Ganesh Retreats

A healthy fridge of nutritious tasty food

2011-03-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

Would you like delicious, tasty Honestly Healthy food delivered to your door on Monday. Included is breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks - all nutritionally balanced vegetarian ever so scrumptious home made food. You can order up to 3 days worth of food and re-order again on Thursday for more! Please let me know by 10.30am tomorrow morning.

Here is the menu this week....

Breakfast

Mixed fruit with a pear compote served over the top

Soya Yoghurt with Quinoa puff granola and raspberries.

Bircher Muesli

Lunch
Baked aubergine with a cashew and coriander pesto served with grated
carrot and beetroot and mixed seed raw salad
Carrot. coriander, red pepper and chick pea soup
Lentil Dal served with a quinoa tubule

Dinner

Agave and turmeric tofu served with a mixed bean and chili salad

Roasted butternut squash in nutmeg and red onions served over a portion of quinoa with feta and mixed seeds

A green luscious green vegetable superfood salad with green beans and artichoke and chili stir-fry.

Snacks - humous and raw crudites

£45pp for one day, breakfast lunch and dinner

£80 for 2 people for one day - breakfast, lunch and dinner

£90 pp for 3 days of breakfast and lunch

*minimum 2 days order at one time.

Contact Natasha on natashacorrett@gmail.com or 07795214040

Raw Chocolate Mousse Recipe

2011-01-30T13:25:00.000-08:00

Raw Chocolate Mousse Recipe (for 2 people)

Raw cacao

Cashew nuts (optional)

Ripe avocado

Agave syrup

Coconut oil

Melt 3 table spoons of coconut oil on a very LOW heat. Put into a magi-mix with a whole avocado and a small handful of cashew nuts (if you have a nut allergy you can leave out the cashews but only put 2 table spoons of coconut oil) and blend until no lumps and very smooth. Then put this into a bowl and add 2.5 heaped scoops of cacao powder into the mixture and mix up until blended in. Then add 1 table spoon of agave syrup. Taste the mixture and add more agave to sweeten more to taste.

Put into 2 ramekins and put in the fridge for an hour to let set. Then serve as a delicious superfood hit of anti-oxidants.

Scrummy Humous

2011-01-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

It is so easy and quick to make this humous and it will wow the crowds at a dinner party!

1 tin of chick peas
1 lemon
Tahini
olive oil
1 clove of garlic
pinch of fresh coriander

In a magi-mix put the can of chick peas (no water) squeeze the juice of the lemon, 1 table spoon of tahini, 2 table spoons of olive oil, 3 table spoons of water, the garlic and coriander (you don't have to use this - you could also try mint - it is delish!)

And blend... if it is too think just as a small amount more of water. - only add a little at a time. If you make it too runny you just need to add more chick peas!

Serve in a bowl and sprinkle a few chick peas on the top for decoration.

ENJOY!

Green Curry

2011-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

Green Curry

Ingredients:

2 carrots chopped
1/2 head of broccoli chopped
1 fennel chopped
1/2 handful of green beans chopped
1/2 aubergine chopped
1/2 red onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic chopped
1 large handful of fresh corriander chopped
2 tins of coconut milk
1 red chili (about half an inch, add more to taste) chopped
fresh ginger - table spoon chopped
Thai green curry paste
olive oil
himalayan salt
craked black pepper

(optional prawns, chicken)

In a wok put some olive oil in the bottom on a high heat and add the red onion, ginger and garlic. Leave to simmer for 2 mins and then add a splash of water. (if you were to use chicken add this now and cook for 4 mins before adding the veg) Add the 'hard' veg first - carrots for 5 mins then the fennel and 1/4 of the chopped fresh coriander. Leave to simmer for 5 mins constantly stirring then add 1 tin of coconut milk and 1 table spoon of the green curry paste and stir. leave for a further 5 mins then add the green beans, aubergine and broccoli heads. then add half a tin more of coconut milk but all of the cream and 1/2 table spoon of the curry paste. leave to simmer and stir. (at this point you would add the prawns) Add another 1/4 of the coriander and the chopped chili and a pinch of himalayan salt and pepper to taste leave for a further 5 mins and then serve with brown rice and add the fresh coriander as a garnish.

Tips: if its to watery then add more of the coconut cream (not the milk) if you add more of this you will need to add more curry paste.

Enjoy!

Delicious alkalising high protein green salad.

2011-01-10T04:14:00.000-08:00

Green broccoli salad with bulgar lentils

Cook lentils for 40 mins then leave to cool or run under cold water.
In a bowl put a mixture of spinach and rocket salad sprinkle on top some crushed pumpkin seeds and flack seeds. In a separate bowl add to your cooled lentils a pinch of Malden sea salt olive oil and some ground cumin and mix together with half a lemon. Add this to the salad and mix in. Finely chop some broccoli add add this to the salad. The add the best dressing in the world! To make this add 5 table spoons of olive oil 1 table spoon of balsamic, 2 table spoons of tamari and a couple of drops of sesame seed oil and mix together and enjoy!

Fridge Fill 28th Dec 2010... yum yum yum

2010-11-25T08:28:00.001-08:00

Next week on the menu is.....

Breakfast:

Granola Bars

Soya yogurt with granola

Burcher muesli with grated apple.

Fruit Salad

Lunch & Dinner

Butterbean and tomato sauce with tofu to be served over brown rice

Sprouted salad with cashew nuts, grilled aubergine and apple

Broccoli with chili and lemon with buckwheat and chopped halumi cheese

Raw grated carrot and tarragon salad

Veggie Shepherds pie with a butterbean mash

Roasted Fennel and carrots with Sesame seeds

Quinoa with with an Italian style tomato and garlic sauce with feta cheese.

A Gorgeous green leek and chard stir-steam with tamari.

Snacks

Selection of bean dips with raw crudite

Naughty But Nice treats

Raw chocolate Brownies (sugar, wheat and dairy free = Guilt free!)

Cost £45 per day for 1 person*

£80 per day for 2 people*

*Minimum 2 days order.

Ganesh Retreats Quotes from Guests

2010-11-22T04:50:00.000-08:00

here are a few reviews from our guests on past retreats to inspire you to come on the next one!

“I really did love my few days in the peace and harmony of your house party and often find myself willing that I could be there for a few hours respite and focus again.”

“Thanks a lot for organising it, I truly enjoyed it (munching on carrots as we speak and no diet coke so far!). The place was simply gorgeous, I felt really relaxed this morning and it was a lovely pleasure to meet you all and share the time there.”

“Every aspect of it has had a beneficial effect on me and I am relishing being able to use the breathing techniques of yoga to monitor my daily stress level and keep my energy flow more constant. It is quite extraordinary how that combined with the delicious and highly nutritious meals you so graciously prepared for us and the unleashing of the energy channels seem to have given me a ‘new lease of life’. I feel calmer and more focused. The NLP session was extremely helpful too and, once I’ve put into action, all that I vowed to do by the end of a month, I suspect I’ll be visiting Freddie again. I am also recommending him.

