Keep calm and get flipping

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baked beans, blue cheese, breakfast, brunch, butter, cheese, Chocolate sauce and marshmallows, Courgettes with feta cheese, crepe, delicate, dinner, eggs, fillings toppings, Fish fingers, flip, flour, fruity, ham, healthy, lettuce, loaded, lunch, mayo, naughty, non-stick pan, onions, organic, pan, pancakes, plain, Pure Beauty, red pepper., Rhubarb compote, savoury, scoop of cookie dough ice cream., skinny, Smoked salmon and cream cheese, Soft fried egg, spinach, strawberry jam, sugar and lemon, sugary, sweet, swirl, thin, vanilla ice cream, vegetable oil, veggie, whipped cream

Pancake Day, officially known as Shrove Tuesday, is heading our way and we are super excited!

The great thing about pancakes is that as well as tasting great they are easy to make and a really sociable way of cooking. Family and friends can all help with making the batter, fillings are a totally personal choice and of course, everyone likes to get involved with the flipping.

To avoid pancake disasters on the day, we suggest you get some practice in over the next week. For a basic, but brilliant batter, you will need:

140g plain flour
200ml whole organic milk
2 large free range eggs
Table salt
25g unsalted, melted butter
Vegetable oil (it has no taste)

With everything ready, sift the flour and a pinch of salt into a medium-size bowl. Create a shallow hole in the middle of the mix then add the milk and break your eggs into the hole and slowly whisk it altogether. Add the water, whisking constantly, until you have a smooth, lump free batter.

Keep the batter covered and leave it to settle for around 30 minutes, after this time you can whisk in the melted butter, again until your mixture is smooth.

Put a little oil in a non-stick pan and place on a medium heat.

Once hot, pour around two tablespoons of your batter into the pan and swirl around the based ensuring it is evenly coated.

The idea is to create a thin, delicate, crepe so you only need to cook for around one minute on each side.

If you are brave enough, flip your pancakes and hope for the best but for the more cautious cooks out there, use an egg slice to turn.

Once you have a stack of pancakes, it is time to get to work with toppings.

Sweet, savoury, healthy, naughty, skinny, loaded, sugary, veggie, fruity or plain, you can be as creative as you like when it comes to pancake fillings and toppings.

We are torn between sweet and savoury here at Pure Beauty, but our favourites, in no particular order, are:

Melted cheese and baked beans.

Fish fingers with lettuce and mayo – yes, really!

Ham, onions and blue cheese.

Peanut butter and ice cream.

Strawberry jam and whipped cream.

Chocolate sauce and marshmallows with a scoop of cookie dough ice cream.

Courgettes with feta cheese and red pepper.

Chicken and garlic mushrooms.

Soft fried egg and spinach with black pepper.

Rhubarb compote and organic, vanilla ice cream.

Kiwi fruit and blueberries with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Bacon with cheese and sun dried tomatoes.

Pulled pork with apple sauce.

Smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Banana and mango with crème fraiche.

Cooked apples with salted caramel sauce.

And of course, sugar and lemon.

Don’t forget, you can change your batter so it is gluten free, or use whole wheat flour instead of plain.

Pancakes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, so don’t keep them for just one day of the year, enjoy them all the time.

Have fun making your pancakes and let us know your favourite fillings.

Team Pure Beauty

Keep your sweet tooth at bay

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banana, cake, chopped banana, cinema, coconut flakes, cravings, cream cheese, cucumber, December, delicious, dried fruit, eat, five a day, frozen berries, fruit kebabs, goji berries, good quality dark chocolate, Greek yogurt, healthy, hummus, January, kiwi, low-fat, mango, melon, nuts, oats, organic, peanut butter, popcorn, portion sizes, Pumpkin and sunflower seeds, Pure Beauty, refreshing, seeds, sliced apple and pear, snack, spinach, sugar, time, trail mix, work

December is a time when we sit back, enjoy life and over indulge. Sugar is on pretty served on tap over the festive period and now many of us are looking to make some sensible, healthy swaps.

This said, you don’t have to live on water and dry crackers to get healthy but we have to tell you, the only way to kick a sugar habit is to cut right back.

This won’t be easy but over time your body will crave sugar less and you will feel so much better.

We have had a look at some delicious alternatives to sugary snacks and drinks that will keep your cravings for the white stuff at bay.

Porridge with sliced fruit isn’t just a brain boosting breakfast but can also be a filling snack. Keep a stash at work and you won’t be tempted to reach for that chocolate cake.

If you want a healthy snack with a naughty edge, go for rice cakes with peanut butter and chopped banana.

Popcorn can be a great, healthy treat. We aren’t talking about the mega buckets at the cinema but instead fresh popcorn made at home with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Give it a go; we think you will like it, a lot.

Organic oatcakes with hummus and slices of cucumber make a protein packed snack that will keep hunger locked up until lunchtime.

Bananas are great on cereal and smoothies but peel and chop ripe ones into bite-sized chunks and you have crunchy treats that are full of Vitamins B6 and C, potassium, and a serving of fibre too. Frozen grapes are pretty good too.

