healthy food

Healthy Food Watermelon Salad - Pilates & Co. Gold Coast Pilates Reformer & Fitness Studio

Healthy Food: Belinda’s Watermelon Salad

We kick off our Spring 6-week Challenge today, so we thought we’d share some healthy food – a little recipe from the meal guide to give you some kitchen inspiration. This super easy salad is full of goodness and the perfect lunch or dinner option over Spring and Summer. It’s our studio manager Belinda‘s creation and one of her favourites to make for herself.

 

Belinda’s Watermelon Salad Recipe

If your aim in doing Pilates is to feel fitter and stronger (which we hope it is), then you have to combine your practice with healthy food. And as healthy food recipes go, this one is easy to make and so yummy you will be questioning its goodness. We think it will be joining your regular kitchen staples in no time!

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/4 whole watermelon (chopped into cubes)
  • 2 Lebanese cucumbers (cut into quarters)
  • 3 large tomatoes (chopped into cubes)
  • handful coriander (roughly chopped)
  • handful parsley (roughly chopped)
  • handful mint (roughly chopped)
  • 4 spring onions (sliced)
  • 1 avocado (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup pinenuts (lightly toasted)
  • tablespoon bottled jalapeño’s (finely chopped)
  • juice of 2 lemons
  • a generous seasoning of Himalayan salt

METHOD

1. Add all ingredients to large salad bowl and toss. This salad is still great the next day if kept

refrigerated.

Check out more of our healthy recipes on the Pilates & Co. blog.

 

Belinda Survilla is the Pilates & Co. studio manager and takes regular classes at the Miami studio, including orientation

healthy food asian inspired food recipe

Healthy Food: Asian Inspired Zoodle Salad Recipe

Healthy food shouldn’t be difficult or expensive. There’s nothing better than a salad that’s quick to make and packed full of flavour. We love sharing healthy food ideas with our members at Pilates & Co. Try this Asian-inspired salad that also makes use of your zoodle grater or spiraliser. You will not be disappointed!

 

Asian Inspired Zoodle Salad

Many thanks to Mrids from Amealia for sharing this delicious and nutritious recipe with us. We love healthy food, so check out our other recipes too.

Total Time: 10 mins (how good is that!)
Serves 3-4

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Zucchini
  • 1 Carrot
  • 1 Cucumber
  • 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter
  • 1 Tsp Toasted Sesame Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 Clove Of Garlic Grated
  • 1 Tsp Grated Ginger
  • 1 Red Chilli Chopped up and 1 Squirt Of Mayo (Optional)
  • 1/2 Lemon or Lime
  • Basil to Dress
  • Salt and Pepper To Taste

 

METHOD

1. Spiralise the carrot, zucchini and cucumber to look like noodles. 
zoodle1
2. Throw all the remaining ingredients in a mason jar or a container you have in hand and give it a good ol shake.
zoodle2
3. Pour over the veggie noodles and toss to coat, top with Basil 
zoodle4
4. Enjoy!!!

Try some of our other healthy food recipes.

Want to kick-start your fitness goals too? Come and see us at Pilates & Co. We offer a number of membership and class payment options, and if you’re new to our studio you can take advantage of our free orientation class and our 4 for $80 Introduction offer. You could get really serious and join our 6-week Transformation Challenge.

Not a Gold Coast resident but planning a trip to the Burleigh Heads or nearby? Purchase our 4 for $80 class visitor pass (valid for two weeks)Contact us if you need to find out more.

Healthy Food Lentil Soup

Healthy Food: Spiced Lentil Soup

This delicious and nutritious lentil soup will satisfy even the fussiest in the family. It’s quick and easy to prepare and make ticking all my boxes!

RECIPE FOR HEALTHY LENTIL SOUP

INGREDIENTS

Here’s what you’ll need –

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, finely sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1 cup dried red lentils (or puy lentils if not pureeing soup)
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan or sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

METHOD

Here’s what to do –

  1. Heat oil or ghee in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, then add ginger, garlic, and spices. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
  2. Add stock and lentils and bring to the boil. Cover pan and bring to simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until lentils are tender.
  3. Remove from heat. This is where you have the option to blend to a smooth soup (kids will prefer this option 98% of the time). Blend mixture (1/2 at a time) in your blender or use a stick mixer until smooth. If using a blender, remove the centerpiece in the lid to allow steam to escape and place a piece of paper towel over the hole. Once you have blended your soup, pour the mixture back into a clean pan.
  4. Stir in remaining ingredients over a low heat
  5. Serve and enjoy!

Check out more of our healthy recipes on the Pilates & Co. blog.