You really have a great gift in being able to create such a powerful event within such a short space of time. I know each one of us came away much richer for it. You’d made the house feel so comfortable and welcoming and the flower arrangements, candles and cosy fireplaces just made it. I suppose we were blessed to have that sunlight pouring though the windows too. The food was simply delicious and one could almost see it jumping off the plate with vitality. I’m off to by spirulina and wheat grass this weekend to green smoothies here we come!”

A full fridge of yummy food waiting for you...

2010-10-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

Offering a bespoke service to Fill Your Fridge Full of Yumminess so that you can have a delicious breakfast when you wake up, a warming lunch to take to work with you and a hearty dinner waiting for you at home.

We will deliver on a Monday morning food for 2 (or more) people with enough food until Wednesday evening then on Wednesday evening deliver again food to last you till Friday.

Breakfast ideas…

Bircher muesli

Fruit salad

Green smoothies

Lunch & Dinner ideas…

Quinoa with mixed herbs

Roasted Vegetables

Hummus dips

Salad dressing

Buckwheat with marinated beans

Mixed pulse salad

Veggie Sheppard’s pie with butter bean topping

Green curry

Brown and wild rice with spices

Sweet potatoes

Warming soups

Marinated tofu

You will get a list of ideas of how to mix your lunches and dinners…

You can either heat them up or eat them cold but please don’t use a microwave as this will kill any nutrients in your food!

Also included a box of organic salad, veg and fruit to snack on.

Cost £80 per day for 2 people minimum*

minimum 2 days (Monday – Friday)

* delivery is on a Monday am and Wednesday pm

Green Smoothie Recipes

2010-09-22T04:01:00.000-07:00

Freddie's Fixer
1 handful of raw spinach
1.4 avocado
1/2 peach
1/2 pear
1 tea spoon of powdered greens (spirulina, wheat-grass or buy an already mixed one - Udo's Greens is great)
1 cup of water

Blend up and enjoy!

Sienna's Cold Buster
1 handful of raw spinach
1/4 avocado
1 handful of blueberries
1/2 pear
1/4 mango
2 tea-spoon of Olive Leaf extract
1 tea spoon of Powdered Greens
1/4 cup of water
1/4 of apple juice

Blend up and enjoy!

Vegetarian Canape recipes

2010-09-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Halumi, Tomato and Courgette sticks

1 packet of Sheeps Halumi cheese diced
Baby tomatoes
2 courgettes
Sesame seeds
Olive oil
1 clove of Garlic
Tamari
Chopped coriander

Dice the halumi cheese, and chop the courgetts into round chunks. In one pan put the olive oil and garlic and add the courgettes once hot, then add a couple of table spoons of water and a table spoon of tamari and let the cougettes sweat. When they are al-dente turn off the heat and add a handful of sesame seeds.

In another pan add a small amount of oil and add the diced halumi and chopped coriander and leave to cook on a medium heat for 3-5 minutes constantly stirring.

In another pan add a table spoon of balsamic vinegar and tomatoes and leave to cook on a medium heat for 4 minutes so that they are warm through but the skins are not splitting yet.

Then with a tooth pick skewer the halumi, courgette and tomatoes and serve all together on a platter... Yum!

Cucumber Chunks with Goats cheese and Almond Butter

1 Cucumber (makes about 15 pieces)
Soft Goats Cheese
Almond Butter
Olive oil
Pepper
Chopped Basil

Chop the cucumber into large bit size chunks and scoop a small amount of the soft pips out the middle with a t-spoon. Then add a thin layer of almond butter to the ready made hole and on top of that a t-spoon of the soft goats cheese. Dribble some olive oil over the top, some cracked pepper and the chopped basil.
Delish!

How to make sugar & dairy free Bircher Muesli

2010-09-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

Bircher muesli is a delicious quick and easy thing for breakfast. You can take it to work with you or have it quickly before you leave in the morning and even kids love it. It only takes 5 minutes to prepare a big bowl of it and will last for 5 -7 days in the fridge and its a hearty enough breakfast for even the most energetic of people....

What you will need: (4 portions)
300g Oats (you can use Millet flakes or quinoa flakes if you don't want gluten)
Water
Flaked Almonds
5 Dried figs
Raisins
(sometimes I add grated apple its delicious!)

To put on top try adding:
Sliced banana
Fresh berries
Apple

Put your oats into a bowl (preferably a tupperware as it will stay fresh for longer) and pour over warm water so that it covers the oats with about half an inch extra. Then add a handful of flaked almonds, your chopped dried figs, a handful of raisins and a sprinkle of pumkin seeds then stir up and put into the fridge and it will be ready for the morning.

Enjoy your breakfast!

Marrinated Tofu and Raw spinach salad

2010-09-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

Need a quick dinner or lunch idea that is nutritionally balanced and truly delish then look no further!

What you need:

300g Uncooked Tofu (hard is best)
Handful of Black olives
Half a Courgette
Handful of raw spinach
2 cloves of Garlic
pumkin seeds
Olive oil
Tamari
Ground coriander
pepper

Cut the tofu into large chunks and put into a bowl with a splash of olive oil, olives, pumpkin seeds, chopped garlic, table spoon of tamari and black pepper. Leave to Marinate for at least 30 minutes... the longer the better.

In a frying pan heat up some olive oil and add your marinated tofu with all the sauce, garlic and olives. Add your courgettes. Let the tofu cook on a medium high heat for 2 mins on each side then add the coriander and another table spoon of tamari and a slash of water. (at the water so that your food does not over heat and lose all the nutrients.)
Cook for a further 4 minutes until the courgettes are cooked and the water has evaporated.

Serve on top of a bed of raw spinach leaves and drizzle olive oil and balsamic over the top.

ENJOY!

DARE2 - Dare 2 Beauty - Kick start your immune system

2010-09-03T04:52:00.000-07:00

DARE2 - Dare 2 Beauty - Kick start your immune system

Kick start your immune system….

Getting ill is a thing of the past… we now know so many amazing natural ways to boost our immune systems, if you follow them I can guarantee with a combination of living a healthy lifestyle and following these daily tips you can say au revoir to the sniffles!

You want to look out for vegetables, fruits, herbs and supplements that are high in antioxidants as this is what is going to support you to giving you a stronger immune system.

What are antioxidants? They are nutrients that we find in our food that help to prevent and slow down the process of aging and oxidative damage. They are like a medicine or defence mechanism for your cells against free radicals. Free radicals are everywhere in all toxins that we expose ourselves to every day. Normally our body can deal with them but if we are low in antioxidants then we are more likely to get affected resulting in getting ill….. so how to stop this? Eat more antioxidants! Below are some daily foods you can find them in….

Acai berries – See if you can get the frozen pulp or dried powder and put it in your daily smoothie

Bee pollen – Great as a sweetener on your cereal or in yoghurt in the morning

Beans – Kidney, pinto, black beans – Put them in your salads or cook them into a stir-fry, they are also a fantastic source of protein.

Berries – Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries – Have them for breakfast lunch dinner or a snack

Cacao powder – add some soya milk and honey and you have a healthy hot chocolate drink, or try making some raw chocolate as a tasty treat

Goji Berries – delicious in cereal, salads and as a snack

Green Tea (& Matcha) - Cup of tea anyone?

