FFS has a moment with Sha Ragnuath .. the woman behind Sugar Free Kids

I came across Sha via Instagram when I was using the #iqs "I Quit Sugar" hashtag and as you all know I am such a big advocate of Sarah Wilson, see her interview here. I was super impressed with all the recipes Sha was making that I wanted to invite her to our FFS 5 Q&A interview. 

Sha started cooking sugar-free, nutritious and tasty treats for her son after realising how many child-friendly recipes were shockingly full of sugar. Her friend’s children also devoured her healthy food and the recipes were in demand so she started sending photos and recipes of her creations to her “mummy network”. As many more health conscious parents became interested in making easy sugar-free snacks for their kids, she decided to create a website, www.SugarFreeKids.com.au, where she publishes new delicious recipes every week for free.

FFS readers here is the lovely Sha Ragnuath….

1. What fitness activity do you schedule into your daily routine to keep healthy?

Taking a football to the park to kick around with my son is a really easy and fun way for us both to get some fresh air and get moving.

2. Describe your dream meal - what could we expect to find on your plate?

When I went to Bali this year I ate the most delicious and amazingly simple fish dish, I dream of it often. The fish was basted in coconut oil and heaps of garlic then cooked over hot charcoal. It was served with a chili sambal and a gorgeous baby beans and coconut salad.

3. Who’s your go to style icon - who have you always admired for their style, and why?

I love Charlotte York’s wardrobe from Sex and the City, she dresses to suit her lifestyle and character instead of following latest trends. I am likely to overdress, I would wear a lovely dress to the library story time or pretty earrings when I am just heading to the park. I don’t save my favourite clothes and accessories for a special occasion.

4. What’s a childhood habit or mannerism that has followed you into adulthood?

I was taught to read labels on food when I was 9 years old and diagnosed with diabetes. It is such an important skill to have, I’m so pleased it is a natural habit for me to check what exactly I plan to put in my mouth.

5. Name three things you can’t leave the house without and why?

A snack bag of Sugar Free treats for my son and his friends maybe some Sugar Free Muffins, Strawberry Shortcakes or Goji Amaretti biscuits. My iphone, mostly for the camera these days. Two bottles of water because my son doesn't like to share his water with me.

Strawberry shortcake

Thank you so much Sha for making such amazing sugar free recipes for our children and of course us adults. For those that wish to follow Sha she is on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

What's your favourite sugar free recipe?

XxDani 

You have read this article food / Goji Amaretti biscuits / i quit sugar / Strawberry Shortcakes / Sugar Free Kids / Sugar Free Muffins with the title i quit sugar. You can bookmark this page URL https://jrhehjg.blogspot.com/2013/12/ffs-has-moment-with-sha-ragnuath-woman.html. Thanks!

FFS has a moment with Sarah Wilson .. the woman behind IQS

The Food component of Fitness, Food and Style focuses very much on wholesome, real food that is quick to prepare and nutritious. You'll know by now that I'm not into fussy ingredients or elaborate preparation - just easy food that provides maximum energy. In our household, it pretty much means our day-to-day eating involves no added sugar.

I've now done a couple of "No Added Sugar" challenges here on the blog, and they are amongst the most popular. Hundreds of people have been motivated to join these challenges and it's always such a buzz to hear reader feedback saying how much better they have felt as a result of eliminating added sugars.

One of the people who has really inspired me with our move to sugar free is Sarah Wilson of the IQS (I Quit Sugar) 8-week Program. I've done it myself and loved it so much I became an affiliate and promote it as a great way of getting into the sugar-free zone. 

With so many people loving the benefits of a no-sugar or reduced-sugar lifestyle, the IQS phenomenon has expanded to include fantastic recipe books with hundreds of recipes for delicious no-added sugar snacks, meals and drinks.

I'm always pleased to promote the program and IQS book, as it's come in so handy for transitioning our 4 kids to a low-sugar lifestyle. Truly, if I can hold rocking kids' parties with no-added sugar birthday cakes and healthy, fun treats, then it's a way of life you can adopt with your family too! Our thriving kids are completely used to eating like this and actually don't really enjoy the taste of sugary sweets now at all!

wholesome and delicious no-added sugar pancakes

When the opportunity arose to have Sarah Wilson answer some interview questions, I knew you'd also be wanting to find out a bit more about what makes this superwoman tick.

FFS readers, I'd like to introduce you to Sarah Wilson ...

