Tag: yum

Dinner, Recipies

Edamame Pasta Dish

jazzybfit

I’ve recently become so obsessed with using pasta alternatives such as edamame or black bean spaghetti! I prefer it to whole wheat spaghetti, as it actually offers nutritional benefits such as 22g of protein per 50g (amazing!) plus it’s also lower in carbohydrates, with only 16g per 100g.  Also, it is gluten-free, vegan, and a great source of fiber! Basically, I have come to love the stuff and so I really wanted to share a yummy recipe with you all so you could give it a go too!

This dish is one of my absolute favourites to make because it is quick, simple, and budget-friendly. You can find the pasta alternative in most supermarkets such as Aldi and Tesco, if not you can buy it online from Holland & Barrett.

IMG_3565[1]

Ingredients:

  • Edamame or black bean spaghetti
  • Tinned mackerel in tomato sauce
  • Sundried tomatoes
  • Fresh tomatoes
  • Red or white onions (diced)
  • Garlic
  • paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Basil (fresh)
  • Olives
  • Spinach

IMG_3556[1]

Method:

  1. In a frying pan sauté the onions for a few minutes, then add the fresh tomatoes and fry for a further two minutes
  2. Meanwhile, bring a pan of water to the boil and add the spaghetti (this cooks very quickly, and so it should only take between 5-8 minutes
  3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to to the frying pan
  4. turn the heat down to a lower setting, and add all other remaining ingredients and spices
  5. Serve and enjoy!

(I also added mushrooms and mangetout to my dish!)

Macros:

  • 319 calories (per serving, sharing the mackerel between two dishes)
  • 14.9g carbs
  • 10.2g Fat
  • 31.9g protein

 

You can also add any other veggies to this dish such as broccoli or top the dish with avocado, which also works really well. I hope you enjoy this healthy pasta dish,

Jazzy B ❤

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Blog

Foodie Finds – April 2018

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April saw sunny weather, my first cheerleading competition, and lots and lots of uni deadlines. But, I still managed to find lots of goodies for you this month…definitely, a chocolatey theme going on this month! ❤

1) Tesco Dark Chocolate and Peanut Bar 31369537_1922746384466278_7023050850775859200_n

This makes the perfect on-the-go snack and is also a great post-workout snack due to the high-ish protein content from the peanuts. Compared to other cereal bars, this one is good in terms of sugar, containing less than 7g per bar. The flavour is really nice if you like that peanut and dark chocolate combo (which I definitely do), but it is very chewy.

31354662_1922745437799706_5028719251150602240_n2) Tetley Mango and Passion Fruit Green Tea

I love finding new summery flavours of green tea. I’ve tried so many but thought this flavour duo was quite novel. In all honesty, this just tastes like fruity green tea, nothing too special. However, it still makes a nice alternative to ordinary green tea.

 

3) Siro Sugar-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies.31265279_1922746327799617_8837376084648394752_n

Amazing. I love that companies are coming out with more sugar-free alternatives, especially with things that you would least expect such as this! Considering they have no refined sugars in, I think they taste incredible. I love to crumble one on my porridge in the mornings as they are so good. I highly recommend these!

31381231_1922745734466343_4619370827316461568_n4) Rhythm 108 Praline Bar

I’m always on the lookout for healthier alternatives to chocolate, and this one certainly comes close. It contains 47% less sugar than your average chocolate, it’s also vegan, gluten-free, organic…basically everyone can eat this! I couldn’t taste the difference between this and a normal chocolate bar, seriously good!

5) Doisy & Dam Chocolate Snaps31434445_1922746417799608_7271810365808181248_n

Definitely saving the best for last. Wow. I know there has been a lot of hype about their chocolate, but I thought it was just another fancy dark chocolate brand filling the shelves. Most definitely not! I love their creative flavour combinations, this one was maple, pink salt, and toasted rice – honestly one of the best dark chocolates I’ve ever had. I will be getting another lot soon, as I ate this pretty quickly. Plus the packaging is so pretty too. Please give this a go!

