Acai Berry Superfood Bars...

Snacking in between meals is a good way to speed up your metabolism, as well as reduce over indulging during your main meals. I have been munching on these bars of absolute goodness. They are not only so deliciously addictive, but SO good for you. They have been on the market in Australia for a while now, and are sold in most health food stores and vitamin stores.

Amazon Acai Berries are considered by many as the Worlds #1 Superfood due to its high concentrations of organic whole food nutrients, anti-oxidants, vitamins, omega oils and amino acids.

Below are the many benefits of this power bar:

• Vitamins A, C, D, E & B-1, 2, 3, 6 and 12
• 16 Antioxidants! With 42 times the Antioxidant concentration of Blueberries and 4 times that of Goji Berries 
• 17 Vital Minerals including ZINC, PROTIEN, IRON, CALCIUM, IDODINE, SELENIUN, MAGNESIUM, FOLIC ACID
• 20 Amino Acids (essential & non essential)
• Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) complex with omegas 3, 6 & 9
• Low GI (glycemic index) and highin DIETARY FIBRE
• Anthocyanins (richest known source of Anthocyanins)

Check out the website for more information: http://www.purpleberry.com.au/index.html



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Sweet vs Sweet

Artificial Sweeteners vs Cane Sugar

The Verdict!?

One of my recent assessment pieces was on artificial sweeteners vs Cane Sugar.

Sweets play an integral role in our diets and lifestyles and to satisfy these cravings, Australians ingest approximately 45kg of sugar per person per year. So much sugar is not exactly ideal for our waistline and teeth. In response, over time the manufacture of artificial sweeteners has been introduced to provide sweetness without contributing significantly to energy intake; consequently causing much debate in the health industry.

The Verdict- Which is best for health? It is debatable and years of research have trialled & discussed cases for and against the use of artifical sweeteners vs. cane sugar. Artificial sweeteners have been blamed for contributing to a variety of illnesses. However praised because of their low calorie alternative; as well as benefitting diabetics and assisting denture health. Cane Sugar in sweets and sugary drinks are not beneficial to overall health, however when eaten in moderation, combined with a healthy balance of complex carbohydrates, protein and essential fats - is sufficient for overall health. It is when we over indulge on these sweets, where problems the problems may start to arise. It's all about finding a good balance :)

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Spicy Lentil Soup

Winter has all of a sudden crept up on us out of no where. I for a fact am struggling this year; as last year, I did not experience a winter at all. Thank you northern hemisphere! I came across this lovely recipe from a health retreat website; which is not only going to keep you warm in the winter months, but detox the heck out of your insides. By combining complex carbohydrates, lots of fibre, Vitamims (packed with Vitmain C) and spices, your insides will be singing!!

Spicy Lentil Soup

Serves 8-10

Ingredients

• 6 Carrots
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 8 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 1.5 cup red lentils, washed, soaked and drained
• 8 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups of tomato juice
• 4 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons of tamari
• Herbs for garnis (e.g. fresh coriander, Italian parsley)

Method

Using some of the vegetable stock, saute onion, cumin, garlic, tomatoes and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally until onion is soft. Stir in lentils, stock and tomato juice.

Bring to boil and simmer for approximately 1 hour. When lentils are soft, stir in tomato paste and tamari. Blend mixture until smooth. Return to same pan, reheat and serve garnished with herbs.

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From the start

I have just started studying Nutritional Medicine and thus have decided to accompany my study, my passion, my way of life by none other than blogging. "I promise I'll Start Next Week" is a blog inspired by most women I know who are forever battling with the battle of the sweets, combined with the tedious efforts of gym bashing, often finding themselves saying "I promise I'll start next week..." This blog is an insight into many of the food mysteries, healthy easy recipes, wellbeing insights and nutritional tips.

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