Having undisputedly confirmed that refined carbs are not an option in a healthy diet, we go in search of a healthy bread alternative and find a delicious option in a grain free sourdough loaf. Sourdough bread is traditionally made from a starter of wild yeast and bacteria – it’s an ancient art that’s been done for centuries and improves the digestibility and texture of whole grain products. The wild yeast starter and bacteria influences the taste of the bread and has a higher proportion of beneficial bacteria – lactobacillus – which means higher lactic acid (less phytic acid) making it easier for your body to absorb minerals like potassium, magnesium and zinc. Many people who find that standard loaves make them bloated, notice that sourdough is more harmonious in their system. That’s because the bacteria/yeast combo predigests the starches in the grains. Preparing sourdough is a process that requires soaking the grains for some time, and frequent rinsing which breaks down the protein gluten into amino acids and can even make it palatable for gluten sensitive people. When shopping for sourdough, make sure it was made with the time-considered traditional recipe. Alternatively make a loaf at home. We tried a grain free cashew option using probiotic capsules as the starter.

This month I had a very interesting task ahead of me – to make something using almonds, coconuts and oats. I’d hate to go into another soaked oats craze, so I decided to take more of a baking angle. Armed with Judith Johnson’s Genes to Plate (my new favourite recipe book), I set out to find something that would fit the theme.

I stumbled on these oat and date cookies that are made with all the right ingredients and absolutely no added sugars.

I was worried that they wouldn’t be sweet enough for my crazy sweet tooth, but thought I’d give them a try anyway. They are made with almond and buckwheat flour, eggs and a mixture of nuts, coconut flakes, dates and goji berries. So simple, so healthy and so delicious!

I would recommend you pick up a copy of Genes to Plate next time you are at Wellness. The recipes are very user-friendly and delicious. I have tried out a few and can only offer good reviews!

Yours in wellness,

Finding Frost (findingfrost.co.za)

Gluten-free and vegan, this choccie cake is fudgy and oh-so-delicious. Made with quinoa and raw cacao, it’s the ultimate guilt-free treat.

Thanks to Paula Shoyers of Food52 for the inspiration!

Coconut palm trees have been used for sugar production for centuries, using the highly sophisticated techniques of tapping that were developed in Asia, Africa and America.

If you’re looking for a sweet fix, coconut sugar is one of the better unrefined natural sweeteners out there. It’s low GI, with fibre that helps to slow glucose absorption and keep blood sugar levels in check. It also contains iron, zinc, calcium and potassium, as well as phytonutrients that help reduce blood sugar, inflammation and cholesterol. With the probiotic inulin, it’s also good for the gut and immune health.

Protein bites that are heaven-sent and full of flavour.

Simple, soft and sweet gluten-free lamingtons that are tasty and healthy - perfect for an afternoon tea!

We all love a treat every now and again, it won’t come at a cost with our deliciously healthy and moist gluten free cupcakes!

If you’re not quite the morning person, whip up a batch of these healthy gluten free flapjacks for breakfast on the run!

These scones are for those of you who are gluten free and really missing light, fluffy scones!

This apricot slice from Amanda Sloan’s Fresh Cuisine Recipe Book (available on Amazon) is free from gluten and sugar and is also vegan. It’s a fulfilling dessert that’s also easy on the tummy.

This recipe from Patrick Holford’s Delicious, Healthy, Sugar-free recipe book has a high nut content to increase protein content and keep the glycemic index low. This means feeling satisfied for longer. Eat it with hummus, avo, raw nut peanut butter or whatever you fancy. This recipe from Patrick Holford’s Delicious, Healthy, Sugar-free recipe book has a high nut content to increase protein and keep the glycemic index low. This means feeling satisfied for longer. Eat it with hummus, avo, raw nut peanut butter or whatever you fancy.

These creamy frozen treats are perfect to cool you off. Simply blend and freeze!

Grab a deck chair and prepare to enjoy this nutty summer sensation. Weekend plans – sorted.

