Happy Monday, how was your weekend?  

So it’s early Sunday morning, the family are all tucked up in bed and I have been pondering what to write for this weeks newsletter…

Lists, yes I love a good list. Having a list keeps me organised, helps me stay focused on the task at hand and ultimately is the G.S.D (Get Stuff Done) of my life.

BUT this isn’t that kind of list. This isn’t a productivity list of any sort. This is a list of 12 things I am loving right now. Some of it fitness related some of it nutrition related and some just because I am loving it.  So without further ado

12 Things I am Loving Right Now

1 – Cauliflowers

Cauli’s are awesome, from cancer fighting to brain boosting, there are a number of wonderful benefits from eating cauliflowers. I love the versatility of a cauli. Cauli rice, Cauli mash and Krystie even made a wonderful Cauli pizza the other day

 

2 – Well Naturally Chocolate

If I need a quick chocolate fix this is my current go-to. With 70% cocoa, naturally sweetened with stevia and no artificial flavours, colours and preservatives. It does contain some erythritol (sugar alcohol) but all studies on erythritol as a sweetener have been pretty positive

3 – Chemex

For those that know me know I am a coffee lover. My day will often start with a Bulletproof coffee (that’s coffee and butter) and I love my Aeropress for a rich and low acidity flavour. Krystie recently bought me a Chemex and I have to say ‘I love it’ The Chemex uses an immersion method which makes the taste and body similar to that of a drip method.

4 –  Brunswick Wild Caught Sardines

Honestly I am not a huge fan of the taste of sardines but they’re high in much needed omega 3, vitamin D and a super source of selenium. The sardine has been called ‘the healthiest fish’ and they are economically friendly to boot. Interestingly a massive 73% when surveyed said they disliked the taste.

Here is what I do to make them taste better. Marinate them in a little dried oregano, some chilli flakes, a bit of parsley, salt, pepper and coconut oil. Then grill for a minute or two. Squeeze some lemon juice and add to a salad of your choice.

Credit to Pete Evans as this is a modified version of his recipe from the book Fast Food for Busy Families

5 – My Big Water Bottle

It’s 2.2 litres and BPA free. I fill it in the morning and make sure that I have finished it by the end of the day. A simple way to keep on top of your hydration.

6 – The Keto diet

The keto diet seems to be getting more and more media attention. Personally I have been a keto advocate for many years. It’s not for everyone but I do think many can benefit from this style of eating. Essentially high fat, medium protein and low carb. The secret of the keto diet is that it takes you from sugar burner to fat burner as your bodies preferred source of fuel.

Did somebody say Butter 🙂

7 – Ketostix

Ketostix are essentially stips that you urinate on to see if you’re in ketosis. They’re not an exact science but they are pretty useful. On the Keto diet you need to keep your carbs low in order to be in ketosis. For most it’s around 30 grams a day but some people can get away with around 60 grams and others fail to get away with 20 grams. I routinely test and now even 1 piece of paleo bread sends me out of ketosis. 🙁     Don’t guess – test!

8 – Hapi

https://hapi.nz/

If you haven’t been there yet, then go and make a trip. Hapi in Napier is a kick ass clean food cafe. They have a wonderful selection of sweet and savoury clean eating foods. I am partial to their paleo sandwiches and a good cup of bone broth for on the go.

9 – The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k

I am currently reading Sarah Knights international bestseller. It is a how to stop spending time you don’t have doing things you don’t want to do with people you don’t like.  #harshbutfair

In a nutshell – not giving a f**k means taking care of yourself first, allowing yourself to say no, releasing yourself from worry, anxiety and fear guilt associated with saying no and reducing mental clutter.

If you worry too much about what other people think then this book is for you. A quirky book aimed at females.

10 – Incafe’s Marin Estate Organic Coffee

Yes, more coffee related shenanigans. Just got some of this award winning stuff the other day. It’s a high altitude Peruvian coffee, smooth almond and chocolate notes. It’s organic, ethical and eco friendly!

11 – Calm the App

Meditation! I believe that for most we live in a world where we have lost connection. Connection to ourselves, others and this beautiful world. We spend our days busy for the sake of being busy, rushing around doing stuff. We are chronically stressed, burnt out and tired all the time.

We need to stop, breathe and get some connection back. Calm have created a wonderful app that guides you through the meditation process. Choose from the beginners 10 minute guided meditation or your take or your own 1 hour long meditation.

https://www.calm.com/ download the app and get breathing

12 – Spring is on it’s way

I love spring. Rebirth, renewal and regrowth. The flowers bloom, the animals awaken and we tidy up. Then you have spring vegetables like spring onions, asparagus, courgettes and peas.

Warmer days are ahead 🙂

Paul ‘’ is it time for coffee ‘’ and Krystie ‘’ I can’t believe I didn’t make the list’’