Thank you for reading,

Jazzy B ❤

Lunch, Recipies

The Best Cheese on Toast

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This is definitely not your average cheese on toast, but if you love cheese on toast and fancy trying a new version, this is the one for you. I wouldn’t normally do a blog post on how to make cheese on toast, but as this taste so incredible I had to share it with you. Think of it as gourmet cheese on toast 😉

IMG_3380[1]

Ingredients:

  • x2 anchovy fillets
  • grated mature cheddar
  • cracked black pepper
  • fresh basil leaves
  • finely chopped red onion
  • black olives
  • guacamole (optional)

IMG_3377[1]

Method:

  1. Prep the ingredients.
  2. On lightly toasted bread place the cheese, olives, anchovy, red onion, basil, and black pepper.
  3. Grill for 5 minutes and serve with guacamole.

I Hope you enjoy this funky recipe,

Jazzy B ❤

 

Blog

Foodie Finds – November 2017

jazzybfit

Now that November is over, it’s officially Christmas as far as I’m concerned! Time to put the tree up, blast the carols and get that Christmas shopping done (not before you’ve had a little scroll through my foodie finds of course ;))

1) Tesco Finest Rye and Pumpkin Seed BreadIMG_9430

It’s safe to say the winter carb cravings are well and truly here 😉 I love a nice piece of bread with my soups or stews, and for me this one is perfect. I love that it’s made of rye flour, plus the pumpkin seeds add omega and protein to this yummy bread. Also, it has a lighter texture than most other rye bread, which tends to be very dense. I made my Mum try a slice, and now she won’t have anything else that’s how yummy it is!

IMG_94902) Hi-pro Smooth Peanut Butter

This one is like your classic American style peanut butter, therefore it doesn’t require any mixing, unlike the more natural varieties. After seeing this PB all over my social media it had me curious. As nice as it is, I do prefer peanut butter to be a tad runnier as it’s easier to mix in with porridge, but still I’m glad I tried this one!

3) Myprotein Mugcake MixIMG_8938

I don’t know if it was me making it wrong, but this was not what I expected. Admittedly it does have a cake-like texture, but it tastes very bland unless you flavour it up with yoghurt, honey or fruits. The first time I made it, it genuinely looked like something nasty in my cup :’) Even so, I love the concept, and the macros are great with each serving having 25g of protein. But the mission continues to find the perfect mug cake 😉

IMG_97924) Sweet freedom chocolate syrup

I was SO pleased when I tried this! If you’re following my Instagram, you would have seen it on every bowl of porridge that I ate :’)! After having tried other ‘healthy chocolate syrups’ from various protein companies I was quite disappointed as the chocolate taste was so artificial. This beauty, however, will change your porridge game. The flavour is so rich and chocolatey, so you only need a small amount. Also, it is all natural and only 14 calories per teaspoon, safe to say I love it!

5) Livias Kitchen Biccy Boms IMG_9630

These are like chocolate teacakes, minus the marshmallow! They are covered in cacao chocolate, with a sweet date filling whilst the biscuit contains lucuma powder to give it a slight caramel taste. Per ball, they are 174 which is quite high for how small they were! I really wanted to like these, but in my books, they just weren’t worth the calories.

IMG_94896) Ryvita Rye Cakes

Can you tell I was a bit obsessed with anything rye this month?! What I liked most about these is that they go great with both savoury and sweet. They make the perfect snack, especially as they are more filling than they look! Worth a try if you’re after some new snacks, a few combos that I tried were peanut butter and banana and marmite and cucumber.

