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      Easy Summer Mocktails For The Festive Season

      by

      Mocktails are proof that virgin drinks don’t have to be boring. They embody all the fun and creativity of their alcoholic counterparts, minus the booze. You can customise them to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions easily. Whether you’re looking for a fruity explosion in your mouth or a tangy citrus sensation, there’s a mocktail out there for everyone. Check out these low-alc (and basically zero-effort!) drinks for summer

      Grapefruit And Rosemary Mimosas

      Grapefruit packs in a lot of nutrition but it is lauded for its high vitamin C content. Studies have found that this citrus fruit may help control insulin levels, meaning it can reduce likelihood of becoming insulin resistant. Grapefruits can add much-needed zestiness and flavour to everything from cocktails to salads.

      Grapefruit And Rosemary Mimosas

      The beauty of this mocktail lies in its simplicity; there are no complicated steps or fancy ingredients involved. It’s all about highlighting the natural flavours of grapefruit and Absolute Zero complementing with herby accents from rosemary.

      Prep Time 15 minutes mins

      Servings 4

      250 ml Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice500 ml Absolute Zero
      Place ice into 4 glasses Top with ¼ cup grapefruit juice Pour ½ cup Absolute ZeroAdd fresh rosemary sprig Garnish the glass with a grapefruit segment

      READ MORE: Make These 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails If You’re Watching Your Weight

      Spicy Passion Fruit Sangria

      Passion fruit, the tantalising tropical delight that bursts with a vibrant explosion of flavour, has essential minerals such as potassium and iron to support heart health and maintain optimal blood circulation. Despite its small size, it’s rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamins.

      Spicy Passion Fruit Sangria

      If you’re looking for a mocktail that will tantalises your taste buds and cools you down simultaneously, reach for this spicy cooler. It’s guaranteed to become your go-to summer drink!

      Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes mins

      Servings 4

      Ingredients For Spicy Passion Fruit Compote8 Granadillas 1 Cinnamon stick2  Star aniseIngredients For Sangria60 ml Spicy passion fruit compote1 Pineapple, peeled and cut into triangles250 ml Sparkling water500 ml Absolute Zero 
      Method For Spicy Passion Fruit CompotPlace all ingredients into a small potCook for 5 minutes on highThen turn heat down to low and simmer for 15 minutesAllow to coolMethod For SangriaPlace ice, pineapple pieces, spicy passion fruit compote, cinnamon quills and star anise into a large jugPour over sparkling water and Absolute ZeroServe cold and enjoy

      READ MORE: 5 Low-Calorie Smoothie Recipes That Legit Taste Like Milkshakes

      Classic Mojito

      Mint, with its refreshing aroma and invigorating taste, offers an array of benefits that extend beyond mere sensory pleasure. Mint is a good source of antioxidants and vitamin A, although it is not typically consumed in large quantities.

      Classic Mojito

      Ready to quench your thirst with a burst of refreshing citrus? Look no further than this invigorating mocktail. This delightful classic drink combines the zesty flavours of lime and mint, making it the perfect drink for a hot summer day.

      Prep Time 5 minutes mins

      Servings 4

      20 ml Agave syrup250 ml Soda water500 ml Absolute Zero NectarServe WithCrushed iceLime slicesFresh mint leaves
      Place crushed ice, lime slices and mint leaves into a large jugUsing a wooden pestle or spoon smash the ingredients to bring out their flavoursTop with the soda water, Absolute Zero Nectar and agave syrup

      Mira Weiner

      Mira is an entrepreneur, food consultant and plant-based advocate.  She’s passionate about conscious living, plant-based nourishment and holistic healing.  She’s a networker, creative cook and country pumpkin who hopes to inspire people to eat more plants which is better for the planet, animals and our bodies.  More

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      Here’s Exactly How To Make Beef Tagliata (It’s Way Easier Than You Think)

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      This Beef Tagliata recipe is light and succulent and perfectly complemented by sweet and flavourful roasted Rosa tomatoes.

      READ MORE: I Tried 3 Viral Recipes And Here’s How It Panned Out

      As the temps soar, it’s time to try out some new recipes. And this Beef Tagliata recipe is going to be a summer staple thanks to how easy it is to make. All you need is a good quality, grass-fed beef fillet (get some from Woolworths), a few other ingredients and the know how which you’ll find below. Bon appetit!

