Are you ready to make healthy easy again?

Well, you’ve certainly come to the right place!

Luke Hines is a passionate cook and health foodie. Dubbed Australia’s ‘Clean Living Expert’, Luke creates real fuss-free recipes that look and taste amazing. All of Luke’s recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free.

Luke’s latest book, Healthy Made Easy, shows you how healthy food can be incredibly simple to make and taste damn delicious too. Every recipe is filled with sustainable protein, fresh fruit and vegetables that’ll help you thrive and flourish, rather than feel restricted, hungry and bored. Say goodbye to those celery sticks and say hello to over 140 fast and delicious recipes.

The 'Gaytime' Cake

Healthy Made Easy focuses on finding tantalizingly tasty, healthy substitutions for your favourite old-school meals and snacks that’ll help boost your energy and make you feel happier and healthier more than ever before. PSA: this is also how being around Luke makes you feel!

If you’re ready to transform your life, regardless of how busy you are or your kitchen experience (I know, we can’t all cook for a living!), Healthy Made Easy is the book for you. t’s a great gift to your favourite chef in your life! You can find other presents for your favourite chef friends here. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about Luke and his delicious new book, read our interview below! Oh, and don’t forget his Coconut and Blueberry Loaf recipe - it's a real winner.

• Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started?

Having grown up struggling with my weight all throughout my teens, but not being overly sporty, I completed my high school years knowing I had to do something about my health, but what? I fell in love with the gym, but more so, I actually LOVED being in the kitchen! Fast-track 10 years of my life and I become a Personal Trainer with a specific focus on eating clean. Then a little show called My Kitchen Rules changed my life in 2013 and made food my full-time gig. Now, I spend my years writing recipes, sharing my books with the world, and hopefully inspiring others to know that healthy cooking is super easy, fun and really delicious!

• I love your Facebook Live Cooking Videos; they’re always hilarious and everything you make is drool-worthy! What made you start them?

They sort of just accidentally happened! I first started filming videos and them editing them, and this proved time-consuming and I often felt a little unnatural when doing certain parts of the recipe over and over for the perfect shot. I decided I was better live as I was less nervous (go figure) and it actually showcases what cooking is like for everyone else at home. No staged, not faked and anything can happen! I realised people really resonated with the fact that not everything always works out, and thats ok! Its about having fun and simply using real food ingredients!

Surf-Chilled Coconut Ocean Trout

• Do you subscribe to a food or wellness philosophy?

I did spend a period of time where I was fairly strict Paleo, I think energetically at that time I needed the structure that it came with to get my health on track, but asking me now I am more a flexitarian, making sure that life always comes first. What I mean by that is that I try to eat clean, which to me is the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet and limit anything that could cause harm or inflammation, but never let the way I eat dictate my adventures in life as experiences should always come first. That means when I am in Italy, it's all about pizza and pasta, mindfully, in moderation! I don’t think we should ever restrict, just do the best you can when possible and in routine, and relax and don’t be hard on yourself if things don’t always go to plan!

• What are your top 3 cooking staples? 

Eggs! Perfect for cakes, oh and breakfast! They are a true superfood in so many ways, and the real versatile hero for the kitchen!

Cauliflower! From rice to a pizza base, these babies are the bomb! What's not to love also about a simple slow roasted cauliflower in coconut oil or ghee! YUM!

Raw Cacao! Perhaps its the magnesium, or maybe she’s born with it, but I am obsessed with raw cacao! Added to my morning coffee, in a healthy raw chocolate slab, or in a delightedly chilli mole mince! Healthy and delicious, what more can you ask for?

• If you could cook a meal for one person(apart from me ha!), who would it be and what would you make?

I’d actually love to cook for Stephen Spielberg! I am a massive movie addict, and I just LOVE his films, especially Jurassic Park, it still holds up today as one of the most magical pieces of cinematic work and it's almost 30 years old!  I'd ask for all the behind the scenes ‘how was that made’ type stuff! Plus, he might cast me in his next movie about a humble chef from Australia being kidnapped by pirates at sea.  

