Zucchini and Carrot Fritters- The Plant-based diet life

A few months ago I read an article in which an actress who is in her fifties, and looks good-( and when I say good, I mean darn good, hella fly, on fleek, and -still has a third husband in her if she decided to marry again-good)- said that she follows a plant based diet and that is what has helped her to age youthfully (this was totally news to me, as I, with my ignant (ignorant) self usually think it's botox, plastic surgery, and fillers which have these celebs looking "radiant" *cough*cough*). Naturally (no pun intended) I needed to find out more; so I googled. I read all sorts of literature which basically said that meat triggers an inflammatory reaction inside your body, and a plant-based diet has an anti-inflammatory effect and can slow down the aging of our cells.

At this point in my reading, your girl was over here like:

Since learning about the anti-aging benefits of a plant-based diet I've been trying to embrace more plant-based meals (ooh, and I've upped my skincare game-but that my friends is for another post). Now, I aint gonna lie y'all, this is haaard, I love meat- give me some bacon and some ribs and I am in food heaven. But, I am prepared to try to make adjustments for the end goal of being healthy and aging well. Full disclosure though: For now, I am only doing one day a week. Eventually, I hope to get up to 3 to 4 days a week of plant-based/meatless eating, but we will see what happens. 

I recently made these zucchini carrot fritters for my plant-based/meatless day. They were delicious, and a hit with my husband and toddler- and we all know how kids can be picky eaters- so as an added bonus, these fritters are a way to sneak in veggies to your kids *cue in the corny maniacal laughter MWAHAHAHA*

ZUCCHINI CARROT FRITTERS 

INGREDIENTS 

2 cups grated zucchini 

2 cups grated carrots 

3 cloves garlic, minced 

1 grated onion (totally optional, many recipes don't require the onion, but I added it)

2/3 cup all-purpose flour 

2 large eggs lightly beaten 

1/3 cup scallions 

1 teaspoon garlic powder 

1/4 teaspoon salt 

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon white pepper 

1/8 teaspoon turmeric (optional, but I use turmeric as often as I can for the health benefits) 

DIRECTIONS 

Place the grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let it rest or "sit" for 10-15 minutes. Then, using your hands, squeeze out as much liquid as you can from the zucchini. Squeezing out the excess moisture from the zucchini is supposed to prevent the fritters from becoming soggy. 

Place the zucchini in a large bowl, add the grated carrot, the grated garlic, the garlic powder, the grated onion, the salt, the scallions, the black pepper, the white pepper, the turmeric, the flour, the eggs and mix everything together. 

Light the stove, and put the pan you will be using on medium-heat,and add the oil. When the oil becomes hot (or shimmering) scoop spoonfuls of the fritter mixture into the pan. You can use the back of the same spoon to flatter the mixture once it is in the pan. Leave spaces between the fritters when they are in your pan. 

Cook the fritters for 2 to 3 minutes then flip them once, and cook the other side for 1 to 2 minutes until they are a nice golden brown and crispy. I used a low heat because I did not want to risk them burning, but stoves are different, the medium setting on your stove might be like the low heat setting on mine: so use your discretion, just try not to let those babies burn. 

When the fritters are finished frying, remove from the pan, and place on a paper-towel. 

You can eat it plain, or with a chutney, or dipping sauce, sour cream, whatever you fancy. There are no rules, only your creativity when it comes to cooking and eating.

So, folks, this was my plant-based recipe this week. If you decide to make it, let me know, tag me on Instagram. 

Until my next post, live well and be happy.

Ciao bellas!

Peanut Butter and Cranberry Energy Bites

Hello everyone,

I've been trying to live a healthier lifestyle in an effort to reduce my risk of developing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,which are prevalent in the Caribbean region, particularly here in Saint Lucia. In my quest to lead a healthier lifestyle I have taken up walking (other forms of exercise will be added in due course- for now taking up walking,though a modest start is a giant leap for me -yes people my lifestyle has been that sedentary! (Sigh) In my defense though -which okay let's admit it,isn't really that much of a defense....but it is valid a reason - given everything that having a  career and family to look after entails, I haven't yet been able to commit to any kind of exercise routine to get washboard abs and buns of steel (lol). But the desire to exercise is there and they say to do something you must first have the desire right ....so I have the desire and I have started walking.

In terms of eating healthier I have started reducing the amount of sugar I consume and I've been consuming less processed foods. I've realized that when I am hungry (i.e. between meals) is when I consume the bad stuff,you know the processed and sugary snacks: the cookies,the potato chips et cetera. To combat this,I have started making myself these protein energy bites. They taste yummy, are filled with protein and fiber, and as an added bonus these energy bites are also great for boosting milk production for lactating mothers.

Ingredients

1 cup Oats
2/3 cup Peanut Butter
1/2 cup Cranberries (you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or coconut flakes if you prefer)
1/2 cup Ground Flaxseed
2 tbsp Honey

Method

Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix  or knead them together with a spoon or your hands (I used my hands) and then roll them into little balls.

