soy free – Raw Sugar Living

The top 7 healthiest breakfasts you can eat, according to nutritionists

Ah, breakfast. The most controversial meal of the day. Some argue it’s the most important, others will tell you to skip it altogether. The truth is, however, that it’s completely up to you and your body.

Some people feel nauseated after breakfast, while others use it as fuel for the day. Some have it first thing in the morning, while others wait until 10 or even 11am for their first feed. Then there are the people who LIVE for breakfast. The ones who think of sleep simply as a time machine to their scrambled eggs and avocado on toast. The ones who are first in line at the local café on a Saturday morning. The ones who think a world without breakfast is a world not worth living in.

So if you love breakie, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 healthiest you can eat to keep you running at your most efficient for the rest of the day. Because, let’s face it, a bagel and orange juice just won’t cut it.

1. Avocado on toast

Not all carbs are bad. Especially if they’re topped with a silky green slices of avocado. Opt for a rye, brown or multi-grain bread rather than white, and be generous with your avo. The healthy fats and fiber in this meal mean you’ll be full for a while, but your blood sugar levels won’t be compromised. Add some lime juice for extra flavor, and tahini or black sesame seeds for a little more protein.

2. Eggs

Whether you like ‘em boiled, poached, scrambled or baked – eggs are breakfast gold. Loaded with protein (6 grams a piece, to be exact, eggs are easy enough to prepare that even the most amateur of cooks can perfect them. Pair them leafy greens, tomatoes and mushrooms, or a slice of whole grain bread. And don’t skip the yolk – it’s full of good fats, vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium.

3. Homemade smoothie

A morning smoothie is an awesome way to get your daily fruit and veggies in before the day even begins. To make a well-balanced smoothie, try whizzing together some leafy greens like spinach or kale, a tablespoon of coconut oil, a nut butter for some healthy fat, and a little bit of fruit like kiwi, banana or blueberries. Add some non-dairy milk (almond works a treat!) and there you have it – a quick, easy and filling smoothie. Add a handful of organic oats for extra satisfaction.

4. Bircher muesli

This one’s super easy because you can just throw all the ingredients together the night before, and it’ll be ready and waiting for you in the morning. Use rolled oats, top with your favorite fruits, some non-fat plain Greek yogurt, and a drizzle or organic honey for a scrumptious and sweet breakfast that’ll keep your batteries charged for hours.

5. Chia pudding

Chia seeds are a superfood for a reason – they’re super nutritious, and super high in fiber. So high, in fact, that just one ounce equals an impressive 11 grams of finer per serving. They’re also high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids – perfect for vegans. To make chia pudding, mix half a cup of berries, some coconut flakes, and a tablespoon of organic honey and allow it to set in the fridge overnight. The next morning you’ll have a bright bowl of goodness waiting for you.

6. Oatmeal

Love cereal? Oatmeal is the healthy alternative. Made from ground oats, it contains a unique fiber called beta-glucan which helps to reduce cholesterol and keep you fuller, longer. It’s also packed with antioxidants, and has even proven to have anti-inflammatory effects!

7. Mexican breakfast bowl

This is one where yumminess is definitely on the menu. Think sliced, hard-boiled eggs, black or kidney beans, cubed tofu, lemon juice, tomato, red onion, jalapeños and avocado. It’s a scrumptious medley of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Delicious.

Top 5 Pantry Foods that Double as Natural Cleaners

If you often end the week with a froster full of vegetables that hasn’t been touched and bowl full of fruit you haven’t eaten – you’re not alone. In fact, around 25% of our total grocery shop ends up in the trash. That means that almost a quarter of all foodstuffs we buy go to waste.

But, alas, there is a solution. Why not turn uneaten foods into natural cleaning products? Aside from minimizing waste, this strategy has other benefits too. By using all-natural household products, you avoid exposing yourself and your family to unnecessarily harsh chemicals – particularly in the kitchen. It’s safe, it’s eco-friendly, and importantly – it works.

Without further ado, here are our top 5 most effective natural cleaners.

1. Lemon

With its medley of antiseptic and antibacterial properties, lemon has the natural strength to kill germs and even remove stains. Their high acidity levels mean they can also act as a bleaching agent – so they’re perfect for brightening up bathroom and kitchen tiles. Mix lemon juice with water to form mother nature’s ultimate cleanser and use it to wash dishes, surfaces and wipe off stains.

2. Vinegar

Much like lemon, vinegar is high in acidity – so it’s powerful in killing germs and warding off nasty bacteria. Simply mix one part vinegar to two parts water in a large spray bottle, and there you have it – a brand new, healthy and natural surface cleaner. For really tough cleaning, just use it straight outta the bottle.

3. Banana peel

Here’s one that might surprise you; banana peel! Instead of tossing your banana peel into the trash, make a beeline for the cutlery drawer. Simply blend the skins with a little bit of water to form a paste and use it to polish your silverware – we promise you it’ll be shinier than ever.

4. Tea bags

Tea is full of tannins, which means it’s super effective in polishing wooden surfaces like cabinets and floors. Just make sure you allow them to cool first. BONUS: If you want to keep your fridge smelling fresh and clean, keep some Green Tea leaves inside it to eliminate any nasty odors!

5. Salt

Got some scrubbing to do? Reach for the salt. Salt works really well as an abrasive cleaner – use it to remove gunk from pans, showers, and floors. When you mix salt with a little bit of water, however, you crate a saline solution that works really well to remove stains from the carpet and clothes.