• What are your top tips for people who are trying to live a healthier life?

First and foremost you have to be kind to yourself! Any physical and emotional transformation for the better, requires us to love our selves and be comfortable in the now, so we can let go of stress and allow ourselves to move into our next phase of health. Then, I would say, small, easy, incremental steps each day that add up to long term sustainable change. Progress over a long period of time is better than rushing and burning out.

•  Tell us about Healthy Made Easy?

Healthy Made Easy was born from all the amazing feedback from the book that came before, Eat Clean. Anytime I asked anyone what their favourite thing about Eat Clean was, the answer was the same, EASY but still delicious recipes. I spoke to my publisher and I said, how about we give them more recipes, that are quicker, easier and easier than ever before, in the hope that we could eliminate the stress and time that some people think comes with cooking your own nutritious food. As health authors, we often hear people say that eating well can be costly, confusing and take too long, it's time to turn this myth on its head!

 - What’s your favourite recipe from Healthy Made Easy?

Oh, this is like having to pick a favourite child! Ok, so, I will give you my favourite sweet and my favourite savoury! My favourite savoury is the Bangkok Beef Cheeks due to their delightful curry sauce and use of one of my favourite cuts of meat! And as for dessert, I can’t go past the Easy As Lemon Slice! It is so simple and delicious!

Wow thanks Luke and thank you for the wonderful recipe you are sharing with us today 🙂

Coconut and Blueberry Loaf - Makes 1 loaf 

I love this loaf as a slightly sweeter more decadent start to my day. Inspired by the traditional banana bread, the coconut and blueberries are a wonderful flavour combination. Enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted in a pan with some coconut oil until crispy, this is epic when lathered with the coconut frosting and drizzled with honey.

Ingredients: 

• 200g desiccated or shredded coconut, plus a few extra to garnish the top
• 6 free range eggs
• 1 large very ripe banana, mashed
• 1 teaspoon gluten free baking powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon fresh vanilla bean
• 1 1/4 cup frozen blueberries, plus a few extra to garnish the top
• Vanilla coconut cream, to top
• 1 tablespoon honey, to drizzle

Directions:

• Get started by preheating your oven to 180 degrees and lining a 450gram loaf or bread tin with baking paper. In a good-quality powerful food processor, blitz the desiccated coconut until it forms a crumbly flour-like consistency. Be mindful not to over-process it, as it will turn into coconut butter.
• Either by hand or using a hand held mixer, beat the eggs, maple syrup and vanilla bean for a few minutes until well combined. Now add in the mashed banana and stir to combine.
• Fold the coconut flour mixture you’ve made into the wet mixture, then gently fold through the frozen blueberries. Pour the batter into the lined loaf tin and top the batter with extra blueberries and shredded coconut.
• Bake at 180C for 45 mins. Remove from the oven, turn onto a wire rack if you’ve got one and allow it to cool if you are patient.
• Enjoy it immediately with a generous lather of vanilla coconut frosting and drizzled with honey or your favourite topping. Store in an air-tight container in the pantry or fridge.

Health Tip: This delicious breakfast bread is also great with a slathering of butter or coconut oil. 

Note: Last up to 7 days in fridge.

Hey food fans! Now, there’s absolutely no point in me telling you that “you are what you eat”. You’re a fan of this website so I’m going to presume you already know that. What you might be surprised to learn is that what we eat can have a huge impact on how well we sleep.

For instance, having a 10oz steak just before bed isn’t exactly going to do wonders for your slumber. All that protein requires your digestive system to do a whole lot of work. And a churning gut is not really what you want when you’re heading to bed. When your head hits that pillow you want your body to be as relaxed as it can possibly be. The gut has its own rhythms that compete with your circadian rhythms that’s why I recommend eating earlier in the night. 

And skipping the  late night steak is sensible for sure. If you do get a little bit peckish before bed (which is perfectly natural), try picking something from our fabulous ‘sleep promoter’ menu below instead...

