I absolutely adore bakeries and cafés that are authentic and original. This is one of them. They make everything themselves with passion and only using local produce! The people working there are also so warmheartedly, kind and positive, making sure you will have an enjoyable time.
They make all kinds of pastries, biscuits, cakes, breads and sandwiches. A perfect place for “fika”, a concept in Swedish culture with the basic meaning “to have coffee”, often along with eating something sweet. In addition, they serve a satiated breakfast and I got to know that they use locally produced eggs and vegetables, which just makes a huge difference! To know where the produce is from and when made with love and care, that deepens the connection and touches my soul.
My breakfast plate: plant based yoghurt with their homemade granola. Bread with Brie, honey, spinach and cucumber slices.Their baked pastries!Loving the old interior and materials that resonate with their originalityFeels like a different space and time right?!
You can find this café at Kinnegatan 27, Lidkoping.
May you have an enjoyable fika time there or be inspired to implement this cultural tradition to where you’re at.
Nutrition is important to me as to how I perform on court, but also how I feel health wise. I’ve discovered a lot through my journey of performance and well being.
If my experience can help you realize something you weren’t aware of, then I hope you find that realization by continuing reading this post.
My personal struggle has been my sinus, however I discovered that certain foods can trigger it and weaken my immune system, making me more exposed to strong allergies of pollen.
Those foods connected to my case of Timothy grass pollen allergy are; legumes, oats, peanuts and tomatoes. However, it may be you’re not getting an allergy effect by all these foods, maybe only one or not to eat every kind all at once. Therefore I encourage you to understand your personal health and body since you know best.
That’s why food choices and nutrition can be different to each and one of us since we all are unique.
Since I was unaware of this and influenced by what I thought was categorized healthy, I didn’t help myself by eating this way for many years making my pollen allergy stronger over time. These facts was an eye opening change for me, and now that I know better, I can help myself to stay healthy. Of course everything with balance, since I have also understood how important it is to listen to your body and its needs instead of resisting.
That’s why I’m eating smoothie bowls instead of overnight oats or porridge. I discovered a new great invention of mixing it with chia pudding and having fun making swirls, it’s a great substitute to granola which normally contains oats. However, I found a solution to it making grainfree granola which also works perfectly. Yet, I must say I don’t mind mixing it with chia pudding. The benefits are many by eating it, you see chia seeds are high in fiber, protein, contains healthy fats and calcium. It’s perfect together with lots of berries as it stabilizes your blood sugar and which gives you a feeling of satiety.
Hoping this will make you more aware of what you eat and how you feel so that you can perform and be your best self.
Set aside for 10 minutes and let it swell for it to become chia pudding!
Ps: it’s delicious with hazelnut butter, goji berries and dried apricots. Have fun making swirls when adding the chia pudding on top of your smoothie bowl!
As I’m writing and looking into perspective, I feel very fortunate to travel again and do my job as a professional tennis player. When I’m now abroad it feels like I’m given an opportunity to seize all the wonders of live which is enhancing my life experience in all magical ways. Therefore I’m in awe when I see what this beautiful city has to offer and digesting all the ancient monuments with a history greater than time. As I walk through these old, narrow streets of cobblestone, it is as time has stand still and I’m brought back into the town’s past. Although its architecture, tram tracks and atmosphere might be giving you nostalgia, there is a new breath of modern life hanging in the air. If you look closely you’ll sense it by the small healthy cafés standing out which crosses the line of history, traditionalism and conservatism. They will take you to the future of a healthy eating lifestyle that is becoming more common and sought after around the world.
I went on a hungry stomach with great determination towards my target to eat a delicious breakfast. Destination: Nola kitchen. I must admit it wasn’t the cleverest choice to look at the menu when being so eager to eat it all. But in the end my choice landed at the egg bowl. A nutritious bowl of black rice, sautéed kale, grilled corn, poached eggs, oven roasted sweet potatoes and delicious tahini sauce with it.
The egg bowl
However, that bowl still made me hungry for more and so I ordered their summer edition pancakes. With the sun shining towards my face it felt like the perfect choice as chocolate pancakes would be heavy to digest on a warm summer’s day in Porto.
Summer edition pancakes
These healthy pancakes were definitely a new experience to me. They tasted not like normal pancakes if being honest, but with the coconut yoghurt, maple sirup, berries and crunch of pistachios, it balanced it out and so I ended up finishing it all up somehow!
Wanderlust The square you need to visitThe beautiful facade of the churchMonuments of ancient historyIn love with the blue tiles!During a hitting session on center court before the tournament
This bowl will give you a kick start for the day, make you full and keep your blood sugar levels in check, plus will nurture you with lots of healthy fats, protein, minerals and vitamins. So let’s rock and roll and make this day awesome!
