STUFFED TANGY QUINOA CAPSICUMS

I’ve made stuffed capsicums on several occasions over the years, mostly with couscous or rice as the foundation. I have ample amounts of quinoa in my pantry after buying up big at Costco (2kgs to be exact) hence this ingredient was chosen as the filler. Depending on how hungry you are, you can add some grilled chicken and/or lentils to the capsicums for more protein. I love the tanginess of the lemon, sumac spice and tomato as a topping. A sprinkle of whatever chopped/crumbed cheese you have on hand and finely chopped garlic will provide the quinoa with some added flavour. I love eating these capsicums as a light dinner. I do slightly prefer green capsicums over read for this recipe, however red always seems to be in much greater supply as my green grocer! 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cups quinoa (any sort will do)
• 3 medium red / green / or a mixture of the two capsicum, deseeded & membranes removed and cut in half 
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
• 20-30g goat's feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 large tomato, roughly chopped
• 1 heaped teaspoon sumac
• the juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (i.e parsley, basil, chives)

Cooking 

1. Preheat a fan-force oven to 200 degrees celsius. Line a large baking tray with baking paper. 

2. Rinse the quinoa twice in cold water, then strain well. Pour the quinoa into a small saucepan and add 1/2 cups water with a generous pinch of sea salt. Cover the pan and bring to the boil, then simmer for 10-12 minutes or until all water is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked (taste to check). 

3. While the quinoa is cooking, heat the coconut oil in a medium to large frypan over medium-high heat. Add the halved capsicums and cook on their round sizes for 5-6 minutes or until lightly scorched. Remove from the heat and place cut side up on the prepared baking tray. 

4. Once the quinoa is cooked, combine with the garlic and goat's cheese and spoon the mixture into the hollow part of the capsicums. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, then remove. 

5. Whilst the capsicums are in the oven, combine the tomato, sumac, lemon, fresh herbs and a pinch of sea salt. Once the capsicums have finished baking, top them with this tomato mixture and serve warm. 

Serves / 2 hungry people

Total Preparation time / 10 minutes 

Total Cooking time / 35 minutes maximum 

x Emily 

NATALIE PORTMAN SLIPS in and out of a PILATES CLASS

Beautiful actress Natalie Portman loves keeping a low profile, however she was spotted sneaking in and out of a Pilates class on Monday in Los Feliz, Los Angeles. The 33-year-old Thor stunner wore a pair of funky purple Nike running shorts and a plain white t-shirt to attend her morning Pilates class. 

The mother of one discovered Pilates a few years ago, in preparation for her starring role in Black Swan. Since completing this blockbuster Portman has incorporated regular Pilates sessions into her exercise regime, which also includes Yoga classes, hiking, running and attending the gym. 

Natalie's amazingly toned figure is also due to her eating choices. "I am a strict vegetarian. I love animals...I’ve been vegetarian since I was nine and vegan on and off." Due to her fresh plant-based diet, Portman forgoes the excessive calories found in processed foods. The toned mum also realises that healthy eating starts and ends at home. "I cook a lot, and I even do vegan baking". 

Natalie's eight-hour-a-day Black Swan exercise regime is not something that we recommend for anyone wanting to lose weight sustainably or healthily. Since wrapping up the filming of this movie, Portman's exercise routine has become much more realistic. She loves to hike with her husband Benjamin Millepied and her little son Aleph, as well as attending her Pilates classes, of course. 

Lastly, whilst the trim star is very conscious of how she treats her body, she does not take her health and fitness lifestyle too seriously. "I like pleasure, I like joy. I'd never get to the point where I would starve or injure myself . . . I'm the opposite — when I'm hungry, I eat, and I always make sure I'm eating something delicious." 

Want sculpted arms and legs like Natalie? Interested in adding some low impact exercise to your fitness regime? Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724 or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com. 

x the Premium Pilates team 

DENISE RICHARDS FEELS FITTER AT 43 THAN AT 20, THANKS TO PILATES

Actress and mother Denise Richards looks incredible at 43 years of age, thanks to her hard work ethic and dedication to fitness. Richards does Pilates for one to two hours a day, four to five days a week as well as lifting weights and doing cardiovascular exercise daily with a personal trainer. Denise, who recently posed for Playboy in a diamond encrusted bra, wants to prove to the world that 'mothers can still be sexy'. 

