Celery Soup - Mine versus Cambell's

I have just made a creamy celery soup, that works out at circa 62 calories for an average serving of 284mls or 86.5 for a generous (400 mls) portion. 

The creaminess comes from the use of nuts and the thickness from the use of chia seeds.  It's not Heinz or Campbell's but then that's not what i am looking for.  What is shocking is that Campbell's has 120 calories per serving.  Not bad you say and then you find that the serving size is actually 120mls, or half a cup.  Come on, who has 1/2 a cup?  Ok so it condensed, so if you let that 1/2 a cup down with water and had a whole cup - woo-hoo - you'd have had 240 calories, compared to my 51.9.

I had a "generous portion" in a large pasta bowl which was about 400mls.  That was 86.5 calories.  The same commercial soup would be: 400 calories!  

Ok you say, but campbell's is yummy, thick and unctuous.  Mine is good too, but even better when you look at the nutritional profile of the ingredients.  Mine contains:

- Water

- Marigold Swiss Vegetable Bouillon powder (see http://www.marigoldhealthfoods.com/) 

- Chia Seeds

- Raw Cashew Nuts

- Celery

- Carrot

- Garlic

- Absolutely NO NASTIES!

NB - It should have had onion in it, but i forgot!  

So lets see what Campbells puts in their soup: (Source: http://www.campbellfoodservice.com/details.aspx?code=700):

Water, Celery, Vegetable Oil (Corn, Cottonseed, Canola, and/or Soybean), Wheat Flour, Modified Food Starch, Contains less than 2% of: Salt, Soy Protein Concentrate, Monosodium Glutamate, Cream Powder (Cream [Milk], Soy Lecithin), Yeast Extract, Flavoring, Beta Carotene for Color.

I am not saying for a moment that Campbell's Celery Soup is bad for you, i'm merely pointing out that if you are on a VLCD or you want to contribute to your health and well-being there are ways to do it and ways not to.  

Slurp, slurp, slurp!  

Tropical Green Smoothie

Listening to the radio this morning, I was so angry. Some research has been published suggesting giving statins to all people over 50 regardless of risk. Aargh. Big Pharma making gazillions. People as victims. Come on people take responsibility for your own health!

Every time I go to the Drs they try to push statins at me. This week they tested me for diabetes. All clear and normal, thank goidness. I may be a chubby chap over 50 but i try to look after myself. Statins? No thanks! My cardio risk has actually declined over the past few years and my blood pressure and cholesterol are both lower than they were.

So despite being tempted to celebrate with a bacon sandwich, I made this:

A Tropical Health Promoting Green Smoothie:

In a high powered blender (such as a vita mix) add:
- ice cubes
- water (see optional below)
- a banana
- some pineapple
- some mango
- a large handful of spinach
- a slice of peeled ginger
- a teaspoon of cinnamon

Plus (optional)
- coconut water and or coconut milk
- protein powder (I use a hemp based one)
- splosh of flaxseed oil
- teaspoon of maca powder
- teaspoon of chia seeds
- teaspoon of manuka honey

Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.

Sit back and sip feeling smug that you are taking responsibility for your health and not popping some pill that makes big Pharma loads of money and be happy that the smoothie does not give you nasty side effects either!

Green and pleasant start to the day

Been up since early morning as I'm suffering with a nasty cough, cold and 'flu symptoms. Just blooming great - Easter Weekend. Sheesh.

So do I start my day with chocolate or something healthy? Despite the allure of the Lindt bunny and the perverse pleasure I get from biting the ears off, I resisted and started the day off with this:

In a high powered blender, place:
- 2 ripe bananas
- half a bag of washed fresh spinach (you could use frozen)
- 1 large or 2 small peeled oranges
- some coconut milk
- some coconut water
- ice
- some fresh peeled ginger root (to taste)

Whizz up till smooth.

It turns into a really creamy green fresh tasting smoothie.

Better than a Lindt bunny, although it will lose its ears soon enough!

Happy Easter. (Hops off).

The Boat Race, my Dad - Fred and an unhealthy snack!

I know that I usually blog about healthy food on here, so you may want to skip this one!

It was the boat race today. As a family we always used to get together and watch it. My Dad would stop whatever he was working on. The car, the garden, the lawns etc. He would not just come in, he would shower and change first. He always did that if he had to pop to town for any supplies. I used to find this annoying but it was just his "standards" and made him what he was and much of what I am.

