3 Fantastic Pancake Day Recipes

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gluten free pancakes, healthy pancake recipes, healthy pancakes, Pancake day 2020, pancake recipes, Shrove Tuesday, vegan pancakes, yoga food, Yoga With Paul

Today is Shrove Tuesday, aka Pancake Day for many. The tradition of eating pancakes is related to the religious practice of giving up certain foods for Lent (the 40 days before Easter). In the past, people might have given up items like butter or sugar, hence using these ingredients up the day before Lent

Whether or not you take part in any religious observance, today is a great excuse to enjoy a delicious warming meal — perfect for a mid-winter energy boost.

Photo by Catalin Pateo on Unsplash

Try one of these fantastic pancake day recipes, or get friends round and try them all!

Vegan oatmeal pancakes

These vegan oatmeal pancakes adapted from a Vegetarian Times recipe are packed with energy, protein and fibre and you can make them even tastier by adding a couple handfuls of berries, apple chunks or banana slices.

American-style pancakes

BBC Food has an American Pancake recipe that you can modify by adding a few handfuls of frozen blueberries or mixed berries. BBC also has a vegan American Pancake recipe that has just six ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, sea salt, non-dairy milk and salt, plus oil for frying.

Gluten free crepes

Nothing could be simpler (or yummier) than these gluten free crepes. Simply whisk together the ingredients, leave for 15-20 minutes, then pour a thin layer into a very hot skillet. Enjoy with nut butter, maple syrup or the traditional lemon and sugar.

Ingredients: plain gluten free flour, non-dairy milk, 1 egg.

Instructions: Combine as much flour and almond milk as desired to make a thin batter, beat in the egg. Cook and enjoy!

Share your favourite pancake day recipe in the comments!

Seasonal Food: Brussels Sprouts

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Brussel sprouts recipes, Brussels sprouts, clean eating, food for yoga, seasonal food UK, seasonal recipes, vegan recipes, vegetarian recipes, whole foods, Yoga With Paul

Brussels sprouts are a traditional holiday veg, but their health benefits and versatility make them a perfect seasonal food for the whole of winter.

Loaded with fibre, protein and vitamins including C, K, A and B-6, they are an incredibly nutritious addition to hot or cold dishes. Plus, the crunchy texture and nutty flavour adds wonderful character to any meal.

Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography on Unsplash

The traditional way to eat Brussels Sprouts is simply roasted with a bit of oil, salt and lemon juice. But your imagination is the only limit to how you use them.

 

They can easily be pureed into soup or chopped into a warm salad. If you want sprouts to be the star of the dish there are loads of great recipes available.

Try BBC Good Food’s sweet potato and sprout hash (with or without poached eggs) or the Middle Eastern-inspired cranberry, sprout and pecan pilaf.

Sprout stir-fry with green beans, pine nuts and lemon juice makes a great lunch and chilli-charred sprouts a zesty side.

For the truly adventurous, there is even a Brussels sprout cake recipe. Do let me know if you try it!

Do you have a favourite Brussels sprout dish? Share in the comments!

6 Vegan Christmas Treats

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clean eating, gluten free Christmas, gluten free Christmas cookies, holiday eating, vegan biscuits, vegan Christmas, vegan cookies, vegan recipes, yoga, Yoga With Paul

‘Tis the season to be surrounded by biscuits, cakes, chocolates, mince pies, fudge… a plethora of sugary confections whose allure doesn’t always bode well for our health.

Fortunately, there are loads of amazing recipes for vegan (and often gluten free) versions of holiday favourites. Many of them are still quite sweet, so not something to eat three meals a day, but at least you can feel confident you are treating your body right with plant-based alternatives to commercial Christmas foods.

The following are links to some great recipes — follow them for more ideas!

Photo by Miroslava on Unsplash

Gluten free gingerbread 

The warm-spiced winter classic in a delicious, soft, chewy gluten free version.

Vegan sugar cookies 

Classic biscuits, perfect for decorating (especially if you have kids who need a holiday project!) They look great on a plate.

Pumpkin spice latte cookies

Warm seasonal flavours in this lightly spiced biscuit, and better for you than coffee pumped full of sugar-water.

Citrus rosemary cookies

These have a sophisticated twist, with the pungency of rosemary adding a Mediterranean flair to the tart citrus.

Dairy-free shortbread

Enjoy the classic British shortbread in a dairy-free version — it makes a great base for desserts with fruit, or accompaniment to a cup of tea.

Spiced oatmeal cranberry cookies

Oatmeal and cranberries combine in this moreish seasonal biscuit that will almost have you convinced it’s health food!