Rooibos Tea – The longer you leave the tea-bag in the more antioxidants you will get

Spinach (& Most green leafy veg) – Try making a green smoothie to kick start your day or steam your green veg and enjoy.

Spirulina – What ever you add this to will make it green so be aware! Can put it in smoothies, yoghurt or cereal… you will feel it doing good when you eat it!

Sprouts – Live sprouts is also the most amazing protein… put them on everything!

Turmeric Powder – 1 t-spoon in hot water every morning as your morning cup of tea will not only give your immune system support but will give you energy as it is a natural stimulant and even better will help detox and support your liver…

Enjoy a cold free winter!

Say Yes to Living Foods - New article on dare2mag.com

2010-08-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Sprouts are one of the most alkalising, nutritious and easily accessible foods know to man. Being rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes, they can be grown easily in four to six days and require no effort and very little cost….

3 reasons to start sprouting…

Sprouts are packed with nutrients
A sprout possesses all of the energy, vitamins and nutrients and power that enables it to be transformed from a small seed into a strong plant. At this stage its nutritional value is at its highest. for instance, sprouted seeds can contain 400% more protein than lettuce and over 3900% more beta-carotine.

Sprouts are living foods…
Sprouts are an alkalizing, living food which continue to grow and gain vitamins after being harvested, which when compared to food bought at the supermarket which begins to lose their nutrient content as soon as they are picked (and are not then consumed for weeks on end) become very attractive – especially if you are trying to add more raw food to your diet.

Spouts are so high in protein & easily digested…
The abundant enzymes in sprouts also makes them easily digestible as their delicate cell walls easily release elemental nutrients. They are high in protein so a great source for vegetarians and help to keep your blood sugar levels constant giving you lots of energy.

5 easy steps to grow your sprouts…

1. Buy your un-sprouted sprouts… alfalfa, broccoli, little radish, mung bean and there are also a range of mixes you can get

2. Put about an inch of sprouts in the bottom of your germinator.

3. Rinse your beans thoroughly.

4. Soak your beans for 12 hours in water – then rinse out. Rinse them twice a day with water and place them in a well lit spot but away from direct sunlight and at room temperature.

5. In about 4-5 days your sprouts will be ready to eat, they are great to be eaten on their own, used in salads, stir-fry’s, green smoothies or as a deliciously nutritious garnish. Keep them in the fridge to keep them nice and fresh… oh and enjoy the living goodness you are giving your body!

Get your Germinator on Amazon for £4.99 and start sprouting…

www.dare2mag.com

The Power of Positive Thinking...

2010-07-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

I wrote this article for www.dare2mag.com

I have always been a huge believer of the principles mind over matter, positive thinking, law of attraction and a few years ago I was given the book “The Secret” and since reading it I have become even more aware of my negative thought patterns.

We all like to dabble in a bit of self wallowing on time to time, I am guilty of that (!) but don’t you find that as soon and you start thinking negatively it gets worse and worse? This is because every thought you have brings another of the same pattern…. It is like a snowball effect and I know from my own experience that you can just sink deeper and deeper into thinking negatively, about a situation in your life or yourself… This is not a positive way to live your life and you can change that with a few simple and easy techniques.

Change starts within your own mind…

What is it that you want to bring into your life in abundance? This is not a trick question! To be healthy? More money? A new home? A life partner? A new job? Work out what it is that you want, can be a whole list of things but be sure exactly what it is that you want as I kid you not, the universe will bring you EXACTLY what you ask for! With this you can now create your daily affirmations…

Visulise and believe you already have it…

Phrasing your affirmations is the most important part as you need to make sure that you are speaking in the present moment and use only positive words. For example if you say “I want to earn more money in my ideal job” this is always in the future and is not NOW so is therefore like chasing a carrot on a stick, its not tangible.
So you would phrase it “ I am earning a £… in my ideal job which is …….” (fill in the blanks!)

I find the best way to do this is write down your list of affirmations and keep them beside your bed and first thing in the morning when you wake up say them out loud 3 times… When you say them, visulise and feel how it feels to have these things in your life. If your body and mind can feel the joy that it will bring you, it will come.
A daily inspiration to me is a wonderful woman called Louise Hay, she has several amazing books out, one of which is called “You can heal your life” and she has worked out the best affirmations to cure illnesses from the body. Trust me it works!

My wonderful Yoga teacher Durga Devi said to me one day, “As soon as you have a negative thought in your mind, counter act it immediately by saying the positive out loud” This really helps to train your mind into being positive. The more positive you are the more great things you are going to attract into your life.

Remember… if you are asking for a specific thing in your life, is there space for it mentally, emotionally and physically? The amazing Kundalini teacher Gurmukh said to my yoga class this weekend “If you have a glass of water and it is full but you want something else in there, you have to create the space first to be able to fill it with what you want…”

You are the only one that is stopping you…. Just say yes!

Links:

www.thesecret.tv
www.goldenbridgeyoga.com

www.louisehay.com

- Natasha Corrett, Health & Lifestyle Writer Dare2mag.com

Week commencing Monday 24th May

2010-05-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

Monday 24th May

Roasted Fennel, Asparagus and carrots with toasted sesame seeds served with a feta and basil tofu, tomato salad
Nutritional facts: Fennel is great for your digestion and water retention. Feta and tofu are a great source of protein giving you lots of energy!

£6.50

Tuesday 25th May

Spanish omelette served with baked Portobello mushrooms with a raw spinach, butter bean and avocado salad.
Nutritional facts: This is a high protein meal with Eggs that are easily digested and butter beans… giving you plenty of energy to get through the day! Avocados are a superfood high in vitamin E

£6.50

Wednesday 26th May

Large salad with brown rice steamed broccoli, diced tofu marinated in turmeric and agave, flaked almonds, grated carrots and radishes.
Nutritional facts: Turmeric powder has amazing healing properties and is great for boosting your immune system. Brown rice is easily digestible and good for weight loss and has large amounts of magnesium which is great for cramps.

£6.50

Thursday 27th May

Healthy green vegetable curry with red rice infused with lemon grass served with a spinach, apple, almonds and dried fig salad.
Nutritional facts: Coconut oil is a top superfood that aids digestion and weight loss. Raw spinach is very high in antioxidants, calcium and iron. Almonds are a wonderful source of protein.

£6.50

Friday 28th May

Quinoa with chick peas and red tomatoes, green beans and asparagus served with luscious green salad with and pumpkin seeds and feta cheese.
Nutritional facts: This is a high protein based meal giving you lots of energy for the weekend ahead! Quinoa, chick peas and the pumpkin seeds are also very high in protein. Asparagus is a great detoxer and helps to reduce water retention in your body making you look and feel slim-line!

£6.50

Get More Munch for your Money...

Free Raw Choccies and a Discount
Buy all 5 meals on Monday upfront for only £30.00 and get a box of 3 raw chocolates FREE!

£30.00

2 Free LunchesBuy 20 lunches in one go and get 2 free lunches when you want

£130.00

Ganesh Munches offer free delivery to the following London postcodes; W10, W11, SW3, and SW7. Delivery is between 12pm and 1pm Monday to Friday to your office. Please contact us for other delivery locations.

Please ordere before 9.30am the day you want your lunch!

