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    5 Ways To Switch Up Your Workout Routine To Lose More Weight

    You’ve been working out a ton and are convinced this is going to be the week that the number on the scale is finally where you want it to be. And then… nope. Womp womp.

    Put away that sad trombone — with a few simple changes to your normal workout routine, you can finally start to see results. In fact, changing up your workout routine for weight loss is basically the secret sauce for making progress.

    “Your body adapts to your workout, so it’s important to tweak your normal routine so you continue to get the most out of it,” explains strength and conditioning specialist Noam Tamir. Here, some of his favourite ways to switch up your workout routine for weight loss.

    1. Warm Up (But Really Tho) For Weight Loss

    If you jump into your workout without prepping your body first, well, you’re a normal human being. But you won’t be able to perform as optimally (read: burn as many kilojoules), says Tamir — that’s why it’s crucial to begin with a good warm-up.

    “Start with a couple of mobility moves, like hip-opener drills, ankle drills, leg swings and neck nods,” recommends Tamir. “All of these will help get the synovial fluid — the fluid inside of your joints — moving, which will help with your mobility overall.”

    He also recommends paying some attention to your glutes, which are the biggest muscle in your body — and should be activated before any workout for max results. His activation moves of choice: single-leg bridges, lateral band walks and deadbugs. “If you do just a couple of these moves before you begin, your workout will be much more effective.”

    2. Work Interval Training Into Your Cardio Routine

    “Interval training helps you burn more kilojoules than you do when you’re exercising in a steady state,” explains Tamir. So if you’re a treadmill junkie, sprint for 30 seconds and then walk for 30 — and keep alternating that routine. Play with the incline to increase resistance, too, which will boost your weight loss. You can try a similar technique on a bike or an elliptical — basically while doing any form of cardio. “You’ll be working harder when you’re going faster, which will spike your heart rate, and ultimately help you get more from your workout overall,” says Tamir.

    3. Focus On Compound Movements

    Many of the machines at the gym target one specific muscle group, but if you’re focused on weight loss, your best bet for weight training is to opt for moves that use multiple muscle groups at once. “An example of this would be a squat versus a leg-extension machine,” explains Tamir. “You’re using more muscles overall, which ultimately means you’ll end up burning more kilojoules.” Look to free weights, which challenge your balance and fire up more muscle, so you’ll work harder.

    4. Lift More Weight

    Because — you guessed it — you’ll end up burning more kilojoules.“For your upper body, try increasing the weight you’re using by five to 10 percent each week,” says Tamir. “And for your lower body, increase the weight by 10 to 15 percent each week.”

    So if you’re lifting five kilos, try increasing the weight by about half a kilo for your upper body, and about one kilogram for your lower body (depending on the weights you have; it doesn’t have to be exact).

    And if you currently do only bodyweight stuff, start using weights. “The key is to choose a weight where you’ll still be able to do your moves with clean form.” (Because going too big and getting injured definitely won’t help you get in better shape.)

    5. Refuel And Rehydrate

    “If you don’t do this, your body won’t get the optimal muscle gain from your workout, which will limit the amount of kilojoules you burn in the long run,” says Tami. In addition to drinking lots of water, he recommends having protein post-workout — something like chocolate milk is great.

    This article was originally published on www.womenshealmag.com More

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    You Can Do This Arms & Abs Bodyweight Workout Anywhere

    Whether you’re pressed for space or can’t find weights at the gym, this abs and arms bodyweight workout does the job and then some. Created by trainer and instructor Kirsten Johnson, these moves sculpt long, lean muscles. “This workout is designed as a compound bodyweight workout,” says Johnson. “Each move incorporates multiple muscle groups and therefore aims to create long, lean muscle throughout the body while targeting and firing up both arms and abs.”

    The Abs & Arms Bodyweight Workout

    To get started, set your timer for 30 seconds and work for that time, doing each circuit twice before moving on to the next circuit. Rest for 30 seconds between moves, then move on.

    Circuit One

    Pushup to high plank twist

    Start in a push-up position on your knees and lower down into a push-up. Now, raise yourself up into a high plank position and rotate one arm to stretch upwards. Bring it back down and rotate the other arm upward to twist. That’s one rep. Keep it going for 30 seconds, then move on to the next move.

    Tricep dip alternating march

    Get into a reverse bridge position, with your hands and feet on the floor. Dip your triceps down, then extend upwards. Gently lift one leg off the floor and perform a marching motion. Repeat with the other leg. That’s one rep; keep going for 30 seconds.

    Single leg jackknife

    Start lying down, with your left knee bent and the right straight down. Extend your left arm backwards, hands pointing behind you. Pike up and raise your right leg and left arm at the same time to touch. That’s one rep. Keep going for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.