For an on the run snack that is as easy to make as it to eat, go for homemade trail mix. Throw together coconut flakes, dried fruit, goji berries, raw ruts and seeds and you have an instant, delicious snack that will keep you away from the vending machine. Just watch portion sizes.

Keep a stock of frozen berries in the freezer and add them to low-fat Greek yoghurt for an evening treat. This tastes great but it’s low in sugar and high in protein so will keep you fuller, for longer.

Chunks of melon, strawberries and grapes make tasty fruit kebabs and top up that all-important five a day quota.

Pumpkin and sunflower seeds with a handful of nuts are a cracking combination.

For a real taste bud tingle go for an ice-cold smoothie packed with mango, banana, kiwi, cucumber, spinach, a splash of coconut milk and a little lemongrass. Delicious and refreshing.

Low fat milk with a little honey can give you the sweet hit you need without blowing the plan out of the water.

For a sugar free savory winner, how about sliced apple and pear with a layer of low fat cream cheese?

If you are having a bad day and only chocolate will do, we will let you have a square or two of good quality dark chocolate, but don’t eat it all.

Got a winning combination? Let us know what healthy snacks work for you.

Team Pure-Beauty

Eat Your Way to Healthy Hair

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arrots, avocado, beta-carotene, Blackcurrants, blueberries, Broccoli, capillaries, chicken, clean hair, dairy products, damp, diet, dry, eggs, fish, flaky, hair, hair loss, healthy, honey, kiwi, legumes, mackerel, mashed avocado, meal, nuts, oils, oily fish, oranges, pumpkin seeds, pumpkins, ramp up, salmon, sardines, shine, strawberries, strong, sweet potatoes, trout, turkey, Vitamin E, walnuts, whisked egg yolk, zinc

They say you are what you eat and that is so true when it comes to hair that is full of life and shine.

Last week we looked at tips and tricks to speed up hair growth and today it’s all about how diet can help you get the most luscious locks ever.

First things first. Your hair is made from protein and eating this is vital if vital if you want strong, healthy hair. Not eating enough protein could lead to hair that is dry, weak and lacking in shine. It is thought that eating very little protein can actually cause hair loss – something you do not want. Chicken, dairy products, eggs, fish and turkey are all fantastic sources of protein with legumes and nuts being perfect for vegetarians.

Iron is another must-have mineral for hair as too little can cause anemia which can lead to hair loss. Chicken, fish and red meat all provide iron that is readily available to the body. If you are looking for vegetarian sources then opt for leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach as well as broccoli, lentils and spinach.

Let’s face it, for health you can’t go far wrong with a decent dose of Vitamin C, and this is so the case when it comes to hair. Vitamin C is key to the production of collagen which strengthens the capillaries that supply the hair shafts. It helps the absorption of iron and is also an antioxidant that your body will lap up. Blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, kiwi, oranges, strawberries and sweet potatoes are all high in Vitamin C and taste pretty good so eat them with every meal.

Another hair friendly vitamin is A, which we need to create sebum. Sebum is an oily substance created by the sebaceous gland and acts as a natural conditioner for your scalp. Eating orange coloured veg such as carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes will help which are high in beta-carotene (which makes Vitamin A) will keep that sebum alive and prevent a dry, itchy scalp.

Omega-3 fatty acids can only obtained through our diet and are vital as they provide the oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated and supple. Oily fish like salmon, sardines, trout and mackerel are fantastic sources as are avocado, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.

It might be winter, but the sun can still damage your hair, so ramp up your Vitamin E intake to protect it. Nuts are a great source as they not only provide Vitamin E but also zinc, so be sure to add them into your diet mix.

A lack of zinc can lead to hair loss and also make your scalp dry and flaky. Fortified cereals and wholegrains are a good source of zinc along with beef, eggs and oysters, so add them to your next weekly shop.

As well as eating vitamins for healthy hair, you could also whip up a quick mask to give your locks an added boost. Once a week mash together one whisked egg yolk and mix this with half a mashed avocado and a large spoon of honey. Massage the mixture onto damp, clean hair and leave for half an hour before rinsing thoroughly and leaving to dry naturally.

Got a super food you swear by? Drop us a line and let us know.

Team Pure-Beauty

Exam stress busters

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best, breath, classmates, cleanse, coffee, daily gratitude journal, early, exam, film, fizzy drinks, friends, healthy, junk food, meditation, paper, revise, risk, swimming, talk, teacher, test, timetable, tone, tone and moisturise morning and evening, understand, yoga

As well as the Euro 16 and referendum debates, we are currently in the grips of the exam season which for many is a time of anxiety and stress.

Whether it is GCSEs, A Levels, degrees or PHDs, exams are hard work and can be daunting and even those with nerves of steel can have the odd wobble.

From excessive worry and the fear of failure, to peer pressure and time running out, the mind can run away with itself and make everything ten times worse than it is.

There is no doubt that exam stress can take over and ultimately scupper chances of success. This isn’t due to a lack of preparation, hard work or dedication but simply because fear can be paralysing and impact performance.

We aren’t saying this time will be plain sailing, but there are things you can do to make the next few weeks just that little bit easier.

