The Best 2-Minute Vegan Smoothie, Ever

Once you try this delicious recipe, you'll never want to have your smoothie any other way.

Yes, I've finally jumped on the wellness bandwagon. I now buy only organic produce, consume only plant-based milk, always making sure I load each of my meal with superfood, and adopted a vegan diet at home. The transition hasn't been easy, but I keep myself motivated by watching videos by YouTubers Cam & Nina for resourceful ways to jazz up my dishes.

When I first heard about smoothie bowls, I thought it was just going to be another short-lived cafe trend and swore never to try it. RM30 for a bowl of blended tropical fruits? In Malaysia? No thank you. Yet I noticed on YouTube that most vegans have smoothie bowls religiously either for breakfast or for lunch. They made it seem like being vegan is a breeze.

2-Minute Vegan Smoothie

I always keep a box of ground seed concoction within reach. To prepare, I blend pumpkin seeds, white sesame seeds, brown flax seeds and golden flax seeds together until they are in a coarse powdery form.

Seed Mix: Superfood your body will love

The Best 2-Minute Vegan Smoothie, Ever

Preparation time: 2 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

2 large frozen banana
1 ripe mango
2 tbsp instant oats
2 tbsp ground seed mix (ground pumpkin, white sesame, brown flax and golden flax seeds)
1 tbsp chia seeds
300ml plant-based milk

Preparation Method

1. Put everything in a blender and blitz until thick, creamy and smooth.
2. Serve in a cup as smoothie, as in a bowl topped with your favorite fruits and nuts as a smoothie bowl.

Why Do Burmese Women Paint Their Faces?

If you have traveled to Myanmar, there are three things that would have certainly caught your attention - the scorching hot weather, women with painted faces, and red splodges that artfully bedeck the floors.

Why do Burmese women paint their faces? Is it medicinal, decorative, or merely an age-long tradition that has been prevalent in the region?

Thanaka: The Burmese Way of Beauty

Known as thanaka, the yellowish-white substance is derived from the barks of the Murraya tree. It has been used for over thousands of years in Myanmar as cosmetics – simply by grinding the barks into a paste that is applied onto the face in patterns deemed the most appealing for each individual. On top of that, thanaka is also loved for what is claimed to be its protective properties. It is used day-to-day as natural sunscreen to dutifully shield the skin from harmful UV rays and the sweltering weather.

8 Delicious Ways to Eat Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, iron, and calcium. When mixed with water, they can even be used to substitute eggs. This superfood originated from Central and South America, but has recently been introduced to the shelves of supermarkets in Asia. Tiny yet loaded with essential nutrients, these seeds are great whether eaten raw, cooked or in powder form.

So you've read all about the health benefits of chia seeds, but you don't really know of any other ways to consume them other than to sprinkle them over juices. Fret not, as listed below are 8 delicious ways to eat chia seeds which you can use to creatively incorporate them in your diet!

8 Delicious Ways to Eat Chia Seeds

Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are highly absorbent and clump together easily, hence are perfect for making your favorite puddings. To prepare, simply soak them in milk overnight and top them with fruits right before serving. Flavorings are optional yet delicious, so be generous with the cacao and cinnamon powders!

Bread

The next time you bake breads, remember to add a few tablespoons of chia seeds into them! Not only is it nutritional, you will also get that extra crunch in every slice. Chia seed bread is delicious when eaten plain or slathered with butter topped with sunny side up and avocado mash.

The more the merrier: Every type of seed comes with amazing benefits so don't hold back - add in sunflower, caraway, pumpkin, sesame, and poppy seeds for a super nourishing loaf.

Chia Seed Bread

Smoothie Bowl

Smoothie bowls are delicious and a breeze to make. Simply blend together your favorite frozen fruits, chia seeds and milk into a thick consistency. Serve it in a bowl, top it with more fruits and chia seeds. Bon appétit!

Smoothie bowls topped with chia seeds and fruits

Jam

I stopped buying jams from the supermarkets as they contain mostly sugar and other highly-processed ingredients. Fortunately, making a jar at home is incredibly easy (and therapeutic) and requires minimal time. Simply cook the fruits on a saucepan over medium heat and mash them until you get a chunky texture. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently. Once cooled, add seeds and seal them in a jar!

Tips: Sugar is not necessary as the fruits already contain natural sweetness.

Homemade chia seed jam

Muffin

Chia seeds make the perfect replacement for eggs when it comes to baking. As a healthy vegan alternative, they enrich pastries, muffins and breads with added fiber and protein.

Muffins loaded with chia seeds

Energy Ball

Energy balls with chia seeds recipe

Crackers

Bake your own low-calorie crackers at home with just 2 ingredients: seeds and water! Combine all your favorite seeds and water and spread them as thinly as possible on the baking sheet and bake until crispy and golden brown. Love an extra kick? Add in all your favorite spices and herbs!

Chia seed crackers recipe

Batter & Breading

Ditch those starchy white flours - you can now prepare a healthier coating for deep-frying using just chia seeds and cornmeal. As always, throw in your favorite spices for bold flavors. You can never go wrong with turmeric, coriander and cumin powder.

Chia seed breading for frying meat