow as well, and the days are short, dark and cold; all of the signs are there for us to slow down. Winter is our restorative time. After spending Autumn retrieving our harvest, Winter should be our time to bunker down and focus on slow gentle self-care. 

Modern humans have completely lost the point in Winter. Instead, we become a slave to the capitalist system more than ever. Creating more stress and dis-ease than ever! 

I know your to-do list is already too long. So I don’t wish to add to that with a list of well-being tips. Instead, I want to help you do the complete opposite. The best way you can support your well-being this Christmas and throughout the rest of winter is by using these techniques to do less! 

Revise your to-do list – be brutal 

If you haven’t put pen to paper and written down your to-do list do it now. It might feel intimidating seeing it all written down but trust the process. Now I want you to be honest with yourself about what can go. Start crossing stuff off, be brutal. Keep in mind that none of this stuff is going to be enjoyable if you are stressed. Consider the following

  • What can be put off till after Christmas?
  • What do you enjoy and what do you do because of outside pressure?
  • Do you have the time, energy or funds for this?
a to do list on a clipboard
Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com

Schedule time for nothing

If you are big on schedules write regular times (every day if you can) when you do nothing. I don’t mean an hour of staring at your phone, you have to allow yourself to switch off. This could be a meditation, or even reading a book with a cosy drink, going for a walk in a favourite place or playing with toys with your kids. Whatever it is, it has to be something you know helps your clear your mind of stress, switch off from the world and recharge. Christmas is such a busy time, if you don’t let yourself switch off you will burn out. Let’s face it a burnt-out person isn’t very pleasant to be around.

woman meditating in bedroom
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Turn off your phone

You can do this during your switch-off time, for a whole afternoon, but it is a must at night. The amount of time I have been woken up already this Christmas season with people trying to plan Christmas things is beyond. Now my phone is turned off every night. We need to rest extra over winter for our bodies to function properly, not everyone will understand that, but turning your phone offsets that boundary. 

This isn’t just about the distraction of other people. Phones are a capitalist dream, they constantly scream for our attention, and a lot of that attention is taken up by adverts screaming ‘buy me buy me’. It’s exhausting. Looking at our phones all day has a wearing effect on the aspects of our well-being. Even affecting us physically by causing damage to our eyes and hands. Allowing ourselves time away is much needed to help ourselves with the restorative healing we need over winter.

Learn to say no

The best way to curb overwhelm is to set firm boundaries. This is so much easier than done though isn’t it? When you are used to saying yes to everything it can be a very difficult skill to say no. But that is what it is a skill, and all skills need to be practised. I find this is where the to-do list revision helps. It lets you work out priorities, which in turn helps you see when you just need to say no. You are never a bad person for needing to say no, but to avoid causing someone else stresses, try to give plenty of warning. 

Find a dedicated calm space

Do you have a place that makes you feel instantly calm? As if all the worries of the world just wash away? For me, it’s our local wetland sanctuary. I can’t even explain why, but there is something about being surrounded by so much water and peaceful animals. Whatever it is, it even passes on to my children who become so much calmer there too. If you are not sure where your place is try to make a list of possibilities. I find it helps to be out of the house and away from responsibilities. I can’t relax thinking I should be doing chores. 

lake
Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

Be honest

With yourself and others. Be honest about your emotions, your health and your current capabilities. Lying about being ok when you are not will have people putting pressure on you that you simply cannot handle. In turn, you will start to resent them. It is not fair to anyone.

Set limits

Create a budget. Work out how many activities you can do. Think about how much food you can fit in your oven/have time to prep. Be realistic about what you can do, set limits and stick to them. Setting your limits and communicating them clearly to those around you will save having too many demands on you later on.

black calculator near ballpoint pen on white printed paper
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Cut back on stimulants

Caffeine, sugar, white lights, loud noises. Christmas is full of mental and physical stimulants to set our brains on overdrive. If you feel like your brain is all over the place, and can’t focus on one thing, overstimulation might be part of the cause. Minimise stimulating foods, and allow your brain time to slow down and recharge. 

Make Christmas wellbeing your focus every year.