Photo by Kai Wenzel on Unsplash

5 Simple Winter Intentions

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Christmas yoga, clean eating, daily yoga, holiday survival tips, well-being, winter fitness, winter yoga, yoga intentions, Yoga With Paul

We are on the cusp of December which brings winter proper, and the buzz and busy-ness of the holiday season. While the holidays can be glorious fun. They can also lead to stress if we let healthy habits slide, or give in to the pressure to buy the perfect gift, wear the perfect outfit, host the perfect party, etc.

Setting our intentions is a way to help us navigate winter with balance and energy. These five simple winter intentions are a foundation you can build on for a joyous season.

Photo by Filip Bunkens on Unsplash

Prioritise your well-being

It is easy to prioritise other people’s expectations and needs, especially during a season where there are often a lot of social and familial expectations. However, you can’t be a jolly host or happy guest if you are frazzled and unwell. Taking care of your own well-being actually gives you more energy for others.

Do (a little) yoga every day

Even something as simple as sun-salutations, or a spine-stretching sequence can relax and invigorate your body and mind, keeping you on track. Better still, make time for your favourite yoga class and enjoy the added benefits of collective energy!

Remember, love doesn’t have a price tag

Shopping can be a major source of holiday stress. Instead of obsessing over gadgets or gifts, take time to think about what the recipient means to you and how you can best express your love. Maybe the best gift is a home-cooked meal, or an uninterrupted afternoon together, or watching old movies with a bowl of popcorn.

Eat for real comfort

As I’ve written before, comfort food doesn’t have to be greasy, sugary, or heavy. Real comfort food is what makes you feel good inside and out. Think hearty soups, warm salads, and stir-fries packed with vegetables. When you eat well you will feel well — and have a better chance of fighting off the colds and flu!

Reach out

The holidays can be a hard time for people, adding extra pressure to difficult situations like grief, poverty, or being far from home. Taking the time to reach out to a friend or acquaintance, or volunteer with a local community group, is an important way we can share the true spirit of the season.

What are your winter intentions? Share in the comments!

 

 

 

 

Warm Roasted Cauliflower Salad

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clean eating, holiday detox, roasted cauliflower, roasted cauliflower salad recipe, vegan recipes, vegetarian recipes, veggie warm salad recipe, warm salad recipe, Yoga With Paul

Breathe deep. It’s the holidays! If you’re anything like me, you’ve been busy — and busy indulging. The delights of Christmas can leave you feeling lethargic. And New Year’s eve is yet to come!

What you need is delicious, hearty, clean food to energise your body and get you ready to dance your way into the new year. This recipe for warm, turmeric-roasted cauliflower salad ticks all the boxes: seasonal veg, warming spices, simple preparation.

The recipe is from Olive magazine. Check out the original feature for 21 more fantastic veggie recipes that will get you right for 2019.

Photo by Jennifer Schmidt on Unsplash

Ingredients

• cauliflower 1 large head,
  broken into small florets
• ground turmeric 1 tsp
• groundnut oil
• brown basmati rice 200g
• frozen edamame beans,
  or chickpeas 150g
• frozen petit pois 150g
• lemon 1, juiced
• cucumber 1/4, peeled and diced
• mint a small bunch, chopped
• flat-leaf parsley a small bunch, chopped
• cashews 50g, toasted and chopped
• pomegranate seeds to garnish (optional)

TERIYAKI DRESSING

• balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp
• shaoxing rice wine 2 tbsp
• mirin 2 tbsp
• soy sauce 2 tbsp
• caster sugar 3 tsp

Method

• STEP 1

  Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Put the cauliflower in an ovenproof dish or tin, add the turmeric, some seasoning and 2 tbsp oil, and toss together. Roast for
  20-25 minutes until tender. Tip onto a plate and cool.

   

• STEP 2

  Meanwhile boil the rice in salted water until tender, adding the edamame and peas for the last minute of cooking, then drain well. Leave to cool, then tip into a large bowl. Add the roasted cauliflower, lemon juice, cucumber and some seasoning, and toss together. Add the herbs and toss again.

   

• STEP 3

  Whisk together the dressing ingredients. Divide the cauli rice between plates, scatter over the cashews and drizzle with the dressing.

   

  Share your favourite post-Christmas recipe in the comments!

Easy Organic Christmas

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clean eating, Farmdrop, food for yoga, healthy holiday food, organic food, yoga diet, yoga holiday food, yoga nutrition, Yoga With Paul

Dreaming of an effortless, organic Christmas? I am… but I’m not sure how to fit it in around work, Christmas parties, gift shopping and spending time with loved ones.

One idea is to use online delivery services to help keep the fridge and pantry full of good, healthy, clean, seasonal food.

Photo: Farmdrop

I did a bit of poking around (read an Independent article) and found Farmdrop, a site that lets you buy from local farmers.