Sarah Wilson {image from iquitsugar.com}

She is an author, tv host, blogger and wellness coach whose journalism career has spanned 20 years. 

FFS asks: What fitness activity do you schedule into your daily routine to keep healthy?

At the moment for me, walking is one of my forms of transport. It means I get my exercise done, but it also ensures I have pockets in my day - when I walk to the post office, my office, to a meeting - where there is some time to think clearly and recalibrate.  

Most of us don't need big slabs of time to recalibrate, just 5-15 mins here and there throughout the day is enough to stay on track.

FFS asks: Describe your dream meal - what could we expect to find on your plate?

Roast pork, with plenty of crackling! And a stack of green vegetables. 

FFS asks: What’s a childhood habit or mannerism that has followed you into adulthood?

I bite on my lip. When I'm mulling things over. 

FFS asks:  Name three things you can’t leave the house without and why?

In the mornings I don't leave without a green smoothie. Because I'm often eating on the run, I make sure I take a densely nutritious smoothie with me to keep me going. 

I usually don't leave without my bike! I ride, or walk, most places. 

My running shoes. I usually have a pair on me or in my bag, for when I'm walking or riding places. 

If you haven't yet checked out the 8-week IQS Program, maybe it could be something to add to your Santa list, ready to kick off as a New Year Resolution for a fresh and sugar-free 2014??

If you've already kicked the sugar habit, I'd love to know how it's going for you. Leave a comment to let me know.

much love and friendship

xx Dani

You have read this article !QS 8 week program / food / i quit sugar / IQS / no added sugar challenge / sarah wilson with the title i quit sugar. You can bookmark this page URL https://jrhehjg.blogspot.com/2013/12/ffs-has-moment-with-sarah-wilson-woman.html. Thanks!

July is a month of no sugar and squats!

Here we go again!!! 6 months already gone and it's time to get refocused and re-write our goals. I know my irregular exercising and eating an entire block of cadbury marvellous creations chocolate hasn't been my goal this year. So I need to get back to exercising regularly and eliminate those sugars, so what better way than to kick off July as our NO SUGAR challenge. To top it off, we are going to get our butts into shape at the same time. So lets add some squats to the mix!!!!

Make sure to grab your copy of I QUIT SUGAR for amazing recipes. 

K.I.S.S (keep it simple sweetie) 50 squats every second day

Squat challenge 50 every second day for 31 days

Let's not over complicate things and not over work our butts too much as I want you to continue your own exercise regime. So 50 squats today, rest tomorrow, 50 squats the following day and rest etc...

Many of you have seen my transformations and the one after I did after our 14 days with No Added Sugar challenge in February.

Let's just say that's not how my body is looking right now. Winter has got me in a rut real bad and I haven't been watching what I have been eating. I haven't been doing my Fit Yummy Mummy workouts regularly and it's showing, super soft, no more definition and don't get me started on this chocolate habit. 

Here is also my results from my Christmas squats, 25 squats every day from the 1st to the 25th December. It's not a huge difference but it's all about consistency and that's what I need right about now.

I asked many of you about what you would like to see this month and I got so many butt and tummy, no sugar, arms workout and just general ways to eat healthy and to be sugar free. So this month will capture all that. You firstly need to be following your own fitness regime whatever that may be. Moving 3-4 times per week for at least 15 minutes should be your goal. 

I know some of you follow the same Fit Yummy Mummy workout I do, so for those that wish to do the same I would encourage you to spend the $19 on the ebook (if it's affordable at this time) which is jam packed with the 12 week fitness program, meal planners, nutritional info and much much more! It even gives you 30 days free at Clubfym through my blog link.

Otherwise simply follow the guidelines from our NO ADDED SUGAR challenge in February and most importantly get a partner and help one another along the way. I will be here posting my day and if you wish for my support, please leave your daily comments here or my Facebook FF&S challenges group.

Are you ready???

XxDani 

You have read this article fit yummy mummy / healthy living / i quit sugar / july challenge / no added sugar / squats challenge with the title i quit sugar. You can bookmark this page URL https://jrhehjg.blogspot.com/2013/06/july-is-month-of-no-sugar-and-squats.html. Thanks!

Fitness Food And Style Photo A Day Challenge Day 7. Salad

Hello my beautiful people. Today I thought it was Wednesday. I have been so ahead of myself for some reason, so much going on.

I need to write them all down. However I turn to you here. How are you?

