12 January 2016

At Home Workout (Yoga, Pilates and PumpUp)

Hi everyone!

Recently I have been getting into exercising at home. I thought that I would share with you the mat that I have been using as well as some DVD's and apps that are perfect for working out at home!


1. Mukha Yoga Mat

I have been using this mat for almost a year now. This yoga mat is safe and environmentally friendly as it is non-toxic, PVC free and 100% biodegradable. I find that with this yoga mat I don't have a tendency to slip off while working out due to the open cell structure. The mat is also incredibly soft which makes it comfortable to lie down on and it is also heavy, so it wont roll up once you lay it out.

Purchase a Mukha yoga mat here















2. DVDs

It can be difficult to know where to begin when introducing yourself to a new workout practice. I find that DVDs are a great way to learn the basics of the practice. Some of the DVDs I have at home are Homefit Pilates for Weight Loss this came in a pack with a mat and a booklet. I also like to use Pilates for Dummies. I personally like this one best as it has options for beginners.


3. PumpUp App

PumpUp would definitely be my favorite workout assistant app. This app is amazing as you can personalize your workout to suit you. When setting up a workout the app gives you the option to say if you have any equipment or if you don't have any. You can say if you are at home or a gym. However the best part of all is that you can choose which parts of the body you want to be targeted during that workout and how long you would like the workout to go for. Therefore this app is perfect for a beginner and someone who is advanced.




 




Good luck and always have a positive attitude when it comes to health and fitness! 


Vanessa X ( @vanessagoesvegan )


11 November 2015

Banana, Date and Oat Breakfast Milkshake



Ingredients

2 bananas
Drizzle of maple syrup
1 cup plant milk (I used soy)
2/3 cup oats
2 dates
Pinch of cinnamon


Method

1. Add bananas, oats, plant milk and then blend.
2. Add dates, cinnamon and maple syrup, then blend again.
3. Add extra plant milk if it is too thick for your liking.
4. Pour in glass and serve.


Notes

Makes 1 serving
Tip: If you cant find medjool dates, soak your dates in boiling water so they become soft enough to blend.


Vanessa X ( @vanessagoesvegan )

Smoothie Cup



Ingredients

1 banana
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup of plant milk (I used soy)
1 tbsp water

Toppings

Dried fruit
Sliced banana
Frozen blueberries
Pumpkin seeds
Chia seeds


Method

1. Place ingredients in a blender and blend.
2. Put in a cup and top with toppings.



Notes

Makes 1 serving


Vanessa X ( @vanessagoesvegan )

18 July 2015

Pancakes



Ingredients

1 mashed banana
3/4 cup oat flour
1/4 cup plant-based milk
2 pinches cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla paste
2 tbsp chia seeds

Coconut oil (for frying)
Fruit, maple syrup and chia seeds (for topping)
2 tbsp So Good Vanilla Bliss Ice-Cream  (for serving)


Method

1. Place pancake ingredients in bowl and mix.
2. Heat up pan with coconut oil.
3. Pour mixture in pan so there are 6 pancakes.
4. Cook for 2 minutes on one side then turn and cook for 1 minute on the other side.
5. Serve with fruit, maple syrup, chia seeds and ice-cream.


Notes

Makes 6
Top with banana and berries


Vanessa X ( @vanessagoesvegan )

Toasted Vegan Sandwiches



Ingredients

2 tbsp hummus (click here for my recipe)
8 basil leaves
10 spinach leaves
1 tomato sliced
8 pitted kalamata olives
1 tsp vegan butter
4 slices or multi-grain bread


Method

1. Spread 4 bread slices with butter (spread on top and bottom of each slice).
2. Spread hummus onto 2 slices of bread.
3. Place tomato slices on top of hummus.
4. Place spinach and basil leaves on top of tomato.
5. Place olives on top of spinach and basil.
6. Place the two other slices of bread on top of the two slices that have toppings.
7. Grill in sandwich toaster until golden brown.



Notes

Makes 2
Great for work, uni or school
Good way to get in your greens


Vanessa X ( @vanessagoesvegan )

Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta



Ingredients

1/2 avocado
1/2 bunch parsley
1/2 bunch basil
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
1 pinch chili flakes
Lemon juice (1/2 lemon)

100 grams of cooked pasta


Method

1. Place ingredients in food processor and blend until creamy.
2. Add to cooked pasta.


Notes

Can add olive oil instead of lemon juice
Can add 5 cashew nuts or pecans for more of a 'pesto' flavor
Can add nutritional yeast for 'cheese' flavor


Vanessa X ( @vanessagoesvegan )

Raw Chocolate & Peanut Butter Oat Bars



Ingredients

1/2 cup peanut butter (plus extra for spreading on top)
1 1/2 cups soaked dates (soak for 10 min)
1/2 cup oats
1 tbsp maple syrup
3 tbsp cacao powder
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (extra for decorating on top)
Coconut oil for coating baking tray


Method

1. Place all ingredients in food processor and blend.
2. Coat baking tray with small amount of coconut oil.
3. Place mixture in tray and squash down.
4. Place in fridge for 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
5. Cut in 'bar' shapes and decorate with peanut butter and pumpkin seeds.


Notes

Makes 10 bars
Keeps for 3 weeks in fridge
Great as a snack or desert


Vanessa X ( @vanessagoesvegan )