Looking super toned and trim in a bright pink bathing suit, the former Bond girl splashed around in the water with her nine year old daughter at the beach in LA earlier this week. Denise's incredible bikini body looks like a woman's half her age, however Richards insists that she works hard to maintain it. ''I am very active. I found what works for my body - everyone's body is different and I think it's best to find what works for you. For me it's Pilates and dance." The busy mum also swears by eating "little and often" and is known to eat small, healthy meals "all day long". 

Denise cannot rave about her love for Pilates enough. “Pilates is the best. I’ve tried every form of exercise, but Pilates really elongates your muscles. Of course, every girl says they don’t want to build their legs, and this doesn’t build at all. It really lengthens the muscles. I do Pilates a lot. I do Pilates four times a week, I definitely have to work out. I’m not one of those girls that can eat whatever I want and still weigh 100 pounds. Pilates was originally designed for dancers, so you do a lot of plies on the machines. It really works your buns and thighs. It’s great!!”  

"I’ve found that Pilates is the best work-out. And also the elliptical for cardio. When I’m really consistent, I work out on the Pilates Reformer four or five times a week. I found that after having two babies, that was the best exercise for getting back into shape...Pilates was the only workout that made my belly flat again after having two kids. I just love it!'

Denise also reveals that Pilates is only exercise that does not aggravate her lower back. Richards has experienced a great deal of lower back and neck pain when working out in the past, however with the help of consistent Pilates she has been able to strengthen her core and cease this pain. 

Pilates has become a fundamental part of Denise's lifestyle.  “I don’t work out only when I’m preparing for a project or shoot or bikini season. Exercising is part of my routine". 

Want to find an exercise regime that is beneficial to your body? Have a click here to read up on the benfits of Pilates and why everyone under the sun should be doing this type of exercise!! 

Desperate to tone up after having a bub but not sure what exercise will be best for you? Try matwork or reformer Pilates today at Premium Pilates studio! Call 0402 680 724 or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com to enquire today! 

x Premium Pilates Studio

Images by http://www.dailymail.co.uk/, usmagazine.com, starpulse.com, pilatesreformer.com. 

KALE, PUMPKIN & CHICKPEA CASSOULET

I wish I could take credit for this beautiful, rustic Cassoulet but all the glory must go to creative Tasmanian farmer and cook Matthew Evans. I found this recipe in the latest edition of Feast magazine and couldn’t take my eyes off it. What really intrigued me was Evans quote re this dish; ‘this is such a great one-pot meal that you’ll probably want to become a vegetarian for winter’. I just had to try this one. Loaded with healthy and wholesome vegetables including kale (or the less available Cavolo nero), pumpkin, onions, chickpeas and tomatoes and topped with breadcrumbs, this meat-free cassoulet is divine. It is the tastiest way I have ever eaten kale and chickpeas and is a true blue winter dish. If you try any winter warmers on this blog- this is the one! 

INGREDIENTS

•   1 tablespoon coconut oil

•   2 onions, 1 red & 1 brown, finely chopped

•   2 bay leaves

•   1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme

•   1 teaspoon dried or fresh rosemary

•   3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

•   1 tablespoon smoked paprika

•   2 tablespoons ground coriander

•   1 tablespoon ground cumin

•   1 x 400g tin diced tomatoes

•   600g pumpkin, peeled & cut into 2cm pieces

•   2 x 400g tin chickpeas, rinsed & drained

•   2 large handfuls of kale or cavolo nero, stems removed and leaves washed & shredded

•   140g (2 cups) gluten free breadcrumbs

COOKING 

1. Preheat a fan-forced oven to 180 degrees celsius. Heat coconut oil in a large saucepan or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onions, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary and stir, cooking for 4 minutes or until onion has softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute or until it becomes fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and add the smoked paprika, coriander & cumin and stir well into pan until combined. 