Ingredients
• 2 frozen banana
• 1/3 cup / 80 ml oat milk
• 1/4 cup / 60 ml pistachios
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp spirulina from Supernature
• 1 medjool date
Blend all ingredients in a blender.
For the chia pudding add 3 tbsp of chia seeds with 150-200 ml of coconut milk and stir. Set aside for 15 minutes until it thickens. If too thick add some more milk.
Enjoy it with cashew butter and granola.
It’s so delicious, thick and rich in flavor, all you can ask for!
Sinus health is something I want to discuss about in this blog post. Through my experience, I have realized that some foods trigger my sinus and immune system. It’s due to cross allergies you eat that affects your pollen allergy. In my case, I have grass pollen and foods like oats, peanut butter, legumes, tomatoes and wheat triggers that immune response, affecting my health. When I got the news I was kind of devastated since that has been my diet for so many years, however it all made sense to me. Therefore, I could choose to either feel like a victim or make a choice of seeing the opportunity in changing my well being. I made a commitment to look at solutions, how could I replace other foods and still enjoy? That’s why I changed my mindset into looking at recipes replacing porridge or overnight oats to smoothie bowls for breakfast, in addition to making a grainfree granola as topping which is the recipe I will share with you here!
I hope this is insightful for you and that it can make you reflect on your own personal experience to make those necessary changes into feeling better!
What’s without a doubt is that making this granola is way healthier than the store bought cereal loaded with sugar;)
It’s glutenfree, grainfree, vegan and refined sugar free! And better because of chocolate..
Ingredients
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 3/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup ground flax
• 1/4 cup cacao powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• I also added some almonds and walnuts. If you would want to swap them for some of the other seeds instead you can, or add them to your liking as I did.
Instructions
Mix all ingredients together until all ingredients are well covered with the maple syrup and oil. Then spread it out evenly on baking sheet with parchment paper.
Bake on 160 degrees for 15 minutes, then allow to cool to room temp for 45 minutes-1 hour before breaking into clusters.
You can store it in an air tight container or glass jar and you’ll have your granola ready for your breakfast with yoghurt or milk or on top of your smoothiebowl!
Easy peasy pancakes and with delicious toppings: blueberry sauce and caramelized banana. So so yummy guys.
I love when you have few ingredients, can remember it in your head and the result is just mind blowing, especially with these toppings on!
But first, some deep reflection. Life can seem dull or meaningless sometimes, especially when facing difficulties in your life and in regard of the corona situation. However, perspective is key to transform your mindset and how you face these challenges. For a moment, unwanted feelings can occur, your mind shifts to victim mentality and one can forget the great gifts in life. But that is why I’m inviting you to do one small change about it, as simple as making yourself pancakes for breakfast. It for sure helps your mood and it’s a nice way act of loving yourself. I’m not saying this is the overall solution here, it’s only a small trick to lighten up your day and start off your morning best way possible.
When starting your day, your mind wonders back to the old thinking patterns, so did you know we think the same thoughts over and over again since we are not conscious or aware of it? That’s why taking time to prepare your breakfast can be a mindful practice if you aren’t the type to sit still and mediate for 10 minutes. Then use your time different by being aware of what you are doing, the ingredients, following the instructions mindfully, being aware of smells and another thing you can do while waiting to flip over your pancake is repeating to yourself positive affirmations when you start focusing on your worries, to do list or troubles. Being in the present moment is as its other meaning to it, a present to life.
I hope you find this helpful and let’s act on it!
Ingredients
• 2 cups flour (I used whole meal since it’s healthier)
• 1 cup oat milk plus 4 tbsp more if it’s too thick
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
Toppings
• Make the blueberry compote by simply put frozen blueberries into the microwave. It’s quick and it’s made without any refined white sugar.
• Caramelize the bananas by frying them on the pan with coconut oil, honey or maple sirup and cinnamon!
Instructions
1. Mix all dry ingredients and let aside the milk with the apple cider vinegar for 5 minutes. This is the reason they rise!
2. Then stir in all ingredients together and heat up a pan on medium heat with coconut oil.
3. Cook them until golden brown and flip them over when you see bubbles on the surface!
Enjoy these healthier, vegan pancakes, they will make you so happy:)
As I’ve been reading the kaizen method, it has inspired me to do small changes every day and this is one of them. To add at least one superfood ingredient to my meal every day. I know that it can be overwhelming or difficult to do big dietary changes or maybe feeling off board with the rest of the other healthy people around the world. Especially when looking at instagram influencers promoting this and you don’t know where to start. Therefore, when the temptation to sugar or unhealthy foods strikes in, that seems rather fairly as it’s what you’re familiar to. However, I promise you that if you choose to make one small positive change of habit each day, eventually it will become a lifestyle, a way you sooner or later are drawn to and it no longer feels like a choice. At least that has been my experience and I encourage you to start off this journey and process by making this superfood breakfast bowl which also is a sustainable way of eating too! Have I convinced you enough to make that small change towards a healthier lifestyle? If yes, then first step is to add these ingredients in a smoothie blender:
• 1 cup frozen mango
• 1 frozen banana
• Juice of half an orange
• 1 tsp power matcha
• 2 generous tbsp of coconut cream (Greek yoghurt also works well)
Tip: a superfood ingredient worth the investment is bee pollen from super nature. https://www.super-nature.no
And it has a hidden superfood ingredient, spirulina!
