Healthy Lunch Inspo - Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls

I don't know about you, but I can sometimes find it really hard to get inspired for lunch. It's just that pain of the meal in the middle of the day! I find it so easy to get into a rut of having sandwiches or pre-prepared soups that I can just put in the microwave. However, these aren't always the best for you especially because microwaving food is a good way to loose nutritional value and too much bread...well we all know about that...

So I thought I would give rice paper rolls a go for a quick and healthy lunch. Pretty much anything goes with these - just choose your favourite healthy fillings. Mine are chicken and vegetable!

Ingredients:
Waitrose Rice paper roll pack including noodles and sweet chilli dipping sauce (you can also buy all these ingredients separately from specialty Asian stores which is better value)
Cold cooked chicken
Carrots cut into matchsticks
Finely chopped yellow pepper
Spring onion sliced longways
Chopped coriander and mint

Method:
1) Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and submerge the noodles for around 5 minutes until soft
2) Take the noodles out and drain of water
3) Refill the bowl with lukewarm water

2) Place one of the rice paper roll wrappers in the water for a few minutes until soft
3) Take it out, spread it onto a flat board and use a clean dish towel to mop up excess water
4) Fill with your ingredients - more is less with these as they are easier to roll when they are not overfilled!
5) Tuck the top and bottom of the roll over the ingredients and roll the sides tightly in - it takes a few times to get the knack of this
6) Enjoy with the sweet chilli dipping sauce

These are a delicious summery lunch and even better they are light and healthy.

Enjoy!

xx Kate

Product Review: The Body Shop Coconut Body Milk

 

This amazing little bottle of coconutty goodness from The Body Shop (RRP £8.00) came into my life a few weeks ago and now I am obsessed. It smells absolutely divine and instantly reminds me of lazy summer days on the beach. It is made with community fair trade virgin coconut oil from Samoa which makes it even better.

The bottle has a spray top which is perfect for quick application. It has a lovely light consistency which just glides over the skin and gets absorbed instantly. I like to put mine on just after a shower.

Beware though - you will smell like fresh coconuts - so don't try and mix with other perfumes!

For me this will be a permanent fixture over the Spring and Summer months!

xx Kate

Essential Oils

I know oils are not a new thing. In fact apparently women were using oils in ancient Egypt! However, for some reason oils did not enter my current beauty regime until fairly recently. Now I am using them regularly though - I wouldn't be without them.

I never had any reservations about trying oils as I have fairly dry skin. Oils that now make up the backbone of my daily regime are: Sukin Rosehip Oil, Bio Oil and Moroccan Oil Light. I have only been using the rosehip for the past few months but the others have been a fixture for over a year.

1. Sukin Rosehip Oil

This is a fab little product from Sukin - a Australian natural skincare brand. It is certified organic and cold pressed. Rosehip oil contains fatty acids that have great anti-aging properties. I originally had trouble using the oil - mainly because I would apply it to my fairly dry skin after showering, and then follow with moisturiser. I just found it wasn't sinking in well.

I had better results when I applied it when my face was slightly damp. However, the best results I have had have been using it after applying my Sukin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser. I use about 2-3 drops and warm them in my hands - I then spread liberally all over my face and neck massaging it in.

At first I wasn't sure about the effectiveness of the oil. Apart from waking up with incredibly soft skin, I wasn't sure whether it looked any smoother or plumper. However, I am starting to see some good results after a few months of using it The fine lines around my forehead and eyes have definitely improved and my skin has a healthier glow about it. It also continues to be amazingly smooth when I wake up in the morning!

2. Bio Oil

I originally bought Bio Oil to use on some eczema scars on my face. While it did make a difference to these, reducing the redness and overall appearance, I have to admit I wasn't comfortable using this oil on my face long-term. This is mainly because bio-oil is quite heavy and didn't let the delicate skin on my face breathe so well. One thing it is great for though is as an all over body moisturiser.

I apply this to my whole body straight after I shower. It is important to keep your skin slightly damp so the oil can spread easily. I spend a bit of time massaging it in to trouble areas - my thighs and upper arms. I have to admit I have seen great results. The oil really locks in moisture and it has definitely improved the overall appearance and smoothness of my skin - especially around the trouble areas like my thighs. This is definitely a routine I will keep up.

3. Moroccan Oil Light

Since my hair is quite fine I use the light version of this oil. I only need a tiny amount - slightly smaller that the width of the 5p coin. I smooth this through my hair focusing on the ends first. I then work it down through the roots and mid section. This instantly gives my hair a great shine and makes it really soft. It has a great smell too. While it is fairly pricey I have had my bottle for over a year now so it it well worth the investment.

Are there any oils that have found their way into your daily routine?

What are you finding works for you?

xx Kate

Welcome!

 

Hi and welcome to my new online space - fluorolife.

I have created this blog as a way to explore and share all the things I love - health, wellbeing, exercise, beauty, fashion and most importantly food!

So why fluorolife? Well the simple fact is life is so much better when it's colourful! I am constantly looking for variety in my life and am always looking for new things to try - whether it be the latest beauty product, a particularly delicious looking recipe or a new gym craze. So hopefully you will enjoy sharing my various experiences with me :)

xx Kate

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