Healing Bone Broth Recipe

Healthy food store and wholesaler, Brio Emporium at Broadbeach, shared this super easy healing bone broth recipe with us for you to try at home.

While every week there is a new superfood staple you supposedly just have to be adding to your diet, bone broth has stood the test of time and is no new health fad.  Made by roasting and simmering the bones of healthy pastured animals in ideally filtered water for a very, very long time, bone broth is nature’s most nutrient-dense, easily-digestible liquid, filled with micronutrients, minerals, amino acids and (YIPPEE) collagen.

As someone who exercises regularly, the daily addition of bone broth to your diet could be the cure for what ails you, including the tendons in your wrist that niggle or the ligaments in your knee that swell after a class. Cate Shanahan, the head doctor for the LA Lakers, recently said bone broth was “the number one miracle food for your joints and connective tissue (including bone) is bone broth because it contains compounds that act like growth hormones in these tissues.”

Now you don’t need to be a pro basket-baller as any level of athletic activity will benefit from the healing liquid of broth. When it comes to nutrition, eating a well balanced, anti-inflammatory diet isn’t enough; the amino acid chains that are available from making bone broth aren’t going to be found in the meat we eat every day.

Just a cup of broth a day will kill inflammation and swelling. It will make you feel younger at the gym, on the bike or of course, on the reformer.  Bone broth as a daily supplement intake is one of the best sources of fuel for your body to heal and grow.

And on another hot topic which you have probably been hearing a lot about lately – bone broth heals leaky gut syndrome (bloating, gas, cramps or any other digestive issue) by reducing inflammation and increasing absorption rates of nutrients.

Making your own bone broth does take some time and effort (Minimum of 24 – 48hrs for a good one) but your body will thank you for it.  If you are like most of us and are just too busy with life, you can always save yourself the bother and try ours.  We have done all the hard work and totally nailed delicious tasting broths available by the cup or in take-home bags for you to consume more regularly, at your leisure

How to make your own healing bone broth

Ingredients

  • 1kg of bones from a healthy pastured animal (or more if you have a large enough pot)

  • 1 organic onion

  • 2 organic carrots

  • 2 stalks of organic celery

  • 2 tablespoons Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Optional: 1 bunch of parsley, 1 tablespoon or more of sea salt, 1 teaspoon peppercorns, plus your favourite herbs or spice.  Personally, we love to add turmeric.

 

Method

  1. Improve depth and flavour of your bones by roasting them in the oven first. Straight into a roasting pan and into the oven for 30 mins at 180c.

  2. Now place the bones in the largest pot you have.  Add just enough filtered water to cover the bones and add your Apple Cider Vinegar. Let sit for half an hour before turning the stove on as the acid helps make the nutrients in the bones more readily available.

  3. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a simmer.

  4. During the first few hours of simmering, you’ll need to stick around to remove the impurities that float to the surface. Simply skim, discard and keep simmering. Check it every half hour or so for the first few hours to make sure it is all removed. This is where you will be thankful you purchased healthy, grass-fed bones – the healthier the animal the fewer impurities you will encounter.

  5. Once there is no longer any scum/impurities rising to the surface, keep simmering, adding water only to cover the bones as necessary.

  6. After about 15-18 hours for chicken and 35-40 hours for beef, add your veggies, herbs and spices. However wait until the final hour to add parsley or celery leaves, or anything like silverbeet.

  7. Return to a simmer for the final leg – this time, don’t worry about adding more water. You want the nutrients and gelatin to concentrate as we bring in the flavours from the veggies and herbs.

  8. Add your parsley and/or celery greens etc if desired. Let simmer for another hour or two.

  9. Then finally – that’s it! You’ve done it!  Strain your broth and cool it down or use immediately for making your favourite soup, stew, sauce or meat dish!

 

Thanks to Atlanta from Brio Emporium for this contribution. At Brio Emporium in Broadbeach, and online at their website, you can order their signature Bone Broths, ready-to-eat meals and optimal pantry essentials.

Our picks for top 10 best gifts for the active and health conscious

Hands up if you’ve had a total block on what to buy for that certain someone? Ever purchase something because…”that’ll do”? We’ve got some great holiday inspiration to avoid the chances of your gift being regifted. So, in no particular order…

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1. Shameless self promotion warning – a gift voucher at Pilates & Co!

