Avocado & Poached Egg on Toast Masterclass

Yo!  Good morning!  I'm feeling awesome.  Why - because I've just found a taste sensation that's taken my Avo and Eggs to the next level.

There's no denying it.  Avocado and Poached Eggs are a poster child for the wellness industry at the moment.  It's such a great combo of protein, healthy fats and nutrients that it's genuinely a massive winner and tastes amazing to boot.  It leaves me feeling satisfied till lunch - it's one of my go to breakfasts.

However, not all Avo and Eggs are the same.  I've been searching and trying various different combos recently and feel moved to write to you all and tell you about this morning's masterpiece as it was a flavour bomb that needs to be tried by everyone!

So enough with the build up.  There's only a few extras in here that make the difference between something that's good and AMAZING and it literally only takes an extra 2-3 minutes to make than your regular / relatively boring looking habit!  Here's the recipe....

Ingredients: (serves 2)

1 Ripe Hall Avocado
1 Ripe Plumb Tomato
1 Red Chilli (of your favourite heat variety)
Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley
Pomegranite Vinegar
Malden Sea Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 Small Ciabatta cut in half and toasted
2 or 4 Free Range Super Fresh Eggs (Hen or Duck)

Method:

Cut your Ciabatta in half and pop in the toaster.

Cut the Avocado in half and spoon out the flesh into a bowl.  Make sure you scrape ALL of the really dark green stuff out as well - that's where the magic is.  Then chop up your Plum Tomato into small cubes and add to the avo.  Chop the chilli (as much as you like to get your heat right) into tiny dice and add.  Add 2 teaspoons of Pomegranate Vinegar, a pinch of Malden Salt and a good grind of black pepper then mix.  I personally like a chunky smash to maintain some of the texture of the Avo.  Have a taste, check seasoning etc and set to one side; the vinegar will prevent your avocado going brown.

Next poach your eggs to the desired consistency.  I like a runny yolk, so mine get just over 3 minutes in boiling water.

The build is super simple.  Start with your piece of Ciabatta toast.  Spoon some of the Avo mix onto the toast and press a little well into the middle to take the egg.  Add your egg and then finish with some Flat Leaf Parsley, some extra slices of chilli (if the mood takes you), a drizzle of your favourite oil (I used local rapeseed oil) and a grind of Hawaiian Black Sea Salt.

BOOM!  The parsley, chilli and pomegranate vinegar make this an absolute winner.  Try it out and let us know how you get on.

Salad Vibes

One of the habits that we've all got into at The Strength Temple is around making extra food.

If we’re making a yummy roasted vegetable dish, a pasta bombshell or some Eastern inspired rice, we make an extra 2 portions for the fridge.  That way if we’re short on time, but need something big on flavour, it’s quick to prepare something awesome without reaching for the danger zone snacks.  You know the ones; pastry, chocolate, crisps YUK!

All you need to do is start with some fresh salad ingredients and then throw in your choice or leftovers for an amazing energy hit that's full of great nutrition.

We’re not sure what to throw into this salad, but it’s guaranteed to make you feel fabulous!

Try this little bad boy combo….

• rocket leaves • spinach • mint • spring onion • sun-dried tomato • avocado • cherry tomato • chilli • blue cheese (not for the diary-free crew) • sunflower seeds • S E A S O N E D with olive oil & balsamic glaze to taste. 🍃YUM!
 

Anchors & Healthy Chocolate Thick Shakes!

Interview with Shona Vertue on Anchors and her Thick Choc Shake for health!

TST “So Shona.  Great to have you with us today.  We want to explore anchors and how they may affect our eating on a subconscious level.  Tell us about some of your food memories from when you were at school."

Shona "Well, when I was little, one of my favourite things to do with my Dad was to have a Chocolate thick shake from Macdonald's. I became really attached to this Thick Shake because it reminded me of the time I would spend with Dad. It was comfort food."

TST “Ok, so that’s a perfect example of how we can create anchors which associate a particular thing with a feeling.  Over time this can mean that we crave that thing when we need to go to that same feeling.  Do you still drink them?"

Shona “Well I gave up MacDonalds some time ago, and I have to say it’s the only thing I really missed.  I guess it’s because of the thoughts of the great times I had with my father.  I think I was searching for comfort, but I found that replacing it with something better for me hit all the Anchors and kept me healthier and feeling better."

TST “OK cool!  So you effectively used the anchor that you’d already developed, but replaced the old habit with an empowering new one?"

Shona “Yes, that’s right.  I invented my own recipe for a thick chocolate milkshake and I have to say I actually prefer it to the old one so it’s a massive step forwards.  I still get the lovely smooth chocolate hit and feelings of comfort, but also some great fuel for my body which doesn’t have the crash effect of the old version packed with processed sugars."

TST “Thank you Shona.  So it’s a great lesson for all of us.  When you crave a certain food, just stop to think for a moment why that might be happening.  What feelings are you craving?  Try and find another “vehicle” to satisfy your needs.  This can be a food, but it can also be a number of other activities or things.  Maybe even a nice glass of filtered water to replace a bad habit.  Perhaps go for a walk in the fresh air.  Or invent your own healthier version like Shona did!

Here’s Shona’s recipe for her Healthy Thick Chocolate Shake.  We’ve tried it and it comes highly recommended.  As usual go organic with all your ingredients and enjoy!"

MacShona's Thick Superfood Shake

1/2 - 1 Avocado (depending on size)

1 Tablespoon Raw Cacao Powder

1 ripe Banana

1 cup rice or oat milk (maybe more if you like a more runny consistency)

1 teaspoon Manuka Honey (If you like it a little sweeter try adding a couple of dates as well)

3-5 Ice Cubes

Sprinkle of Bee Pollen

Place everything in a good quality blender and hey presto!  MacShona’s thick Superfood Shake.

Shona Vertue xx

#respectyourtemple