Recipes

Summer is finally here! While it’s hard to beat an ice cold glass of water, we also love thinking outside the box for #OPTIMIZED ways to stay hydrated.

Many of us have trouble with our hormones. Irregular periods, PMS, fatigue, anxiety, bloating, mood swings, insatiable food cravings, breakouts. . .  does this all sound familiar? Many of these are thought to be normal especially during menstruation, but actually this can be because of an imbalance of oestrogen and progesterone. These are two key hormones that regulate your cycle. If you have an irregular cycle, this is where seed cycling comes in. Seed cycling is a growing trend claimed to balance hormones, boost fertility, and ease symptoms of menopause. It involves eating different seeds (Flax, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower) at different times of the month to balance certain hormones. Our menstrual cycles have two main phases: The follicular phase begins with menstruation The luteal phase starts after ovulation FOLLICULAR PHASE (Before egg is released) The Follicular Phase is the first half (typically days 1-14). This is when FSH hormone (follicle-stimulating hormone) causes you to develop follicles, and then an increase in estrogen releases an egg. You typically ovulate on day 14 of your cycle, which means most people are fertile on days 12-16. Along with the seed cycling, fish oil supplementation during the follicular phase can be a beneficial addition as it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory and another great source of omega 3s. Seeds Recommended for the follicular phase: Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds LUTEAL PHASE (After egg is released) The Luteal Phase is the second half (typically days 15-28). This is when progesterone increases to help your body prepare for a potential pregnancy, and then your body prepares to eliminate the uterine lining if there is not a pregnancy. Seeds Recommended for the Luteal phase: Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds Each seed has a specific role in regulating hormones throughout the cycle. The Follicular phase is characterized by rising estrogen levels and low progesterone. Flax seeds contain phytoestrogens, which act to regulate estrogen levels in the body, while pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which supports healthy progesterone production. During the Luteal phase, progesterone levels increase and estrogen levels drop. Sunflower seeds are rich in Vitamin E, which keeps progesterone levels in check, and sesame seeds contain selenium and zinc, both of which work to clear excess estrogen. These delicious bites are so much more than just a yummy snack!! If you are not worried about these bites being “sugar-free” feel free to use dates for the sweetener. They will end up tasting like brownies. This recipe would be ideal for your LUTEAL PHASE. For your FOLLICULAR PHASE, you can sub out the sunflower butter and/or tahini for pumpkin butter. VIVO Chocolate Covered Seed Cycling Bites What You Will Need: Food processor/Nutri-bullet Baking paper Square baking tin (20x20cm) Ingredients: Cookie Base Ingredients: 1 cup shredded coconut flakes 1/2 cup brazil nuts 1/2 cup ground flaxseed 1/4 cup Sunflower seed butter 6 tablespoons of cocoa powder 4 tablespoons of melted coconut oil 1-2 scoops of protein powder (I used VIVO Life Vanilla Protein ) 1/2 teaspoon of stevia OR 2-4 dates to make them super gooey (add more to taste if needed) Chocolate coating: 1 cup of 70% + dark chocolate TIPS: If your recipe is dry add small amounts of melted coconut oil until the dough is pliable. If your recipe is too soft add more protein powder until pliable Instructions: Add your brazil nuts to the food processor grind until it is a fine flour. Add flaxseed & coconut shreds to the nut flour & grind until a flour consistency is reached. Place the rest of your ingredients in the food processor one at a time to make sure everything is well combined. Scoop mixture into a square tin lined with baking paper & put in the fridge or freezer for 1-2 hours. Cut set mixture into bite size square and dip into your melted chocolate. Place bites into an airtight container and in the fridge. (Optional)Chocolate coating: Bites are great on their own without chocolate coating. Bites last up to 2 weeks Did you make this recipe? If you tried this recipe we would love to see! Share on Instagram and tag @officialoptmz and hastag it with #OPTMZ. Have you seen our other recipes from the vault: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Vegan C60 Coconut Ice Cream Chocolate Almond Protein Bars  

Keto Fat Bombs are low-carb, high-fat, no-bake treats. They're a great way for keto dieters to consumer enough fat macros. They're decadent, rich, chocolaty, an low in sugar making them the perfect treat for any keto dieter who enjoys rich desserts.

A peanut butter cup is a well-known moulded chocolate shaped cup, with a delicious peanut butter filling, which can be made with healthy ingredients making it the perfect snack to your day. We've incorporated CBD oil from FOURFIVE, taking this humble little treat, packed with healthy goodness, to the next level. Full Recipe Below Shop Here FOURFIVECBD

Summer is ice cream time and we have the best news: Ice-Cream can be healthy. You read that right, ice-cream can be healthy and to celebrate Veganuary month, we have whipped up a wholesome vegan ice cream recipe with toasted almonds, coconut and C60 MCT oil. This no-churn ice cream recipe is dairy-free, fruit based and totally customisable. We have added C60  MCT oil to this recipe which is a powerful antioxidant. Full Recipe Below Shop Here: NEUROACTIVE C60 MCT Oil

Nothing is more comforting than the smell of freshly baked gingerbread cookies, which has been a holiday tradition for many for hundreds of years. Gingerbread cookies are not only a holiday favourite, but a tasty little cheat snack most of us hide in our pantries. We've taken the traditional gingerbread recipe and further enhanced it with healthy brain-boosting adaptogens, giving you a reason to (occasionally) cheat on the diet. This recipe is super fun to make and decorate with the whole family.   Full Recipe Below   Shop Adaptogens Here: PRIMESELF KSM-66 Ashwagandha PRIMESELF Lion's Mane Mushroom *Remove powder from capsules to use within the recipe as directed

Once you try our #optimized homemade granola, you won’t go back to store-bought granola again.

Healthy can be delicious too, with our Shroom Elixir Date Balls. Date balls have been considered a SUPER HERO snack packed full of nutrients and goodness, satisfying any sweet tooth craving.

Banana Bread has always been a family favourite and we at OPTMZ jumped on the banana bread train, but with a healthy twist of course.

If you are looking for a new protein bar recipe that is quick and easy, then this is for you. These chocolate almond protein bars are a delicious healthy treat made from quality Nut Butters. You can easily substitute ingredients to find the perfect balance for any dietary requirements. It has never been easier to incorporate all your healthy proteins, in a fun and easy way. Full Recipe Below  

This delicious Thai inspired Chicken Satay is the perfect lunch time snack or even a quick dinner meal.