We love making this healthy take on the traditional favourite in the evening, popping it into the fridge and enjoying a decadent breakfast the next morning.

​Warm up your winter with the all new Nutribullet RX!

Making soups are SOUPER easy!

Recipe from Foodie and Fitness blogger, Candice Bodington! You can’t beat figs in a Cinnabun Smoothie Bowl with Wazoogles protein blend.

Chocolate and honey: it’s a wickedly rich and decadent combination and we promise this quick and easy no-cook recipe is going to give you all the sweet buzz you need without the sugar hangover!

You can’t go through winter without a serving of Malva pudding. This one is made in muffin shapes and is free from processed sugar and dairy.

​Who doesn’t love a little ice cream??

Try this delicious recipe from Biona made with sweet potatoes as the main ingredient!

I grew up with peanut butter sandwiches and I’m still crazy about the nutty spread. Most brands these days are filled with sugar and are really not that good for you. A great way to keep the habit healthy is to make your own. It’s inexpensive, guaranteed to be fresh and has a wholesome taste. You can also adjust the amount of salt or sweetness and deisgn the texture you want. Replace the peanuts with another nut like almonds, cashews, walnuts, macadamia or blend a few different nuts together. Macadamias have a lot more oil to them and work quite well with peanuts. If you don’t fancy making your own, make sure you buy natural peanut butter without loads of sugar added.

We’ve chosen to celebrate Wellness Warehouse’s 10th birthday with this Vegan Matcha Cake. We hope you love it as much as we do.

Raw Cacao Powder is classified as a Superfood due to the wealth of antioxidants, vitamins & minerals it contains. It is worth highlighting the amazing antioxidant power of cacao beans that include, improving heart health, fighting cancer and mood enhancement.

Gluten, grain & dairy free (vegan & paleo friendly)

This soup is perfect for a starter, or a light lunch. Use organic carrots as their nutritional value is much higher and they are usually very affordable.

Gluten,grain & dairy free. Vegan friendly and paleo friendly

In addition to improving digestion, salmon is one of the most ideal breakfast foods because it’s rich in protein. Having protein in the morning stabilises your blood sugar levels, which in turn promotes consistent energy throughout the day. This healthy fish is recommended by most health experts and many diet programmes for its easy-to-digest high protein content and omega-3s. This dish may feel unfamiliar as a breakfast meal but it has a warming and soothing quality that your tummy will thank you for.

​This delicious raw, dairy-free and gluten-free superfood-filled tart is perfect for tea time!

Adding beetroot to your baked treats is not as far-fetched as you might think! They are filled with nutrients and add natural sweetness and moisture to your goods without any additional oil or butter. We find it best to add beetroot to your chocolate treats as the cacao/cocoa hides the earthy flavour which means you get to fill up on antioxidants without removing the delicious taste.

It’s a great chocolaty fix just without the dairy and sugar that accompany the processed version of the treat!

Traditional braai bunnies might scoff at the thought but anyone tasting the vegetarian options you can cook on a fire is in danger of being converted.

Wheat Belly (Rodale) author William Davis has created a wonderful selection of tasty, healthy, gluten-free meals that can be made in 30 minutes or less.

Wheat Belly (Rodale) author William Davis has created a wonderful selection of tasty, healthy, gluten-free meals that can be made in 30 minutes or less.

Wheat Belly (Rodale) author William Davis has created a wonderful selection of tasty, healthy, gluten-free meals that can be made in 30 minutes or less.

Sorghum is a well known ingredient in Africa but there are still many people who haven’t considered trying it out. Here’s a recipe with a great reason to.

From the tropical fields of Brazil, meet Cassava Flour, your new best friend for life. It’s everything you ever wanted in a flour and less! It’s got the same fluffy texture and mild neutral flavour of ordinary wheat flour; but no GMO, no allergenic wheat, gluten, grains or nuts. So you’ll get none of the bad stuff and loads of the good! It’s the best Cassava on the planet. Recipe supplied by Health Riot.