I have been really slack, I need to lift my game. I have been eating chocolate nearly EVERY DAY!!! Waaaaa? I hear you say. Yes. Cho-ko-lade (pronounced shhhh-oko-lard). Did I mention ice cream as well. Yes. Ice-cream as well. BAD. Very bad, in fact I am so addicted I wanted some tonight but it's all gone. PHEW!!! Otherwise I'd be smashing another block of cadbury creations. Here's the deal, you buy it and have it in your pantry, you will eat it. Don't buy it and you won't. That's how I roll anyway. So I have to stop. Tonight. NOW!


Day 7. Salad

I am loving our #ffsphotoaday challenge and all the pictures in the gallery. I updated yesterdays Day 6. back so you can check them out here.

Quinoa vegetable salad with salmon

I experimented tonight as I typically make a big batch of quinoa so we have it for our breakfast and savoury meals. So once we grilled the salmon, I simply cooked the quinoa in chicken stock and with all the pan juices from the salmon, I mixed that with the quinoa. Added some lemon juice and then added the garlic sautéed broccoli and carrots in the mix and Mmmmmm.....tasty!!!!

Super quick meal, as the quinoa takes 15 minutes to cook and that's how long the vegetables were sautéing and fish was done on the barby.


Fitness

Healthy Living with Fitness Food And Style 

Even though I run around like a headless chook with my little peeps, I feel like I am working out constantly. This isn't a workout. I really have dropped the ball these last few days and haven't really done a proper workout, nor have I been eating properly (mainly over indulging in chocolate and ice creams). Seriously, it doesn't take much time. I only workout 15 minutes per day but my days are just flying. I need to start allocating "me" time again.

It's funny. I think it's harder to maintain your body when you have reached your goal. In fact you start seeing those flaws appear or rather the cadbury chocolate layer. I can't stress how important consistency is. It's the key of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Okay.

A new mini challenge has to begin. That's what I am all about right? Challenges. So from this day I QUIT SUGAR!!! Well added sugar. Like our challenge a couple of months ago. Check it out here.

Who's with me, lets do it for 5 days.

XxDani

You have read this article #ffsphotoaday / fit yummy mummy / healthy foods / i quit sugar / quinoa vegetable salmon salad with the title i quit sugar. You can bookmark this page URL https://jrhehjg.blogspot.com/2013/05/fitness-food-and-style-photo-day.html. Thanks!

March challenge ~ push ups and greens week 2

Hello everyone, I hope you are having an awesome weekend. We are having such great summer weather even though we're in our first week of Autumn.

Sending you plenty of hugs and sunshine your way especially to all of you in -20C degrees, I can't believe how cold your winter has been. I hope the sun comes your way pronto!!!

Summer time in Autumn

Food

The last few days I have been making some super quick "cheat" meals where I don't have to cook for too long or prep up.

We had a bbq the other night and had some left over organic turkey sausages so I simply whipped up some curry sausages!!! Of course pushed up my greens with these luscious frozen peas!!!

Left over bbq sausages

I checked out my fridge, pantry and freezer and these were the ingredients I found:

- 4 left over bbq turkey sausages (sliced them up)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- yellow curry paste
- mustard powder
- 180 Nutrition coconut protein powder
- splash of milk
- 1 can of corn
- x2 cans of mixed beans/legumes
- 1 cup of frozen peas

Method:

1). Heat frying pan and add sliced sausages, sprinkle mustard powder
2). Crush a garlic, add canned corn and beans
3). Mix curry paste some hot water, added 180 Nutrition coconut protein powder and milk (instant coconut milk/cream)
4). Place all in frypan, add peas and allow to simmer until peas are cooked. Add S&P to taste if required

***NB: A special 10% promo code is provided for those that order 180 Nutrition products via my blog. It's a little thank you from me for supporting my blog***

You can serve this with quiona, brown rice or like us we just had it plain. Added yogurt with some mint and it was super flavoursome.

The end product, inspired by Jamie Oliver as he is renowned for his bangers and mash type recipes.

curry sausages with beans

Here are some more wonderful array of green recipe ideas being tagged to our #pushupsgreens challenge. How glorious do these look?

Push ups and greens challenge

Even baby Zali is loving her green juice, we simply placed apple, celery and parsley and both girls were asking for more! more! more!

Green juice for baby's

We have had some amazing push ups pictures tagged to our challenge as well, here are some more amazing people participating in our March challenge.