IMG_99627) Cocoa+ High Protein Chocolate Advent calender

Although I’ve been good and haven’t opened this one early…I still think it should be mentioned before it’s all gone 😉 I love the idea of a high protein, high-quality advent calendar. Each chocolate gives you 5g of protein and far less sugar than normal advent calendars, which I think is great. I.m so excited to try this one, especially as I’m always hearing good things about the brand…bring on the 1st (I will never be too old for an advent calendar!). Let the countdown to Christmas begin,

Jazzy B ❤

Blog

Foodie Finds – October 2017

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Firstly, where did October go?! And secondly, how are there only 8 weeks until Christmas…madness! Mind you, that’s not a bad thing as I love the countdown to Christmas 🙂

This months finds contain lots of random goodies such as chocolate orange coffee, white chocolate spread…and a very strange fruit 😉

1) ALDI Red Thai Curry Pea SnacksIMG_8788[1]

These taste just as interesting as they sound, whenever I’m eating them I always get someone asking me about them! I love the fact that they’re made from marrowfat peas, which ups the protein intake, but also it makes them a healthier alternative to crisps. Whats more, they’re baked so they’re no way near as greasy as regular crisps making them the perfect snack. I’ve never tasted flavours like this in any crisp, so worth a try.

IMG_8763[1]2) Beanies Chocolate Orange Coffee

Personally, I’m more of tea kinda girl, but this chocolate orange Beanies has me questioning. Admittedly, the taste is rather subtle but I think this suits something as strong as coffee, although you do still get that chocci orange aftertaste. I love the sound of a few others in their range of strange flavours such as pumpkin spice and cinder toffee which I shall be giving a go.

3) Graze Protein BitesIMG_8661

I was curious after seeing these in my local Tesco, and of course had to buy them especially as graze are renowned for their quirky snacks. The banana flavour actually tastes natural, unlike that artificial banana flavour. You most certainly can’t go wrong with the oat and banana combo, and these certainly do it justice. Also, the packaging is pretty cool with its whole organic theme (such a sucker for nice packaging!).

IMG_90144) Persimmon

Am I the only one who has never heard of this fruit?! When I googled it, it’s also called Sharon fruit…which I have heard of :’) The only way to describe this fruit is that it’s like a sweet pear/kiwi. I added slices to my porridge and pancakes, but for me, the fruit is way too sweet…and that is saying something!

 

5) Soreen Halloween malt loaf IMG_8895

These loaves came in toffee apple or blood orange and chocolate flavours. I love the cake-like texture of Soreen, and when combined with their autumn-inspired flavours, it takes it to the next level of cakey-goodness 😉 Both flavours taste amazing, but I preferred the toffee apple.

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6) Grenade White Choc Protein Spread

This stuff is actually amazing (and so addictive)! I’ve been adding it to pancakes, porridge, toast and smoothie bowls…just about anything I can. It is quite pricey at £6.00 a jar, but it tastes just as good, if not better than their grenade protein bars.

 

Thank you for reading my October foodie finds…now let the Christmas countdown begin,

Jazzy B ❤

Blog, breakfast, Recipies

Autumnal Oats

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No matter what time of year, you can guarantee I’ll be having a warming bowl of oats for breakfast. But now that autumn is here, it’s time to whack out all the spices that I associate with this colder time of year. I’ve put together a few of my favourite autumn-inspired porridge bowls,  featuring all of those classic winter combos and, hopefully, some new ones to jazz up your morning oats.

Classic Autumn Spiced oats:

Kicking it off with this porridge bowl full of all those beloved, warming autumn spices.

Ingredients:

IMG_9134
Topped with almond, cashews, and walnuts.
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • Ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Honey
  • Nuts
  • Greek Yogurt to top

Method:

  1. Mix your preferred amount of oats with the three spices and a milk of your choice, and cook them how you normally would
  2. Top with a dollop of Greek yoghurt, a drizzle of honey and some nuts and you’re good to go.

Stewed Toffee Apple Oats

These oats were inspired by my favourite treat to have around this time of year – toffee apples! This is definitely my favorite out combo out of the five.

IMG_9119[1]
Served with coconut flakes, and some honey.
Ingredients:

  • Toffee Myprotein flavdrops
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract
  • Oats

Method:

  1. Slice the apples into chunks, and place in a saucepan with just enough water to cover the apples
  2. Add 10-12 toffee flavdrops, and some cinnamon and leave to simmer for around 5 minutes or until the apples are soft
  3. Make your oats and top with the toffee apples, I also added some honey.