A final note, being so close to Christmas, you may be struggling to implement all of these techniques, and wishing you had started a more minimal Christmas from the beginning. Although you can re-write the last few weeks of stress you can set your intention for next year. While your lessons for this year are still fresh in your mind for the coming few weeks, don’t shy away from some forward planning. Write down your favourite thing from this year and the things that were so stressful they just weren’t worth it. Create a savings account to help budget, and save throughout the year rather than an end-of-year panic. Write down the presents that were appreciated, and those that were. not. Label your decorations as you pack them away and dispose of those that just aren’t worth the effort, broken or not truly loved. 

These little steps of planning now will be your saving grace next year. Above all of this, I want you to remember you don’t need to give in to any of the pressures of Christmas. You need to heal.


If you would like more recipes like this explore the site for free, or checkout all these ways to support the running of this site and out work  …….

…. you can donate a coffee here : http://ko-fi.com/restorativewellbeing

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INSTAGRAM (@restorative_wellbeing) ► https://www.instagram.com/restorative_wellbeing

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Send me an email! Emily@restorativewellbeing.com


Please be aware all information in this blog is based on my own personal experience and research, and I am not a medical professional. If you are needing advice about a medical condition, please seek advice from a medical professional.

Gingerbread – Vegan and gluten free!

Classic gingerbread biscuit but with a wholefoods twist. (pssst they are also gluten free!)

I eat so many of these over gingerbread biscuits Christmas One batch just never seems to last long enough. Its become the perfect Christmas tradition spending afternoons cutting out gingerbread cookies with my daughters, excitedly awaiting the smell wafting through the house.

Sadly I haven’t tried building with this gingerbread and I am not sure they are hard enough. They are slightly softer than traditional gingerbread, but personally, I find that makes them much more moorish.

If you fancy adding something a bit extra to this recipe I highly recommend dipping the biscuits in dark chocolate! It gives them that extra decadent touch. Ofcourse as always I recommend you stick to a good quality dark chocolate with a high level of cocoa solids. This will allow you to make the most of the amazing nutritional benefits of chocolate.

Although if you are not into the ginger and chocolate combo, adding in a few tablespoons of raisins gives and extra level of depth and still in keeping with the festive feels.

Gingerbread – wholefood recipes

Restorative Wellbeing
Delicately spiced biscuit recipe perfect for the festive season.
Course Snack

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups ground almonds
  • 2 tbsp ginger powder
  • pinch sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • dark chocolate (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 180c
  • Mix together all of the dry ingredients, in a bowl or food processor for about a minuet. Add the maple syrup and mix together again, until a dough forms.
  • Using around a tablespoon of mix per biscuits form into the shape you want around 3-5mm thick
  • Bake in the oven for around 10minuets, until slightly golden.
  • allow to cool completely before decorating with your favourite icing, or my favourite dipping inti dark chocolate.

Loving our gingerbread?

Why not try some more of our delicious Christmas inspired recipes:


If you want to support what we do  …….

…. you can donate a coffee here : http://ko-fi.com/restorativewellbeing

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INSTAGRAM (@restorative_wellbeing) ► https://www.instagram.com/restorative_wellbeing

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Send me an email! Emily@restorativewellbeing.com


Please be aware all information in this blog is based on my own personal experience and research, and I am not a medical professional. If you are needing advice about a medical condition, please seek advice from a medical professional.

NEW BOOK!! NEW BOOK!!

If you haven’t heard, the release of the new restorative wellbeing recipe book is finally here!. It has been almost two years since the first book was released and so much as been learnt since then.

When the first book was release in January 2020, I’ll be honest it was on a bit of a whim. After contemplation throughout lockdown, I started thinking to myself all the things I wanted to do. How I didn’t want to grow old and keep continuously saying to myself I could of done xyz. I realised at the end, I would regret trying and failing less than I would not trying at all.

One of those thing was writing a cook book. I had no idea what I was doing. I just knew I had to do it. There was nothing stopping me. So every morning, as my new born daughter lay snoozing in my arms, I wrote. I wrote my favourite recipes, that I cooked everyday or I wanted to cook more.

I had convinced myself that no one would ever see the book. My intention was to just get it down. Filled with anxiety I had to power through it. I never expected the support I got. I was both excited and terrified of the judgment.

There was so many wonderful comments and feedback. But yes as is the age of the internet there was the odd shitty one too. And in my typical anxious disordered way, I did focus on the shitty one. It took me a while to get my courage back. I wasn’t completely down trodden through. I knew I could do better, I knew I could create a book I was really proud of. A book I could actually get behind and sell. I wanted to create the book I wish I had when I first started my healing journey.

Whats new?