Push ups 4 week program

Fitness

Week 2 is already here. Below are our increased reps. Please ensure you rest in between the sets and let me know how you are going with your push ups?

4 week push up program

I have managed to squeeze my 15 minutes workouts this weeekend, loving the short bursts of resistance and interval training. Beats working out for hours at the gym especially when I have our 4 little angels to play around with. For more information on the fitness program I follow, go here.

Leave me your thoughts on how creative you have been in the kitchen with your greens, how your push ups are going etc..... Are you enjoying it? Also have you been cutting down your sugar since our No Added Sugar challenge. If you need inspiration and how to quit sugar completely, you can buy Sarah Wilsons I QUIT SUGAR here or click on the side tab. It's a real eye opener!

Until we meet again. 

♥ Dani 

You have read this article 15 minutes workouts / 180 Nutrition / curry sausages / fit yummy mummy / greens / i quit sugar / jamie oliver / push ups / push ups and greens challenge / sarah wilson / smoothies with the title i quit sugar. You can bookmark this page URL https://jrhehjg.blogspot.com/2013/03/march-challenge-push-ups-and-greens.html. Thanks!

Day 14 - no added sugar challenge on Valentines Day

WE DID IT!!!! 14 days with no added sugar! Bravo! I am so pleased you all took the plunge and read your labels with all that extra uneccessary added sugar and replaced it with the natural foods that have already has sugar in them (as our bodies still need some sweetness :-)

How do you feel? Did you think you were not able to do the no sugar over 14 days? What now? Can you try to continue it and allow yourselves a treat once or twice a week? I'd love to hear your thoughts!!!

Breakfast
180 Nutrition coconut protein drink
1 banana
chia seeds
milk

*For your exclusive 10% discount on any 180 Nutrition product simply use my 264464 promo number at checkout 

Morning snack
Watermelon and mango fruit salad with ricotta

Lunch
Eggs with asparagus

Asparagus with poached eggs on wholegrain bread

Afternoon snack
Spinach dip (store bought with no added sugar or preservatives) with wholemeal crackers

Healthy kids snack dip with crackers

We've had a superb day! A lot of fun in the sun today with the heat being over 30C degrees. I was going to make dessert from Sarah Wilson's I QUIT SUGAR but we opted against it as we just wanted the frogurts we made yesterday! Although having said that Noah did ask for a special request that we go buy that healthy dark chocolate because a little sugar is okay as long we don't consume the entire block! He obviously doesn't know his mother!!!! HA! Well the old one anyway......




Dinner
BBQ porterhouse steak with vegetables

Porterhouse house steak with steamed vegetables

Instagram your day!!!


I will be running a mini challenge called #igyourday over in Instagram land until the end of the month and of course here on my blog, Twitter and Facebook page. Just share what you do throughout your day and we can all learn off each other, how to best utilise our day as everyone says how busy they are. Let's see how everyone fits in their healthy living, eating, fitness regime, work/study, family time, hobby etc.... so it doesn't matter if you are student, single parent, family of 8 we can all get ideas on how best to manage our time and day. Please join in and invite your friends!

Watch this space and let me know if you will still be doing the no added sugar as part of your new healthy regime. I know I will be!!!! Especially when I see results like this!!!

NO SUGAR CHALLENGE 

Until next time.

♥ Dani

You have read this article #igyourday / afternoon snack / breakfast / dinner / i quit sugar / love / lunch / morning snack / no added sugar / valentines day with the title i quit sugar. You can bookmark this page URL https://jrhehjg.blogspot.com/2013/02/day-14-no-added-sugar-challenge-on.html. Thanks!

Day 12 - no added sugar challenge

Day 12.....can you smell the roses????

I love Valentines Day, I'm one of those hopeless romantics (and yes my husband tends to deliver every year) however, we have agreed I'd much rather them spread out throughout the year. I see no point spending $200 on the one day!!! Well, I do but that's another romantic story....

How have you survived the last couple of weeks? Can you believe we only have 2 days left? Awesome! I'm pumped and so proud to know there are many of you across the globe doing this with me. I really appreciate you. I sincerely do.

