The Truth about Chocolates

I have a renewed interest in chocolates mainly because of a new book that I had just picked up called Smart Fat. When I read that the authors advocated the eating of chocolates, I almost passed out! I've always loved chocolates, but I've stayed away from them on purpose because I just wasn't sure!

Chocolates was one of those grey areas for me. You know some people say chocolates are good, they contain lots of antioxidants, while others declare it a prohibited item in their kitchen.

And because I was two minds about it, it wasn't uncommon to see bars of gourmet, rum and raisin flavoured chocolates in my fridge from time to time. That is until I read the truth about chocolates.

So if you're in the same dilemma, get this straight once and for all - dark chocolates are good for you! Y-AY!!!

They do indeed contain lots of healthful antioxidants but just how dark have the chocolates got to be before they're considered healthful?

Ideally, they should contain 80% cacao. But if you're just learning how to enjoy dark chocolate, I'd say 70% is the sweet spot.

Since starting on my Smart Fat diet about two weeks ago, I've progressed from 84% to 92% and now to 99% organic dark chocolate! It's crazy I know but you know what?

Snacking on a piece dark chocolate never felt better!

I didn't feel hungry for a long, long time. It was as if the bitter taste of the dark chocolate quelled all the hunger pangs that I had, if any at all (I really don't remember having any food cravings, zilch, nada!).

So if you're looking for something to munch on at the office, minus the guilt, then I'd say snack on a piece of dark dark chocolate! Winks!

Love, 

Lynette Tan

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See the Good in Green Tea

I remember it was about four in the morning and I was lying in bed wide awake and staring at the ceiling of my rented apartment in St. Lucia.

It was my second year of uni and I had already finished my assignment but I just couldn't get to sleep!

Nope, I wasn't troubled. In fact, I didn't have anything on my mind that night so what in the world was keeping me awake?

Then I recalled having made and drunk bottles of hot green tea. I had just discovered it, and brought it home from Woolies. I was so gung ho I'd even add two teabags in a 1 litre bottle at any one time and let it steep for forever just for that extra oomph!

And that, in a nutshell, was my first experience with green tea. And that's how I'll never forget that green tea contains caffeine. Yup, the stuff that kept me awake that fateful night. LOL!

Over the years, I've learnt how to make green tea work for me instead of against me. I've progressed from teabags to loose tea leaves from Twinings to TWG cutting out all the sugar and the cream and here's why I still think it's important to incorporate at least four cups of green tea into your your diet daily.

Green tea:-

1. Ups your metabolism; helps you lose weight
2. Contains powerful antioxidants that delay aging
3. Improves brain function so you become smarter
4. Helps you live longer by lowering your risks of heart disease, and cancer

Personally, I'm not against coffee drinkers (I married one, although he lied about that...BIG TIME... when we were dating...haha! Anyway that's a story for another day) I don't drink coffee because that one time I did when I was a kid left a horrible stench in my mouth. I didn't like it. So, I was thrilled to find out that green tea contains natural antibodies that fight off bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath. Plus, it may not be such a bad idea to have your coffee fix first and then wash it down with some green tea. In any case, green tea seems like a great drink to reach out for at the office especially if you interact with people, a lot!

Speaking of which, the best way to enjoy a cuppa green tea is to let it steep for three minutes, no more cuz that's the perfect amount of time taken for the flavours to be thoroughly infused and to brew the most delicious, healthful drink.

But if you're like me, worried that it'll keep you awake, drink your four cups of green tea well before 6pm and you'll be just fine! Winks!

Love, 

Lynette Tan

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Fuss-free Blended Meals

I have this theory… that as we grow older, things are supposed to get easier. Some would call that “an anointing of ease”.

Like can you imagine doing the same things over and over again but each time you do it, it gets progressively more effortless PLUS you do it quicker as you discover new ways of doing it and you get better and better at it!

Discovering how to pack all the nutrients and natural goodness, of all that earth has to offer, into a glass of smoothie feels just like that!

And I’m so eager to share this with you because eating or drinking this #smartfat shake for lunch is the quickest way to fill you up and keep you full for longer minus the hassle of having to thoroughly chew through your food.

The best part is, there won’t be embarrassingly loud farts that would normally result from having consumed incorrectly combined foods. And you don’t have to worry about falling into a food coma like you usually do after a heavy meal. In fact, you’ll feel more energised and ready to go!

This au naturel almond milkshake is especially great for when you have no time for lunch or when you don’t really feel like eating but you know you have to. So try this out when you have the chance to, it could be a real game changer!

Ingredients:-

1/4 cup Almonds (sprouted)
1 cup Distilled water
1 handful Kale (frozen)
1 cup Berries (strawberries, blueberries, boysenberries, raspberries all frozen)
1 tsp Chia seeds
1 tsp Flaxseeds
1 tsp Cacao powder (cold pressed)
1 tbsp MCT oil (this can be substituted with coconut oil or almond oil)

Here’s my favourite part, cuz it’s so darn easy…

Method:-

Blend all ingredients until smooth (this shouldn’t take more than a minute), and drink up right away!

Love, 

Lynette Tan

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