    Double-pulse scissors, on your back

    Start lying down with both legs outstretched. Keep your core engaged and your arms at your sides for stability. Raise one leg up and the other only slightly off the floor. Pulse for two beats, then switch legs. Keep it going for 30 seconds.

    Circuit Two

    Small lateral circles

    Get onto your knees with your weight evenly distributed. Stretch out your arms on either side. Make small circles with your arms for 30 seconds. Fair warning: this one is going to burn.

    Scapula contraction

    Get on your knees with your weight evenly distributed. Stretch out your arms on either side. Now bend them into a 90º angle and contract your scapula, pretending there’s a bar between them that you’re trying to squeeze. Release back to outstretched arms. That’s one rep.

    Side plank hip dip – knee to elbow

    Start in a side plank position with your legs stacked on top of one another and weight distributed evenly throughout. Balance on your forearm. Now dip gently down and dip back up. Pick one leg up and contract your knee to touch your elbow. That’s one rep.

    Sprinter situps  – alternating

    Start lying on your back with your arms outstretched in front of you. Contract your abs and lift one knee toward you, lifting your torso as you do so. Repeat on the other side. That’s one rep.

    Circuit Three

    Double-leg jack knives on arms

    Start lying on your back, legs outstretched in front of you. Now, hoist yourself up with your arms until they’re perpendicular to the floor. Jack your legs into your chest, contracting your abdominals as you do. Relax and stretch your legs back out. That’s one rep.

    High plank – alternating knee to chest & shoulder

    Get into a high plank position, weight evenly distributed. Lift one leg to tap the inside of your elbow, then rotate your leg outwards to tap the outside of your shoulder. Return to start. That’s one rep. Alternate your legs as you go.

    Single-leg ab bikes

    Come into a lying down position, back on the floor. Keep your hands under your head to protect your neck and keep your knees bent at 90º. Now stretch out your right leg and bring it into your chest, twisting your left side to touch your knee. That’s one re. Repeat on the other side, alternating.

    Plank pike up – knee to chest – commando

    Start in a plank position with your weight balanced on your arms. Pike up your abs and bring one leg into a crunch. Return your leg to start and bring your alternating leg into crunch. Now lower one arm down onto your forearm, then the other. Raise both arms up so you’re back in high plank. That’s one rep; keep going for 30 seconds.

    Watch as Kirsten performs the moves below:

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    What Is The Macrobiotic Diet – And Can It Help You Lose Weight?

    Rooted in Japanese culture, the macrobiotic diet espouses the Asian yin-yang philosophy and is all about bringing balance to your plate, and by extension, your body. It’s also endorsed by celebs like Ariana Grande, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sting. If you like whole grains and soup or are looking to try something new, this is the diet for you.

    Meet The Expert: Carla Chait is dietician and expert in macrobiotic eating

    The history of the macrobiotic diet

    The macrobiotic diet started in the 19th century. “Sagen Ishizuka, a Japanese army doctor trained in Western medicine during this time, became disillusioned with his craft when he was unable to cure himself of his own ailments using the allopathic approach to healing,” says Chait. He started experimenting with diet and postulated that the balance between potassium and sodium in the body is the foundation of health. He called for a rejection of the foundations of the Western diet (meat, sugar and dairy) and wanted a return to the traditional Japanese diet that prizes miso soup, brown rice, pickles and seaweed. “Ishizuka healed many patients with his approach to diet and health and became famous throughout Tokyo as the ‘Anti-Doctor Doctor’,” says Chait.

    So… what is the macrobiotic diet?

    You don’t need to buy the entire Japanese grocery store to get the benefits. The diet focuses on whole grains, legumes, vegetables and yes, seaweed as the principal foods, says Chait. Added to that are white-meat fish, nuts and fruits.

    What can you expect on the macrobiotic diet?

    While you’d be mistaken for thinking the diet, while being whole foods focused, is just a dolled-up vegetarian diet, you’d be wrong. Key differences include its ideological and energetic bases. The idea is that by eating the right foods, you can powerfully affect your health and well-being. Prized is food that is locally grown, less processed and options low in saturated fats.

    “People eating a Macrobiotic diet can expect increased physical stamina and mental clarity,” says Chait. “Eating whole foods gives one a ‘whole’ or expansive view of the world. Eating Macrobiotically not only changes one’s health then but also changes one’s life.”

    Will it help you lose weight?