      READ MORE: Fire Up The Braai For This Peri Peri Chicken With Crèma

      Beef Tagliata with Roasted Rosa Tomatoes

      This Beef Tagliata is light and succulent and perfectly complemented by sweet and flavourful roasted Rosa tomatoes. Bon appetit!

      Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes mins

      Course Main CourseCuisine Healthy

      Servings 6 people

      800 g Good-quality grass-fed beef fillet600 g Baby tomatoes, roastedOlive oilSalt and pepper4 Handfuls Rocket⅓ Cup Pine nuts, dry-toastedFor The Marinade:2 Tbsp Rosemary leavesA few Bay leaves4 Cloves Garlic, peeled2 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oilFor The Dressing:1 tsp Mustard 1 tsp Honey1 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar2 Tbsp Olive oil
      To make the marinade, pound all the ingredients until roughly smashed. Massage into the meat and leave in the fridge, covered, overnight.Bring fillet to room temperature. Place the fillet over a high heat and grill for at least four minutes on one side before turning over. Once your fillet is cooked to your liking, set aside to rest before slicing. In order to get really thin slices, place the fillet into the freezer for 30 minutes. Because the cold stiffens the meat, you’ll be able to slice more precisely. Then allow the meat to come back to room temperature.Place the rocket on a serving platter and scatter the roasted tomatoes over the leaves. Layer the fillet.Mix all the dressing ingredients together. Drizzle over the steak before scattering over the toasted pine nuts. Season and serve.

      Keyword beef, Healthy Recipes, salad More

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      5 Healthier ‘Adult’ Ice Lollies To Eat If You’re Watching Your Weight

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      The latest trend to have at your summer cocktail soiree or your New Year’s Eve party is to serve your drinks frozen. Think margarita… but more lick-able.

      Here are some awesome recipes to make at home this silly season:

      1. Saucy watermelon

      Blitz 2 handfuls of watermelon with 2 shots of vodka in a Nutribullet. Pour into ice lolly moulds and freeze overnight.

      2. Strawberrylicious

      Place 10 strawberries, a squeeze of lemon juice, 2 tsp honey and 2 shots of vodka in a Nutribullet and blitz to combine. Pour into ice lolly moulds and freeze overnight.

      READ MORE: Make These 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails If You’re Watching Your Weight

      3. Pina colada

      Blitz 1/4 cup coconut milk with 1 pineapple (chopped) and 3 shots of rum in a blender. Pour into ice lolly moulds and freeze overnight.

      4. Kinky kiwi gin

      Place 2 large kiwis, 20 basil leaves, 2 tsp honey, a squeeze of lemon juice and 2 shots gin in a blender and blitz to combine. Pour into ice lolly moulds and freeze overnight.

      5. Tequila Sunset

      Mix together 100ml mango juice, 40ml fresh orange juice, 2 tsp honey and 2 shots tequila. Pour into ice lolly moulds and freeze overnight.

      READ MORE: 10 Low-Kilojoule Cocktails Worth Sipping On This Summer

      Zoku In-Line Slow Pop Mould

      “Great popsicle mould. Fits nicely in the freezer and the individual moulds that slot into the holder, make use and cleaning a breeze.” – Ruth, user review

      NutriBullet Blender Combo

      This handy blender needs no introduction. Not only will it be amazing for making ice lollies, but you can also make smoothies, nut butters and soups.

      KitchenCraft Cocktail Jigger

      There are spirit jiggers and then there’s this polished copper finished spirit jigger. It measures 25ml and 50ml, and is perfect for mixing cocktails/mocktails at home. Plus, it’s stunning!

      These are the healthiest ice creams you can eat this summer. Plus: What you need to know if you’re drinking lemon water for weight loss. More

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      The 2 Hangover-Curing Recipes You’ll Need This Weekend

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      Searching for hangover cures? These two cocktails are guaranteed to make you feel a whole lot better and with minimal fuss.

      The Science Behind Why A Blood Mary Is One Of The Best Hangover Cures

      They contain tomato juice and research has shown that that tomatoes contain compounds that protect against liver injury. The victim of a big night out: usually your liver. So stock up on tomatoes.

      But that’s not the only benefit the main ingredient of the Bloody Mary provides. Tomatoes also contain Vitamin C and B6 which could reduce the symptoms of a hangover.