Why not give your loved ones the gift of Pilates? It’ll change their lives for the better, it’s fun, empowering will keep them mentally and physically challenged. We love to see families coming to practice and workout together and you know it’s always more fun with friends so what are you waiting for? Our gift cards are fully customisable to any amount or package you choose! You can purchase your gift card here –
P&C Gift Cards

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2. A beauty package at From Earth and Skin

This lovely lady Louisa offers bio-sculpture nails, facials, threading, Eco Tan and sugaring (a natural waxing method) at her salon. All products and treatments are chemical free ensuring you and the environment are being looked after. Louisa is offering all gift cards at 20% off until 23rd December, what a treat! www.earthandskin.com.au

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3. Praia Yoga Mats

How absolutely stunning is this mat?!? Praia mats are made using the finest natural rubber resulting in a denser sustainable mat that benefits you and the environment. Each mat is 100% hypo allergenic and biodegradable. Find this beautiful mat and other designs here –
www.praia.com.au

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4. Lululemon Align Pant

These pants are amazing! I would wear these every day if I could, they are so extremely comfortable that Lululemon have categorised that as “naked”. Try a pair on for yourself and you’ll be converted too! Find them at Lululemon Robina Town Centre, those lovely ladies and gents will take supreme care of you while you are there. If you don’t have a local Lulu store you can get yours online –
www.lululemon.com.au

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5. The Essentials Pack from Evohe

This range of completely natural skincare is divine, the ingredients smell amazing and feel even better. I have personally been using these products for 6 months and I cannot get enough of them! My recommendation is to pair this pack up with their mineral makeup and blush. They are also neighbours of ours – manufactured in Miami. You can purchase from them personally on Lemana Lane or find them online here –
www.evohe.com.au

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6. Malvern Star Cruisestar from Mikes Bikes

You may have noticed this baby in our awesome competition running through social media. It’s one sweet ride and I know you are picturing yourself cruising down the beach, puppy in tow. The guys over at Mikes Bikes will provide you with wonderful service and your bike will come to you fully assembled and ready to go!
www.mikesbikes.com.au

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7. Eco Tan Essentials

One of our members put me on to the Pink Himalayan scrub a few months ago, it’ll leave your skin not only exfoliated and fresh but also so smooth, soft and moisturised. The moisturiser is chemical free and feels good on the skin (it also comes in tinted). The Eco Tan Invisible tan provides a natural looking tan that fades gently and doesn’t stink to the high heavens. This pack is a sure fire winner!
www.ecotan.com.au

foam

8. Foam Roller and Spiky Ball

These 2 buddies you may have a love/hate relationship with but ultimately, you will respect the effect that these two tools will have in loosening tight muscles all over your body. Used correctly these high quality devices will have you sighing with relief. Get yours in studio at Pilates & Co.

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9. Gift Hamper from The Source Miami

Our friends over at The Source have whipped up some delicious little packs and wrapped them up pretty so you can pop your feet up and congratulate yourself on a job well done! Check out these lovely gift hampers in store at the Miami One Shopping Centre.

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10. Lifestraw

Ok, so I’ve never personally used one of these amazing gadgets before but how cool is it? This straw shaped water filter lets you turn 1000 litres of contaminated water into safe drinking water! You can drink from rivers and streams with the lifestraw. I think what I love about it most is how this company supports communities that don’t have access to clean drinking water. You can purchase directly from the USA website or from BCF stores online and Australia wide –
BCF LIFESTRAW

Healthy Food: Cinnamon Chia Pudding

Vicky from Vitality Nutrition has created this delicious chia pudding which would make a nutritious and quick breakfast or anytime snack! You’ll find the recipe here – Cinnamon Chia Pudding and you can find more healthy recipes and information on the Vitality Nutrition website.

Find the recipe below and check out Vicky’s website for more fabulous healthy food recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Cinnamon Chia Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

3 tablespoons chia seeds (black or white)

1 tablespoon  COCONUT PROTEIN SUPERFOOD BLEND

1 cup  almond or coconut milk

2 teaspoons organic cinnamon

1 tablespoon coconut cream

 

Method

In a large glass/jar or small bowl mix chia seeds, protein, cinnamon and almond or coconut milk. Stir until chia seeds separate and start to swell.

You may need to add more milk if consistency is too dry, it should be a little runny so the chia seed don’t clump together.

The chia seeds will expand and soak up most of the liquid.

Place into the fridge to set for at least 10 minutes. Can be left overnight.

Once set, remove from fridge and top with coconut cream and sprinkle cinnamon on top. Feel free to add your favourite fruit and nuts for extra crunch! Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Make a few in advance and have them on hand for snacks. If your feeling the cold – chia puddings can be heated up in the microwave or stove. Just add more milk if needed.

 

Check out more of our healthy recipes on the Pilates & Co. blog.