These memories reminded me that on long weekends, bank holidays and some Saturday's he would create a "nosh" which usually was Chinese or Indian based with lots of chilli and garlic. (Rare flavours in Dovercourt at the time).

Fred would also make unusual snacks. He would create all sort of wonderful tasting nibbles.

So...having been struggling with some nasty germs for a few days I really wanted something tasty.

In a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil on a high heat.

Then add about enough popping corn to cover the base of the saucepan and half again. Quickly toss in the oil until all coated. Clamp on the lid and turn heat down and shake as it pops. As the popping dies down turn the heat right down to low, cautiously lift lid and quickly stir to ensure all kernels are popped.

In the microwave gently melt a large knob of butter with some sea salt and peeper. Once melted add a splash of lemon or lime juice and a few splashes of chilli/hot sauce. Mix and pour over popcorn in the saucepan. Turn over thoroughly till all flavoured.

Serve and enjoy.

And by the way - Cambridge won today, so my family would all be happy as we always supported them in the Honeycombe household.

A great, simple healthy detox soup - just what you need when you have a cold or 'flu.

Sod's law. It's Easter and thanks to some kind soul, I have a swelling throat, a cough and aching limbs. Perfect timing, thanks.

I needed something hot and soothing and healthy as I was craving carbs, dairy and chocolate. None of which will help, but would be easy to just grab.

So here's an idea:

In a bowl put a few of any of the following finely shredded veggies:
- peppers
- spring onions (or regular if not)
- garlic
- carrots
- celery
- ginger
- mushrooms
- coriander
- some whole baby spinach leaves

Then boil the kettle and make up a small jug of miso soup, adding a dash of hot sauce, a few drops of lime juice (if you have any) and a dash of a seasoning such as Mrs Dash seasoning or wheat free soy.

Mix the miso and let it rest for a minute. Pour it over the veggies, stir and serve.

It was just what I needed. Clean, fresh, and warming. Spicy and just hot enough to quell my swelling throat.

A tart that's good for your heart?

Ok, so now i have your attention! This is a heart-healthy juice, that i just made up.

In a juicer, juice:
1 lemon (unwaxed or washed in warm water to remove wax)
A piece of root ginger (an inch makes it spicy, use more or less if you'd prefer)
1/3rd of a med pineapple with most or all of the skin removed (i'm lazy, so just remove the worst)

Add this juice into a blender, plus:
1/2 a bag of spinach (ideally fresh or you can use frozen)
Some coconut water, and some ice.

Blitz till smooth.

If it is too sharp, and you like it, add some manuka honey.

It is so refreshing and zingy and TART and good for you at the same time.

Enjoy - but don't your other half, you've just had a tart! (Sigh - Stick to food Baz and do jnot go into comedy).

Not another blooming juice - Yes - A yummy Kale one...

This is an amazingly delicious juice, that sounds pretty awful.

I think it must be the apples that work their magic....

Juice -

2 packed cups of kale, or half a loarge bag of prepared kale.
2 green apples (I used granny smiths)
1/2 a large bulb of fennel
3 large celery sticks

Serve over ice.

Tropical wake up - yummy start to the day

A smoothie that will fill you with the feeling of warm tropical sunshine.

In a juicer - juice a large piece of washed root ginger. (the bigger the zingier the drink will be).

Juice an inch or two slice of peeled pineapple.

Pour the juices into a blender and add:

1 banana
Handful of washed strawberries
Half a mango
A cup of coconut water
Some ice

Blend till smooth.

This comes out pale pink and wonderfully tropical. A great way to start the day.

Juicing, Weight Loss and "I'm feeling good", plus....Surely not? Pickled Red Cabbage in a Glass?

As you know, i am juicing for my health. Actually, two years ago, when i was struggling after i lost the weight on LighterLife, Richard said - just do the same thing, but with vegetables. How those words and that idea has come back to haunt me. I was circa 22stones (308lbs/139.7 kgs) before i did LighterLife and lost 8.5 (119lbs or 53 kgs).

So i found myself recently heading back to my fat old self, after struggling for alomost 5 years since LighterLife. I was also very unhealthy having been ill on and off for some months. I had managed to keep some weight off with exercise and healthy food as and when i could, but having been ill i was unable to do any exercise, so the weight sharply increased.

I was now at a point when i struggled to find any clothes in my wardrobe that fitted my gagantuan frame and felt terribly uncomfortable, and this combined with my health challenges, made me pretty low.

So Richard's words echoed in my head and i finally found www.jointhereboot.com and whilst it is primarily about health, it is the way to lose weight healthily.