The humble Kiwi

New Zealand is an amazing country. Not only does it have some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, the best rugby teams on the planet and exotic wildlife found nowhere else (the Kea anyone?), it’s also home to the humble kiwi fruit.

Small, green and covered in fuzz, the kiwi fruit is not only delicious, it’s also incredible for your sleep.

Enjoying one, or better yet, two, of the hairy green fellas an hour before bed is scientifically proven to improve your slumber. Well at least according to a team of researchers from Taiwan. And I’ve no reason to doubt them!

Exactly why the kiwi is so useful for sleep is still not clear but it’s thought to be due to the high levels of serotonin and antioxidants present in the superfruit. Serotonin being one of the neurotransmitters that controls your mood, stress levels and sleep cycles. Thanks New Zealand!

Tasty turmeric

A stable of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, adding a pinch of turmeric to your diet is proven to have a host of health benefits. It boosts your immune system, helps digestion and can play a role in reducing blood-sugar levels. Three things that can get in the way of a good night’s rest.

In the Indian subcontinent a very popular pre-bed nightcap is so-called ‘Golden Milk’, this is a cup of hot milk topped up with a healthy does of tumeric and then seasoned with pinch of ginger or cinnamon, or both. Mmmm...sounds delightful doesn’t it? And a lot  healthier than a cup of hot chocolate. Have you tried my Anti-inflammatory Toddy recipe? It makes a beautiful night cap. 

Wonderful walnuts

Traditional healers have been making use of walnuts since time immemorial. The nutty little guys have been used to treat anything from skin conditions in adults to colic in babies. Now it seems that walnuts can also be used to enhance your sleep too.

Why are walnuts so good for sleep? Well it’s because they contain melatonin boosting agents. Melatonin being the essential hormone that dictates how well your sleep cycle works. The more melatonin in your blood stream the drowsier you get and the easier it is to fall asleep.

In a nutshell, that’s why walnuts are so wonderful! But a word of warning before you go knocking back a fistful of the nobbly chaps, take care if you haven’t tried them before, walnuts can be highly allergenic. So before you have supersized serving for your supper, maybe make sure you’re not allergic first.

For more on the risks and rewards of late night snacking have a quick look at this handy guide to eating before bed.

Delightful Dairy

Now I know there are many dairy fans out there but also a lot of you who are not into dairy. There are good reasons for both positions. What I’m going to say is that for some people taking a dose of dairy before bed can do great things for their sleep. Obviously for others this definitely wouldn't be the case.

Why is dairy good for sleep? Well, because dairy products are rich in calcium and a sleep promoting amino acid known as tryptophan. Studies indicate a calcium deficient may make it harder to drop off at night. So having a cheerful lump of cheese or yummy yogurt before could be a good move. Don’t worry that whole thing about cheese give you nightmares is just a myth.

Now, I’m not giving you free reign to start polishing off bowls after bowl of ice-cream. Sugar is about as far from a sleep promoter as you can get. And if you still want to get the calcium kick but don’t want to go down the dairy direction, try some other calcium crazy foods instead, such as dark leafy greens, broccoli or sardines for dinner.

Well, there you have it – four wonderful sleep enhancing foods that can play a very real role in improving how well you sleep tonight. Also there is another little thing you can do that will guarantee a solid night’s sleep. Try mixing some Cibdol CBD oil into your food or a have few drops before bed. 

Happy eating and sweet dreams!

After an amazing trip to the UK I've hit the ground running and fallen straight into the arms of my trusted soup pot. Today I'm back into the kitchen and whipping up one of my favourite soups.  There’s something about chicken soup that feels like coming home. Chicken soup has a way of bringing comfort and warmth to even the coolest of autumn nights. I’m convinced that chicken soup has the power to heal anything - from the worst colds and flus to the winter blues and even jet lag. 