    Since the diet prizes fibre and downplays fat content, you could very well shed kilos. “A high-fibre diet ensures that the digestive system is toned and functioning properly, while also stabilizing blood sugar,” says Chait. “The fat sources in the diet are largely mono- and polyunsaturated, which is good for heart health. Eating Macrobiotically will improve one’s overall health and ensure that energy is flowing smoothly through the body so that excess weight is discharged.”

    Who does it work best for?

    Well, since most dietary recommendations prize the upping of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, it comes as no surprise that this diet will work well for pretty much anybody. “The diet is especially helpful for those who have had a lifetime of poor food choices, leading to stagnation and disease,” says Chait. “For those, the diet is truly miraculous in restoring health and well-being.” Research backs this up. One study showed that macrobiotic diet can lower cholesterol and blood pressure, leading authors to think that it might be a great diet for people dealing with cardiovascular problems. Another study posited that it’s a diet associated with decreased cancer rates. In cancer patients, macrobiotic diet has been known anecdotally to yield results and is associated with decreased cancer risk. However, more research is needed to confirm the benefits of this diet on cancer.

    And it works for women, too. “Women consuming macrobiotic diets have modestly lower circulating oestrogen levels, suggesting a lower risk of breast cancer. This may be due in part to the high phytoestrogen content of the macrobiotic diet,” one study’s authors noted.

    Any supplementation required?

    Per one study, there’s a decrease in vitamin B12, vitamin D and calcium with people on the diet. But compared to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, this diet outperformed in terms of being anti-inflammatory and health-giving.

    Try these two recipes from dietician Carla Chait to get in on macrobiotic eating.

    Miso soup with daikon and shiitake

    Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes mins

    Course Appetizer, Main Course, SoupCuisine Japanese

    4 dried shiitake mushrooms1 tsp dried wakame leavesWater for the soup1.5 cups halved and sliced daikon radish1 tbsp barley misohandful chopped spring onion for garnish
    Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in a bowl of water for 10 minutes to soften, remove the stems, and slice thinly.Soak the dried wakame leaves in a little water for 5 minutes to reconstitute and slice the leaves into small pieces.Place the sliced mushroom, wakame pieces, and the sliced daikon radish into a pot and add 3 cups of water.Bring to a boil and cook, covered, for 5 minutes.Purée the miso paste in a bowl with a little of the soup broth and then return the miso purée to the soup, stirring gently.Simmer, uncovered, for a further 3 minutes.Garnish each bowl of soup with chopped spring onion.

    Keyword miso soup, soup

    Fried rice with tofu and vegetables

    Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes mins

    Course Main CourseCuisine Chinese, Healthy, Japanese

    1 tbsp sesame oil½ cup diced onion½ cup sliced celery½ cup quartered and sliced carrots1 cup crumbled tofu2 cups cooked brown rice1 tbsp water1 tbsp soya saucechopped parsley for garnish
    Heat the oil in a frying pan.Add the onion, celery, and carrot and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in the crumbled tofu.Layer the rice over the vegetable and tofu mixture and pour the water down the side of the pan.Cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.Stir in the soy sauce and cook for a further 2 minutes.Garnish each serving of fried rice with chopped parsley.

    Keyword fried rice, healthy fried rice More

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    This Aubergine Curry Is The Ultimate Winter Comfort Meal

    Nothing beats the winter blues, quite like a delicious and comforting curry. And while South Africans are no strangers to making curries, we bet you’ve never tried this winter vegetable curry. Ahead, find cookbook author Mokadi Itsweng‘s recipe for an aubergine, tomato and tamarind curry that’s sure to become a winter staple.

    3 Benefits Of Aubergines & Why You Should Add Them To Any Winter Vegetable Curry

    Also known as brinjal, or eggplant, aubergines are actually berries by botanical definition. But these berrilicious babes have a host of benefits that will have you reaching for them in the supermarket.

    READ MORE: This Prawn Curry Hits The Spot When You’re Craving Take-Aways

    1. They’re a nutrient-dense food

    Dieticians will always emphasise the importance of eating nutrient-dense foods, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. One cup of raw aubergine contains 5g carbs, 3g fibre, 1g protein and 20 calories. It also contains 10% of your Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) of manganese, 5% of your RDI of folate, 5% of your RDI of potassium, 4% of your RDI of Vitamin K and 3% of your RDI of Vitamin C.

    2. They could help with weight loss

    Insider secret: nutrient-dense, high fibre and low-calorie ingredients are your best friend when it comes to trying to lose weight. Aubergines are high in fibre, nutrient-dense and low in calories. The reason fibre is so great for weight loss efforts is because it moves through your digestive tract slowly, promoting satiety and fullness, keeping you fuller for longer which therefore reduces how many calories you eat.