Dose up on the goodness of Matcha with our delicious Matcha Date Ball recipe! The perfect combination of texture, taste and nutrition.

Many people are allergic or sensitive to gluten. If you are one of them you don’t need to deprive yourself of the foods you love. Here’s a recipe for Broccoli pasta salad with an olive and tomato dressing that’s entirely gluten free. The pasta is made from gluten free grains and quinoa.

​These delicious protein-packed flapjacks are sure to keep you full throughout the day! If you have a small appetite, you could totally share this with your best friend or the Wazoogles baby unicorns, they love this recipe!

With gorgonzola & ricotta cheese, this quiche is certain to be a highlight of any meal!

This is a Chocolate Mousse and Chia Cream layered Parfait that shows you care in more ways than one. Firstly, although it’s a treat, it’s loaded with superfoods and goodness and secondly, when you make it with good intention and romance it will be filled with love.

Take a delicious sweet brownie and load it with superfoods by adding goji berries, raw cacao powder and chia seeds. Goji berries are an excellent source of antioxidants and cacao powder goes the extra mile with its super antioxidant properties and nutrient-dense mineral content. Chia seeds are trending as a plant-source of omega 3 fatty acids and are an excellent anti-inflammatory. Combine these wonders into a yummy guilt-free chocolate brownie and you have a winning formula.

Cool down this summer with our healthy and delicious Kiwi & Watermelon Popsicles! Adapt the recipe with any of your favourite fruits, freeze them and enjoy them at the beach with your friends. YUM!

This recipe is the best thing you could ever do with pork. It’s a complete treat that’s destined to be a family favourite. Coconut sugar is used for the glazing and pomegranate to give it that extra special taste. Serve it as a canapé snack or with vegetables. I like it with warm roasted cauliflower; roasted fennel and baby spinach salad drizzled with olive oil and pomegranate seeds. The slightly tart sourness of the pomegranate juice cuts through the fattiness of the pork beautifully and the caramel stickiness gives the crackling a decadent texture. Even better, its also gluten free.

Whats the festive season without ginger-spiced cookies?

These super cute zucchini bites make a creative starter or a handy snack. Personally, I find them irresistible and love the fact they’re so easy to make and require hardly any ingredients. Zucchini or baby marrows are low in calories, and a dense source of vitamin C, iron and calcium.

Quinoa Chocolate Cake is a lighter and healthier version of everybody’s favorite dessert!

​Looking for something delicious to make this spring? This Superfood Slab is filled with superfood goodness, rich in antioxidants and will give you the energy boost you need throughout the day! Crush it over your breakfast porridge, eat it with friends or add it to your kiddies lunch box.

Antonia De Luca, owner and founder of Leafy Greens Café, is a vibrant passionate woman brought up as a vegetarian on the farm at Rocky Ridge, South Africa. This lovely inventive grower and recipe crafter has a wonderful hand- crafted raw, and vegan friendly concept in the form of Leafy Greens; a place of health, healing and a peaceful escape paired with fresh air and outdoors. Leafy Greens is a restaurant that grows it’s own produce and supplies the healthiest of choices in every meal. Eat well, do good!

This salad served hot or cold has a powerhouse of nutrients designed to boost your mood. Quinoa is an awesome vegan protein source (providing the 9 essential amino acids we need) and is a gluten free complex carbohydrate with fuel for the brain. The B Vitamins, iron and selenium found in Mushrooms and spinach helps fight depression and anxiety. Saffron is well known for its mood enhancing properties.

Bake these gluten free anti-oxidant power-house muffins for the perfect food on-the-go or to enjoy with your coffee first thing in the morning.

Delicious food has a way of connecting people and creating harmonious interactions. These Love Truffles by Health Appliances are a festive delicacy destined to melt hearts and make guests feel loving and comforted. What’s more, they are full of raw food goodness. Keep a store of these in the pantry and serve them up whenever you have guests. They can last up to 2 weeks in the freezer.