Easy Vegan Protein Shake

I have this protein shake almost every day if I'm exercising, usually after my workout. I'm going to be straight with you; no, it isn't as sweet as sticky toffee pudding flavoured whey, but that's because this shake doesn't have any nasty added ingredients.

Not that I'm preaching - I'm more than partial to vanilla / double chocolate flavoured whey, but sometimes it's nice to know exactly what it is you're putting into your body. And, because I do eat meat, eggs and so on and so forth, I figured it would probably do my body good to go vegan on this one as often as I can.

Pea protein is around 80% protein, it's a great source of amino acids and it's low in carbs and fat. It's not that pea protein tastes bad or anything, it just tastes a bit like hay, which can be an odd taste to get used to. The maple syrup in this offers sweetness, and the cacao is really rich, bringing it all together to taste a lot like a thick chocolate milkshake.

To make this, you'll need:

• 30g unflavoured pea protein (I use Pulsin)
• 1 teaspoon organic cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon / teaspoon pure maple syrup (depending on how sweet you want it)
• 200ml almond milk (homemade or unsweetened)
• Water to mix to your desired consistency 

Place in shaker. Shake. Drink. 

#StayFitDontQuit with Get The Label

Getthelabel.com are backing the #StayFitDontQuit movement in a bid to encourage us to keep up the health kick as Autumn sets in and the focus on the Daily Mail's side bar of shame moves from bikini bodies, to ex-Hollyoaks stars wrapped up in chunky knits.

They sent me a beautiful selection of Adidas & Nike kit from their sportswear collection to keep me motivated, as well as a month's worth of spinning classes at MCR Spin Factory to use this month - cue #SpinSeptember, as I try and squeeze in as many classes as possible before my holiday next week!

Absolutely in love with the pair of knitted pink CC Fresh trainers, they are SO comfy and light. I've not braved these babies for an outdoor run yet, I think they might be gym shoes for a while yet... I'm only just letting the Nike frees I got for Christmas out!

Anyway, watch this space as I spin my way through September... I did a gruelling 45 minute class this evening and I'm booked on to the 7am Boot Spin tomorrow. Je suis fatigue.

Brunch @ Federal Cafe, Northern Quarter

I've spoken about how much I love eating out before, but I think I've reached new grounds here. 

After visiting Federal Cafe on Friday morning for the first time with my team at work (nothing like avo and eggs to set you up for smashing out the last day of the week), I knew I'd be back soon. Sunday morning soon, it turned out.. 

Breakfast on Friday

When I arrived at 8am on Friday there were already a few tables occupied; two girl friends having an early catch up over French toast and tea, a guy busying himself on his laptop with a giant mug of coffee beside him, people popping in in suits, for their morning caffeine fix - there was a really good atmosphere.

Inside, it's actually smaller than I expected, but I think it offers a more intimate, homely vibe (and explains reports I've heard of queues forming out the door - FYI it's worth the wait..). 

I was immediately drawn to the 'Smashed Avo' on sourdough toast with poached eggs & streaky bacon, and a matcha latte to green things up a little. My team mate ordering food misheard me on the matcha front and so I also ended up with a Macchiato Espresso, which I'm certainly not complaining about. I think I'd actually really enjoy coffee tasting; this particular little bean was fruity with hints of dark chocolate, and I must admit I felt very knowledgeable reading off the taste card and preceding to mutter things like 'oh yes I can definitely get a feel for those deep berries..,' to myself. 

 

Most of us went for similar egg based dishes - there were a couple of egg Benedict's, a mushroom and egg affair (which I'd get to on Sunday...), a salmon bagel and the thickest wedge of banana bread and mascarpone, which sadly I didn't sample but smelt amazing.

I was seriously impressed with the generous portions; I find a lot of places nowadays can scrimp on things like the avocado - but this was hearty and decent. Speaking of the avocado, it was zesty and softened the crispy sourdough crusts just perfectly in my eyes. The eggs were bang on and the bacon was everything you'd imagine - salty and crunchy. It's making my mouth water thinking about it again!

I could've sat there for hours but we were served and out within 45 minutes (sadly), to head off to work.

Brunch on Sunday

On Sunday it was a slightly lazier affair, popping in around 11, and the place was steadily filling up.

It was busier but held that relaxed vibe - lots of people dining solo reading books, people coming in with their parents, as well as groups of friends. The staff were smiley and welcoming too, which is always a bonus!

This time, I'd spied mushrooms, so went for the Shrooms & Halloumi, and James did the same (I was hoping he'd pick the French Toast so I could sample but we're both massive savoury breakfast fans, one to try for next time definitely).

Well. It didn't disappoint. More of that sourdough and perfectly poached eggs (see picture below for obligatory yolk porn), but this time with slices of thick, squeaky halloumi, garlic and thyme roasted mushrooms and a spicy tomato relish. It was lush.

The relish made the dish for me. I love a tomato based sauce any day of the week so it was right up my street, and paired with the yolk it made a great base to mop up with bread.

Drinks wise, you must get the chai spiced latte. This probably sounds OTT but it was silky smooth to sip with a nice cinnamony kick, one of those things you don't want to end. James's massive cappucino in the red cup was also a winner.

  

I think you can tell I'm a fan. Would it be too much to go *again* this week to try their Brinner menu?

If you've been to Federal and think there's a dish I need to try, let me know and I'll gladly try it out!

Lunch @ Foundation Coffee, Northern Quarter

This afternoon I met up with three fellow foodies for lunch, a natter and an impromptu potter around the Makers Markets in Spinningfields. Pamela, Sophie, Vicki & I had been meaning to try out Rust and Stone, but sadly they aren't open on Sundays, so had to make do with Foundation Coffee instead - and I'm so glad we did; it's lush!

Definitely perfect if you're looking for a 'coffice' to work from during the week (or weekend), and it's so refreshing to see more eateries in Manchester catering for the health conscious. I love the look of the place; bright white tiles, big tables and low hanging lights.

The coffee menu is extensive, however after enjoying a huge mug of caffeine earlier in the morning, I opted for an almond milk matcha latte.

For food, I went for a mixture of two salads; the chickpea, cumin, cucumber, chilli and tomato & the bulgur wheat, fennel, red onion, orange and almond, teamed with a savoury mackerel and pumpkin seed muffin - which does sound odd I'll admit, but absolutely hit the spot and was a winner with the beetroot dip (beetroot, zaatar [middle eastern herbs, FYI, I had no idea], chickpeas & chilli). The carrot and star anise dip was beautiful in its own right, adding a sweet element to cut through the chilli.

We also did shots.

100% ginger shots. It was er, spicy to say the least! Warming to the back of your throat, and not a taste I'll forget in a hurry..!

There was a selection of cold salads, dips, tarts, raw fruit and nut balls, savoury muffins, and an impressive cake selection from the black cat eatery.

Oh my gosh the cake. Let me tell you about the cake.

I opted for the dark chocolate and almond (look.at.it)... it was so delicious, even the lovely bloke behind the counter said he wasn't into healthy eating and couldn't tell it was vegan and sugar free - winner!

Next time, I'm definitely going for a coffee, and another large slice of that cake...

A lovely lunch, enjoyed with three other lovely girls!