Not only is soup extremely nourishing, it's also the perfect way to sneak in a few extra veggies, increase your fibre and water intake! Soups are an extremely popular choice for cooler nights but they’re equally as delicious, and sometimes even better, the next day for lunch. This Chicken and Vegetable Anti-Inflammatory Soup is super satisfying and is extra special because it's home-made. Seriously. There’s nothing better. It can cure anything; it’s your new autumn staple. Please give it a try.

One supercharged feature of this soup, which deserves a lot more credit than I am giving it, is my favourite ingredient garlic. There’s a lot more to garlic than being a great flavour booster and toast companion. Garlic is a strong detoxifier which reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system. The compound within garlic known as Allicin is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, fighting off infections as the seasons change! It fights off colds, flus and first kisses (you’re welcome, parents)! I love garlic so much. In fact, I’d say it’s an essential ingredient in a Supercharged Kitchen.

Zucchini may be low in calories but it's extremely high in nutrients. This antioxidant-rich veg is rich in Vitamin C, lowering inflammation and oxidative stress. It's also high in the mineral potassium, which improves heart health and may naturally lower blood pressure. I've added it to the soup to up the green quota. 

Chicken soup is truly nourishing for your insides, particularly your digestive system. It's what I like to call Soul Food. Even Oscar likes it! He has impeccable table manners by the way.

Another green veg featured in this supercharged soup is broccoli. Broccoli is high in antioxidants and is actually a natural liver detoxifier! Even if you're not much of a drinker, your liver health can become compromised by the chemicals you ingest and medicines you take. Consuming broccoli is a great way to help your body naturally detoxify and get your liver working at it's prime!  Broccoli is also high in fibre, soothing the gut lining and preventing bacterial overgrowth. 

Another year-long essential that features in this soup is my Golden Gut Blend. It provides a dose of gut-loving golden spice that is rich in minerals, great for anti-bloating and creating an alkaline environment within the body. It’s also high in absorbable iron, boosting energy and brain function, so you can kick those cold weather blues for good! Golden Gut Blend is also a metabolism booster and can soothe the gut after eating too. 

You can make this soup in batches and keep it in the freezer for those nights when you can't think of anything worse than yawning while standing over the stove-top waiting for the water to start bubbling... been there, done that, bought the wooly jumper. This soup will stay good for about three months in the freezer and a week in the fridge. If you’re looking for a meat-free soup, swap out the chicken stock for vegetable stock – it really is that simple. Vegetarians I've got your back!

Supercharge your health tonight with my scrumptious Chicken and Vegetable Anti-inflammatory Soup.

Chicken and Vegetable Anti-Inflammatory Soup

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 4 large garlic cloves sliced 
• 2 large carrots cubed
• 4 zucchini cubed
• 1 head broccoli chopped small 
• 500 mls chicken stock
• 1 lemon squeezed
• 3 tbs wheat free tamari
• 1 TBS golden gut blend 
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Warm 1 tbs oil in heavy based saucepan on medium heat 
2. Pan fry garlic slices then remove and set aside
3. Add 1 tbs oil and all veg and cook on medium until softened and browned 
4. Add remaining ingredients and bring to the boil stirring then turn down heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly so that you can blend all ingredients in a processor or blender
6. Season to taste

Design by Catfish Creative

The gut is one of the most important components of the body. We interact with it daily and are constantly receiving feedback from it and yet, it’s something that as a society, we tend to keep on the down-lo. We don’t like to talk about our digestive systems in public because it can feel a little too personal, but it’s something so intricately connected to every single thing we do.

Feel nervous about something? It’s more than likely you’ll have butterflies in the pit of your stomach. Did you eat something that didn’t agree with you? You’re probably feeling bloated or, maybe you’re running to the bathroom.

When we have these issues, we usually take on great measures like eating more vegetables, piling on the sauerkraut, taking fantastic gut-boosting powders such as my Love Your Gut Powder, and so on, but it can be hard to tell if what we’re doing is working and what our best course of action actually is.

