Emma Newlyn Yoga

If you thought the words ‘detox’ and ‘pancakes’ could never make it into the same sentence, you’re in for a treat. This healthy brunch recipe is very low in sugar, high in protein and without any processed ingredients. Best of all, it will keep you warm, nourished and full, so you won’t even feel like you’re detoxing at all!*

Beetroot contains high levels of antioxidants, iron and has the ability to greatly increase circulation. The leaves are often thrown away, but they actually contain a hige amount of nutrients, so it’s worh saving them to steam and serve with recipes like this.

Buckwheat is in fact not a grain, but is related to the rhubarb family. It’s debatable, but grains can be the cause of many health problems including malabsorption of vital nutrients (click here to learn more about why grains are controversial). To give your body a break from grains without missing out on meals that require flour, opt for buckwheat.

Eggs are said to be the most perfect source of protein we can obtain. They contain B12 (difficult to obtain naturally from a plant-based diet) and high quality protein.

Cinnamon helps to balance blood sugar and is a naturally healthy way to maintain a healthy metabolism.

Ginger aids in digestion and has powerful anti-inflammatory effects from compounds known as gingerols.

Nutmeg should be consumed in small amounts, since a toxic dosage is actually about two to three teaspoons. That said, it’s a brilliant aid to digestion, and is very effective at boosting mood levels…. Many Christmas recipes contain nutmeg as it was traditionally thought to raise ‘Christmas cheer’….

Lemon zest aids in cleansing the body and helps bring the body into a less acidic and more alkaline state.

Hemp milk. Hemp is incredible. It’s high in plant-based protein, is very easily digested, helps to boost mood and energy levels, and you can make all sorts of things from paper to clothes from it. A truly sustainable energy source, hemp milk isn’t just good for you, it’s good for the environment too!

Parsley is cleansing and detoxifying, especially for the liver.

Chilli aids in digestion and boosting the ‘agni’ or ‘digestive fire’.

Lime juice brings out the flavours in other ingredients and adds a citrusy kick to dishes. With high amounts of vitamin C, it’s also a great natural way to boost the immune system.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup buckwheat flour
• ½ tsp each of: cinnamon and ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• tsp freshly grated ginger
• tsp lemon zest
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup hemp milk
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tsp coconut oil for frying

How To

• Add your flour, spices, grated ginger, lemon zest, baking powder and bicarb to a large bowl and mix well
• Crack in 2 eggs and whisk well to form a smooth batter
• Heat a tsp coconut oil in a medium pan over a medium heat and wait for it to melt completely
• Once melted and hot, add a ladle-full of pancake batter and cook until you start to see small bubbles forming on the top – when this happens, flip the pancake and cook on the other side for 1-2 minutes.
• Repeat this until all of your batter has turned into delicious pancakes
• Serve topped with steamed beetroot greens, fresh parsley, chilli flakes and a squeeze of lime.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, simply swap the toppings for fresh low sugar fruit like blueberries or raspberries, a dollop of coconut or other non-dairy yogurt and raw cacao nibs for your detox brunch!

*(If you’ve completely ignored any healthy new year’s resolutions or had one too many after making up for your ‘Dry January’ challenge, these are also a handy hangover cure…….)