Do you think you will be able to continue this way of living after the challenge ends? I really do hope to do our best. Our kids are brilliant and are such a supporting force to make this happen and live a more healthier lifestyle. It's not that we ban the sugar or say no! no! no! YOU CAN'T HAVE THAT!!! IT'S GOT SUGAR IN IT! Instead we just know it's not healthy for us, no panic, no fretting of missing out. Well, let's just see how we go.                                                                                                                      

As a super treat on Valentines Day I will be making our family Gwyneth Paltrow's berries with caramelised cream which she shares in Sarah Wilson I QUIT SUGAR ebook. Make sure you grab yourself a copy. Pretty cool meals in there that won't even make you want sugar any more.


Our day today in a nutshell.

Various errands, plenty of home domestic bliss, more errands and of course fun times with the kids!!! Trying to fit in one on one time with the boys and their reading whilst girls are playing together. We also plan for our day and get everything ready for another day at school, work and my home office of course! :-)


Breakfast
Pear porridge with blueberries

Pear and blueberries porridge

Method: Cook oats on stove top with canned (or fresh) pear with juices and add milk. Cook until fluffy. When serving I mix frozen blueberries to cool it down for us all as we are typically rushing to get all kids out for our school run!


Morning snack
Ricotta & watermelon with almonds

Watermelon with ricotta and almonds

Lunch
Beef salad

Afternoon snack
180 Nutrition coconut (green smoothie)
handful of spinach
1 banana
A glass of milk/water

Incredible HULK and SHREK green smoothies

Our kids love these and named them a few years ago when SHREK was out so for those that need to get greens into their babes, name it after their favourite super hero and cartoon character. I do the same when I make broccoli soup!


Dinner
Quinoa turkey burgers with salad

Just a reminder to send me your meals that you would like me to "make over" into more of a healthier option for us all!! I know I love to eat taco's but have converted them into cos salad cups. Little things like that make a huge difference and can change your entire family's health around! We still need it looking and tasting cool.

Until we meet again tomorrow.

♥ Dani 

You have read this article afternoon snack / breakfast / dinner / green smoothie / i quit sugar / incredible hulk / lunch / morning snack / pear blueberry porridge / sarah wilson / shrek with the title i quit sugar. You can bookmark this page URL https://jrhehjg.blogspot.com/2013/02/day-12-no-added-sugar-challenge.html. Thanks!

Day 11 - no added sugar

Hello all, well done!!! We survived Day 11!!!!!

3 more days left! How you doing with no added sugar?

I am having an early one tonight so forgive this short post but you are looking at (well reading really) one very tired Mama of 4 that desperately needs sleeeeeep. I hope you understand. I love you so much and am always here, so here's just a quick overview of my day.

Did an awesome 15 minute workout today and worked up a sweat. For those that don't have time to work out like me or are working out too long and not achieving results, I highly recommend this fitness regime. I have followed it since the birth of our 2nd son Oscar. He turns 6 later this year. So I am living proof that by eating healthy meals and doing only 15 minutes of resistance and 15 minutes of interval training, truly shapes your body and melts your fat away!! COME CHECK IT OUT!!!


I was rushed with kids errands ALL DAY!!!! Sorry no recipes below.

Our food today;

Breakfast
Overnight soaked muesli with strawberries

Morning snack
180 Nutrition coconut protein green smoothie

Green smoothie

NB: Don't forget to take up my exclusive offer. ALL my readers in Australia (overseas shipping COMING SOON) who purchase any 180 Nutrition product via my link will recieve a 10% discount off all your orders!!! Simply use promo code 264464


Lunch
Grilled capsicums with cottage cheese and chick pea salad

Chickpea salad

Afternoon snack
Fruit salad with cottage cheese

Cottage cheese with fruit

Dinner
Chicken thai salad

Chicken thai salad

Make over meals

Over to you now. Give me some of your dinners that you would like me to make over to a more healthy dish version.

For an example: Spaghetti bolognese, Taco's, Fish and Chips etc...something that is not so healthy but kinda is, sorta....... if it didn't have the thickened cream, added sugar, wasn't fried etc...

You name it! I need some of your meals to get this make over dinner underway!

Happy day 11 without added sugar! Super proud of you. Grab yourself a copy of Sarah Wilson's I QUIT SUGAR to help you tackle no added sugar in your day to day meals. You won't regret it. I love it!!!

KEEP GOING......XxDani

Smile and keep going

You have read this article 180 Nutrition / breakfast / dinner / fit yummy mummy / i quit sugar / lunch / morning snack with the title i quit sugar. You can bookmark this page URL https://jrhehjg.blogspot.com/2013/02/day-11-no-added-sugar.html. Thanks!