I needed a book that explained basic vegan nutrition. A book that was filled with inspirational photos. A book with both cheap, easy and quick meals, as well as something challenging and fancy.

This book has been labour of love. It has taught me how I want all future restorative wellbeing books to feel. Making my love of imagery and food meet together to make something both functional and beautiful.

Ofcourse whilst I have been making the finishing touches to this book over the last few months, the wonderful circle members have been so patient with me. For this I wanted to gift all of my wonderful members a free PDF copy of this new book.

Subscribe to get access to THE CIRCLE

For free books, meal plans, recipes, journal prompts, nutritional education, and guest posts from some of our favourite wellbeing specialists!

Come and join us today in the circle and let us guide you to restoring you wellbeing.

If you want to support what we do  …….

…. you can donate a coffee here : http://ko-fi.com/restorativewellbeing

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INSTAGRAM (@restorative_wellbeing) ► https://www.instagram.com/restorative_wellbeing

FACEBOOK ► https://www.facebook.com/restorativewell

Send me an email! Emily@restorativewellbeing.com

Please be aware all information in this blog is based on my own personal experience and research, and I am not a medical professional. If you are needing advice about a medical condition, please seek advice from a medical professional.

Hot Chocolate Porridge – the perfect Christmas buildup breakfast.

Can’t wait to start the Christmas festivities? Get started with this indulgent hot chocolate porridge.

IT’S CHIRSTMAAAAS!!

It’s on November 21st but we are in full Christmas swing. The decorations are up, the Christmas playlist is on a constant loop, and of course the food is indulgent af. But we do things differently round here, Christmas included. We enjoy good flavourful food, but we also value our health and wellbeing, so we make sure every meal is nutritionally dense. Food that feeds the soul and feeds the body.

A Wholefood Plantbased Christmas

Here at Restorative Wellbeing we focus on plantbased diet constituting of mainly wholefoods. This creating a nutrient focused diet, heavy in a large variety of micronutrients, perfect for healing. This is a diet that for me (Emily, founder of restorative wellbeing) has been life changing. Along side working on the other aspects of my wellbeing through mindset, movement, and my overall attitude how I approach my life, I have created a life of healing. Christmas is no exception to that.

The same as any holiday season, I don’t see it as a reason to ‘cheat’ or ‘be naughty’. Don’t get me wrong I love all the flavours and indulgence of Christmas, but healing is a lifestyle not just some fad for that ‘summer bod’ In fact I don’t live like this for any aesthetic purpose. Determined my first Christmas after adopting a healthier lifestyle would still be epic. Why should I have to compromise?

In all honesty though, that first year was a bit of a flop. I found some great recipes, and really enjoyed experimenting. However, navigating family was stressful. Even 8 years down the line, even the most well meaning family don’t quite get the no sugar thing. Being so new into the wholefood plant based lifestyle I simply didn’t have the willpower to resist. It’s been many years of learning to navigate these waters now.

But don’t worry I have a full series of Christmas recipes and survival tip for you this winter to make it, your season of healing and health.

Learn to love breakfast

Whenever I work with my private 1-1 clients one of our first steps is working on that morning routine, and of course finding breakfasts they can get excited about. I am a very food motivated person, actually my whole family is. We have found one of the simplest ways to get out of bed in the morning with a spring in your step is to have a breakfast that excites you. For my kids this is pancakes, or a smoothie bowls. For myself and my partner however, it is a dessert flavoured porridge bowl with allll the toppings.

Of course with the cold dark weather over Christmas, porridge bowls are even more in demand. Bringing comfort, warmth and a perfect little hygge moment to the mornings. It perfectly ticks the feeds the body, feeds the soul tick list.

When compiling recipes for my Christmas food list, I started with listing all my favourite Christmas flavours, then adapted them to recipes I knew were simple and nourishing. This is a great way to make 1 recipes feel like something new every day. It also curbs the overwhelm of learning lots of new recipes when adapting to a new lifestyle. Let’s face it our brains can only take in a hold on to some much, and we overload them far too often.

There are my top 10 Christmas flavours:

  • Hot chocolate
  • Black forest gatue
  • Gingerbread
  • Mulled spices
  • cranberry
  • Tiramisu
  • Cinnamon
  • Cheese and fruit (cheese board)
  • Peppermint
  • Chocolate orange and chocolate mint

This recipe is obviously inspired by a classic hot chocolate. Who doesn’t want hot chocolate for breakfast?

