The top 5 wonder foods that will clear up your complexion

Aug 31, 2015

While creams and washes can keep acne at bay, you can actually help clear up your skin through your diet.

What you put into your body reflects how it looks on the outside, after all.

So if you want to keep blemishes at bay, try incorporating the following foods into your diet.

Your skin will be glowing and clear in no time.

Oily fish

Oily fish like salmon or tuna provides your body with biotin, a B vitamin that produces fatty acids and metabolises amino acids. A deficiency of biotin can cause – among other things – scaly skin, which clearly, no one wants.

Chia seeds

Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain cell membranes by protecting the skin and also providing it with moisture. Chia seeds are rich in these fatty acids – so chomp down on a few a day.

Almonds

Almonds are packed with vitamin E, which helps you maintain healthy skin. As well as keeping your skin glowing, vitamin E also protects your skin from damage caused by the sun (just don't replace it for sun screen!).

Sweet potatoes

Eating a produce-rich diet provides your body with lots of water, which keeps your skin and cells hydrated. Loading up on colourful veg, such as sweet potatoes, has been shown to enhance your skins colour, making it bright and radiant.

Sunflower seeds

These little seeds provide excellent nutrients to help your skin recover from free radicals in the environment. Eating a handful of these a day will help keep your skin glowing, while fighting away any nasty infections.

5 foods that will boost your energy levels

Apr 11, 2014

by Amber Saunders

That afternoon slump can lead to binging on sugary and high fat foods which will lead to a sugar crash.

Instead of feeling drained and sluggish, choose these foods for a healthy energy boost that will see you through your day.

1. Bananas
These fruits contain potassium and natural sugars that will be released slowly and steadily, leaving you energised for longer.

2. Dark Chocolate
The darker the chocolate you choose, the less sugar it will have. Dark chocolate also has caffeine for a natural boost.

3. Almonds
These nuts have high levels of Vitamin E and protein so they make a very healthy snack.

4. Blueberries
Dark berries contain high antioxidant levels and blueberries in particular are said to improve cognitive function.

5. Yoghurt
Grab a yoghurt for a quick energy boost. Try to go for sugar-free choice.

Orange-almond cake

Feb 3, 2014

by Amber Saunders

We all need a cake we can throw together for special occasions. This cake is gluten-free, making it perfect for those with intolerances, as well as being light and not too sweet. The perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee in the afternoon. It’s also quite easy to put together and doesn’t require too many ingredients.

What you’ll need:

3 oranges
4 eggs
220g caster sugar
300g ground almonds
2 tbsp honey

What you’ll need to do:

Grease an 8″ springform tin and line the bottom with baking parchment. Preheat oven to 180ºC.
Put 2 unpeeled oranges into a steamer or set in a sieve above a pot of previously boiled water, now simmering.
When the oranges have softened and broken down slightly but still retain their shape, remove.
Cut the oranges into smaller pieces, place in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Stir the almonds, eggs and sugar into the orange mixture and stir to combine.
Pour into the lined tin and bake for about 55 mins to an hour or until a skewer comes out clean.
Meanwhile, place the juice of the third orange into a small pan and add the honey. Heat to combine.
When the cake is out of the oven pour the warm orange and honey syrup over the cake.

Home-made protein bars

Jan 31, 2014

by Amber Saunders

In less than an hour you can have up to 12 of your own protein bars. Carry them with you to college/work in case you happen to have a sweet tooth later on in the day.

Ingredients:

250g natural peanut butter (creamy or smooth) (you can also use almond butter!)
300g honey
80g oats
150g dried fruit
80g Almonds
3 scoops protein powder
Cinnamon to taste (optional)

Method:

Heat the honey and peanut butter in a medium-sized saucepan until runny.
Mix in the remaining ingredients until well coated.
Grease a 9 x 9 pan with non-stick spray or butter and press in the mixture evenly.
Cool in the fridge for at least 45 minutes.
Slice up and wrap individual bars in tin foil.

Dark chocolate almond and sea salt bark

Jan 24, 2014

by Amber Saunders

This is a really easy recipe to put together. It’s basically hardening melted chocolate, but by adding a few ingredients you can make it a little more special. Wrap it in a ribbon or put it in a cute box with some coloured paper for the perfect gift.

What you’ll need:

300g good quality dark chocolate
100g almonds
coarse sea salt

What you’ll need to do:

Line a flat baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
Lightly toast the almonds under the grill, keeping a close eye because you don’t want them to burn.
Remove and when cool, coarsely chop the almonds – you want a good mixture of big and small pieces and you can even leave some whole.
In a glass bowl over a saucepan of simmering, water melt the chocolate.
Combine half the chopped almonds with the chocolate.
Pour the mixture evenly over the baking tray and sprinkle the remaining almonds on top.
Leave to harden overnight or for about 2-3hrs.
Sprinkle the coarse sea salt over the chocolate bark, break into pieces and serve.

How many almonds does it take to kill you?

Jan 15, 2014

by Amber Saunders

You may have heard the myth that eating 15 almonds can kill you.

Rescue your macarons from the bin (5-second rule) because all is not what it seems.

There are actually two types of almonds out there and only one of them is poisonous enough to cause worry.

Wild almonds
Wild almonds contain substances that can be converted to cyanide – a fast and deadly poison – when consumed by the body. Don’t look so scared – these bitter almonds are only available as oil or extracts (after all the toxins have been processed).

Sweet almonds
These are the ones you’d find at your local food shop. Unlike bitter almonds, sweet almonds are completely safe to eat in moderation. They’re a heart-healthy snack that can provide you with nutrients to maintain healthy skin.