Pumpkin Pie Oats

Like the classic American Thanksgiving dessert, but in oat form. If you like pumpkin infused with lots of lovely spices, this one will be right up your street.

Ingredients:

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Served with raisins, mixed nuts, sweet freedom choc shot, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds.
  •  2 tbsp Pumpkin puree
  • Chia seeds
  • 1.5 tsp of vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon
  • Mixed spice
  • 1.5 – 2tbsp of maple syrup or honey
  • Milk
  • optional toppings: raisins, mixed nuts & pumpkin seeds

Method:

  1. Mix your oats with the pumpkin puree, spices, milk, honey & flavdrops
  2. Cook your oats in your usual way
  3. Serve – I recommend topping your oats with anything chocolate, as the combo of pumpkin and chocolate is delightful.

Pecan and apple porridge

Pecan-topped porridge is so good, and with the addition of the sweetness from the honey and the crisp grated apples, this porridge combo works brilliantly.

Ingredients:

IMG_9256
Topped with apple batons, pecans, coconut flakes and some honey/maple syrup.
  • One apple
  • Pecans
  • Maple syrup to serve
  • 8 Toffee flavdrops or 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

  1. Grate half of the apple and place this in the bowl/saucepan along with your oats, milk, and flavdrrops
  2. Cook the oats is your preferred way
  3. Slice the other half of the apple into thin batons, and serve.

Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal:

Who says you can’t have gingerbread for brekkie? 😉 By baking these oats, it turns them into a cake-like texture…whats not to like?!

Ingredients:

IMG_9198
With Greek yoghurt, apple slices, coconut flakes, and honey.
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Mixed spice
  • vanilla extract
  • One egg
  • 1/2 a tsp of baking powder
  • 10 Toffee Flavdrops
  • Oats (I used 60g)
  • Milk (enough to cover the oats)

Method:

  1. Grease an ovenproof dish with some coconut oil, and preheat your oven to 190 degrees
  2. Mix all the dry ingredients together in the dish
  3. Add the egg, milk, vanilla extract and toffee drops
  4. Place the oats in the oven and bake for between 30-40 minutes (or until golden, and firm on top).

I hope you’ve found something that you want to try,

Jazzy B ❤

Blog, Snacks

Strange Snacks

jazzybfit

I am such a snacker. Snacks are what keep me going throughout the day, as I prefer to eat smaller meals, and then have a couple of healthy snacks in between. Often, I’ll just stick to my Staple Snacks, but as with everything you’ve got to mix things up to keep them interesting. So here are a few of what I like to call ‘strange’ snacks, as they aren’t you’re typical piece of fruit 😉

Seaweed Thins

These make the perfect snack for when you’re a little bit peckish, they’re very light and I just find the concept of eating seaweed so novel. Also, in my opinion, they look so much better than your bog-standard crisp…they’re Green! Normally, they come flavoured with sea salt, but I have tried some green tea infused thins before which were just as lovely.

IMG_7255Go Ahead Crunchy Dippers

Something a little sweet! When I saw these I just had to give them a go, especially as most snacks with breadsticks are savoury, and as I have a massive sweet tooth…they had me at hello ;). They are so worth the 148 calories, the perfect pick-me-up. Don’t fear if chocolate isn’t your thing, as they also have salted caramel and coconut and vanilla dippers…yum!

Protein Bars

IMG_7084
Yes…that is a Mars protein bar you see, and it is the bomb!

My new obsession. If I have had a really good gym session or I fancy some chocolate (always ;)), then I will reward myself with one of these bars of heaven. My favourite brands are Grenade, Quest, Mars, and Fulfil, as I find these all have the lowest sugar content and the highest protein. They can be quite expensive at £2.50 a bar, but it’s SO worth it. Also, if you haven’t tried heating one up the microwave you definitely should, it turn into a gooey chocolate pudding.