I have been doing this for 13 days and so far i've lost about 7lbs and 2 notches on my belt buckle, plus, i feel marvellous compared to how i had been feeling. My skin is clear, my mind is clear and i feel light, happy and energised. The weight loss may in fact be more, as i did not really weigh myself at the outset, but was 19.5 stones when i did.

So i have been inventing some juices and using some recipes, from lots of sources.

As a kid, i used to love pickles and still do. That sharp, zesty, sour taste. Picked anything, but particularly picked onions and my all time favourite pickled red cabbage. Crisp, crunchy and sharp.

So here it is in a glass:

2 packed cups of washed spinach, or half a bag;
Red Radishes - a large handful;
3-4 sticks of celery;
1 Whole Lemon (washed in warm water, if waxed);
1/4 of Red cabbage;
2 Green crisp apples.

Juice all of the items and serve over ice.

Another great Juice

Just made up a brilliant new juice:

2x pears
2 packed cups of kale (or more)
handful of strawberries
handful of mint

Juice and enjoy over ice.

OMG - That's juice?

Here's a great tasty green juice....

For 2 generous portions:

In a juicer - juice:
A large bag of washed spinach
A bulb of fennel
4 pears
1 lime (washed to remove wax)
1/2 a cucumber.

I really wasn't sure about this but it is sweet and very refreshing and incredibly healthy.

Enjoy.

Baz rebooted!

As some of you know, I have been poorly for some months and my energy levels low. The Dr discovered I was low on iron and prescribed iron tablets, which have helped.

Despite this, I have still struggled with my energy which would just drop off a cliff unexpectedly.

So fed up with being fed up and ill I started thinking and looking for a solution.

I came across Joe Cross - he created the film - Fat Sick and Nearly Dead and the website www.jointhereboot.com

I started juicing 10 days ago in earnest and have not looked back. For 4 days I just had juices with 1 smoothie (nondairy) circa 4 times a day.

I continued on my trip to Canada and did have a juice or smoothie 2-3 times a day and on average one light veggie or fish/shelfish meal per day with a couple of exceptions.

The first two days I struggled with some hunger and light headaches, but after that, I've been on a high. Feeling great.

For an example - Today I have had:

Breakfast Juice:
spinach, celery, parsley, carrots

Lunch Smoothie:
Banana, frozen berries, spinach, cucumber, coconut water and ice.

I also made some Mushroom and Spinach soup -

In a pan of water add stock powder, chopped mushrooms, 1 small onion, 2 cloves of peeled garlic, 1 chopped courgette. Simmer till veggies soften.

In a high power blender, place 2 cups of spinach, some chopped coriander, handful of raw cashew nuts (optional) and 2 heaped teaspoons of milled chia seeds (can use whole ones too or leave out). Blend until smooth. Thin the soup down if too thick, add Braggs Aminos or soy sauce (wheat free ideally) to taste.

Chef'y touch - put in a bowl, sprinkle liberally with finely chopped coriander and then squeeze a few drops of lime juice and a few drips of hot sauce.

So - I'm nearly back to my old irritating self (fingers crossed). Just got to have some more blood tests and see Dr again. Whatever happens, I'm going to keep on juicing as it has made a huge difference to me.

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead - Have you seen it?

I am probably late in finding this, but just heard about Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. It's a film - check it out.

They have a website called jointhereboot.com which i visited and loved. Lots of great juicing ideas.

I plan to do a few days juice fast as i am still struggling with my energy levels.

This is the first juice i did today:

2-3x pears
1 lemon (wash if unwaxed)
large handful of parsley (curly or flat leaf)
Small bag of spinach
knob of raw root ginger

Juice and serve over ice cubes.

Energy juice - a Jolly Green Giant of a juice.

I'm fed up with having no energy and feeling low. Ok so the Dr is looking for reasons but I thought that I'd see what I could do with some juice therapy.

For 2 large servings: In a juicer I juiced:
2 lemons (use unwaxed or wash first with warm water).
1 large piece of root ginger
2 cups of raw spinach (packed hard)
1 cup of raw kale (packed hard)
1/2 a cucumber (washed but unpeeled).
1/2 a head of celery
3 apples

Serve over ice.

This is a very strong "green" juice.

It is much more palatable if served very cold although us much nicer than it sounds. It's fresh tasting and vibrant.

So let's see if this helps my energy levels. The chlorophyll from the greens should help along with the ginger.

Fingers crossed.

Warm banana mousse. Yes dear, whatever you want!