      The Bloody Mary calls for a touch of salt. That could help because salt helps replenish the electrolytes you lose through the frequent urination and fluid loss that comes with drinking.

      READ MORE: Make These 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails If You’re Watching Your Weight

      Hangover Cures To Try: The Virgin Bloody Mary

      A Bloody Mary has long been touted as one of the best hangover cures. This one with no alcohol and the addition of kimchi is guaranteed to become a fast favourite.

      Non-Alcoholic Virgin Kimchi Bloody Mary

      A Bloody Mary has long been touted as one of the best hangover cures. This one with no alcohol and the addition of kimchi is guaranteed to become a fast favourite.

      Prep Time 5 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2 people

      2 Bottles Marty’s Spiced Tomato Juice/Virgin Bloody Mary, chilled2 Tbsp Juice (liquid) from your kimchi¼ tsp Soy sauce (add more if needed)¼ tsp Fish sauce (optional)½ tsp Wasabi pasteGarnishing (optional):Togarashi spice/chili salt for the rim of the glassLime wedgesKimchiFennel
      Sprinkle togarashi spice/chili salt onto a plate.Run a lime wedge around the rim of your serving glasses to dampen the rim and dip the rim of the glasses into the mixture.Choose either Spiced Tomato Juice or Virgin Bloody Mary if you prefer a little more spice.In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, season the Marty’s with kimchi juice, soy, fish sauce, and wasabi. Be sure to mix thoroughly until all the wasabi is dissolved. Add soy sauce to taste.Next, fill both glasses with ice, pour over the cocktail mix and add garnishes.

      Barman’s tip: Not all kimchis are the same; their strength varies depending on the brand, and some can have quite a fishy taste. Add the soy sauce, then taste, and then add the fish sauce if necessary.

      Keyword cocktail

      READ MORE: This Braai Dessert Is So Simple Even Kids Can Make It

      Hangover Cures To Try: The Red Snapper

      The Red Snapper cocktail is similar to a Bloody Mary except it uses gin rather than vodka. Try it and thank us later.

      Red Snapper

      The Red Snapper cocktail is similar to a Bloody Mary except it uses gin rather than vodka. Try it and thank us later.

      Prep Time 39 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2 people

      90 ml Gin (preferably a London Dry)2 Bottles Marty’s Spiced Tomato Juice, chilled5-10 ml Lemon juice (add to taste)A few drops of Tabasco Sauce/Sriracha sauce (add to taste)1½ tsp Horseradish cream (optional)Salt or olive brine (to taste)Garnishing (optional):Chilli salt for the rim of the glassLime wedge2 Sticks Celery2 Skewers Olives
      Pour chili salt onto a plate.Run the lime wedge around the rim of your glasses to dampen each and dip the rim of the glasses into your chili salt.In a mixing glass, combine Marty’s with gin, lemon juice, hot sauce an horseradish. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Add salt to taste or, if opting for a skewer of olives or pickles for garnish, you can also add about 1 tsp of brine to each drink.Fill the glasses with ice, pour the mixture between two glasses, and add your desired garnishes.

      Keyword cocktail

      Make sure to stock up on your tomato juice (we love Marty’s) before this weekend. More

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      This Is The Best Coffee Ice Cream Recipe Ever… And It’s Healthy

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      If you’re looking for a sweet treat to help you beat the heat, but not keen on the extra kilojoules then you’ve come to the right place. Say hello to ‘nice cream’! The best part about this recipe? You don’t need a fancy ice cream churner – a simple food processor will do the trick.

      SERVES 8. Per serving: 2 132kJ, 20g fat (19g sat fat), 85g carbs, 45mg sodium, 1g fibre, 2g protein

      Also, try these: 5 Low-Calorie Smoothie Recipes That Legit Taste Like Milkshakes

      Coconut And Coffee Nice Cream

      Coconut and Coffee Nice Cream is a delightful frozen dessert that combines the rich and aromatic flavors of coffee with the creamy goodness of coconut. Enjoy it on a hot day or as a creamy pick-me-up at any time!