 

IMG_7287Walkers Poppadoms

These really are sensational, the flavour combinations work wonderfully together. Also, they’re only 63 calories and I’ve never seen a packet of crisps that low. If anything I would try them for the flavours, they’re unlike anything I’ve tasted.

 

So that concludes my strange snack round-up, I hope you’ve found something to spice up your snack cupboard (yes…I have a whole cupboard dedicated to snacks aha), until next time,

Jazzy B ❤

Blog, Recipies, Snacks

Staple Snacks

jazzybfit

I. Love. Snacks. I’m most certainly not one of those three-meals-and-done kinds of people…I need my snacks! On a typical day, I’ll have between 2-3 healthy snacks, which is perfect to keep me going between meals.

What with supermarkets selling hundreds of snacks that are marketed to be ‘healthy’, but in actual fact are just as good as snacking on chocolate and crisps, it can be confusing to know what is actually healthy to snack on. Although the healthy snack market is really taking off, with the likes of energy balls, baked crisps and cereal bars proving quite popular they often contain a lot of sugar, along with other nasties. My advice would be to snack on whole foods/ home made snacks wherever possible. If I know I’m going to be out for the day, I will always pack some nutritious snacks to stop the temptation of impulse buying whatever takes my fancy.

Having tried a lot of snacks out, I’ve finally managed to nail down my absolute go-to’s. In my opinion, there is something for everyone whether you’re fancying something sweet, savoury, filling or a lighter bite, it’s all here.

1. Wholemeal Toast & Cottage CheeseIMG_6993

This tastes amazing with some salt and cracked black pepper, it’s also great in terms of fibre and protein. The bread I use is Tesco’s high protein loaf which only costs £0.80, and at 5g of protein per slice, you can’t go wrong! I know cottage cheese isn’t for everyone, so instead, you could always use cream cheese. Also, if you’re wanting a lower carb option, brown rice cakes and Ryvita crackers work just as well.

2. Greek Yoghurt & BerriesIMG_7218[1]

This is such an easy snack to prepare, just add a few dollops of Greek/natural yoghurt, top with your favourite berries and you’re good to go! Of course, you can top your yoghurt with just about anything such as honey, a sprinkling of your favourite cereal, or some grated chocolate, it’s all about finding the combos that you love.

3. FruitIMG_6999

Often if the sweet cravings are calling, I’ll go for nature’s candy 😉 It’s sweet, delicious and loaded with vitamins and minerals. I eat a LOT of fruit, but in particular, I tend to snack on apples, clementines, bananas and berries.

 

 

4. NutsIMG_7221[1]

If I’m a bit peckish I’ll have a small handful of nuts, as they’re full of good fats and protein they’ll keep you feeling fuller than you’d expect. My favourites include cashews, almonds and pistachios. Also, I’ll often buy a bag of mixed nuts which will be available from many supermarkets.

 

5. Apple Slices & Nut butterIMG_7148[1]

The classic Instagram snack! I know it sounds like a strange combination to start with but once you give it a go, there’s no turning back. I slice up a Gala or a Jazz apple (of course 😉 ) and dip it into some peanut of cashew nut butter. There is so many peanut butters out there it’s just a case of finding the few that you love. I would highly recommend Pip & Nut and Meridian for their nut butters.

6. Carrot Sticks & HoumousIMG_7002[1]

Basically the savoury version of apples and nut butter, for all of you savoury lovers out there! I love trying all the different houmous’ that are available, my favourites include sweet chilli, caramelised onion, and Morrocan style houmous (hummus/houmous…who knows lol?!)

 

7. Mini Oat BowlIMG_7102

Definitely the most filling of all the snacks, but great post-workout or if you want something that will actually satisfy you. To make this snack even more macro friendly, I’ll sometimes add a scoop of protein powder and top it with a few berries or some dark chocolate. I used 30g of oats, and just enough almond milk to cover the oats in the pan.

