FAST FOOD IS THE REAL DEAL
Yes you heard that correctly, I did say fast food.
We all appreciate that the pace of life seems to get ever faster, more demands are made on our time and less time is available to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Food manufacturers have, for many years now, been preparing foods for our convenience and to suit our busy, hectic lives.
Or is it the other way around? It would appear the food companies made foods that were quick and easy to prepare and the American public fell in love with them, quickly followed by the British. I remember the days of TV dinners. They were already prepared and all you had to do was pop them in the oven for 20-30 minutes and, hey! presto! a magical dinner, all hot and ready. Then along came the microwave oven and hallelujah! We could heat meals and foods in a matter of minutes: instant cereals, breakfasts and dinners, instant pot noodles and ready meals; the list goes on.
However, when we look at the results of these instant meals they are not exactly what we would expect. These highly processed foods do not contain the nutrients and vitamins the human body needs. Instead, they are filled with chemicals, fillers, artificial colours, and sweeteners, which even in the short term are not good for us. In the long term, they have been shown to have disastrous effects on the body.
For a number of years now, though, people have been looking toward the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. It involves taking time with our food and its preparation, relaxing with family and friends, and making the whole experience something to really savour and enjoy as a way of bonding and using food as an important part of our lives.
But, like everything, we need a balance. Life isn’t about going at 100 mph all the time or sitting back at a snail’s pace. It’s about blending the two. That’s why I believe fast food is so important, but real fast food that can be made in a matter of minutes or seconds. It not only saves time but is full of vital nutrients, vitamins and essential fats and oils.
So, why not try this amazingly healthy and quick raw chocolate smoothie for breakfast? It can be prepared more quickly than many microwave foods and is infinitely healthier, being full of vitamins, minerals and healthy oils. It’s a fantastic way to start the day and an alternative to a green smoothie. I guarantee the kids will love it, too.
Try it and see!
RAW CHOCOLATE SHAKE
1 banana
200 ml rice milk
2 teaspoons of raw cacao powder
1 teaspoon raw organic coconut oil
Handful of raw almonds – soaked overnight
2-3 ice cubes
Blend for approx 90 seconds and serve