      Prep Time 2 days d

      Course DessertCuisine Healthy

      Servings 8Calories 509 kcal

      1 Food processor
      2 tins coconut cream3 bananas1 shot espresso (cooled)¼ cup honey (or coconut blossom nectar)1 vanilla pod
      You need to make this recipe two days in advance. Place coconut tins in the fridge so that the thick cream separates from the clear liquid.Chop bananas and place in a freezable container overnight.The next day, remove coconut cream from the fridge and scoop the white cream into a blender (keep the clear liquid for smoothies). Add in the frozen bananas and honey and coffee. Scrape in the seeds from the vanilla. Pulse/blend until a very thick liquid forms. Pour into a freezable container and freeze overnight.Scoop ice cream into bowls and serve with fresh fruit or nuts, as desired.

      Keyword coconut, ice cream

      Looking for more dessert recipes to try? More

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      How To Add More Vegetables To Your Diet, Even If You’re Busy

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      If you’re a human being, chances are you’re trying to live a healthy lifestyle that minimises the chance you become ill, so you can live a full, healthy life. But adding kids, work and all the life admin into the mix makes things that much more complicated. And while it’s a truth universally acknowledged that you need to add more vegetables to your diet (it offsets inflammation in the body and keeps everything working in tip-top condition), saying and doing are two very different things.

      Having said that, we’ve come up with a few ways to add more vegetables to your diet while keeping in mind how busy everything else is.

      Meet the experts: Carla Chait is a dietician specialising in macrobiotic eating and Gabi Meltzer is a registered dietician.

      Buy pre-cut veggies

      This is arguably your best friend when trying to eat healthy on a time-crunch. Grocery stores offer loads in terms of pre-cut and frozen veg that won’t wilt after a few days. Maximise on this, says Chait. “You can buy mixed, sliced vegetables for stir-fries, peeled and chopped butternut and pumpkin, broccoli and cauliflower florets, and mixed chopped salads,” says Chait.

      “This saves time and effort but is a bit more costly, so weigh up the pros and cons for you and your lifestyle,” advises Meltzer.

      Choose fast-cooking veg

      If you’re short on time but long on nutritional needs, try whipping up meals with veg that don’t take long to cook. “Not all vegetables take long to cook. Broccoli and cauliflower pieces steam quickly. Use an electric or stove-top steamer, or simply fill a pot with a small amount of water, place the vegetables inside, cover, and boil for a few minutes until the water has evaporated,” suggests Chait. Brilliant!

      Not a fan of steaming? Blanch your veg. “Blanching takes a short amount of time. Blanch kale, spinach and bok choy pieces in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes until bright green. Make quick stir-fries with sliced green and red cabbage, carrots, peas and string beans,” says Chait.

      READ MORE: I Tried 3 Viral Recipes And Here’s How It Panned Out

      Think ahead of time

      Planning will save you loads of time. It’ll stop you from reaching out to a delivery app for a saturated-fat meal and will save you in the long run. “Thinking about this ahead of time makes it easier to plan for more balanced, nutritious meals instead of just throwing something together last minute,” says Meltzer.

      Batch cook your meals

      There is no need to cook every single day if you’re busy. Preparing large curries, veggie bakes and stews ahead of time will save you when you’re starving and in need of a boost. “Cooked foods will last safely in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Or, freeze extra batches into single servings for other meals and defrost the night before in the fridge before using them again. Or if you make a salad as a side for dinner, make enough to add to lunch the next day too,” advises Meltzer.

      READ MORE: 19 Complex Carbs You Should Def Incorporate Into Your Diet

      Turn to veggies for snacks

      Efforts to stay healthy quickly wane when you open the snack cupboard or run into the petrol station for a packet of chips. Keep it healthy by prepping fast veg to snack on. “Dip chopped carrots, celery and cucumber into hummus, avocado or other dips for a snack. Other delicious vegetable crudites include string beans, snap peas and baby corn,” says Chait.

      Think about adding colour

      Each colour in vegetables presents its own set of vitamins and minerals. We know carrots help with eyesight and inflammation but adding pops of red, green or purple can boost your immunity too. “This doesn’t have to be perfect, but taking this into consideration each time you eat is really helpful in adding more opportunities for colourful foods over the day/week,” says Meltzer. For example, if you’re making a sandwich with ham and cheese, try adding tomato, peppers and cucumbers to punch up the nutritional value, says Meltzer.

