Monday 28 April 2014

improve immunity with far-infrared saunas

As the weather cools down in Melbourne many are preparing for the winter season that is almost upon us with flu shots. Personally, I've never had a flu shot (this may be due to my dislike of needles!) and I've never had the flu as an adult. That's a flu-less decade with an incredibly dodgy immune system all the while battling a chronic illness. And I've not taken any synthetic medications in over two years! Instead, I've strengthened my immune system through a dual-focussed health plan of attack: eliminate toxins from my body and replenish good bacteria in my gut.

During my travels to Londontown last Christmas I decided to venture out and have my very first far-infrared sauna session in order to sweat out the toxins I was accumulating whilst travelling. Since being back in Melbourne I've been wanting to add these saunas to my self-care practices to improve both my energy and immunity. Fortunately for me there is a place just around the corner from me in the outer Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Aqua Beauty Bar, that have a far-infrared sauna and offer a package of ten treatments for a reduced price. Did I mention it's local?! (Anyone living in Melbourne knows you have to drive forever to get anywhere!)


Far-infrared saunas use far-infrared rays in order to help detoxify the body, unlike the traditional saunas that make you sweat with steam. Instead, the far-infrared wavelengths produce a warmth in the body from the inside out, which feels like warmth of the sun's rays, and improves the immune system in the same way that having a fever does. There are many health benefits of a far-infrared sauna including:
  • aids weight loss i.e. burns calories
  • cleansing and detoxification
  • deep relaxation
  • improves and strengthens immunity
  • improves skin tone, colour and texture
  • increases blood flow
  • reduces stress and fatigue
  • relieves pain and muscular tension 
  • speeds up injury recovery
  • strengthens cardiovascular system

A far-infrared sauna treatment will most likely provide relief in the short-term and assist healing in the long-term if you are recovering from injury or illness and looking at taking another step towards better health and wellbeing. If you are umming and aahing about whether to give it a go let me put it this way - they are much less invasive than a coffee enema! Happy sweating, my friends!


Twilight dinner at the Frankston beach with friends = food for the soul!

Quote for the Road… 



Monday 21 April 2014

raw superfood chocolate

Crazy days. Lazy days. Pretty much sums up the week just gone. There were crazy days volunteering at my church's annual conference held in Melbourne, Australia (register here for Awakening 2015) and lazy days as I rested and recovered over the Easter weekend. And ate lots of chocolate. Anyone else?!


Encounters with God = food for the spirit!

raw superfood chocolate


This scrumptious chocolate recipe has been adapted from a Food Matters recipe to suit my vegan diet. All I can say is, homemade is always the best!

1 cup coconut butter
1/3 cup raw cacao powder
3 Tbs coconut nectar
Pinch of himalayan salt
1/2 cup raw cashews, chopped
1/4 cup goji berries

Melt the coconut butter, cacao powder, coconut nectar and himalayan salt over a very low heat on the stove until well combined. Add the chopped cashews and goji berries to the liquid. Pour the chocolate mixture into any silicone mold. Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or until set. Pop & chop the choc before devouring! Happy Easter to you all!

Quote for the Road… 


Sunday 13 April 2014

sugar-free choc-chia pudding

Just as I promised, here is my sugar-free choc-chia pudding. This pudding will satisfy and sustain you all the way to lunch if you eat it for breakfast. And all it takes is five minutes to prepare the night before. So easy, delicious and nutritious! Can you tell I'm loving taking my food and drink around in glass jars and bottles at the moment?! It feels good to be able to reuse what others might throw away! 

You can read more about the powerfully punchy health benefits of chia seeds here and here. Let me tell you, this pudding of mine is more than just a pretty picture. It's a digestive aid, chocolate hit and filling meal all in one. Speaking of chocolate, with Easter just around the corner, I'd be hitting up some raw vegan Loving Earth organic chocolate to satisfy your chocolate cravings and sustain your good health too. And though I'm eating a very low-sugar diet presently, I wouldn't say no to a Caramel Luvju! Mum, I hope you're reading this!

Wishing you and yours a very blessed Easter! 


At my Grandma's harvesting lemons from her tree!



choc-chia pudding


1/4 cup chia seeds

Add the chia seeds to a glass jar. Pour the raw chocolate drink over the chia seeds. Mix well and leave in the fridge overnight to set. Garnish with coconut yoghurt and your choice of nuts, seeds, cacao nibs and desiccated coconut. Serves 1. 


Quote for the Road…


Monday 7 April 2014

cashew chai mylk for melburnians

Melburnians love their coffee. And soy chai lattes. And often brag about being the most liveable city in the world. And Melbourne is definitely not short on places to eat. We are a foodies heaven even for those who choose to eat outside of the Standard Australian Diet or the SAD Diet. Yes, it is a very sad way of eating for those who are seeking better health. If you don't want to be sad but very happy and very healthy I'd suggest following the Integrative Nutrition plate to create meals and a lifestyle that will nourish you.

There are many places I've discovered on my quest to eat out as a high raw vegan and I'm delighted to say that I'm still discovering many quaint and quirky cafes and restaurants. People are waking up here in Melbourne, and now, supply is meeting the demand of different dietary requirements from meat-free to dairy-free to gluten-free to grain-free to sugar-free. But this food that can be found is definitely not one thing - it is not taste-free!



Here is a little list of mine if you are in Melbourne and want to eat out at places that are organic and/or serve rawsome plant-based meals:


Gourmet raw vegan cuisine for lunch at Shokuiku

cashew chai mylk


Here is my version of the cashew nut milk from the Orchard St cleanse that I did awhile back. So very rich, creamy and satisfying. And sugar-free for anyone with Candidiasis or sensitivities to fructose. 


1.5 cups raw cashews, soaked 2-4 hours
1.5 cups caffeine-free chai tea, chilled
1 Tbs coconut butter
1 tsp maca powder
1 tsp mesquite powder (sub: lucuma powder)
scattering of hemp seeds
shake of ground cinnamon
dash of vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt
1 medjool date (optional)

Soak the raw cashews in filtered water for 2-4 hours. Then boil 1.5 cups of filtered water and steep chai tea for 15-20 minutes before chilling in the fridge. Blend all the ingredients together in a high-powered blender until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass bottle. Serves 1.

Quote for the Road…