    READ MORE: This Creamy Kale Pasta Recipe Features Cottage Cheese As A Secret Ingredient

    3. They’re high in antioxidants

    Studies have shown that antioxidants could help prevent many types of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. One 2011 study found that animals that were fed raw or grilled eggplant for 30 days improved heart function and reduced heart attack severity. So go on and enjoy a bowl of delicious curry and your heart will thank you.

    Aubergine, Tomato And Tamarind Curry

    Mokgadi Itsweng

    “The tamarind in this curry adds a sweet and sour taste that pairs very well with tomatoes. Tamarind is available at most supermarkets and Indian spice shops. If you buy a tamarind block, make sure to break off a tablespoon and soak it in half cup of water before using,” advises Mokgadi.

    Course Main CourseCuisine Indian

    Servings 4 people

    3 Tbsp Oil2 Tbsp Curry paste6 Curry leaves, finely sliced1 Onion, finely chopped3 Garlic cloves, finely grated1 tsp Fresh ginger, grated2 410g Tinned tomatoes, chopped 2 Tbsp 2 Tbsp Tamarind paste2 Tbsp 2 Tbsp Brown sugar4 AuberginesSeasoning herb salt to tasteHandful of fresh coriander, chopped
    Heat the oil in a saucepan and add the curry paste and leaves. Fry on medium heat for 2 minutes, then add the onion, garlic and ginger and cook for a further 5 minutes until the onion is soft.Add the tomatoes, tamarind and brown sugar. Cook the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring constantly and adding a little water should it get dry. When tasted, the sauce should be well reduced and full of flavour.While the sauce cooks, slice the aubergines into wedges and sprinkle some salt over. Leave them to stand with the salt for 10 minutes, covered, then squeeze the moisture out of them.Heat an extra 2 Tbsp oil in a pan and fry the aubergines on both sides, until lightly browned.When the sauce is halfway cooked, add the aubergines and cook for 15 minutes more. Season with herb salt and stir through the coriander.Serve warm with rice, dombolo (steamed bread) or roti.

    Keyword comfort food, curry, vegetarian More

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    Why Does It Feel So Much Harder To Lose Weight When You’re Short?

    Putting on 2kg when you’re 1.8m tall is NBD — you might not even notice it. But to lose weight when you’re short? It can feel like a 🚨🚨🚨 situation. But here’s where things get really, really frustrating: Losing those same 2kg is also way harder when you’re short.

    “Short women have slower metabolisms,” explains Dr Craig Primack, president-elect of the US Obesity Medicine Association. “The average woman has a basal metabolic rate (BMR) of 1 400 calories (5 852kJ) per day. That means, if she lies in bed for 24 hours, she will burn 1 400 calories (5 852kJ). But I see women who are shorter than 1.5m with BMRs of 1 200 calories (5 016kJ), and some who are 1.7m or so at 1 750 (7 315kJ) or more per day.”

    Why Is Life So Unfair, Though?

    The short (lolz) answer: The smaller your body, the less energy it needs — and the less it burns.

    The longer version: Short frames naturally have less lean mass on them, Primack says. Lean mass includes your muscles, organs, bones, connective tissues — basically everything that isn’t fat or water. Lean mass is the biggest factor in how many calories/kilojoules you burn at rest, walking to work, or crushing it in the gym.

    In fact, research published in the medical journal PLOS ONE explains that the size of people’s kidneys, brain, liver and muscles accounts for 43 percent of differences between peoples’ basal metabolic rates. And, yes, organ size is proportional to overall body size and height, with short women having smaller vital organs than taller ladies, says nutritionist and strength coach Marie Spano.

    As if that weren’t sucky enough, shorties also tend to have less muscle. After all, it takes less muscle to power a short leg than it does a long one. Spano notes that each 0.5kg of muscle burns about six calories (26kJ) per day at rest – before factoring in things like exercise that up the burn.

    But if you’re a shawty, there are ways you can outsmart your naturally slower metabolism.

    How To Lose Weight When You’re Short

    1. Eat for your needs.

    You know that whole “stay in your lane” saying? It totally applies to the food on your plate, too. Match your meals and snacks to your personal hunger levels and energy needs, rather than assuming you can lose weight eating the same number of calories/kilojoules that taller ladies can, says registered dietician Betsy Opyt. So as much as you might want to, maybe don’t eat the same exact brunch and two mimosas as your super-tall bestie.

    If you really start paying attention to your hunger signals, you may automatically start eating less. After all, how starving you are is a reflection of your metabolic rate, according to one study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. People with higher metabolic rates (think: tall people) are generally hungrier than those (ahem, shorter ladies) with slower metabolisms.