      READ MORE: 9 Of The Best Post-Workout Snacks That Actually Taste Amazing Too

      Try veggie juice

      These don’t replace your meals but can be a quick and easy way to add more nutrients to your diet when you’re pressed for time. “Although juices are highly concentrated and contain less fibre than whole foods, they are an alternate way to get vitamins and minerals from vegetables on occasion,” says Chait.

      Bulk up carby meals

      Feeling for a fast and cheesy pasta? Don’t skimp on adding peas, carrots or spinach to the dish. “Adding more colour not only enhances nutritional value but also increases satisfaction,” says Meltzer. “For example, stirring some fresh baby tomatoes/rocket/baby spinach to a simple pesto pasta, or cooking a pasta/rice bake with some chopped veggies added to it, or trying out a one-tray bake with a protein and ready chopped mixed roast veggies, or trying out a stirfry which has loads of different colours!”

      READ MORE: Why Drinking Diet Coke Won’t Help You Lose Weight

      Try pickles

      Eating for good gut health doesn’t have to be limited to veggies. Pickled and fermented food goes a long way. “Eat sauerkraut and other pickled vegetables. Although high in sodium, fermented foods contain probiotics which are good for your digestive system,” says Chait. More

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      I Tried 3 Viral Recipes And Here’s How It Panned Out 

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      Social media: a world filled with endless scrolling and the tantalising promise of those “someday” recipes. We’ve all been there, right? You hit the save button, hoping for that perfect moment to give them a whirl. Well, today’s the day!

      WH have put three viral recipes to the test, to see and taste if they *actually* live up to the hype. Here’s how it all went down:

      Breakfast Bliss

      Pesto Egg-In-A-Hole

      This is the morning meal revelation you’ve been waiting for! And why didn’t we think of this sooner? By using pesto as your cooking oil, you not only elevate the flavour but also achieve that irresistible crunch. The best part? You can get creative with your pesto selection—try olive, basil, pepper and beyond!

      Pesto Egg-In-A-Hole

      A flavourful twist on classic breakfast. An egg nestled in bread with pesto for an exciting morning bite.

      Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 5 minutes mins

      Course Breakfast

      Servings 2

      2 Slices of bread ciabatta or sourdough1 tbsp Pesto store-bought or homemade2 Large eggsKosher saltFreshly ground black pepper
      Using a cup or a paring knife, carefully carve an egg-sized hole in the centre of your bread.In a small nonstick pan, gently heat the pesto until it begins to sizzle slightly. Place the bread and the bread cut-out into the pan and then gently crack the egg into the hole within the bread.Allow it to cook for approximately 3 minutes. Flip it over and continue cooking for an additional 1 minute to achieve that perfect over-easy egg. Transfer to a plate and for the finishing touch, season it with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper.

      READ MORE: Peanut Butter Banana Waffles

      Lunch

      Burger Taco 

      This is our new weekly favourite. I couldn’t believe how simple it is to create something so delicious and healthy. If you have little ones, this trend is a must-try, but it’s equally perfect for solo diners. No need to fry up a whole batch of ingredients. Just select a few and you’ve got yourself a fantastic meal in no time. Voila!

      Pro tip: If you’re as time-pressed as I am, consider grabbing some ready-made sauce (I used the Woolworths Burger Mayonnaise). However, I’ve included the recipe for the sauce below, just in case you feel like whipping it up from scratch.

      @aussiefitness Healthy Low Calorie & High Protein Smash Burger Tacos 🌮🍔 Ingredients: (Tacos) 180g Extra Lean Beef Mince (total raw weight – 45g per taco) Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt & Smoked Paprika 1/2 Diced White Onion 4 Mini Tortillas/Wraps (Old El Paso Tortillas Mini Tacos) Toppings: 4 Slices Cheddar Cheese (Dairyworks Natural Cheddar Slices) Lettuce 1/2 Diced White Onion 80g Burger Sauce (20g per taco) Sauce: 50g Light or Fat Free Mayonnaise (Callowfit Mayo Style Sauce) 8g Yellow Mustard 1/2 Tbsp Pickle Juice 1 Tsp White Vinegar 10g Gherkin Relish or Sweet Relish 2 – 3 Tsp Smoked Paprika 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder Or you can use regular store bought burger sauce. #tacos #smashburger #bigmac #lowcalorie #highprotein #healthyrecipes #easyrecipes ♬ original sound – Aussie Fitness 🇦🇺💪🏼

      Burger Tacos

      A delicious fusion of burgers and tacos. Perfectly simple, kid-friendly and ideal for a quick, satisfying meal.

      Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 5 minutes mins

      Course Snack

      Servings 4

      4 Mini tortilla wraps 200 g Extra-lean mince Ground coriander spice Garlic spice Onion powderPaprikaKosher saltFreshly ground black pepper 4 Slices cheddarExtrasPickles choppedOnion choppedLettuce shreddedCherry tomatoes choppedSauce1 tbsp Light mayonnaise1 tsp Tomato sauce 1 tsp MustardChopped pickles or gherkins 2 tsp Apple cider vinegar1/2 tsp Garlic powder1/2 tsp Onion powder1/4 tsp Paprika1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
      Start prepping your mince for the tacos. Add the mince and spices to a mixing bowl. Roll the mince into 4 equal meatballs and add on top of the tortillas. Fry the mince tortilla on high heat for about 1-2 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through.Flip the tortilla and add the slice of cheese. This should only take a few seconds, depending on how crispy you want the tortilla. Add your extras, like pickles, lettuce and onions on top of the taco and finish off with a sauce of your choosing. 

      Keyword Burgers, Tacos

      READ MORE: This Plant-Based Ploughman’s Sandwich Is A Vegan Dream

      Dinner

      Baked Feta Pasta

      Baked Feta Pasta is the answer to impressing even the most discerning palates. While it does require a bit more time in the oven compared to our earlier recipes, it’s surprisingly low-maintenance to prepare. This is the kind of dish that allows you to pop it in the oven, queue up your favourite show and check in every now and then.

      Baked Feta Pasta

      An easy-to-impress pasta dish. Cherry tomatoes, feta and herbs meld together for a savory, low-effort dinner delight.

      Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes mins

      Course Main Course

      Servings 3

      1 shallot or onion3 cloves garlic2 punnets cherry tomatoes1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oilKosher saltCrushed red pepper flakes1 Block feta3 Sprigs fresh thyme 1/2 500g pack of pasta penne, farfalloni or fussilli1 Zest of lemon optionalFresh basil for garnish
      Preheat your oven to 200°C. In a large ovenproof skillet or a medium-sized baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced shallot, minced garlic and a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of red pepper flakes. Toss these ingredients together, ensuring that they are well combined.Place the feta cheese block into the centre of the tomato mixture. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta cheese. Scatter some fresh thyme sprigs over the cherry tomatoes. Pop this skillet or dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the tomatoes are bursting with flavour and the feta cheese is beautifully golden on top.While the feta and tomatoes are baking to perfection, prepare your pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining the pasta, make sure to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, which will come in handy later.Once the feta and tomatoes are ready, take the skillet or baking dish out of the oven. Add the cooked pasta, the reserved pasta water and some lemon zest (if you’re opting for that zesty kick). Gently stir everything until it’s beautifully combined. Finish it off with a generous garnish of fresh basil leaves.

      Keyword pasta, vegetarian

      READ MORE: Serve This Tasty (Yet, Easy) Butternut Wellington At Your Next Dinner Party

      For more healthy viral recipe ideas, try these:

      Chamain is the Online Editor of Women’s Health. Explorer by heart, a creative thinker by day and a coffee addict, always. My hobbies include hiking, drawing, painting, photography, cooking and *recently* running. More

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      5 Low-Calorie Smoothie Recipes That Legit Taste Like Milkshakes

      by

      These healthy and delicious smoothie recipes for weight loss are a great way to cool down and pack in nutrients. So give these five under-300-calorie concoctions a whirl, and sip your way to a slimmer body.

      A Penn State study found that people whose smoothies were blended for five minutes ate 12 percent less food afterwards and felt fuller than those whose smoothies were minimally blended. Now that’s a great weight loss tactic we can so get behind!

      READ MORE: The “Amazing Skin” Smoothie Recipe That Actually Works

      5 Low Calorie Smoothie Recipes For Weight Loss

      1. The Cherry Bomb Smoothie

      This low-calorie cherry smoothie is made with frozen cherries, kiwi, orange juice, coconut water and honey.

      Simple Cherry Smoothie Recipe

      This low calorie cherry smoothie is made with frozen cherries, kiwi, orange juice, coconut water and honey.Serves 1. Per serving: 665kJ, 1g fat (1g sat), 38g carbs, 129mg sodium, 5g fibre, 3g protein.