Ganesh Munchies week commencing Monday 17th May Menu

2010-05-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Monday 17^th May

Quinoa with chick peas, tomatoes, green beans and asparagus served with luscious green salad with pumpkin seeds and feta cheese.

Nutritional facts: This is a high protein based meal giving you lots of energy for the weekend ahead! Quinoa, chick peas and the pumpkin seeds are also very high in protein. Asparagus is a great detoxer and helps to reduce water retention in your body making you look and feel slim-line!

Tuesday 18^th May

Baked sweet potato with grilled red peppers in balsamic vinegar, Served with a pear and walnut salad with sweetened nuts and seeds in tamari and agave and grilled sheeps cheese infused with basil

Nutritional facts: Sweet potatoes are a healthy carbohydrate without being starchy or bloating you. Walnuts and seeds are high in protein and agave is a superfood which is a natural sweeter that is made from a cactus. This sheeps cheese is hard like grilled halumi and is a great alternative to cows cheese. Tamari is an wheat free alternative to soya sauce,

Wednesday 19^th May

Kale, mushroom, green been and tofu healthy stir-fry served with a raw salad topped with nuts and seeds and tabouleh.

Nutritional facts: Kale is very high in vitamin C and beta carotene and great anti-oxidant. Tofu and the nuts and seeds are a wonderful source of protein helping keep your blood sugar levels balanced, stopping you from getting cravings.

Thursday 20^th May

Brown rice roasted squash risotto served with a mixed leaf salad with red onions caramelised in balsamic vinegar, sprouts and goji berries.

Nutritional facts: Brown rice is fantastic as it great for losing weight as it is a complex carb that give you a lot of energy but is a low GI food which helps to maintain blood sugar levels. It also is high in Vitamin B and potassium. Spouts are a living food giving you the perfect protein for your day. Goji berries are one of the best superfoods which are high in antioxidants and also known to make you look younger!

Friday 21^st May

Baked potato with mixed beans marinated in tamari, lemon juice lemon grass and chilli flakes. Served with a avocado and pepper hummus and a pumpkinseed rocket and endive salad

Nutritional facts: Beans are a fantastic source of protein. Avocado is a superfood high in vitamin E which is fantastic for skin.

Ganesh Munchies week commencing 10th May

2010-05-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

Monday 10^th May

Large salad with brown rice steamed broccoli, diced tofu marinated in turmeric and agave, flaked almonds, grated carrots and radishes.

Nutritional facts: Turmeric powder has amazing healing properties and is great for boosting your immune system. Brown rice is easily digestible and good for weight loss and has large amounts of magnesium which is great for cramps.

Tuesday 11^th May

Roasted carrots, beetroots and fennel with rosemary with a serving of amaranth grain infused with ginger and an avocado, radish, sunflower seed and sprouted salad

Nutritional facts: This is a very cleansing meal, beetroots help to cleanse the liver, fennel is full of antioxidants and a great source of fibre which helps cleanse the colon, radishes are known for cleansing the blood. Avocado is a superfood which is very high in Vitamin E which helps keep your skin radiant and sprouts are live food that are a great source of protein and energy. Amaranth is the highest protein grain and has high levels of calcium, magnesium and iron.

Wednesday 12^th May

Spanish omelette served with baked Portobello mushrooms with a raw spinach, butter bean and avocado salad.

Nutritional facts: This is a high protein meal with Eggs that are easily digested and butter beans… giving you plenty of energy to get through a Friday and lots of energy for the weekend! Avocados are a superfood high in vitamin E.

Thursday 13^th May

Vegetable Shepherds pie with a butter bean mash topping served with a lambs lettuce avocado and apple salad.

Nutritional facts: The butter bean mash provides you with a great protein kick to give you energy throughout the day. Avocado is a superfood and is very high in Vitamin E which is great for your skin.

Friday 14^th May

Baked red peppers stuffed with wild rice diced courgettes, squash and tomatoes and sunflower seeds served with a raw red cabbage, spinach and feta salad.

Nutritional facts: Raw cabbage is easily digested and is high in vitamin A which is great for the skin and also helps to stimulate the intestines. Is great for detoxing after the weekend! Wild rice is high in vitamin B which is great as this is good for energy, good digestion and healthy hair, skin and nails. Feta and sunflower seeds are a great source of protein which give you energy.

Ganesh Munchies week commencing Tuesday 4th May Menu

2010-04-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 4^th May

Roasted Fennel, Asparagus and carrots with toasted sesame seeds served with a feta and basil tofu, tomato salad

Nutritional facts: Fennel is great for your digestion and water retention. Feta and tofu are a great source of protein giving you lots of energy!

Wednesday 5^th May

Aubergine and raisin’s cooked in turmeric and agave with lightly steamed green vegetables with crumbled goats cheese and pumpkin seeds over the top served with a raw leafy salad with living sprouts, baby tomatoes and grated carrot.

Nutritional facts: Turmeric is fantastic for boosting your immune system. Lightly steaming vegetables will keep all the great green nutrients in your food. The seeds and sprouts and goats cheese are fantastic source of protein to keep your energy levels up for the day which helps stop any cravings.

Thursday 6^th May

Healthy green vegetable curry with red rice infused with lemon grass served with a spinach, apple, almonds and dried fig salad.

Nutritional facts: Coconut oil is a top superfood that aids digestion and weight loss. Raw spinach is very high in antioxidants, calcium and iron. Almonds are a wonderful source of protein.

Friday 7^th May

Raw Phad Thai salad with a portion of quinoa mixed with mango and coriander

Nutritional facts: In the raw phad thai there is cashew nuts which are a great source of iron which is essential for red blood cell function and enzyme activity. Quinoa is a high protein grain which helps regulate your blood sugar levels.

£6.50 per meal

Including delivery to w2,w10,w11,sw3,sw7,sw10

for any other destination and delivery costs please contact munchies@ganeshretreats.com

Ganesh Treats

Superfood Granola bars from £7.50 for a box of 5

Raw Chocolates from £7.00 for a box of 6

Munchies Menu Week Commencing 26th April

2010-04-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

Monday 26th April

Baked red peppers stuffed with wild rice diced courgettes, squash and tomatoes and sunflower seeds served with a raw red cabbage, spinach and feta salad.

Tuesday 27^th April

Kale, mushroom, green been and tofu healthy stir-fry served with a raw salad topped with nuts and seeds and tabouleh.

Wednesday 28^th April

Large salad with brown rice steamed broccoli, diced tofu marinated in turmeric and agave, flaked almonds, grated carrots and radishes.

Thursday 29^th April

Vegetable Shepherds pie with a butter bean mash topping served with a lambs lettuce avocado and apple salad.

Friday 30^th April

Morrocan protein bake with quinoa, chick peas and red grapes served with luscious green salad with green beans, asparagus and pumpkin seeds.

Week commencing Monday 19th April Ganesh Munchies menu

2010-04-16T04:05:00.000-07:00

Monday 19^th April

Baked potato with mixed beans marinated in tamari, lemon juice lemon grass and chilli flakes. Served with a avocado and pepper hummus and a pumpkinseed rocket and endive salad

Nutritional facts: Beans are a fantastic source of protein. Avocado is a superfood high in vitamin E which is fantastic for skin.

