If you think raw food is awesome and you like chocolate, you would've probably, most definitely, certainly, absolutely heard of Pana Chocolate!

No matter where I am in the world, I always make sure I sample the raw chocolate on offer and although I’ve tasted some pretty incredible treats, Pana Chocolate is still heading the leaderboard for their perfect combination of taste, texture, flavour, values and love marks.

Can you imagine my excitement when I heard that Pana himself (I didn’t know it was a person’s name either- ‘Pana’ sounds like the best raw chocolate in the world to me) is releasing a book AND he’s coming to London from Oz AND he wants to teach us his top recipe secrets AND he wants to do it at Tanya’s!!

Well if that’s not enough good news, how about that he is going to run this workshop for you next week, so that you have plenty of time to learn the techniques right in time for the healthiest most delicious Easter!

The recipes Pana will demonstrate are:

Chai filled chocolates
Strawberry Basil tart
Mini Lamingtons (very Aussie for you)
Bloom breakfast bars

And if all THAT is not enough, you will be the first to get an exclusive sneak peek into how we are progressing for the re-opening of Tanya’s Reinvented, sample everything we demonstrate, be able to purchase a copy of the book for only £15 (or bring yours) and have it signed by the master himself, and go home with 2 x Pana Chocolate bars!

Book your ticket now>>

When: Saturday 1st April
Time: 3pm-5pm
Where: Tanya’s inside MY Chelsea, 35 Ixworth Place, SW3 3QX
Fee: £45pp
What’s included: Step-by-step raw chocolate demo, tasters of our favourites from the book, Q&A with Pana Barbounis, book signing (bring your own or buy a £15 copy on the day) and 2 x Pana Chocolate bars.
How to book: via Eventbrite here>>

See you there, I hope!
It’s my first workshop in over a year and numbers are super limited, so we’ll have full house in no time (don’t say I didn’t warn ya!)
Happy Friday!

I met Mel at a Hay House bloggers event, just before my book ‘The Uncook Book‘ was published and when her own book ‘The Goddess Revolution‘ was still only a dream.

Today, we don’t only share the great honour of belonging to the Hay House family, we share a massive vision for a brighter, more vibrant, greener, kinder planet via inspiring others to be kinder to themselves. And Mel does this impressively well, every single day…

She helps women worldwide quit dieting and finally end the war on their bodies through an abundance mindset and practicing true self love. She does this through her website, social media and an online academy. If you ever do get the chance to meet her in person at one of her retreats, I would seize the opportunity, if only to see for yourself how happy, joyful, beautiful and lovable you can be when you are as loving, sweet, kind, friendly and non-judgemental, as Mel is to herself and to everyone around her.

Meet our April’s Master of the Month…

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY OF EATING AND DRINKING.

No matter what I choose to eat or drink, I always start by listening to my body and make my food choices accordingly. Sometimes I’ll fancy avo-toast for breakfast, sometimes it will be my sweet Sunday pancakes and sometimes I’ll just have some green juice!

For lunch I might have a salad or eat out – there are so many great healthy restaurants in London now and then for dinner I might have my Green Goddess bowl of love or a thai green curry. I love to batch cook my main meals so dinner one night will often be lunch the next day too.

WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO EAT WELL AND STAY HEALTHY?

My biggest inspiration has always been my Dad. I started researching diet and wellness when he was diagnosed with cancer, and that was the catalyst for everything I’ve done since, including becoming a health coach. I have also been hugely motivated and inspired by T. Colin Campbell’s book The China Study, and the work of Kris Carr. She’s amazing!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?

I think my biggest weakness is my schedule! I have an amazing but super busy schedule, and often it’s just too tempting to overeat in case I don’t have time to eat later or to get too engrossed in work and then skip food altogether! I have to actively remind myself to pause and give myself the time to sit and enjoy a meal. I drink a lot of green juice and smoothies on the go though which keeps me feeling nourished all day.

MY TOP TIP FOR:

Improving your diet is… focus on crowding in good things, rather than cutting out ‘bad’ things.

Staying healthy while travelling is… to plan ahead and research healthy restaurants to visit! I spent 6 weeks city hopping in the USA last year, and loved exploring all the different healthy spots.

Detoxing is… super important but easily used as a way to crash diet. To be done mindfully!

Immunising is… much more effective when you have less meat and dairy in your diet, less processed foods, and more raw foods, more plants and more whole foods.

WHAT’S THE NICEST THING ANYONE HAS EVER SAID TO YOU?

The best compliments I receive are when a client tells me that the work I do has changed her life for the better. I could not wish for anything more and there is nothing more fulfilling than knowing that what you are doing is making a difference.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED?

I’d love to be remembered as being a force for good in the diet industry, and a change-maker. I hope to inspire thousands of women to ditch dieting for good and find true food and body freedom for life.