    2. Lift heavy.

    Even if you can’t make yourself grow a few centimetres, you can still catch up to your tall friends’ metabolic rates, Opyt says. The key is building lean, metabolically active muscle. (No, you can’t change the size of your organs.)

    That’s why she and Spano encourage all of their shorter clients to incorporate strength training into their workout routines. Primack votes for lifting weights at least two to three times per week, prioritising heavy weights and moves that work several muscles over using lighter weights and only working one muscle at a time. “It is better to lift a 10kg dumbbell once than a 0.5kg dumbbell 20 times,” he says. “Exercise to muscular failure stimulates the muscles even more.”

    3. Put back more protein.

    Protein is awesome for weight loss because it’s so satiating, putting the kibosh on blood-sugar swings and triggering the release of feel-full hormones. Obviously, when you’re trying to cut calories/kilojoules, that can help.

    But if you’re trying to adopt the metabolism of a much taller individual, you’re also going to need protein to build muscle, says Spano. A 2018 review published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition shows that to get the most muscle-building out of your workout, you should eat 0.4 to 0.55 grams of protein per kilogram of your body weight four times per day. For a 68kg woman, that works out to four meals of 27 to 38 grams of protein each.

    4. Pay attention to vitamins and minerals.

    To lose weight, you have to take in fewer calories/kilojoules than you burn per day. There’s just no getting around it. Unfortunately, that means, to lose weight, you might have to cut calories/kilojoules pretty low — sometimes to 1 200 calories (5 016kJ) or even less per day.

    And hanger isn’t the only issue you’ll deal with if you’re cutting cals. It can also be hard to get all of the nutrients you need when you’re taking in less food, Spano says. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine if you need to take a multivitamin or a fibre, calcium or other supplement. Primack adds that you should never go lower than 1 200 calories (5 016kJ) without the supervision of a bariatric or weight-loss doctor who can monitor your nutrient needs and minimise any muscle loss.

    K. Aleisha Fetters is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, training clients both in-person and online.

    This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com More

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    This 15-Minute Full-Body Weighted Workout Tones Every Inch

    Wanna work out but no idea what to do? We’re here to the rescue! Get in on this full-body weighted workout by trainer Bazini Ngcongo.

    This full-body weighted workout requires just the dumbbells you have sitting in your living room, waiting to be used. Or, you could hit the gym and do it there. It doesn’t really matter. What does? Getting your strength training session done, so you can have healthier bones and muscles, which aid in longevity. No more niggly knees when you’re 80.

    Per Ngcongo, this workout will tone your legs, shoulders, arms, upper back and core. It’s also moderate in intensity, so you can do it if you’re recovering from a cold or just plain can’t stand the idea of jumping around right now. Plus, all you need are two dumbbells and any weight that’ll get you through the workout will do.

    To do this workout, work in 30-second intervals, rest for 15 seconds and then power through the next 30 seconds. Keep going until you’ve covered all the moves, for a total of 15 minutes. That’s all it takes!

    The 15-Minute Full-Body Weighted Workout

    Weighted Squats

    Standing with feet hip-width apart hinge at the knees to come into a squat position – making sure your knees track over your toes and don’t extend past. With the weight in your heels push back up to standing, squeezing your glutes at the top. That’s one rep. Keep going until the timer sounds.

    Back lunges

    Stand holding a dumbbell in each hand. Step backwards into a lunge on your left leg. Hold for a beat. Push off your left leg to return to the starting position and repeat.

    Curtsey lunges

    These’ll work your inner thighs and quads. Start in standing, with one dumbbell balanced on your shoulder, holding it with one arm. With the other, hold it out at your side for balance. Step into a curtsey, making sure your balance holds and weight is distributed evenly throughout. Step back to standing. That’s one rep.

    Romanian deadlifts

    Start in standing, holding the dumbbells at your knees, slightly bent. Hinge down, keeping your core engaged and lower the weights until they reach your shins. Hinge back up to standing.

    Bent-over rows

    Start in standing, then hinge forward from the hips and lower your back until it’s at a 90-degree angle with the floor. Now lift one arm and perform a row, weight in hand. You’ll feel it in your core and arms. That’s one rep. Alternate your arms until the 30-second timer is up.

    Front raises

    Start in a standing position and brace your core. Take one dumbbell and raise it, holding the weight with both arms. Raise until the weight is at chest level, then lower back down.

    Bicep curl

    Hold the weight in one hand. Curl your arm up until the weight touches your shoulder, then lower all the way back. That’s one rep. Keep your core engaged throughout.