Tuesday 20^th April

Roasted Fennel, Asparagus and carrots with toasted sesame seeds served with a feta and basil tofu, tomato salad

Nutritional facts: Fennel is great for your digestion and water retention. Feta and tofu are a great source of protein giving you lots of energy!

Wednesday 21^st April

Raw Phad Thai salad with a portion of quinoa mixed with mango and coriander

Thursday 22^nd April

Brown rice roasted squash risotto served with a mixed leaf salad with red onions caramelised in balsamic vinegar, sprouts and goji berries.

Friday 23^rd April

Spanish omelette served with baked Portobello mushrooms with a raw spinach, butter bean and avocado salad.

Ganesh Munchies week commencing Monday 12th April Menu

2010-04-08T05:08:00.000-07:00

Monday 12th April

Tuesday 13th April

Healthy green vegetable curry with red rice infused with lemon grass served with a spinach, apple, almonds and dried fig salad.

Nutritional facts: Coconut oil is a top superfood that aids digestion and weight loss. Raw spinach is very high in antioxidants, calcium and iron. Almonds are a wonderful source of protein.

Wednesday 14th April

Marinated tofu with a lentil and fresh baby tomato sauce poured over a serving of quinoa, flax seeds, fresh spinach and coriander.

Nutritional facts: This is a protein filled meal with Tofu and lentils. Quinoa which is a great alternative to rice as it contains an almost perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids needed for tissue development in humans.

Thursday 15th April

Roasted carrots, beetroots and fennel with rosemary with a serving of amaranth grain infused with ginger and an avocado, radish, sunflower seed and sprouted salad

Friday 16th April

Baked sweet potato with grilled red peppers in balsamic vinegar, Served with a pear and walnut salad with sweetened nuts and seeds in tamari and agave and grilled sheeps cheese infused with basil

£6.50 per meal

Including delivery to W10 & W11

Sweet Snacks from the Munchies Kitchen

also available with your lunch...

Box of 6 raw chocolates £7

5 superfood granola bars £7.50

Call Natasha on 07795214040 for more information or email munchies@ganeshretreats.com to put your order in.

Happy Women's Day

2010-03-08T05:53:00.000-08:00

This was sent to me from our wonderful healer Dr. Usha from India today...

Today we celebrate the international women's day and Id like take the opportunity to express my love, joy, admiration and gratitude to all the women I know and even to the ones I don't know yet. Coming on Monday, the Moon day, the time of peace, healing, caring and psychic awareness.

Celebrate the sacredness of being a beautiful woman this life with Grandmother Moon and her eternal support and inspiration, with Mother Earth and Her abundant and healing energy! Celebrate the Divine feminine within and its outer manifestations! Celebrate the mysterious feminine and your intuition - "the treasfre of a woman's psyche"! Celebrate with all your relations, include your sisters, ancestors and descendants! Celebrate your womanhood in the fullest, today and everyday!

As a woman, you are already an expression of the universal archetype, and you deserve to be honoured as such.

A Strong & Vibrant Woman
Is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely.
Is both soft and powerful.
She is both practical and spiritual.
In her essence
is a gift to the world.
Adapted from a poem received from dear Rachel Bavin.

In celebration & sisterhood

xxx

Delicious Mixed Bean and Apricot soup

2010-03-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

I had some left over mixed beans that I used for a salad a few days ago and thought I would make them into a delicious heart warming soup... it turned out really well so here is the recipie!

1 tin of butter beans
1 tin of Beluga lentils
1 tin of chickpeas
6 dried apricots
Vegetable yeast free stock cube
2 cloves of chopped garlic
Pinch of Sea salt, ground cumin, black pepper
A dribble of balsamic vinegar
Sprinkle of fresh chopped rosemary

Put all the beans into a sauce pan together and cover with water so it is a couple of inches above the beans. Throw in the garlic, apricots, ground cumin, fresh rosemary and black pepper and leave to boil for about 40 minutes (stir occasionally) Put everything into a blender and blend it up! While blending boil the kettle.... The consistency will be very thick to start with but put back into the sauce pan and put a stock cube into your blender with a 1 cup of water and the apricot and blend. Then add this stock to your soup to create the consistency your require. Add salt to taste and a dribble of balsamic.... then sit back serve up and enjoy your creation.

(serves 3-4 depending on how thin you make your soup)

Time to be more aware….

2010-03-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

In the last few days I have been shown a lot of videos on the cruelty to animals for our consumption. I am not going to start preaching to you all as don’t feel that is my place to do so, but I really do think it is important to be more conscious of what we are consuming. We live in a world where there is a lot of greed, violence and trauma but also in the same place there is a lot of love, compassion and kindness, so lets tap into the latter!

I am asking each and everyone who reads this to become more aware of your actions… be it walking down the street with a frown on our face as this might have a negative affect on the person walking towards you to snapping at a loved one because we are tired or knowing what we are eating and where it has come from.

Become responsible for your actions, as the reaction can be much greater. Remember a simple decision in our lives can have a huge impact on many others around us.

Shanti shanti shanti

(peace peace peace)

Raspberry and Acai Smoothie

2010-02-26T04:26:00.000-08:00

I made a delicious smoothie the other day for Sunday Brunch and it went down really well...

1 sachet of Acai frozen pulp
1 cup of frozen raspberries
1 banana
1 sprig of mint
1 cup of water (more if you want a thinner consistency)

(you can add some green powder to make it a green smoothie!)

Blend together and enjoy!

www.sublimefood.co.uk

Where does our food really come from?

2010-02-17T02:38:00.000-08:00

I have just been told about this amazing film "Food Inc" that has just been brought over from the USA exposing the truth behind where our food really comes from....

Watch this trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjh5aZKgtSY&feature=player_embedded# and see how it effects you. You can buy the film on Amazon or go see at the movies, see if we can spread the word, it is important that people are aware of what they are eating and where it is coming from...

http://www.foodincmovie.co.uk/

Ganesh Munchies.... Handmade raw chocolate delivered to you

2010-02-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

I have been perfecting the art of making yummy raw chocolate for a healthy sweet snack...

Made with organic ingredients and a lot of love they are guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied and oh so gooooooood!

Raw chocolate is a superfood... in the Ganesh Munchies chocolates I have put in combinations of raw cacao, macca powder, agave syrup, goji berries, bee pollen which are all superfoods that are so hight in anti-oxidants.

Anti-oxidants make your immune system stronger which gives you resistance to flues, viruses and infections
♥ Greatly reduced incidence of all cancers
♥ Prevention of glaucoma and macular degeneration
♥ Reduced risk of cholesterol-oxidation and heart disease
♥ Anti-aging of cells and overall body

So why not get your health kick while getting your sweet fix at the same time!

Ganesh Munchies flavours.... (always adding more!)
♥ Almond
♥ Bee pollen and cacao nibs
♥ Fresh ginger
♥ Vanilla and Goji berries

For prices and ordering please contact me at info@ganeshretreats.com or 07795214040.

Please remember that they are completely handmade and fresh and have no preservatives will need to be eaten with-in a week of receiving your order... but can't see a problem with that as they are so delicious!