As the package says, better with chocolate! Also, I love the flavor combination with a hint of mint, and you can’t even taste the superfood ingredient spirulina! So you kinda get away easily by eating a tasty smoothie bowl offering you nutritional value in all ways! Loaded with antioxidants etc.
I also love how simple it is to make it and the delicious toppings you can have with it. Feels like a treat and yet it’s healthy! It’s honestly a revolutionary way of eating and I encourage you to add the superfood powders in your smoothie bowl as it can add taste and contribute in enhancing your energy levels and well being. So what are you waiting for, let’s start this food revolution together!
Ingredients
• 300 dl frozen blueberries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 tbsp of creamy nut butter
• 1 tbsp powder of spirulina, mint & cacao from super.nature
• 50-100 ml coconut milk
Instructions
Mix all ingredients together in a blender. Add toppings like granola, gojiberries, cacao nibs, coconut chips, nut butter and banana slices! Ps: remember that if you want the smoothie bowl thick, be careful on the liquid and go easy on it little by little:)
My absolute favorites from super.nature
Those are hemp seeds, gojiberries, cacao nibs & cacao powder! Remember that a healthy lifestyle equals a healthy mind, which will have a positive effect on how you impact and perceive your outer world.
You know what they say, outer beauty reflects from the inside. I’ve been lately understanding this, as my morning habit these days has been to drink celery juice.. I can tell from experience that my skin is glowing, purer, less irritated. Also, this green beauty smoothie helps. It’s a great way to get your needed doze of greens and superfood. Aaand, it tastes really good! I am familiar with the skepticism, been there and tried so many times to nail the taste of it. This time I have, and therefore I’m really happy to share the recipe with you guys so that you can also benefit from a healthy smoothie that will make you glow and feel energized.
Remember to use my code MELANIESTOKKE when you purchase at https://www.yoursuperfoods.eu for a 15% off. I’m sure it will be a worthy investment as the superfoods powders are the stars in this recipe. Their products are organic and natural, only good stuff. This green beauty smoothie ain’t the same without them. So make sure you don’t skip on the superfoods, as they will empower you towards a healthier lifestyle.
Ingredients
• 6 cubes of frozen kale or spinach
• A good handful of frozen mango, banana and pineapple mix
Add all ingredients in a blender until all is well mixed and have a achieved a smooth texture. If you want it less thick, simply add more liquid – either more juice or milk.
Enjoy your healthy green smoothie, which is great for either breakfast or as a snack in between meals.
Benefits from this smoothie are:
– It’s dairy free
– The superfoods helps you to optimize your focus and productivity
– High in antioxidants
– Natural in caffeine, no need for many cups of coffee
– An easy way to increase your intake of nutritious greens
– Naturally high in fiber and healthy prebiotic
– Ensures you stable blood sugar level and your hunger strikes in check
Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free and refined sugarfree
I would never have thought that these gluten-free and healthy scones could have turned out so good! Thanks to the gluten-free flour mix from helios, making that possible. One is not enough when they have nuts, raisins and dark chocolate in them. The dough is not dry at all, and they taste great with nutbutter, chocolate spread or berry jam! It’s the perfect recipe to bake on a relaxing Sunday, and the time baking them won’t take you long. Can’t resist them can you? Let’s bake em!
• 3 dl almond/oat milk or Andy other plant based milk you prefer
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 to 4 tbsp coconut sugar (the scones I baked, I used 2 tbsp, but if you prefer them sweeter, add more to your liking.)
• 1 tsp salt
• Add chopped walnuts and hazelnuts, dark chocolate chips and raisins. You decide the quantity! Ps: I did one dough with nuts and raisins, while the other one with dark chocolate chips added.
Instructions
1. First add all your dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Then add the milk, water and oil, stir well. Afterwards knead the dough by hand and if too sticky to begin with, use a spoon or spatula.
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or kitchen towel for about 30 minutes. Don’t worry if it hasn’t risen, cause mine didn’t hehe.
4. Now you can add your chopped nuts, raisins and chocolate chips, at this stage it is easier to knead the dough. Shape it into two round pieces and cut almost through to 4 new pieces.
5. Bake in the oven on 220 degrees for 15 minutes. Make sure to watch over the baking time as it depends on the oven and size.
Happy baking everyone and hope you enjoy these guilt free, healthy scones!
Bloom with food 