    Plank

    Get into a plank position, elbows stacked under shoulders, toes tucked and hips raised so that your body forms a straight line from your head to your feet. Engage your core (it should feel as though you are tensing) and hold for 30 secs. Remember to keep your hips raised, breathe and try not to arch your back.

    Watch trainer Bazini demo the moves here:

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    3 Best Father’s Day Menus To Prepare This Weekend

    Father’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re anything like my family, you probably haven’t quite nailed down the details of how you’re going to celebrate your dad/father figure/mom who is both mom and dad, or whichever special person you’re choosing to make a big deal of on Sunday. Here, three Father’s Day menu ideas, filled with recipes to keep your tummies happy this weekend, whether you’re going for a breakfast, lunch or dinner affair.

    So if, like me, you think you might book at a restaurant, good luck finding a spot at your favourite place – way more organised people booked all the best seats weeks ago!

    But it’s fine, nothing says I love you like a home-cooked meal. And whether you’re sitting around an elegantly laid table or squished onto couches in the lounge, there’s nothing better than sharing food with the people you love.

    I love a buffet-style breakfast, where you can try a bit of everything – a flapjack here, a muffin there and oats in between. Here are a few recipes to make and set out on the table for guests to serve up as they want.

    Happy Healthy Flapjacks

    Serve these to keep everyone full and wanting more.

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes mins

    Course BreakfastCuisine American

    1 cup cassava flour1 tsp baking powder2 bananas smashed2.5 cups almond milk1 tsp coconut oil100 g blueberries100 g raspberries100 g strawberrieshoney to taste1 lime
    Place the flour and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Stir in the mashed banana.Add the almond milk until it reaches a runny consistency.Spoon tablespoons of batter into a large frying pan greased with a little coconut oil – the flapjacks should be similar in circumference to a coffee mug.Cook until golden. Stack up and serve with berries, honey and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

    Keyword flapjacks, healthy

    Overnight Oat Breakfast Bowl

    Allow your guests to jump in on spoonfuls of delicious goodness

    Prep Time 2 minutes minsCook Time 1 day d

    Course BreakfastCuisine American, Healthy

    80 g rolled oats2 pinches sea salt300 ml water200 ml almond milk3 tbsp almond butter divided50 g flaked almonds and chopped walnuts roasted2 tsp honey
    Add the oats and salt to boiling water and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring.Add the milk, bring back to the boil, then remove from the heat. Allow it to cool for one hour, then store it in the fridge overnight.Slowly reheat the oats, adding a bit of water and 2 tbsp almond butter. Serve with nuts, honey (or coconut sugar) and 1 tbsp almond butter.

    Keyword healthy, overnight oats

    Bagel With Scrambled Eggs, Cream Cheese And Salmon

    Your family will go crazy for this moreish breakfast

    Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes mins

    Course BreakfastCuisine American, French

    1 bagel halved and toasted1 tbsp low-fat cream cheeseChives finely snipped2 ribbons smoked troutsalmon roe (optional)3 eggssea salt flakes and pepper1 tsp cold butter
    Spread each half of the toasted bagel with cream cheese and sprinkle with chives. Have the trout ribbons and salmon roe ready.For the scrambled eggs, add the eggs to a bowl, season with a pinch of sea salt flakes and white pepper, and whisk with a fork for 20 to 30 seconds.Smear a layer of butter over the base of the pan (reserve the remaining butter to add at the end of cooking).Add the eggs to the pan over medium-low heat. It’s important to get the heat right – you want the scrambling to happen slowly, but not so slowly that it never progresses from a custard and not so quickly that it sets instantly into an omelette. Stir slowly, covering the base of the whole pan – nothing will happen for two to three minutes. (This may take longer on an electric plate.)When the eggs begin to thicken, start stirring more rapidly. If it starts to thicken too quickly, remove the pan from the heat for a moment (keep stirring), then return once under control.Once it’s almost at the consistency you want, remove the pan from the heat and add the remaining butter to stop the cooking process – the eggs keep on cooking in the pan even once off the heat.Immediately spoon over the bagel halves and finish with the trout ribbons and roe.

    Keyword bagels, breakfast

    Egg Muffins

    These moist breads double up as starters for hungry visitors

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes mins

    Course BreakfastCuisine American

    2 small handfuls fresh spinach chopped4 button mushrroms chopped4 large eggs40 ml milk1/3 cup grated mozzarella cheesesalt and pepper, to taste
    Preheat the oven to 180°C. Spray four or five muffin cups with non-stick spray.In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Add spinach leaves and chopped mushrooms. Scoop into the prepared muffin tins almost to the top. Sprinkle cheese on top. Then give each one a touch of salt and pepper.Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until egg is cooked through. Easy way to check the egg: touch the middle of the muffins… If they are still wet and gooey, they’ll need a little more time in the oven. They should feel cooked through.