IF YOU GOT TO KEEP ONLY 3 OF YOUR BELONGINGS: 1 THING FROM YOUR KITCHEN, 1 THING FROM YOUR GARDEN AND 1 THING FROM YOUR BOOKSHELF- WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

From my kitchen it would have to be my Sage Juicer. Totally adore it. From my garden it would be my herb plants, for summer salads and from my bookshelf it would be….a notebook! I am constantly scribbling down notes and making lists – I would be lost without a notebook!

IF YOU COULD HOST A DINNER PARTY FOR 3 GUESTS (DEAD OR ALIVE)- WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU SERVE?

My Dad

Kris Carr – my biggest foodie inspiration

Marie Forleo – my biggest business inspiration

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THAT LIFE IS BETTER RAW?

Quite simply for how it makes you feel! Your body is so clever and will always tell you what works and what doesn’t, some way or another. The body works better when it’s fuelled with more plants, more raw foods – you will have lasting energy, sleep better, better digestion, and lower risks of getting ill. Plus you are contributing to making our planet a healthier place for us all to live in. It’s a win win.

——————————————————-

Our Master of The Month shares her favourite raw food recipe…

RAW CHOCOLATE GOJI BERRY BROWNIES

——————————————————-

The Ingredients

4 cups pitted dates
4 cups walnuts
1 cup raw cacao powder
1 cup goji berries
1 cup pumpkin seeds
2 Tbsp coconut oil
1 large avocado
2 Tbsp Agave Nectar

——————————————————-

The How

Blend the walnuts and raw cacao together in a food processor. Add the dates in, and keep blending, a few at a time.
Add in the avocado, coconut oil, and agave, and continue to blend.
Transfer to a mixing bowl, and add in the goji berries and pumpkin seeds to the mix, striring with a wooden spoon so they are well distributed.
Line a cake tin or deep set baking tray with parchment paper – and fill the mix into the tray. Using the wooden spoon, press the mix into the tray so it is spread out and level.
Freeze the tray for 1 hour.
Cut into brownie pieces and serve to your guests!

——————————————————-

For more on Mel Wells, go to  www.thegreengoddesslife.com

It’s hard to believe that just one year ago I was packing my bags for LA to attend The Longevity Now Conference and today one of my favourite speakers from it is here on the blog with us.

Nadine Artemis of Living Libations is not just an encyclopaedia of knowledge on natural dental and pure botanical beauty care, she is one of the sweetest, most authentic and truly caring humans leading the health scene today. And to prove my point, she saw I posted THISon Facebook after hearing her speak and sent me a whole selection of her exquisite line of serums, elixirs and essential oils as a thank you. I mean, seriously what a woman!

With her home nestled in the Canadian woods, and a business that is all about how to glow from what grows, Nadine has made living with nature a priority in her life. She is also the author of Holistic Dental Care: The Complete Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums. 

Described by Alanis Morissette as “a true-sense visionary,” I am so excited for you to meet our March Master of the Month…

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY OF EATING AND DRINKING.

We eat what is fresh and seasonal, so our meals are vast and varied but always whole, organic and wild. Our meals are gluten free and processed food free. We live on a beautiful cold, spring-fed lake with many springs in the area. Spring water is the best.

WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO EAT WELL AND STAY HEALTHY?

My body inspires my health.  We, (me and my body), are going to be hanging out together for many years, so I listen and align to my body’s wisdom.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?

Every option in our kitchen is a whole, healthy, beautiful food. So our cravings are always a celebration and eating is a delight.

MY TOP TIP FOR:

Improving your diet is… Go fresh and get real! Eat only fresh, real food. Nothing processed.

Staying healthy while travelling is… Take your own supplies and preplan. Our supplies always include a shower filter too. Arrive at your destination already knowing where you can get organic food and spring water. Check out findaspring.com

Detoxing is… Avoid toxifying the body with chemical products and processed food to start with. And, make excellent health choices every day to activate the innate intelligence of the body that expertly filters out and eliminates toxins.

Immunising is… Playing and bathing in the sunshine!  The sun feeds and lubricates our cells with vitamin D, which mediates our immune responses and boosts our protection against pathogens. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.

WHAT’S THE NICEST THING ANYONE HAS EVER SAID TO YOU?

“Mom, you are like no other mother. I love you like a celebration.” (My Son)

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED?

I would like my legacy to be a life of love. Love is my motivating force and my intuition’s source.

IF YOU GOT TO KEEP ONLY 3 OF YOUR BELONGINGS: 1 THING FROM YOUR KITCHEN, 1 THING FROM YOUR GARDEN AND 1 THING FROM YOUR BOOKSHELF- WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

A few years ago our house burned to the ground in the middle of the night. My family escaped safely, but we lost everything in the fire. Everything in our house had to be re-gathered, and I feel less attached to things… Though maybe that is dodging the question…

1. From my kitchen, I would take our go-to large, sharp knife that we use in preparing every meal.

2. I would dig up the bountiful blackberry bramble from my garden to take with me.

3. There is a beautiful edition of The Flower Adornment Sutras on our bookshelf.

IF YOU COULD HOST A DINNER PARTY FOR 3 GUESTS (DEAD OR ALIVE)- WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU SERVE?

