A New Snack Box Service Delivered to You!

Snacking is my weakness, I just love snacks and normally the unhealthy kind, working in an office job full of tempting sweet treats really does not do me any favours when trying to eat healthy. Healthy eating isn't always easy, it requires a lot of prep, research and in all honesty sometimes I just can't be bothered. Healthy snacks aren't always assessable in my local supermarkets either, so having someone else do all the leg work, research, source healthy snacks and deliver them to me once a month is ideal for someone like me and SourcedBox does exactly that.

SourcedBox is a new snack service box created by the lovely Niomi Smart and Marcus Butler. The box contains around ten healthy, natural snacks that are free of refined sugars, artificial flavourings, preservatives, additives and chemicals! You can choose to order a one off box or a monthly subscription (which can be cancelled at any point.) I decided to order the first ever box using an exclusive 25% voucher which did considerably reduce the cost, but more on prices later. Today I thought I'd write a review of some of the snacks I enjoyed from the first ever SourcedBox, I've discovered so many new brands that I didn't know about prior to receiving my box. Here's what I thought of the snacks, it's probably important that I mention I'm a seriously picky eater, so I definitely knew I wouldn't love every single snack, but I did enjoy the majority of snacks included in this box which is saying something for a picky eater like me haha -

The Snacks I Loved...

MYLK Chocolate Buttons OMBAR - Now, they were never going to top a bag of Cadbury's Buttons but I tell you what they make a bloody good substitute. Naturally the product I was most drawn to (hello it's chocolate) the OMBAR chocolate buttons are so tasty, made with coconut milk, coconut sugar and raw chocolate the ingredients list is super natural. I think that the size of the bag was perfect too, it didn't feel like I was overindulging just the perfect portion for a midweek pick me up - when I'm really craving some chocolate!

Fruit Jerky - Snact - I love fruit jerky, especially mango, so it's no wonder this was one of my favourite snacks in the box. I particularly like that Snact use wonky pieces of fruit that would otherwise be wasted to make their fruit jerky!

Chocolate Mylk - REBEL KITCHN  - So, soooooo yummy! Like a chocolate milkshake only with less sugar and dairy free. I really enjoyed this, even though coconut milk was used this still had the same creamy taste that you would expect from a conventional milkshake. I've already bought some more, definitely something I'll reserve for treat days.

Mini Rice Thins - Rude Health - These mini rice crackers replaced my crips, I particularly enjoyed them dipped into my homemade salsa or humous. They were also super yummy paired with the Pip and Nut snack that's next on my list...

Coconut and Almond Butter - Pip and Nut - A first for me, the Pip and Nut Coconut and Almond butter was delicious. I paired this with some sliced apple, with my Rude Health crackers and added the remains of the satchet to my porridge in the morning (I made it stretch!) I really enjoyed this added to my crackers and porridge a great way to make a small breakfast or snack feel way more filling. I definitely want to try more of the Pip and Nut varieties the Honey Cinnamon and Cashew Butter sounds lovely.

Dozy Girl Tea - Bluebird Tea - I love tea, and I love discovering new brands of tea. With lavender, chamomile and rose I found this particular tea to be incredibly soothing before bedtime.

Organic Persian Mulberry Promix - Wyldsson - A mixture of fruit, seeds and nuts all in a handy tube for on the go! I used this in my porridge and also took this to work for when I fancied a snack. The tube really helps with portion control - I didn't find I was overindulging too much, it also makes it super convenient to add to porridges or baking.

The snacks that I kind of liked...

Pecan, Cinnamon & Lucuma Flapjack by Naturally Sassy - Full of superfoods and antioxidants, I really did enjoy this flapjack. I'm not normally one for a seedy flapjack (more the gooey golden syrupy kind) but I did find that this made a nice substitute and satisfied my sweet tooth.

Rosehip and Lemon Bar - LOVE RAW - A handmade bar that bursting with vitamin C, I found that this bar tasted super zingy I love anything with lemon.