    Keyword breakfast, egg muffin, muffin

    READ MORE: 10 Epic Gift Ideas For Fit Dads

    Now that it’s getting colder, I’m all about hearty lunches with a beautiful fresh salad on the side. And a little sweet treat to end it all off.

    Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Salad

    Prep Time 15 minutes mins

    800 g mixed heirloom tomatoes2 avocados sliced1/2 red onion finely sliced1 handful fresh basil torn2 tbsp olive oil1/2 lemon juice and zest1 tbsp sherry vinegar1 tbsp honeysalt and pepper to taste1/4 clove garlic minced

    Lentil Bolognaise

    This fragrant meal is so delish, you won’t miss the meat.

    Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes mins

    Course Main CourseCuisine Italian

    olive oil2 onions diced2 medium carrots diced2 celery sticks diced4 cloves garlic crushed4 cups cooked lentils1 tsp origanum1 tso thyme3/4 cup red wine3 tins chopped tomatoes1 tbsp tomato pastesalt and pepper to tastecooked spaghettifresh basil leaves to garnish
    Add a good splash of olive oil to a large saucepan over medium heat.Add the onion, carrot and celery and fry until the onion is almost translucent. Add the garlic and fry for a few more minutes. Be careful not to let the veggies burn.Add the lentils and mix them into the veggies. Fry for a couple of minutes, then add the herbs.Add the wine, chopped tomatoes and tomato paste and stir well.Turn the heat to a gentle simmer and reduce the liquid. You want a thick sauce that will coat your pasta well.Once you’re happy with the consistency of the sauce, season well. If the sauce is a little bitter from the tomatoes, you can add a sprinkle of sugar.Serve over spaghetti, garnished with a few basil leaves.

    Keyword bolognaise, lentil bolognaise

    Vanilla Cupcakes With Chocolate Ganache

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American, French

    170 g coconut sugar200 g cassava flour12.5 ml baking powder180 ml pureed cooked apples125 ml sunflower oil125 ml almond milk5 ml vanilla essence125 ml coconut cream plus extra100 g dark chocolate (90 percent)50 g coconut sugar to taste1/2 tsp vanilla essence
    For the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 190˚C and line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake cases.Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until combined. Be careful not to over-mix.Divide the mixture evenly between cupcake cases and bake for +/- 15 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the tin before removing and placing on a cooling rack.To make the ganache, heat the coconut cream on the stove until just before it begins to boil. Remove from the heat and add the dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture thickens. Add the vanilla essence and sugar and whisk until the sugar has dissolved. If you would prefer the ganache to be sweeter, add more sugar until you’re happy with the taste.Once the cupcakes are cool, generously ice with the ganache.

    Keyword chocolate ganache, cupcakes

    READ MORE: 50 Best Father’s Day Gifts To Impress Your Dad

    For Father’s Day menus and for supper, go big or go home, I say. A curry with all the fixings, a flavourful salad and the perfect sweet ending.

    Chopped Salad

    Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 5 minutes mins

    Course Main Course, Salad, Side DishCuisine Healthy

    A good chunk of red or green cabbage, thinly sliced2 carrots grated1 red or yellow pepper1/2 red onion finely choppedhandful coriander roughly chopped1 medium-hot chilli finely chopped1/2 cup nuts chopped and toasted2 tbsp white sesame seeds toastedFor the dressing4 tbsp olive oil2 tbsp lemon juiceAgave syrup to taste1 tsp wholegrain mustardsalt and pepper to taste2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    Mix all the salad ingredients in a large bowl.Place all the dressing ingredients in a Consol jar and shake to combine.Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

    Keyword chopped salad

    Rich Chickpea Curry

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes mins

    Course Main CourseCuisine Indian

    olive oil2 onions chopped5 garlic cloves crushedbig knob of ginger grated3 tbsp butter chicken spice1 tbsp ground cuminchilli flakes to taste3 tins chickpeas drained2 tins chopped tomatoes pureed 1 tin coconut milksalt, pepper and sugar to taste
    Pour a big splash of olive oil into a pot and heat on a medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and fry for a few minutes until just translucent. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for a couple more minutes.Add the spices and chilli (if using) and stir into the onion mixture.Pour in the chickpeas and stir until covered by the onion-spice mixture. Fry for a few more minutes.Pour in the puréed tomatoes and coconut milk and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper – and sugar (if you want to add a touch of sweetness).Cook on a medium-low heat until some of the liquid has evaporated and a thick sauce has developed. The longer you let it cook, the richer and more delicious it becomes.Do a final taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Serve with rice, a chopped tomato, onion and coriander salad, poppadoms and rotis.

