How to make a matcha latte and what are the health benefits?

I was recently invited to take part in the 'teapigs matcha challenge' in which you consume matcha everyday for 14 days and see how great you feel! There are so many different ways to consume matcha, such as in a smoothie, porridge, latte, cocktail or shot. Scroll down through the pictures to see how creative I got with mine!

Benefits of drinking matcha

* Matcha is the highest quality green tea powder - 15 times stronger than regular green tea

* It contains huge amounts of antioxidants which prevent disease, including catechin which is known for its cancer fighting properties

* It creates a calm buzz, gently waking you up so you are less likely to have a caffeine crash

* It can help to boost memory, concentration and happiness because of the production of dopamine and serotonin

* It increases your metabolism so aids in weight loss

* It removes toxins from the body and is high in chlorophyll

* It can help to lower cholesterol levels

* It promotes a healthy immunw system thanks to vitamins A & C, iron, calcium and potassium

How to make your own matcha latte at home

1. Boil the kettle and pour about a centimetre of hot water into a mug.

2. Heat up some almond milk in a pan on the stove

3. Whilst the milk is being heated, whisk up 1/4 teaspoon of matcha powder with the centimetre of hot water in the mug until all the lumps are gone and it's starting to get frothy.

4. Once the milk is warmed, pour it into the mug, whisk again, and enjoy!

I hope you are inspired to give this wonderful green powder a go - tag me on Instagram @cerealandpeanutbutter to show me your matcha creations and let me know how your matcha latte turns out!

Chocolate Zoats Baked Porridge

If you are yet to try 'Zoats', it's time to jump on the band-wagon. Although I am fully aware that adding courgette (zucchini for the 'Z') to a bowl of porridge sounds totally bizarre at first, I have discovered that it actually tastes incredible whilst enhancing the creamy texture.

Needless to say this dish is ridiculously good for you - free from refined sugar, dairy and wheat, it packs in green goodness from the courgette, and the hidden chia seeds to increase the protein and omega 3 content.


Ingredients


3/4 cup oats

1/2 courgette (zucchini) grated

1 tbsp chia seeds

1 tbsp cacao powder

1 tbsp carob powder (or double the cacao)

2tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp liquid sweetener (maple syrup/agave/honey)

1 cup almond milk of choice

1/2 a banana




Method


1. Pre-heat oven to 180C.


2. Combine all ingredients except banana in a bowl and mix well.


3. Transfer to stove and cook on a low-medium heat for 3 mins.


4. Chop the banana and stir through half.

5. Transfer to an oven-proof dish and decorate the top with the remaining banana.


6. Bake for 15 minutes and enjoy!