I am a poet at heart, so if I had to choose three guests for a dinner party tonight, I’d pick three Sufi poets: Rumi, Attar of Nishapur, and Lalla Ded. We would feast on dates, oranges, and mead.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THAT LIFE IS BETTER RAW (OR WITH MORE PLANTS IN YOUR DIET)?

The first and best reasons to eat more plants is that they are a treat for your taste buds and a plate full of fruit and veggies looks like a painting on a plate. Beautiful!

——————————————————-

Nadine shares her favourite raw food recipe…

CHOCOLATE BLUEBERRY CREPES
Serves 10

Image courtesy of Meghan Telpner

What you’ll need:​

2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

½ cup ground chia (sprouted ground chia is the best)/or fresh ground flax seed

1 cup tocotrienols (rice bran solubles)

3 drops lemon essential oil

To make:

Mix all of the ingredients in a food processor.

Spread out like a pancake on a dehydrator tray and dehydrate over night.

Wake up and dress your pancake.

Roll raw chocolate into the pancake, almond butter icing, or a nut cheese. Whatever takes your fancy!

Yum!

——————————————————-

For more on the beautiful and amazing Nadine Artemis, go here >>

I get to meet a lot of nice people working in the wellness industry but there’s always that someone who stands out and touches you with their beautiful spirit.  The very first time I met Madeleine Shaw she gave me the warmest hug and the loveliest smile, and I’ve seen her treat other friends, fellow bloggers and even fans in exactly the same way. She has almost 150K follows on Instagram and I’m not surprised- Madeleine’s posts are just as joyful and uplifting as she. This girl is the nutritionist to the stars, a health coach, a trained yoga instructor and an author of a brand new stunning book, Get the Glow. The book contains a wide variety of recipes with a good balance for vegans and carnivores, and I personally love her approach to focusing on the good stuff, rather than beating yourself up about the bad.

Meet our June’s Master of the Month…

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY OF EATING AND DRINKING.

Breakfast is a green smoothie – kale, avocado, fresh mint, lime and mango

Lunch – Poached salmon, avocado and a spicy salsa

Dinner – Pumpkin curry with cauliflower rice and some raw chocolate fudge

WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO EAT WELL AND STAY HEALTHY?

My family, my boyfriend, my readers – i love feeling healthy and well to spend time with them and be the best version of me.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?

Croissants

I never have them at home

MY TOP TIP FOR:

Improving your diet is… Eating whole foods, nothing processed, packaged or refined.

Staying healthy while travelling is… Easy if you plan ahead – bring nuts, raw balls, some veggie sticks and an eye mask.

Detoxing is… Ok, but I’m more about eating healthy everyday.

Immunising is… Essential to do everyday, it keeps you healthy and strong. I love fresh ginger and turmeric shots.

WHAT’S THE NICEST THING ANYONE HAS EVER SAID TO YOU?

I love you.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED?

The girl who got everyone to eat well, love their bodies and glow.

IF YOU GOT TO KEEP ONLY 3 OF YOUR BELONGINGS: 1 THING FROM YOUR KITCHEN, 1 THING FROM YOUR GARDEN AND 1 THING FROM YOUR BOOKSHELF- WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

Kitchen – food processor

Garden – My blueberry plant

Book – The Alchemist

IF YOU COULD HOST A DINNER PARTY FOR 3 GUESTS (DEAD OR ALIVE)- WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU SERVE?

Marilyn Monroe

Clint Eastwood

Will Smith

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THAT LIFE IS BETTER RAW?

I don’t personally follow these rules all the time, I eat healthily but enjoy meat and fish too, it works for me. I think its all about finding the right diet for you.

——————————————————-

Our Master of The Month shares her favourite raw food recipe…

RAW CHERRY CHOCOLATE FUDGE
Serves 6

If you struggle to fall asleep, cherry can be a great sleep aid – and the raw gooey texture makes this fudge a perfect treat with a cup of chamomile tea before bed. Don’t forget the active ingredient, almond butter – it provides lots of vitamin E for your skin.

100g almond butter (or any other nut butter)
100g coconut oil, plus extra for greasing
50g raw cacao powder
100g honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch sea salt
50g dried cherries

Put the nut butter and coconut oil in the food processor and mix for 1 minute or so. Sieve in the raw cacao, then put in the rest of the ingredients (apart from the cherries) and whizz for a few minutes until totally gooey. At this point throw in the cherries and mix with a spoon.

Scoop out the mixture with a spatula into a coconut oil-greased 24cm baking tin, then put it in the freezer for 30 minutes until firmly set.

Cut the fudge into bite-size bites with a sharp knife, then pop them back in the fridge.

This keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge.

——————————————————-

For more on Madeleine Shaw, visit her website www.madeleineshaw.com . For Madeleine’s book, Get The Glow, see Amazon UK.