Believe in yourself
If you’ve worked hard and have prepared, there is no real reason to worry. No one, other than yourself maybe, says you have to be perfect. Give your things your best shot, know you are working to your full potential and be positive about your achievements.

Plan your time
If you have too much to do in too little time, you will feel anxious. Forget last minute cramming, the key to being the best you can, when it comes to exams, is to plan your time properly.

Create a timetable that includes all areas you need to work on as well as regular breaks and leisure time.

Write notes on cards and stick them on the fridge, bathroom door and on your mirror.

If you have a part time job or other commitments, try to change your schedule to fit with your revision so you don’t get overwhelmed.

By putting these measures in place, it will be easier for you to retain information in a relaxed way, keep on track and gain confidence whilst avoiding burnout and panic.

Don’t panic
Easy to say we know, but if you get stuck or don’t understand something, ask for help. Getting stressed won’t help the situation, it will probably simply make it worse. Address the problem talking to your teachers or classmates and go back to it once you feel you have a handle on the issue.

Meditation, yoga and even a daily gratitude journal can all help keep your grounded and focussed on the bigger picture.

Keep healthy
Whilst reaching for junk food and staying up late might seem the only way to get thought your schedule, what you really need to do is keep fit and healthy.

• Exercise is really important. Go for a run, swim or play tennis with a friend but try not to talk about your exams.
• Eat a good, well balanced diet that is rich in fresh fruit and vegetables plus good protiens and fats.
• It is also vital to keep hydrated as this will keep your brain ticking over. Go for at least eight glasses of water a day and keep a bottle on your table when you are in an exam.
• Go easy on tea, coffee and fizzy drinks. Yes they might give you boost to start with but too much caffeine can set you on edge and stop you from relaxing and sleeping.
• Working into the early hours, or pulling and ‘all-nighter’, might be tempting, but don’t do it. You need to a decent night’s sleep so you wake refreshed and ready to work again or face and exam.
• Look after your skin and make sure you cleanse, tone and moisturise morning and evening.

One the day
When you have exams scheduled, make sure you arrive early as the last thing you want to do is be late and risk not being able to take the paper or flapping. Be fully prepared, take deep breaths, don’t get involved in revision discussions.

During each exam keep calm, read the questions once to start with and then begin to answer them. If you start to panic, sit back for a moment and take control of your of breathing. Take deep breathes in and out through the nose, counting to five each way and then relax. Start the exam again when you feel better, answer what you can and keep as calm as possible.

Post-exam
Once an exam is over don’t spend time going over the questions and answers in your head. Try not to discuss it too much with friends and resist looking at online forums. It’s done and dusted, you did your best so move on. Whether it is watching a film, going out for a coffee or having a win, always treat yourself after an exam and smile – you did it!

At the end of the day, exams can be taken again, so do your best and we think you will surprise yourself.

Good luck.

Healthy Barbecue Alternatives

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alternatives, antioxidants, barbecue, barbeque, BBQ, decleor, dermalogica, diet, energy, fat, food, healthy, saturated fact, sun, vitamins

It’s that time of year where the sun shines, barbecues are being dusted off, friends and family invited over and food is being cooked in the garden rather than the kitchen, which is great for your social life but not so much for your waistline. However, barbecues don’t always have to mean fatty meat and sugar-laden sauces. Here we look at five foods which are delicious when cooked on the barbie but won’t make you pile on the pounds (although we can’t do anything about the jug of Pimms!)

Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is very low in calories, as well as being packed with vitamins and minerals, and tastes delicious when cooked on the grill. Corn is a great source of fibre and antioxidants and digests slowly, giving you a lasting burst of energy. Either wrap them in tinfoil and cook for at least 20 minutes, or parboil them first and finish on the grill for a lovely smoky finish.

Salmon

A lot of people are scared to cook fish because they think it’s complicated but salmon steaks are one of the easiest things to cook on a barbecue. Marinate with lemon and dill before placing on the grill for a lovely summery taste and serve with salad and cous-cous. Just 100g of salmon offers 20g of protein, as well as a massive 53% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin B3.

Chicken

Chicken is a hugely versatile meat and as long as the skin is removed, it’s low in calories and saturated fat. It can be marinated overnight in a whole host of different seasonings and takes on a wonderful flavour when cooked over charcoal. Olive oil and red pepper flakes make a tasty rub if you like a little heat and Jerk seasoning offers a huge amount of flavour for those of us who like a LOT of heat!

Asparagus

Asparagus is one vegetable which works really well when cooked on a grill and is unbelievably nutritious – 100g of asparagus offers 15% of your RDA of Vitamin A and 11% of your daily iron. The great thing with asparagus is that it also makes a fantastic delivery method for tasty dips – we love to dip grilled asparagus into hummus or cooling tzatziki.

Steak

If you’re going to go for red meat on the grill, opting for a good, low fat cut such as sirloin is far better for your health than processed burgers or sausages. Steak is something which can be cooked quickly over the high heat of the grill and although it may cost a little more, the actual value per pound is far higher in terms of health and nutrition…as well as taste!