This recipe gave me thirteen balls however the amount of balls you get may vary depending on the size of the balls. I formed the balls immediately after mixing the ingredients together however you can leave the mixed ingredients in the fridge for a little while (e.g fifteen to thirty minutes) to make it easier to form the balls.

Stop Trying to Make Your Cat Bark- You can't always fix a broken relationship

This post right here is for all the women and girls in the world who are trying to fix broken relationships and broken men.

STOP IT! Please stop it right now.

I know you may love him, or maybe you just think you love him right now...but if he's been hurting you, repeatedly, if he has let you down, or failed you repeatedly, if he can't make you a priority, or give you the respect you deserve or the commitment you want...then why are you still there?

If I asked you if you have ever heard a cat bark you would probably tell me, "A cat can't bark. It's impossible".

So why then, are you there wasting your time, your youth, your energies, trying to make this man of yours do the impossible?

Sometimes good things fall apart so that better things can fall together. Sometimes we need to let go of things that hurt us so that things that uplift us can come to us, and sometimes we just need to realise that we should not let someone who doesn't love us, prevent us from moving on to find the ones who will.

Resort Chic #Staycation

Hello Loves, a few moons ago the hubby and I had a staycation at the Ladera resort located in Soufriere, St.Lucia. I'm convinced that St.Lucia is one of the most beautiful places in the world, if you're planning a vacation or honeymoon and asking yourself "where should I go?" the answer is simple- Come to St.Lucia! Below are a few pics wearing all white  'cuz I'm  going through an All White phase. Outfit details are listed below.

Chic Summer Style #OOTD

Although I live in the Caribbean where we only have two seasons (i.e. wet and dry) this look is my interpretation of chic summer style. I love the effortless look of this white lace dress paired with blush coloured sandals as I did not want to be matchy-matchy by pairing it with white shoes nor did I want to have the usual striking but predictable contrast that black paired with white gives. I finished my ensemble with statement earrings and a few rings. I resisted the urge to add a bracelet or cuff since less is always more and I really wanted a sort of effortless look with the colour white taking centre-stage.

By the way, how fabulous is my dress? I found it the other day at Forever 21 at a bargain price that didn't break the bank.

Give Yourself a Professional Pedicure at Home

 

Hey Loveys, in today's post I am sharing some steps for a DIY pedicure, since it's a great way to give feet some tender loving care from the comfort of your own home. 

Step 1: Remove Old Nail Polish

When searching for a nail-polish remover you should be aware that alcohol-free and acetone-free removers are less drying but do not work as well on removing darker shades of nail polish. 

Step 2: Cut & File Nails 

In order to avoid ingrown nails cut your nails straight across to just above the skin (i.e. your nail should not extend beyond your toe), then file your nails in one direction. Consider using an emery board nail file, since metal nail files are known to rip nails. 

Step 3: Soften Feet

 Soaking your feet in salt helps to soften your skin and cuticles, so fill a large bowl with warm water and use your salt of choice.  You can use a commercial foot soak, bath salts, Epsom salt, or aromatherapy oils to soak your feet for as little as ten minutes, or you can opt to soak your feet longer if they are dry.  Some professionals add a quarter cup of milk to the foot-bath along with the essential oils and salts since the lactic acid in the milk loosens dead skin.

Step 4: Take Care of Cuticles

Apply cuticle remover to the base of each nail and rub it in. Leave the cuticle remover on for a minute, and then use an orangewood stick to gently push with a circular motion where the skin meets the nail (including the sides). Be careful to remove skin only on top of the nail, do not touch the toe flesh.

Step 5: Smooth Your Skin

Use a pumice stone over the callused spots on your feet to smooth your skin. Next, massage a thick exfoliating scrub to gently remove any remaining dead skin, ensure that you scrub the balls, bottoms, sides of your heels and around the toes.

Step 6: Moisturize

 Dry your feet thoroughly, including between the toes and apply a thick moisturizer or foot cream in order to lock in moisture. You can also go a step further by applying cuticle oil to re-hydrate your cuticles. 

Step 7: Polish Nails

Use acetone remover to get rid of any excess oils on the nails. Apply a thin base coat using 3 strokes, one down the middle and then one on each side. Don't paint the cuticle. Wait a minute before adding 2 coats of your favorite polish, then finish with a thin top coat. Clean up any errors with an orangewood stick wrapped in cotton and dipped in polish remover and let your nails dry for at least 40 minutes.

Step 8: Finish Your Pedicure

After your nails have dried, you can go a step further by applying some moisturizing nail oil to your nails. This sets your polish and moisturizes your cuticles.

Also, I recently discovered a cool blog written by an inspiring blogger, you can check it out here  http://www.nothingbutvelvet.com/2015/08/a-how-to-guide-be-inspired.html

XO

Malika