“Local” is a relative term, but most products are sourced in a 100 mile radius — making it a lot more local than South American strawberries, or what have you.

Farmdrop covers all categories of food — including booze! — but what I really like is the fruit & veg category. Eating plenty of fresh, seasonal produce is difficult this time of year. Especially when you don’t have much time to shop.

Buying a veg box is a great way to ensure you have delicious organic ingredients on hand, when you need them. Having good food available is one of the best ways to avoid overindulging. Give it a try!

Know a great organic/local food supplier? Share in the comments!

Seasonal Food: Leeks

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clean eating, eat the seasons, mujadara recipes, seasonal food, seasonal recipes, vegan recipes, vegetarian recipes, Yoga With Paul

Eating fresh food not only brings more nutrients to your diet, it helps you tune in to the rhythms of the seasons. This time of year, leeks are in season and they are a great addition to many dishes.

According to Eat The Seasons, leeks are related to garlic and onions but have a much subtler, sweeter and more sophisticated flavour. They are great in soups and stews, and partner with potato and with cheese to form tasty side-dishes and suppers that comfort and satisfy. They have been cultivated at least since the time of the Ancient Egyptians and are depicted in surviving tomb paintings from that period!

Leek-and-potato soup is a comforting classic but if you’re looking for something with a bit more spice, you should try this one-pot mujadara recipe. This Lebanese dish combines leeks with lentils, basmati rice, seasonal greens, herbs and spices.

For the full recipe visit HolyCowVegan.net. Here’s your ingredient list to get started:

• Leeks
• Brown lentils
• Basmati rice
• Cumin powder
• Allspice powder
• Garlic
• Cayenne pepper
• Bay leaves
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Leafy greens

 

Have a favourite leek dish? Please share in the comments!

 

 

#YWP December Newsletter

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London yoga, new years yoga, Yoga Holiday With Paul, yoga news, yoga newsletter, yoga postures, yoga teacher, Yoga With Paul

Last one of the year, friends! The #YWP December newsletter is here. Enjoy & share.

Namaste

Yoga With Paul newsletter DEC 2017

Photo by Urban Decay Visuals

 

Vegan New Years Recipes

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clean eating, clean food, detox foods, healthy foods, holiday food, New Year's Eve 2017, vegan New Years Eve, vegan recipes, Yoga With Paul

Clean eating at a party? Is that possible? I love to indulge at New Year’s Eve parties. But I also enjoy eating things that make my body feel good. Luckily, those two things are not mutually exclusive.

There are loads of recipes out there for vegan party food, ranging from dips like spinach & artichoke to more involved creations like raw vegan mini-cheesecakes. The point is, whether your tastes run to simple snacks or elaborate spreads, there are definitely healthful options that will ensure you start the New Year feeling great, inside and out.

Here are two recipes to get the party started. Click here for 48 more recipes via Bustle.

Easy Sangria

Ingredients

• 1/2 apple, cored, skin on, chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 orange, rind on, sliced into small pieces, large seeds removed (plus more for garnish)
• 3-4 Tbsp (41-55 g) organic brown sugar (or 3 Tbsp (37.5 g) organic cane sugar)
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) orange juice, plus more to taste
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) brandy, plus more to taste
• 1 750 ml bottle dry Spanish red wine*
• Ice to chill (~1 cup)

Click here for full instructions

 

Pumpkin & Black Bean Quesadillas

Ingredients

• 400g pureed cooked pumpkin
• 400g tin black beans, drained and lightly mashed
• 150g tin diced green chilles
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 8 soft taco sized flour tortillas (whole wheat preferred)
• Hot sauce

Click here for full instructions

Share your favourite clean eating party food recipe in the comments!

 

Gluten Free Gingerbread

Tags

Christmas recipes, food for yoga, gluten free gingerbread recipe, gluten free holiday, gluten-free recipes, healthy Christmas treats, yoga, Yoga With Paul

This recipe from Gluten Free on a Shoestring makes soft, delicious gingerbread that you don’t have to be gluten free to love. If you’re having a holiday get-together, or taking food to a party, these are perfect: simple, comforting, tasty and suitable for all.

For the full recipe, and many more GF goodies, visit the website.

Ingredients

• 210g all purpose gluten free flour
• 3/4 tsp xanthan gum (omit if your flour blend already contains it)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 110g packed light brown sugar
• 85g unsalted butter or coconut oil, at room temperature
• 85g unsulphured molasses
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 egg at room temperature, beaten
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Royal Icing, for decorating (optional)

Preparation

For full instructions visit Gluten Free on a Shoestring

What’s your favourite Christmas biscuit? Share in the comments!