I hope you’ve found a snack that tickles your tastebuds, and that I’ve helped there to be one less hangry person in the world 😉

Jazzy B ❤

 

Recipies, Snacks

Caramel Brownie Protein Balls

jazzybfit

Protein balls have become a big thing, and after making these, I can see just why. Think gooey brownie bites with a hint of caramel and that’s what these beauties taste like. IMG_7267[1]

I find the snack so convenient to make ahead, especially as they last for up to 4 days in an airtight container, so you know exactly what to have next time the chocci cravings call.

I’ve experimented a lot with this recipe, but this was definitely my favourite batch as the texture is like cookie dough, making them so moreish. Also, they’re great when rolled in coconut, as all the flavours work brilliantly together. If you prefer protein balls less gooey, then you could always increase the oats and water.

This recipe uses cacao powder instead of cocoa powder, as it’s less refined meaning you’ll also be getting a good dose of magnesium and antioxidants…a winner all round!

Ingredients:

This recipe makes 8 balls,

  • 15g of oats
  • 10 pitted dates
  • 40ml water
  • 2 tbsp of desiccated coconut
  • 2 heaped tbsp of cacao powder
  • 1 scoop of chocolate caramel protein powder

IMG_7051[1]

Method:

  1. Add all the dry ingredients into a food processor whilst slowly adding in the water
  2. When the mixture clumps together, then you can start rolling into 8 even balls
  3. Roll the balls in some desiccated coconut or flaked almonds, if you like.

Nutritional Info:

(Per Ball with desiccated coconut)

  • 88 calories
  • 11.6g carbs
  • 4.8g protein
  • 2.6g fat

I hope this recipe works for you all, and good luck having just one 😉

Jazzy B ❤

Blog

Lidl Healthy Food Haul

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What with the next academic year approaching, now is the time to get my savvy-shopper game on… so what better than taking a lidl trip down to Lidl? 😉

Getting your weekly essentials for a cheap price takes practice, but once you figure out what you like and where you can get it cheapest from, you’re practically set! Because I snack on whole foods such as nuts and seeds, which are quite pricey, I’ve found the best places to buy these are from Grape Tree, Tesco and now Lidl.

Normally I’m a Tesco kinda girl, but having been into Lidl for the first time I was pleasantly surprised! My total shop came to roughly £8.00, compared to other supermarkets where it would be at least over £10.00. However, this wasn’t a full shop, more like an impulse-buying healthy snack sesh :’)

Conveniently, my uni house is located near an Aldi which offers pretty similar foods to Lidl, so expect more student foodie hacks to come! Even if there isn’t a Lidl near you, you could still use this haul for inspo as to how to spice up your weekly food shop.

1.Weetabix Protein CrunchIMG_7096

I’ve been so desperate to try these ever since I saw them on Instagram! I think this was just what the cereal isle needed. Although there is 6g of sugar per 30g, they do fit into my macros nicely what with the added protein…and they’re chocolate, so I’m one happy foodie! (£1.99)

2. Cashew nuts & AlmondsIMG_7093

I absolutely love cashew nuts, they make the perfect light snack and are packed full of good fats and protein. For this 200g bag, it was only £1.72. The almonds were £1.39 and are great sprinkled on porridge.

 

3. CheeseIMG_7094

Feta is so tasty when sprinkled onto salads, omelettes or in a baked sweet potato. This cost only £0.99. I  also picked up Quark for £0.75 which is another great protein source.

 

4. Passion FruitIMG_7095

I don’t often get exotic fruit like this, but this was such a good price at £1.20 and will taste fab in a smoothie bowl.

 

 

5. Dark ChocolateIMG_7097

I love putting dark chocolate in my porridge, it’s the best when it melts and you’ve got a puddle of chocolatey goodness! This bar was only £0.89 which is great considering its 74% cocoa.

 

6. Lemon Juice IMG_7098

I don’t normally buy lemon juice, but this was only £0.32 and there is so much you can do with it…watch this space 😉

 

 

 

Jazzy B ❤