Pizza Seed Toasts - Science Kitchen - Loved the idea of mini Pizza Seed Toast more for the novelty if anything! For me the taste was slightly strange, almost spicy ...I did enjoy snacking on these though, and similar to all of the other products in this box I found them to be quite filling. Science Kitchen offers a range of flavours in the Seed Toast range the chocolate orange and Berry Fusion look super yum.

The snacks I disliked...

Broccoli Crisps - The Giving Tree - I can definitely see the Giving Tree Broccoli crips being a bit like marmite, judging from the hashtag on Twitter it looks as though the majority of people loved these. I actually found myself gipping a little as I ate them - I really did not enjoy the taste whatsoever, and this is coming from someone who actually quite likes Broccoli! The taste stayed in mouth for the rest of the day, definitely not for me at all.. with that being said this brand has a variety of crips such as peach, mango, apple and strawberry which I'm sure I would love!

Maca Bliss Raw Choc Brownie - Pulsin' - A post run snack for me, I'll be honest I do struggle to eat brownies that are made with raw chocolate I find them quite stodgy and feel like I'm chewing for days (I guess that's the point?) Despite not being my favourite snack in the box this did make for a filling snack after my run, not something I would not repurchase though.

So, ten out of 12 snacks isn't bad at all. I found that unlike other similar boxes I did receive full size snacks which is definitely reflected in the monthly price of £18.99. At first I did feel like the price was a little steep, but considering the types of food featured in this box, and the quantity/ size of the snacks I don't think it's that bad of value for money. Comparing this box to something like graze which costs £3.99 for four snacks, this box is almost six times the price but does contain 7-8 more snacks and is likely to last a lot longer. My box lasted me a couple of weeks as I mostly had one snack a day at work alongside my usual carrot sticks and fresh fruit.

What do you think of snack boxes? Does SourcedBox look like something you would be interested in?

Topic 12: Apple & Lemon Cake Recipe

I thought I'd share a recipe with you today. Yes, I know cooking apples are pretty much out of season, but I just can't help myself I love an apple pudding all year round. With the lemon juice and zest there's something real summery about this pud. This recipe is designed for a standard cake dish, but the mini dishes mean less calories (50 calories!) 

What you need 

Cake Tin/Individual Ramekin, Cooking Apples 6-7, 1tsp Lemon Juice (add the zest too), 250g Self Raising Flour, 2 Large Eggs, 100g Caster Sugar, 200ml of Semi Skinned Milk, Icing sugar optional (makes them look pretty, and hides any burnt patches!) 

1. Preheat your oven to Gas mark 5 (190 degrees)

2. Peel your apples (yawn) rid the core and slice into thin slices you can be neat if you like but I just chop them in random sizes. Place the apples into a bowl. Juice the lemon and grate the zest. Add this too your apples and sprinkle a generous amount of sugar, make sure to coat all the apples   

3. Mix your flour and baking powder in a large bowl (add cinnamon and ground mixed spice if you want a spicier taste) 

4. In a separate bowl mix the sugar, eggs and milk (ew gooey)

5. Pour the eggy,sugar milky mix into your flour mix. Get your mix on (or cheat with an electric whisk like I do (#weenyarms.) Mix until the batter is even 

6. Chuck the apples into the bowl and mix again

7. Pour the mixture into a cake tin or individual ramekins, sprinkle a little sugar evenly over the top. And cook for 1 Hour. Leave too cool for 10 Minutes. Enjoy! 

What are your favourite dessert recipes?

 

P.S For some silly reason I pictured butter, the recipe contains no butter! 

Topic 11: My Cookbook Collection

If you don't follow me on Instagram/Twitter (if not, why?) it may come as a surprise that I'm a foodie, I enjoy eating out, trying new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen. For me cooking has a fantastic social element there's nothing better than slaving over an oven to have people sit down and enjoy your creations. Over the years I've somehow bought a ridiculous amount of cookbooks, so today I thought I'd show you some of my most used cookbooks. Believe it or not the pictures above are only about a quarter of my collection (say what!) I'm not sure how or why I collect cookbooks, as we're in the 21st century the Internet is full to the brim with new recipes but for me there's something quite satisfying about reaching for a book, spending my Sunday evening browsing and choosing recipes I'd love to try.