2. Pour diced tomatoes and 750ml (3 cups) water into the pan to slow down the cooking. Return the heat to high and add the pumpkin, chickpeas and kale/cavolo nero. Add a pinch of sea salt and pepper and stir well to combine all ingredients. 

3. Transfer the ingredients to an ovenproof casserole pan unless you have used a deep frying pan in steps 1 & 2 that is ovenproof and will fit in your oven. Sprinkle half of the breadcrumbs (1 cup) on top of the vegetables and bake in the oven for 1 hour. After this time, remove from the oven and stir in the slightly browned breadcrumbs on the top, taste and add more salt & pepper if needed. Check the moisture level as well; you want there to be a small amount of liquid just below the chickpeas, so top up with some water if it is looking dry. (I added around 1/2 cup of water). Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the top and bake for another hour or until the breadcrumbs are golden and the pumpkin is tender. Serve hot. 

Serves / 6

Total Preparation time / 15 - 20 minutes 

Total Cooking time / 2 hours 15 minutes 

x Emily 

VICTORIA SECRET MODEL KARLIE KLOSS SHARES her EXERCISE SECRETS and why she LOVES PILATES

At only 21 years of age Victoria Secret angel Karlie Kloss is ranked 7th out of the top 50 models in the world and is one of Vogue Paris's top 30 models of the 2000's. Kloss stole headlines last year due to her very cute pixie cut, her fashionable style and of course, her toned & trim body! Karlie recently gave an interview where she revealed all her health and fitness secrets, which of course included PILATES! 

Kloss recently told 'T' magazine that she maintains her physique by exercising at least five days a week, balancing her cardio and strength/weight training. Karlie is a classically trained ballerina and therefore grew up with exercise framing her childhood. The young model loves to workout with friends whenever she can, as this pushes and challenges her. Saying that, Kloss also values working out solo, as she views exercise as "an opportunity to get away from everything and focus on myself.  It keeps me centered, and it’s the one or so hour in my day when I can clear my mind and just focus on movement." 

The sought-old model loves to work out outdoors and takes advantage of the summer weather by going for hikes and bike rides. In chilly New York City in winter, however, Kloss prefers the gym. Karlie says that feeling "strong both physically and mentally" motivates her to stay in shape and keep at her fitness regime. "I exercise to challenge my body to reach new goals. Movement feeds my mind and gives me energy throughout the day."

This Victoria Secret angel has also learnt to exercise incidentally. "I’ve learned that there are so many easy ways to incorporate movement into your everyday life. Instead of taking an escalator, I’ll take the stairs. I try to walk instead of taking the subway or a cab. It’s all about staying in motion." 

When 'T' magazine asked Kloss what exercise regime she prefers with regards to Pilates or Yoga, Karlie was quick to comment. "I enjoy yoga, but I’m a huge Pilates fan. Pilates relies on isolated, controlled movement and has allowed me to build up my core and strengthen my legs and arms." Karlie loves to Instagram evidence of her Pilates workouts whenever she gets a chance! 

The beauty admits that eating healthily plays an enormous role in maintaining her enviable shape. "It’s so important to nurture your body, especially when you’re exercising and moving constantly. Your body needs fuel to stay healthy and strong. Nothing can substitute for a balanced diet." Karlie has even utilised her healthy habits for the greater good! Kloss recently designed dairy and gluten-free cookies for Momofuku Milk Bar. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these cookies is donated to hunger relief. 

Karlie also sets fitness goals for her future and continues to challenge herself. "One fitness and life goal I’ve yet to accomplish is running a marathon. It’s on my bucket list. It is such an amazing accomplishment for the body and mind. You need incredible determination!" 

Looking for a type of exercise that will strengthen and tone your stomach, sides, legs and arms? Want to make exercise and healthy eating a permanent part of your life, like Karlie? Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724 or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com. 

x Emily 

Images by pop sugar, pinterest. 

PILATES WORKOUTS KEEP CAMERON DIAZ FIT and AGELESS AT 41

Actress Cameron Diaz is killing it at 41 years of age; she has a super taut body, a job where she gets to goof around everyday and she has a very healthy approach to ageing. The former model relies on healthy eating and regular Pilates workouts to keep her athletic, toned body in shape. 

