My holidays begin with such good intentions…pre-trip I have a chat to myself about enjoying culinary opportunities with a little moderation in mind.  Absolutely sample new foods; indulge in favourites, settle down with nightly G&T’s – after all that is what holidays are for.  It just might be nice if I could avoid chewing something 24 hours of the day.

I had visions of our recent trip to Japan bringing a healthy start to the year – lots of Miso, Sashimi, cleansing Green Tea – the excesses of Christmas festivities (trifle and pavlova anyone…) would be whittled away.

However – on day two of our trip – I discovered Japanese department stores have an entire floor devoted to every conceivable version of cake, pastry, sweet and desert known to mankind.  It was game over from then on…because basically I am a glutton (I blame my Dutch genes, I am simply unable to walk past anything with cream).

Needless to say I have returned more Sumo than Svelte; and oh so sluggish…

My trusty Sunbeam Blender on the Go has been dragged from the depths of the cupboard. It is a basic three piece machine that is a steal at $49.95 (currently at The Good Guys); oh so easy to use – and more importantly, quick to clean (I have too many bread makers, juicers, and other paraphernalia stored in the garage, to indulge anymore appliances that don’t get regular use…).

I love piling in whatever blend of veggies and fruit is in the fridge – todays version included;

1/4 cucumber,  hand full of baby spinach, lime,  1/2 frozen banana,  1 tsp almond nut butter,  1 tsp natural muesli,

1 plum,  1/4 of an apple,  water to mix

A protein and vegetable filled meal later in the day and I am set…

It is not so much the weight gain that irks me, it is the bloated feeling.  It is great to give your system a cleanse; and February is a good time to try.

HOW DO YOU GET BACK ON A HEALTHY TRACK AFTER HOLIDAY INDULGENCE (and smoothie recipes to share)?

WHAT IS YOUR MOST USED PIECE OF KITCHEN EQUIPMENT?