    Keyword comfort food, curry

    READ MORE: You Need To Try This Easy Air-Fryer Milk Tart Recipe ASAP

    Lemon Meringue Pie

    Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American, French

    coconut oil1/2 cup almond flour1/2 cup desiccated coconut6 Medjool dates1 cup brown sugar1/4 cup Maizenapinch salt1 1/2 cups water3 lemons juiced (1/2 cup)6 large free-range egg yolks keep the egg whites for the meringue2 tbsp lemon zest2 tbsp coconut oil 4 egg whites1 vanilla pod seeds 1 tsp lemon juice1/2 cup brown sugar blitzed in a food processor until fine
    Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a tart dish with some coconut oil.Add the base ingredients to a food processor and blitz until combined. Press into the tart tin to form a base.In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, combine the sugar, Maizena, salt, water and lemon juice. Cook until it just starts to bubble.While the sugar mixture is heating up, in a small bowl combine the egg yolks and lemon zest. Whisk to combine.As soon as the sugar mixture just starts to bubble and turns translucent, temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring in a ladleful of the hot sugar mixture while whisking the egg yolks. Once combined, add all the egg yolks to the sugar mixture. Cook until it just starts to bubble.Once it bubbles, turn off the heat and add in the coconut oil. Whisk until it melts. Set aside.After the lemon curd is off the heat, make the meringue. Pour the egg whites into a bowl attached to a stand mixer and whisk until bubbly, then add the vanilla and lemon juice. Continue mixing and once the egg whites are fluffy, add the sugar one tablespoon at a time until stiff and glossy.Pour the curd into the crust, top with the meringue and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the meringue is lightly golden.

    Keyword comfort food, dessert, lemon meringue pie More

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    in fitness and body

    6 Tips That’ll Help You Get Over The Finish Line Of The Comrades Marathon

    International water activist Mina Guli recently did a whopping 200 marathons in one year around the globe to raise awareness of the global water crisis we’re facing. 200 marathons? Now that’s a woman with intel, we say. Naturally, we turned to her right before the formidable Comrades Marathon to get her tips on how to get over the finish line, blisters and chaffing be damned.

    “I am not a runner, by any stretch of the imagination,” says Guli. “In fact, when I was younger, I avoided doing any form of exercise. But I realised that to raise awareness for the dire global water crisis, I would have to do something very hard to make a real impact. I have found that these six tips are the only reason I am able to make it through my runs when things get really rotten, and it would be so much easier to give up!”

    Stay in the moment

    Wanna give up because there are still 20 whole kilometres of road left? Take it one kilometre at a time, says Guli. “It is really important to remember this is not a 90km race, it is 1km one step at a time,” she says. “Focus on the kilometre that you are doing and the step that you are taking, really focus on just being there in that moment!”

    Focus on your purpose

    Throughout the race, remind yourself why you signed up for this race. Is it to raise awareness around an issue? Did you want to prove to yourself that you can do difficult things? Focus on this. “It’s very important to think in advance why you are doing this race, what your purpose is! It often helps to write this purpose on your hand or your wrist so that you can easily see it and remind yourself on the route why you are there!”

    Think good things

    You’re tired and everything hurts and you just want to give up. This will happen. To help, channel positive thoughts. “There will always be something that hurts – be real it’s 90km – but equally, there is always something that feels good. Whether it’s your fingers, your hands or even the tip of your nose, focus on that and how good it feels! Remember how powerful your mind is and focus your attention away from the hurt to the parts that feel good!”

    Be grateful

    “Phrase thoughts differently in your mind. Instead of thinking, I have to do this race, rather think how awesome it is to be able to take part in this event,” says Guli. “Say hello and thank you to all of the volunteers along the route who make a race like Comrades Marathon possible. When you give positive energy out, it’s incredible the energy that you get back and the power that this gives to your spirit, your body, your mind and your soul.”

    Get the basics right

    Remember your snacks, hydrate regularly and fuel your body properly with loads of carbs before the race. “You need to ensure that you take on the right fuel to help your body get through an incredible feat like the Comrades Marathon,” says Guli.

    Pick a mantra

    “When things get really tough for me, I remind myself that we CAN do hard things, we are capable of so much for than we realise,” says Guli. “I like to bring in all of the points above into my mantra to keep my head in the right space. [Things like] I am able to do hard things, I stay in the moment, I focus on my purpose, I think about only good things, I am grateful and I fuel my body to the best of my ability throughout the run.” More