      Prep Time 5 minutes mins

      Course Breakfast, Drinks, SnackCuisine Healthy, Vegetarian

      Servings 1 personCalories 159 kcal

      ¾ Cup Frozen cherries1 Kiwi, peeled and quartered¼ Cup Orange juice½ Cup Coconut water¾ tsp Honey3 Ice cubes

      Up the ante: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an additional 15 to 25g of protein.

      Keyword breakfast, healthy, Smoothie

      2. Apple Mojito Light Smoothie

      With only 107 calories, this apple smoothie is great as a breakfast, snack or cocktail. That’s because it’s made with apple juice, peach, cucumber, sparkling water, lime juice, mint and honey. So delicious!

      Apple Smoothie Recipe For Weight Loss

      With only 107 calories, this apple smoothie is great as a breakfast, snack or cocktail. It’s made with apple juice, peach, cucumber, sparkling water, lime juice, mint and honey. Delicious!Serves 1. Per serving: 450kJ, 1g fat (1g sat), 27g carbs, 3mg sodium, 3g fibre, 2g protein.

      Course Breakfast, DrinksCuisine Healthy

      Servings 1 personCalories 107 kcal

      ¼ Cup Unsweetened apple juice1 Medium peach, peeled, pitted and quartered¼ Medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and quartered⅓ Cup Sparkling water¾ tsp Fresh lime juice3 leaves Fresh mint¾ tsp Honey6 Ice cubes

      Up the ante: Add two tablespoons light rum (about 270kJ) and have it at happy hour.

      Keyword breakfast, healthy, Smoothie, vegetarian

      READ MORE: This Delicious DIY Tropical Coconut Granola Will Be Your New Breakfast Staple

      3. Island Refresher Smoothie

      This 221 calorie smoothie for weight loss is made from pineapple, mango, soy milk, cottage cheese and coconut flakes. Just trust us on this one; it’s so creamy, filling and delicious!

      Pineapple Weight Loss Smoothie

      This 221 calorie smoothie for weight loss is made from pineapple, mango, soy milk, cottage cheese and coconut flakes. Trust us on this one; it’s creamy, filling and delicious!Serves 1. Per serving: 925kJ, 2g fat (1g sat), 38g carbs, 244mg sodium, 4g fibre, 11g protein.

      Prep Time 5 minutes mins

      Course Breakfast, DrinksCuisine Healthy

      Servings 1 personCalories 221 kcal

      ¾ Cup Pineapple, cubed½ Cup Frozen mango¾ Cup Soya milk (with a drop of vanilla essence)3 Tbsp Low-fat cottage cheese¼ tsp Unsweetened coconut flakes, for garnish

      Up the ante: Add one tablespoon ground flaxseed for an extra two grams of fibre.

      Keyword breakfast, healthy, Smoothie

      4. Rise And Shine Smoothie

      Still looking for more smoothie recipes for weight loss? Then try this delicious and filling smoothie made with avocado, sweet potato, banana, milk and honey.

      Easiest Avocado Smoothie For Weight Loss

      Try this delicious and filling smoothie made with avocado, sweet potato, banana, milk and honey. Serves 1. Per serving: 1 215kJ, 8g fat (1g sat), 50g carbs, 135mg sodium, 7g fibre, 9g protein

      Course Breakfast, DrinksCuisine Healthy

      Servings 1 personCalories 291 kcal

      ¼ Avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed2 Tbsp Cooked sweet potato1 Small frozen banana, sliced¾ Cup Low-fat milk½ tsp Honey

      Up the ante: Blend in 1/4 cup raw or cooked oats for a thicker texture and more energy-fuelling carbs.

      Keyword breakfast, healthy, Smoothie

      READ MORE: The 12 Best Healthy Green Juice Recipes You Can Make With A Blender Or Juicer.

      5. Awesome Almond Smoothie

      Start your morning with a super satiating 233 calorie smoothie made from banana, kale, almond butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and ground ginger. So yum!

      Awesome Banana, Almond & Kale Smoothie

      Start your morning with a super satiating 233 calorie smoothie made from banana, kale, almond butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and ground ginger. Yum!Serves 1. 975kJ, 8g fat ( More