Ssshhhh its a Secret!

2010-01-31T03:28:00.000-08:00

Choose your words wisely.... Thoughts are very magnetic in that when you think a thought, more and more similar thoughts arise. This is why you want to break a negative thought pattern that does not serve you....

A few years ago I read a book called “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne

And it really change my life. The book is all about the Law of Attraction. The simple yet very challenging concept of what you think and say you bring into your life.

It is important to be aware of the thought patterns in our heads as the universe hears exactly what we ask for and will manifest them for you!

So be careful what you ask for…. As you might just get it!

Cold Busting Green Smoothie

2010-01-28T05:59:00.000-08:00

Everyone I talk to at the moment is full of cold so thought I would remind you all about Green Smoothies and how amazing they are for your health! The wonderful thing about Green smoothies is that they only take 5 minutes to make in the morning and they give your body the nutrients that it so craves! Putting raw leafy green leaves into your daily smoothie gives you one of natures finest nutrients, chlorophyll which we tend to lack in our daily food intake. Chlorophyll is a blood and body cleanser, enhances energy, builds the blood, has anti-inflammatory properties, helps stabilize blood sugar levels helping with weight loss and cravings! Its amazing so start blending...

Here is a anti-oxidant smoothie for you to try out to help boost your immune system to support you during these cold months.

The Immune Booster
1 cup of raw spinach leaves
1/2 cup of blueberries (frozen is fine)
1 banana
A handful of goji berries
1 cup of water

* For extra power try adding some green powder I love the Vitarmineral one
* To make it creamy add half an avocado (delicious!)
* To make it a superfood treat or to get kids to love it add some raw cacao powder & add some agave syrup!

Then just blend, drink and reap the benefits! Enjoy!

What are Superfoods?

2010-01-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

Everyone is always talking about superfoods but what are they?

They are foods that are so high in minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that they can benefit your health in such huge ways. The superfood list keeps on growing and growing but I say why be cynical about it and try them and see how they make you feel!

My god-mother, Vicki Edgson who is an amazing nutritionist and continues to inspire me everyday, showed me a video called “Food Matters”. After watching this video I can honestly say it has changed my way of thinking about food and my way of eating. The people that put this video together are so knowledgeable about healing through superfoods its amazing. The facts and case studies that they present to you just solidify why we should be incorporating these foods into our daily lives.

Here is a SHORT list of some of the superfoods that you can incorporate into your daily meals:

Coconut oil

Try cooking with this in your curry instead of the coconut milk its much healthier for you and much less fattening. You can also replace it from your normal olive oil for cooking if you can find a tasteless one… just a thought!

Cacao

If you have a sweet tooth and want a chocolate fix try making your own raw chocolate (see Raw Chocolate blog for recipe ideas) or add it to a smootise for a naughty but nice treat.

Spirulina and chlorophyll

You can get this in powder form and can add it to your morning cereal (don’t be put off by the colour!) or in your green smoothies – try Vitermineral I think it’s the best as has everything you need in it.

Goji Berries

Try adding them to your salads, morning breakfast, green smoothies or just an afternoon snack

Bee Pollen

This can be added to your porridge, smoothies or yoghurt to make it sweet

Agave Syrup

This can be used instead of honey or sugar (use it in your tea)… its very sweet and good for you!

Avocado

Salads, healthy wraps, as a snack on ryvita or on toast in the morning

Acai berries

This comes in lots of different forms but mostly frozen or powder as it comes from the Amazon (see the Acai berry blog)

Looking for an Intern...

2010-01-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

I am looking for an intern to start immediately at the Ganesh retreats office in Nottinghill.

You will be helping with the day to day running of Ganesh retreats, pr, marketing, sales and a possibility to be able to come on the retreats to help run and organise them with me.

If you are interested please can you send me an email to info@ganeshretreats.com or pass this on to anyone you think might be....

Tomato and Chickpea soup

2010-01-18T07:06:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this savory chickpea and tomato soup, perfect for cold winter days....

This savory and hearty soup calls for nutrient-rich ingredients that are readily available year-round. Rich in healthy protein, natural vitamin C, and carotenoids, this soup offers plenty of fuel for a healthy immune system, and is a filling choice for vegans and omnivores alike.

Ingredients:

1 carrot, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 rib celery, diced
1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped into bite-size pieces
1 onion, finely diced
1 can of diced tomatoes plus natural juices (28 ounce-can)
1 can of chickpeas (about 16 ounces)
1 cup cooked lentils
Extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt and pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Large handful of fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a soup pot and add onions, ground turmeric, and paprika. Stir occasionally and cook for about 3 minutes.

2. Add carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, and about half the fresh cilantro. Cook for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until onions are soft.

3. Add lentils, chickpeas, and diced tomatoes, natural tomato, plus 2.5 cups of water. Simmer until sweet potatoes and carrots are cooked through - this takes about 20 to 25 minutes.

4. Season with sea salt and pepper, to taste, and add some fresh cilantro to the top of each bowl just before serving.

I found a great gadget on the weekend... it is a blender that also cooks your soup! Check it out!

http://www.lakeland.co.uk/cuisinart!REG-soup-maker/F/keyword/soup/product/13356

Time to Detox?

2010-01-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

Its January and this is the time to give your liver a break after the festive season…

Here are some tips while you are off the booze…

Drink lots of Turmeric tea this helps to flush and support the liver
Beetroot is a very strong liver flusher.. you can eat it or juice it (don’t panic what goes in red will come out red!)
White cabbage and lemon grass soup is a very gentle purifying soup
Radishes are amazing to help purify the blood put them raw into salads
Get some green smoothies into your system to put back all the minerals and vitamins.
Buy Vitermineral Green powder to put into your smoothies to really give you a boost during the cold months: http://www.absolutelypure.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=HFNVMG&cat=196

Enjoy how amazing all this will make you feel!

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share some photos that I took last night as 2009 was ending for me. The full moon was such a powerful ending to the year and such an amazing way to welcome 2010 with open arms. I was so lucky to be able to dance under the beautiful blue moon on a beach in Brazil at we entered the new year. I am so excited about 2010 as I know it is going to be a year of achieving great goals and fulfilling dreams.

The last sunset of 2009

The Full moon rising on 2009 New Years Eve.

This is a blue moon which only happenes once every 28 years on a New Years Eve

The Heart of the Moon

This is a photo I took of the full moon with a long shutter speed and then moved the camera in a heart shape to create the moon's light drawing a heart...

Happy New Year

I wish you love, light and laughter in 2010

Positive thinking from the start...

2009-12-31T08:51:00.000-08:00

Stand in-front of the mirror and create what you want to bring in to your 2010...
Enter the new year with the understanding that I am making a fresh start.

I begin by discarding thoughts, attitudes, and habits that are not compatible with an excellent life.
I let go of whatever caused past discouragement, disappointment, or disagreement.
I know that seemingly negative outcomes are desires or goals that are yet to be fulfilled.
I am open and receptive to new ideas, activities and relationships.