Top 4 For yummy sweet treats 

The Best Ever Book of Cakes- Ann Nicol

Why I love: This is just one of those books where no matter what recipe I try it somehow comes out a-mazing and looks like the picture (bonus.) Simple recipes using everyday ingredients and non complicated methods. This book is full to the brim with easy quick recipes theres a real mix of recipes for beginners or for those who would like a challenge. Everything I've tried from this book has just been yummy, there doesn't seem to be a dud recipe.

Fave recipes- Sticky toffee squares, Millionaire Shortcake, Lemon & Lime drizzle cake, Lemon Chiffon cake

The Best of Cadburys Chocolate Cookbook

Why I love: Self explanatory really but it's a cookbook full of chocolate recipes, need I say more? If you love chocolate you'll love this book. Whether you're a fan of Cadbury's or not the recipes in this book are fool proof. If you need recipes that you can rely on for say a bake sale or party then this book is perfect. I do lots of baking for family and friends parties and this book is a firm favourite as there's something for everyone!

Fave recipes- Fudge Cheesecake, Warm chocolate slice, Chocolate Filigree Torte, Orange drizzled chocolate sponge, Chocolate lime creams…the WHOLE book!

The Usborne Beginners Cookbook 

Why I love: This book is actually the very first cookbook I ever owned, and it's still my go to for simple easy recipes, especially chocolate cake to this day I've never found a recipe quite like it as it contains ground rice (the secret ingredient for a moist light sponge!)

Fave recipes: Chocolate brownies, Chocolate cobweb cake, Lemon layered cake, Marble cake, Cheese and tomato tart, Stuffed peppers

The Hummingbird Bakery Cake Days 

Why I love: I'm a huge fan of the Hummingbird cafe in London (if you haven't been and you love cupcakes you HAVE to go!) this book is my way of having a little bit of Hummingbird in the comfort of my home. The book is split into holidays, so you have cakes for valentines, Easter, mothers day, Halloween and Christmas. The muffin recipes are foolproof, if you're after a cookbook with recipes that add a little modern twist on the traditional cakes this book is for you.

Fave recipes: Carrot cake whoopies pies, Chocolate fondant cupcakes, Gingerbread cupcakes, Lemon and cranberry cupcakes, Red velvet cupcakes, Butterscotch pecan cheesecake

Top 2 Cookbooks for savoury treats, dinner and tea

Jamie Oliver 15 minute meals

Why I love: Quick, easy, nutritious, healthy yet delicious recipes. The photography in the book is just stunning totally Pinterest worthy. If you enjoy the show 'Jamie Oliver 15 minute meals' you'll love this book as it's basically all the recipes from the series grouped into one easy to follow book. The recipes are simple, easy and use ingredients that you can easily source from your local supermarket (no hard to find ingredients.) I've tried lots of recipes from this and they've all been foolproof, it's also great for dinner parties or impressing a special loved one. These recipes look like they've required lots of effort when really you've whipped them up in an hour. If you don't quite want to commit to the book but fancy trying some of the recipes visit  Jamie Oliver's website it's full of recipes.

Fave recipes: Korean Fried Rice with steak and mushroom, Cajun chicken salad, Pork steaks with Hungarian pepper sauce (there's also some lovely fish recipes for any veggies who may be interested!)

The Hairy Dieters Eat For Life 

Why I love: One of the best cookbooks I own everything I've tried from this has tasted incredibly yummy. A lot of the meals in this book are low calorie, but still taste incredibly yummy I'm a huge fan of the savoury meals, but the desserts section is also brilliant if you're after some low calorie yummy dessert ideas.

Fave recipes: Fluffy banana pancakes, Beef Goulash, Chicken Biriani, Chicken bake, Chicken Chow mien, Chicken tikka massala,  Chocolate mousses with raspberries, Very berry fool, Spiced apple cake, Warm Nectarine tart

What are your favourite recipes, food blogs, or cookbooks? I'd love to know and add to my ever growing collection!