Diaz recently did an interview with Esquire magazine, where she revealed that she is embracing ageing, instead of dreading it. 

"I love it (ageing). So much shit just falls away. Fear, mostly. It's the best age (the 40's). That's when a woman knows how to work things, or she doesn’t care about that anymore. You just stop being afraid. You don't worry about what men think."

The stunning beauty goes on to say that growing older has provided her with added confidence and perspective. Diaz has also utilised her years of experience to write her first fitness book, titled 'The Body Book', which is out now. Cameron has been a workout fanatic for the past two decades and reveals that she is fitter now at 41 than she was during her twenties. Diaz's book covers her age-defying secrets, which include daily Pilates workouts, low-carb eating that does not revolve around restriction and an optimistic, upbeat attitude. Despite the several blockbuster movies Cameron has starred in over the years, she called her health & fitness book one of her "proudest achievements". 

Diaz has a great personal attachment to her book, as she wrote it with the aim to inspire woman around the world to respect & love their bodies and to take control of their own health & fitness. Cameron admits that whilst balanced eating and exercise will assist in making you look good, the benefits that they will have on your psychological and emotional health is much greater.  "We (women) concentrate too much on what's happening on the outside...If you take care of what's going on in the inside, then you should have no problems."

The super healthy and fit Cameron that we see now splashed on magazine covers was not always so. "I used to eat fried food from morning to night when I was in my 20s," Diaz recently told USA Today.  The gorgeous actress quickly caught on that she need to completely change her diet to stay healthy inside and out. "As I got older, I realised I was working a little bit harder at digesting what I was eating, and I thought it is not fair to my body to keep doing this. If you are giving it a bunch of crap all the time, it will break down quicker and deteriorate quicker, so I stopped.” Cameron recalls that completely overhauling her eating and making healthy eating choices vastly improved her skin and her energy levels. 

Nowadays, Diaz can be found eating healthy proteins including chicken, steak, fish and prawns as well as lots of grilled vegetables. The movie star also enjoys chowing down on sprouts and seeds and avoids starchy food like white bread and pasta. Cameron's favourite breakfast consists of egg whites with sautéed tomatoes and steel-cut oats. 

Diaz exercises daily to keep her enviable body in shape. She loves Pilates, running and strength-training. 

Want to learn how to respect and stay in tune with your body as it ages? Interested in toning up your jiggly bits for summer like Cameron does? Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724 or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com. 

x Em

TERESA CUTTER'S PUMPKIN BREAD

I stumbled across this recipe by the Healthy Chef, Teresa Cutter, while looking in a House & Garden magazine for renovation inspiration. I’ve come across Teresa in the past and have tried out some of her gluten-free, often dairy-free and health-conscious desserts and treats. I am sure we are all guilty of thinking of allergy free and low sugar sweets as dry, bland and uninteresting at one point in time, but the Healthy Chef blows this falsehood out of the water with her full flavoured, moist and easy-to-make cakes, muffins and breads (among other recipes). Here is her Pumpkin Bread, adapted very slightly. Even if you are not a fan of pumpkin I suggest making it- the warm bread is delightful with a dollop of butter, dunked in a steaming bowl of soup or eaten solo. 

INGREDIENTS

• 3 heaped cups (450-475g) grated raw pumpkin 
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 4 eggs, preferably free-range 
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 
• 1/6 - 1/4 cup olive oil 
• 3 cups almond meal
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free baking powder, sifted 

COOKING / BAKING

1. Preheat a fan-forced oven to 180 degrees celsius. Line a narrow but deep loaf tin with baking paper. 

2. In a large bowl place the grated pumpkin, syrup, eggs, salt, nutmeg and oil. Mix to combine and add almond meal and baking powder, stirring well. 

3. Pour/spoon the pumpkin mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hour or until a skewer or knife inserted into the centre of the bread comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to rest for 1 hour before lifting out. 

Makes / 1 loaf

Total Preparation time / 15 minutes

Total Cooking time / 1 hour 10 minutes 

x Emily