This is actually a really simple recipe, but. the extra richness of the raw cocao gives the comfort from a good quality hot chocolate. This si also a great recipe for prementral chcoclate cravings, giving your body the magnesium it is actually craving . Magnesium heps to balence hormones and reduce PMS symtptoms.

Hot Chocolate Porridge

Deliciously rich chocolate oats
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Course Breakfast
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup rolled porridge oats
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp raw cacao
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp cacao nibs
  • 1 tbsp Almonds or hazelnuts
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds

Instructions
 

  • Add the water, oats, cacao powder and maple syrup to a heavy bottomed saucepan.
  • Put over a low heat and continuously stir until thick and creamy (around 5 minuets)
  • Remove from the heat, serve in your favourite bowl, topped with cacao nibs, nuts and ground flaxseeds.

Ready for more delicious Christmas recipes:

If you want to support what we do  …….

…. you can donate a coffee here : http://ko-fi.com/restorativewellbeing

…. follow us on social media….

INSTAGRAM (@restorative_wellbeing) ► https://www.instagram.com/restorative_wellbeing

FACEBOOK ► https://www.facebook.com/restorativewell

Send me an email! Emily@restorativewellbeing.com


Please be aware all information in this blog is based on my own personal experience and research, and I am not a medical professional. If you are needing advice about a medical condition, please seek advice from a medical professional.

Homemade millionaires shortbread

Gooey crunchy sweet homemade millionaires shortbread!

I have a warm fondness for millionaires shortbread, it is by far one of my favourite sweet treats. However I have some quite strict requirements for what makes a good millionaires shortbread. And I know I am not on my own in there. To start there has to be the right balance between biscuit, caramel and chocolate. Then we need a good crunch to they biscuit base, but not so hard my jar hurts from eating it, and not so crumbly its a mess to east. Next the caramel, its got to be gooey and bonus points if it’s a little bit salty. Cant beat the salty sweet caramel. Finally the chocolate a generous layer, but only dark chocolate, I’m not accepting any of those fake chocolates. Eight years eating a heavily whole-foods diet has given me a serious appreciation for good quality dark chocolate, it just hits different.

How about you, what are your millionaire shortbread requirements? Let me know in the comments below.

Ive found homemade is always the best way to meet all these requirements, store bought just doesn’t have the density for full shortbread satisfaction. With Christmas creeping closer, it seemed like the best time to finally share my perfect millionaire shortbread recipe.

Now naturally this isn’t your average shortbread recipe. This recipe is free of process sugars, gluten and of course animal products. The biscuit base is constituted of almonds, topped with a delicious date caramel and my favourite rich dark chocolate.

Millionaire Shortbread

Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

Biscuit base

  • 1 1/2 cup Almond flour
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

Caramel layer

  • 20 dates
  • 2 tbsp water
  • pinch sea salt

Chocolate layer

  • 100 g Dark chocolate

Instructions
 

Biscuit base

  • Start by melting the coconut oil.
  • Now combine the oil, almond flour and maple syrup, until you have a firm dough. If it seems a little dry add a small amount more oil.
  • Firmly press the dough into the base of a 9''x5'' baking tray. Try the ensure it is even.
  • Place int he fridge to set for roughly 20 minuets.

Date caramel

  • Put the date and water into a small pan over a medium heat. Heat the date for roughly 5 minuets until they become all gooey. Watch closely adding more water if they begin to stick or dry out.
  • Allow to cool.
  • Add to a high speed blender cup and blend until smooth and creamy. This may take a few attempts needing to push the dates down.
  • Smooth the caramel over the biscuit later and place back into the fridge

Chocolate layer

  • Melt the chocolate over a bain-marie.
  • Once completely melted pour straight over the caramel layer and return to the fridge to set for 20 minuets.
  • Once completely set cut the shortbread with a hot knife and enjoy.

If you want to support what we do  …….

…. you can donate a coffee here : http://ko-fi.com/restorativewellbeing

…. follow us on social media….

INSTAGRAM (@restorative_wellbeing) ► https://www.instagram.com/restorative_wellbeing

FACEBOOK ► https://www.facebook.com/restorativewell

Send me an email! Emily@restorativewellbeing.com


Please be aware all information in this blog is based on my own personal experience and research, and I am not a medical professional. If you are needing advice about a medical condition, please seek advice from a medical professional.