Each day, I can follow a fresh plan of fulfillment. I act on divine ideas that I receive in moments of prayer and inspiration. These ideas flow through wholesome, positive thoughts. As I use creative thinking to build upon divine ideas, my activities become more dynamic and my abilities are enhanced. Therefore, I enter this new year with optimism, joy and enthusiasm.
(Dr. Usha-Ji Buddha Hall)

Sending Love and light to you for your New Year x

Silence is Golden

2009-12-25T13:32:00.000-08:00

I had no idea now important it would be for me to speak Portuguese here. I thought that I would be able to get by with some very poor sign language and English but NO I was very very wrong! No-one speaks English here so I am giving myself a crash course in Portuguese with my little phrase book and using a lot of sign language! Apart from being in the hostel a few days ago I really haven’t met many English speaking people and to be honest it is really nice not to have to talk!

We talk all the time – well I do anyway! For work, socialising, and day to day getting around we never have time to just be silent unless we are sleeping or on a silent retreat! These last few days I have had time to listen to what is going on inside my head rather than reacting to my monkey mind that constantly reacts off conversations I have had during the day. It has been amazing to see what it is that is important and true to me.

My best friend has been on a lot of Vipassana courses and has been trying to gently nudge me to doing one and honestly I want to do it but have been so scared up to now of having to go ‘inside’ for 10 days…. Vipassana It is a type of meditation technique that is a 10 silent retreat with about 8 hours of mediation a day… daunting I know but after these last few days of being still and much more silent that I normally am I have decided that I am ready to do the course and am going to sign up for one in the new year… I actually can’t wait!

Being still and silent in this crazy world is so important for us to digest what is going on, not only in our daily lives, but also giving us the time to listen to what is being said inside of us.

Try and be silent and still for a couple of hours and see what comes up…. Whether you decide to use the time to meditate or just lie down and do nothing or go for along walk by yourself. See how it makes you feel and what might come up for you….. You never know it might inspire you to do a vipassana course as well!

http://www.dhamma.org/

Raw Chocolate

2009-12-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

We all get a sweet tooth sometimes and there is nothing wrong with succumbing to it… but this is a good way to ease it off in a healthy way! Raw Chocolate is a superfood and is very quick and easy to make and it is a great thing to take to a dinner party as an after dinner treat…. This way you can also spread the word!

What you will need...

Raw Cacao powder

Raw coconut oil

Agave Syrup or Honey

Extras to add…

Goji Berries

Bee Pollen

Avocado (makes it creamy!)

Almond butter

Mashed up banana

Raw cacao nibs

Now the fun bit….

Melt on a VERY low heat 2 scoops of coconut oil… do not let it get too hot and boil it only needs to become a liquid, then add 4 scoops of the cacao powder and then add about a table spoon of agave syrup or honey (add more or less depending on how sweet you like it)… then go crazy add what you like! I then put the mixture into an ice tray as it makes great bite size chocolate treats and you can get the shaped ones which is aways fun… then put it into the fridge. They melt quickly as they have no preservatives so keep them in the fridge then eat quickly!!!

Now the best bit…

Lie on the sofa and lick the bowl and spoon – don’t worry no –one is watching… ENJOY!

Here are some of my combinations…

1 t-spoon of almond butter and a handful of Goji berries
Bee pollen and Goji Berries and cacao nibs
Goji Berries and 1½ table spoons of Avocado
1 Mashed up banana with cacao nibs
Coconut flakes and goji berries

Don’t go crazy on them though – Limit yourself to just 1 – balance and moderation is everything don’t forget!

December Recipe Ideas

2009-12-23T09:33:00.000-08:00

I can’t get enough of roasted vegetables at the moment and keep experimenting with different herbs and spices to get a different taste. You can make them up on a Sunday night and then add them to your lunch during the week, either a salad, some quinoa or Ameryth (both protein based grains) a stew or blend them up into a soup… They just keep on giving!

Roasted Vegetables with Nutmeg (serves 4) 

1 Squash 

1 red Onion 

3 Cloves of Garlic 

1 Augergine 

2 Carrots 

1 Large Corgette 

Handful of Chopped Rosemary 

Olive Oil 

Tamari (wheat-free option to Soya Sauce) 

Ground Nutmeg 

I like to chop my vegetables quite small so they are bite size once cooked so once chopped put the Carrots, Onions, garlic and Squash into a baking tray - splash with olive oil a touch of Tamari and sprinkle the Rosemary and a t-spoon of Nutmeg over the top and put into the oven at 220 degrees (I put my oven on fan) leave for 20 mins and then add the courgettes, augbergine and give them a good mix up. Leave for another 20 minutes (you can keep checking every 10 mins and stir them) I like my veggies quite soft so between 40 - 50 minutes depending on your taste take them out and they are done and ready to enjoy! 

Amaranth with Grated Carrot and Ginger (serves 4) 

2 cups of Amaranth Grain 

4 cups of water 

1 tbspn of Boullion Marigold Stock 

1 carrot grated 

1 tbspn of Ground ginger 

Splash of apple juice

Boil the water in a sauce pan and once boiled add the stock and Amaranth grain, leave for 15 minuets on a low boil and then turn the heat off. Leave to sit in the stock for a further 15 minutes, it will become quite gloopy so don't worry! Then add the grate carrot, ground ginger and apple juice and stir in - leave this for another 5 minutes with the lid on. Then pour into a seive to get the remanding water out... then it is ready to serve by itself or mix it in with the veggies! 

Pomegranate, Mint, Avocado and Warm Goats Cheese salad (serves 4) 

Chard leaves 

Half a bag of raw spinach 

3 sprigs of Mint 

1 ripe avocado 

Seeds from half a pomegranate 

Goats cheese 

optional: Sprouted mung beans Ground goji berries and seed mix from Linwoods

Put the oven on a low heat approx 150 degrees and put the chopped goats cheese into an oven proof dish for 10 mins until warm. In the mean time wash the leaves and then rip them up and put them into a bowl. Cut up the avocado and roughly chop the mint and add them to the leaves. Add a handful of sprouts over the top and sprinkle some of the ground seed mix. Add the warmed goats cheese on the top and then sprinkle the pomegranate seeds on the top for some vibrant colour. 

(Tip: to get the seeds out of the pomegranate in a easy way... fill a bowl of luke warm water and pull them out under the water as the white pith with float to the top and the seed will sink to the bottom!)

Add some Acai Berry love into your life...

2009-12-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

I am in the land of the Acai berry so have been eating it every day and feel so great from it. I have been so pleasantly surprised to find that people are very health conscious here in Brazil. Everywhere I seem to go I have found cute little fruit bars that sell things like smoothies with chlorophil (an esential green food) acai berries, green juices its great!
The Acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is the high-energy berry of a special Amazon palm tree. Harvested in the rainforests of Brazil, the acai berry tastes like a vibrant blend of berries and with a slight hint of chocolate. Hidden within its royal purple pigment is the magic that makes it nature's perfect energy fruit. It is a Number 1 superfood as it has very high antioxidants found in it
.

Acai Facts:

Boosts your immune system as they contain such a high percentage of antioxidants that protect the cells of your immune system from damage by toxins in the environment.
Decrease in the incidence of stroke, heart attack, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. In January 2006 breakthrough findings were released to the world from the University of Florida. They took extracts of the berry at various concentrations, and tested them on human cancerous cells. The results of these findings were that the acai berry destroyed 86% of leukemia cells in a cell culture model.