I was going to make a cold pudding when you know who says: "but it's cold, and I want something hot".

Oh bloody great, so I chucked this together and it turned out rather well.

In a powerful blender pop a large handful of cashews (or almonds) in with 2 tablespoons of custard powder and a heaped teaspoon of cornflour (I used that as I ran out of custard powder) 2 tablespoons of ground chia seeds, (or ordinary ones), 2 tsps of manuka honey, 1 peeled ripe banana.

Boil the kettle and put a large mug of vanilla soya milk in the microwave.

Slosh in a splash of hot water in the blender and blend for about 5 mins to create a thick paste and for the chia to take up the moisture.

Once the soy milk is scalded and almost boiling you can froth up if you like (as i did - to make it lighter), and slosh in some soy or oat cream, if you have some.

Pour the hot soya milk into the blender and blend till thoroughly mixed.

Pour into bowls and it should lightly set, a bit like an egg custard. I served ours over some sliced banana. (I am trying to get rid of some over-ripe bananas) It set beautifully. I had some left over and popped in some bowls. No idea if it will stay set when put in the fridge. I'll let you know tomorrow.

It got the thumbs up from you know who. He who is notoriously hard to please, so it can't have been that bad!

Healthy soy mocha?

Sunday mornings usually find me in the conservatory reading the Independent and listening to the Archers.

All these coffee chains do winter special drinks, so here's my healthier version.

Make a double expresso or a really concentrated coffee using a cafetiere or French press (if American).

Heat some vanilla soy milk (you can use ordinary, but vanilla is nicer) till almost boiling (do not overheat as it becomes a bit toffee ish). Mix with 2 tsp of good quality cocoa powder and some manuka honey, or agarve syrup or sugar (if you must). Blend thoroughly with some of the hot soy milk, ensuring you get rid of any lumps.

You can also add a tsp of cinnamon too if you want.

Pour the soy milk into a large mug (don't get me started on "tall", "vente", "grande" none sense), add the cocoa mixture and then the expresso.

Top with a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon to give it that coffee shop finish.

Sit back and enjoy knowing you weren't stung £4.50 for an unhealthy version.

Now for my second one!

When the world gives you Lemons, make Lemonade

I love lemonade but not the rubbish commercial types full of sugar and chemicals. The crisper and juicier the apples, the better. Red apples give you pink lemonade. Adding ginger gives it a zing.

So in a juicer, juice:

4 crisp eating apples
1 small piece of root ginger (unpeeled) - optional
2 unwaxed lemons (if you don't have unwaxed ones, wash in warm water first to remove the wax).

Serve over ice.

Everything but the kitchen sink smoothie - this'll fill you up till lunch.

I was brought up to know the importance of a good breakfast. My dad would insist we "had something inside us" before facing the day.

Smoothies are big business but have you seen what's in the commercial ones?

Here's a non dairy one, guaranteed to fill you up with goodness.

In a high powered blender, put:
1 banana
1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
1 small handful of raw almonds
1 scoop of protein powder (soy or hemp based ideally) - optional
1 heaped teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of maca powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon of spirulina powder (optional)
1 glug (tablespoon) of flax seed oil
1 teaspoon of manuka honey (ideally 15+ strength)
2 teaspoons of chia seeds
Cover with coconut water
Add some ice and a 1/2 cup of water

Blitz until blended.

Ok so I know this has some "odd" ingredients in it and that spirulina is not to everyone's taste but you can leave out a few things if you don't have them.

If you don't have coconut water, use a little coconut milk thinned with water.

Finally - leave out the kitchen sink, it's hard to blend even in a vita mix.

Long time no blog...a warming yummy (healthy) soup

Sorry for no blog posts for a while but I've been busy and off sick.

Back now.

It's grey and gloomy in London today so needed a warm but healthy lunch.

Soup...but what?

I made Cream of Red Onion, Celery and Cheddar.

6 red onions (you can use white and vary the number).
3 stalks of celery
1 tsp bouillon stock powder
Hot water to cover.
Handful of raw cashew nuts
2 tsp of chia seeds

Put all the above in a saucepan.

Cover and simmer for about 10 mins till veggies are translucent and soft.

Then decant to a blender. Blitz till smooth and creamy.

If you have a Vitamix blender just pop in some smsll cubes of cheddar cheese. If not grate the cheese. Blitz and adjust seasoning with black pepper and some salt or salt substitute.

Let down if too thick with either water or milk (I had some to use up).

Enjoy.