P.S Fancy winning yourself a £25 MAC Giftcard see here for details.

Try Test Tell #1

I like to think of myself as a bit of a human guinea pig in everyday life, I like to tweak, review, and keep track of my diet, fitness and general lifestyle. Call me naive but if I read 'Three green tea's a day improve skin after four weeks' I'm most likely to try and see it through just to see if there is any noticeable difference. 

Constantly trying thing's inspired the 'Try Test Tell' series on my blog. The aim of this series is to try some of the talked about diet, fitness and lifestyle changes and report back on the results. Now as always a little disclaimer I'm not a nutritionist but I do believe that no one quite knows your body like YOU do. I know how I feel after certain foods, I know what makes me feel happy and healthy. The tips and tricks in this series won't be me promising a similar result to everyone as let's face it everyone is different but who knows these posts may prove helpful, useful or even inspire someone somewhere… *tumbleweed*


If you’re struggling with bloating and nothing seems to be doing the trick, gluten may be the problem. After getting asked 'when is it due' I decided enough was enough, I need to stop the tuck in and go approach and really tackle the root of my bloaty belly. So after reading a random article somewhere my ban on bread and pizza (boohoo) began. Through the month of March I was breadless, and craving  pizza. Prior to my 'gluten free' challenge I ate a lot of bread. Most mornings consisted of two slices of toast, followed by a sandwich come lunchtime and to top it all off some days I'd even have a slice of toast on my return from work to bide me over until dinner time. 


Although as far as I'm aware I don't suffer from celiac disease, it's been proven that you don't need to suffer from celiac disease to be affected by gluten. Some people may even have a sensitivity or intolerance without realising it. Wheat (because of the gluten that comes with it) is one of the most highly allergenic foods, it’s also been linked to bloating and IBS. Other side effects from gluten include fatigue, foggy mind, and headaches. 




After eating bread/pizza or anything with gluten in I felt bloated and sluggish so for me it was a no brainer to cut gluten out of my diet. So what did I notice? Well no more sluggish feeling after breakfast or lunch. Bloatiness was kept to a minimum. Dare I say it I even found I had more energy throughout the afternoon at work, feeling less sluggish and tired really boosted my mood and I just found I had more energy to get me through the day. Eating porridge and slow releasing foods at breakfast time meant I made it until lunch without my usually hungry feeling. In the short space of time I gave up bread I noticed a huge difference in my stomach physically my waistline had reduced… fair enough I wasn't rocking mega abs, but my stomach appeared a little slimmer. I wish I'd taken before and after pictures but in all honesty I didn't think there would be any change or difference in size. 

So guys if you suffer from a bloaty belly, tiredness and lack of energy and feel like you've tried just about everything why not look at reducing the levels of gluten in your diet. 

Have you tried cutting out certain foods from your diet? Do you avoid gluten? 

For the grazers

I  had previously shunned these little heavenly boxes purely because I thought nuts & seeds were the only option. The office that I work in went through a little craze,there seemed to be a whole lot more little brown boxes coming through the post.  So I blame 'encouraging' work colleagues for this addiction! 

But boy oh boy was my first impression of Graze wrong if you, like me underestimated Graze just have a look on there website, fresh dried fruit (I love!), fresh popcorn, graze flapjacks, brownies and puds (that can be heated in the microwave!), cracker bites the list is endless. All of these lovely goodies have cleaver creative names, and are all made from freshly sourced ingredients. 

All the snacks are designed to be healthy but still tasty, (if you think the above still sounds too much they even offer a Graze 'light' option), they constantly create new recipes and my boxes are always filled with new tasty goodies.

Graze website allows you to 'bin, try, like, love and send soon!' So you can really cater your boxes and ensure there full of goodies you will enjoy. Graze also caters for vegetarians, vegans, gluten intolerance and coeliacs so they really have thought about everyone.

If your a foodie like me you will love these, if you try one and don't like you can even cancel your subscription (no catch!) you can choose how frequently you receive the box once a week, once a month ...it's all super flexible! 

Enter friend code RINICA2QB for 3 free Graze boxes!

Have you tried Graze boxes?