Increase in the metabolic rate - resulting in increased weight loss. The acai berry has the desirable effect of helping boost metabolism and promoting healthy digestive function. It aids weight loss, while also taking care of dietary needs as well.

Increase in sexual activity, libido, and performance. Need I say more!!!

Stronger bones, healthier blood, increase in eyesight, less mood variability. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. So far 19 different amino acids have been identified in acai berries. This means that acai berries are packed with protein. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A B1, B2, B3, C and E are in the little berry. It also contains calcium, potassium, copper and zinc.

Has your essential fatty acids like Omega 3, 6 and 9. It’s also high in fibre, with about 14 grams per 100 grams in freeze-dried powder form.

You can get it in juice concentrate, pulp, dried powder, frozen berries... see what you can find at your local health food shop and start experimenting with it. Try it in your green smoothies, cereal, porridge, juices or anyway you feel inspired to add some Acai berry love into your life!

Got to know what your running from before you know where your running to...

2009-12-17T13:52:00.000-08:00

"Got to know what your running from before you know where your running to" is a line out of a song "Big BW" by Fat Freddy's Drop" I was ironically running this morning and was listening to this song and it made me stop and smile and think....

I feel that from my own experience it is so important to deal with our past and what makes us run in the first place, the things that make us make the same patterns over and over again before we can really move on in our journey we call life.

On the first night of a Ganesh retreat we ask our guests to do a walking meditation, we get everyone to take their shoes off and walk outside very very slowly, asking them to be very conscious of each step they take. It is amazing how difficult it is to balance when you are walking that slowly which shows us that we are always running so fast in our daily lives that when we slow right down we can see that we are not quite as balanced as we should be and also quite ungrounded.

Try doing a walking meditation (you can do it inside if it is too cold outside – we do it outside as walking barefoot on the earth is a very grounding exercise in itself.) it will make you aware of how much you need to slow down and once we slow down you can really see what your patterns are and how to break them if you need to…

Love and light x

Healing in Brazil

2009-12-17T10:59:00.000-08:00

I am in the mountains in Brasilia at the moment seeing a healer called "John of God". People from all over the world come to see him. He has healed terminally ill patients, people that cannot walk to emotional problems. He says that he has 6 spirits that are doctors that work through him and that he is literally a body for them to work through. I was told by a friend that I should come and visit him as I would find it really interesting, and as I was already coming to Brazil I thought why not... I really haven't done any research on him as I wanted to just come and experience what ever it was that was suppose to come to me.

The night before I was to stand before the him "The Entity" I had dinner with a lady who had stage 3 cancer a year ago and was cured by him... she lives here and volunteers at the "casa" now. She told me that I had to have 3 things to ask for on the day, I really had no idea what to ask for... so I thought about it over night and came up with 2 things to do with letting go of the past and living in the present and that I was healthy.

At 7.30am the next morning I arrived at the "casa" dressed all in white. We all sat in this room listening to a few people talk... it is all in Portuguese so I had know idea what they were saying. I started getting really nervous as was thinking that maybe the reason that I had come here was that I had something wrong with my health that I knew nothing about, and I would have to have a 'physic surgery'... anyway I sat in this room and waited for my turn to get in line. We stood in a single file and slowly arrived into this other room where there must have been 50 people meditating. This was the "current" room where they say that most of the healing happens as the "entities" heal you while meditating. I arrived in-front of John of God and my heart was racing.... I had the interpreter with me and he handed him my questions... it is true what they say, he is literally a body, looking in his eyes was not like looking at someone, you could honestly see that it wasn't him looking at you and diagnosing you it was a greater spirit looking through him. He then said to me "current" which met that I had to go and sit with the others and meditate until the end of the session. At that moment I felt a lot of relief that there wasn't anything wrong with me that I needed herbs or surgery....

The morning session then ended and we broke for lunch - but first we were told to drink a cup of blessed water as we left the room and then go for holy soup, we were told that it was very holy as had been blessed and we were to have a tiny bit of it even if we were not hungry.

I then came back to the "current" room for the afternoon session. This is when the healing happens so if you are told to have surgery this is when you have it while everyone else is in the same room meditating. I sat in meditation for 2 hours which is the longest I have ever sat for - I started getting very fidgety after about 1 hour...

When I receive or give a healing I see visions behind my third eye, and they are random images but mean something to either myself or the person I am giving the treatment to but it never happens during meditation... I started seeing visions of Christ on the cross - now you need to know that I am not religious in any way so actually being here is quite a challenge in that sense, and the visions came about 4 or 5 times. Also could feel tingling on the back of my head. It really was an amazing experience.

Everyone then told me to go back the next day and stand in-front of him again or go straight to Current. I thought a lot last night that I felt that I really don't belong here... not because that I am any different than anyone but because the people here are so ill and really are here for a lot of healing. They are so full of hope which is beautiful to see but really made me realise that I am healthy and a happy person and am doing what I love doing and have so much that I want to do and achieve and and it is all possible for me and that it is important to really LIVE and stop worrying about the minor things in life.

The last few days I have been feeling a bit over weight like everyone does sometimes... so I thought to myself that that thought or feeling doesn't mean anything and it is my choice how I process it in my mind so this morning I went for a half an hour run through the mountains which was absolutely stunning then came back to my room and did some sun salutation and breathing exercise and felt great!

How you start your day really has a huge effect on the rest of your day, so if you are feeling over weight, tired, low or unhappy stand in front of the mirror and what ever negative emotion you are feeling say to yourself out loud the opposite. "I am happy today and feel and look great" your subconscious will pick up on this positive mantra and then your body will react to these words and create the positive emotion in your body.... Try it!

This trip has been a huge and wonderful eye opener to me and I feel blessed to be able to come on this adventure and to have had such a great realisation...

love and light x

http://www.johnofgodhealing.com/

How it all came about...

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I set up Ganesh Retreats because I was looking for a weekend break that would teach me how to integrate yoga, meditation, healthy food into my life that I live without it taking over and most importantly wouldn't break the bank so that I could go back a few times over the year... but I couldn't find any so I thought there must be some people out there who are looking for the same thing... This all came about while I was on an amazing life changing trip to India as I thought you must be able to get this feeling of serenity back home and not have to fly all the way to India every time you need a fix!n I know it sounds very cliche to say but, I was meditating in Himalayas and 'Ganesh Retreats' literally came to me in a vision, the name, the concept and how to set it all up. So I came back to London about 4 months later I had my first retreat up and running.

Ganesh is the Hindu God of the remover of obstacles and we give you the skills, knowledge and support to help you integrate a holistic life so you can remove your obstacles yourself... teaching you small techniques to stay calm and grounded in the the whirl wind we call life.

On the retreat you will have daily yoga, meditation and breathing lessons, massage, energy healing, delicious nutritious food made in-front of your eyes by our amazing chefs, cooking lessons and an introduction to crystal healing. Each member of The Team is there to be your support and help guide, you can see which team member is on each retreat on the Dates page of the website.

I hope that my blog helps inspire you and help keep you motivated...

Love and light

Natasha