Bees & Honey

Today is going to be sweet, literally. I handed in both papers yesterday (yippie!) so I'm taking the day off. Aside from two hours of class later this afternoon, I'm doing zero work today. Absolutely zip! I slept like a baby and woke up early this morning, feeling excited and full of energy. I warmed up my early morning with a cup of organic Dreamsicle tea. Just as the sun began to rise, poking it's way through a somewhat cool and foggy morning, I busted out my new jar of raw honey, which I picked up at the South Melbs Market. I haven't had honey in..what seems like forever..so I was exited to try something new.

I was not disappointed. Honey, where have you been all my life?

I did some background reading and learned that raw honey is an alkaline-forming food, which contains ingredients similar to those in fruits. It does not ferment in the stomach and can be used to counteract acid indigestion. Raw honey has a high nutritional value and contains amylase, which is an enzyme concentrated in flower pollen that helps predigest starchy foods such as bread. I know a woman who takes a tsp of raw honey each and every morning! Hmm..maybe she's onto something.

If you can't read the back of the jar, in a nutshell it says, "to retain the health benefits and flavour, no heat has been applied at any stage of production...this honey crystallizes readily. Organic honey is produced in unpolluted rural areas, away from orchards, flowing agricultural crops and other potential contaminates".

Have you had raw honey before?

Here's how I incorporated some raw honey into my breaky!

Healthy Honey Almond Oats with flax, buckwheat & bee pollen

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup oats
• 2 tbsp raw buckwheat groats (adds a lovely chewy texture)
• 1/4 banana, cut into halves (omit if you're watching your sugar intake)
• 1 heaping tsp raw honey
• 1 tsp raw or unsalted almond butter
• 1 heaping tsp ground flax
• 1 tsp chia seeds (optional)
• 1/2 tsp chocolate Amazing Grass or cacao powder 
• 1/2 cup water or unsweetened non-dairy milk (I used 1/4 water and two splashes of rice milk)
• 4 raw almonds, chopped (for topping)
• 1 tsp bee pollen (for topping)  - I used Loving Earth Jarrah bee pollen from Western Australia)

Directions: In a small pot, mix your dry ingredients together: oats, buckwheat, flax, Amazing Grass, chia seeds (basically, everything except your desired toppings). Next, add your water/milk and banana and cook on medium to high heat. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes. After 5 to 7 minutes your mixture should be nice and thick. Add a little more water if desired. Once your oats are piping hot and looking tasty, remove from stovetop and scoop mixture into a medium sized bowl. Sprinkle with desired toppings (I used a few raw almonds and bee pollen). If you omitted the banana, but want it slightly sweeter,  drizzle a little more honey on top! Dig in.

If you're wondering what the heck bee pollen is for..don't worry, I thought the same thing upon moving down under. According to Melbourne based company Loving Earth, "Bee pollen is a highly absorbable protein that is rich in vitamins, amino acids, proteins, lipids carbohydrates, minerals, enzymes and other micronutrients.". Many other wbesites have the same verdict. My friend, who is a professional trainer and nutritional coach, adds bee pollen to his smoothies every day. He raves about the nutritional benefits and says its a safter and more sustainable "superfood" compared to cacao powder. Neato! 

The Loving Earth team was kind enough to send me a bag to try out for myself! You can read about what they sent me here.


So, aside from licking my honey spoon clean, what else am I up to on this incredibly special no-work Wednesday? Well, first things first, I'm just about to workout to Jillian Michael's 45min "No more trouble zones" workout DVD. haha it sounds a bit silly, but it's such a great workout. My muscles burn.

However, more importantly, I'm heading to the spa at 12:45! I'm treating myself to a manicure/pedicure and mini facial at a natural day spa called Endota Day Spa! I've been there before and the space is beautiful, incredibly relaxing. I'm looking forward to putting on a robe and chilling right out...gotta get polished up for the beach! I leave for Thailand tomorrow :O weee. After class I'm heading to Veggie Bar with a couple friends from Uni. Yum. Oh yes, I should probably finish packing at some point too..I'll get there ;)

Okay, as Jilly Michael's would say "that's enough talk, it's time to get to work". Gulp..don't hurt me Jillian.


Happy Hump Day (and Happy Tuesday to my North American readers)


PS Yes, I realize my socks are inside-out.
xo