So, I’ve decided it’s finally time to reveal the truth. Get those pens out, brains open and ears listening because it’s time to go back to school – gut school!  Get ready for Gut Health 101, with your teacher, Lee Holmes. Are you ready?

Let’s imagine our gut as a beautiful Amazonian rainforest. It’s a naturally complex and dense ecosystem that, when thriving, is luscious and ever-expanding. Every single unique part in the forest plays a role in creating one of the most beautiful environments on the planet. To keep it that way, we need to balance what we feed it to keep it thriving. However, when we diminish its diversity, cause pollution or create damaging conditions, the naturally flourishing system can become harmed and limit its ability to keep us protected and thriving. We need to look after this ecosystem to prevent issues. But, where do we begin?

Well, we need to first figure out where we went wrong. This is where technology comes in.

Luckily for us, the gut is constantly under the microscope, with new scientific research and growing technological findings every day. This has hugely improved our understanding of the microbiome of our gut. There are a multitude of tests available now which can help give us a greater understanding of what’s going on in our digestive systems. These tests can help us understand the reason behind some of the gastrointestinal issues we may be experiencing; however, not everyone needs to get these tests done. If you’re experiencing digestive problems, I recommend speaking to your GP or health practitioner and figure out together whether a test is right for you.

First up, we’ve got the comprehensive stool analysis. This test helps give us a greater understanding of the garden of our microbiome. The stool analysis takes a look at the colonies of bacteria within the gut, as this has a huge impact on our digestion, hormones, immune system and brain. This test can also identify if there’s a build-up of negative bacteria in the gut. If this is the case, Love Your Gut Powder and Golden Gut blend can come in handy as they can help sweep out impurities, heavy metals, parasites and nasty gut bugs without interfering with or wiping out the beneficial bacteria we need for our guts to thrive.

Second on our list of tests is none other than the SIBO breath test. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) negatively affects the structure of the small intestine which can affect the way in which nutrients are absorbed. This can also be connected to 'leaky gut', where the intestinal walls become permeable to proteins which make their way into the bloodstream, causing abnormal immune responses, allergies, intolerances and autoimmune issues. The SIBO breath test is simple and can be ordered online or done through your GP or health practitioner. Diets can also play a major role in helping eradicate SIBO and prevent relapse. You might like to read my 21 Day SIBO guide plus recipes and meal plan eBook.

Some people don’t tolerate histamines well, which can increase their sensitivity to particular foods high in histamine. The histamine tolerance test can help detect whether there’s a histamine intolerance present.

Intestinal permeability screening is a blood lab test that measures antibodies against bacterial toxins and other proteins in the gut. It can enhance our understanding of the permeability of the gut lining and can help indicate whether someone has ‘leaky gut’ syndrome. You can read more about leaky gut here and at omnibioticlife.com.

The last test we’ll talk about is the cross-reactive food reactivity; a blood-test for people who’ve worked on their diet but still experience the same symptoms. This can happen when non-gluten containing foods interact with, or are in the same vicinity as, gluten-containing foods. Our bodies react as if the gluten has triggered a response. This test helps us figure out how severe the intolerance is.

Fish and fennel Broth

Now that we’ve been tested, we have to figure out how to clean up our ecosystem! Some foods that I recommend when trying to heal and seal in order to supercharge the gut and keep the garden growing are bone and veg broths, probiotic-rich food if your histamine levels are ok and slowly-cooked vegetables and stews. I also suggest avoiding foods that inflame the gut. These include processed foods and packaged foods with chemicals and preservatives that our bodies don’t even recognise! Gums and thickeners are two common culprits of digestive disorders and should be avoided. Try limiting your intake of raw foods too as these can cause bloating and reduce your overall intake of gluten, alcohol, sugar, dairy and caffeine.

If you really want to take your gut health to the next level, my Supercharge Your Gut print book and Supercharge Your Gut online program work by nurturing the digestive system two days a week, helping to harness a balanced environment within the gut.

Supercharging Your Gut is a beautiful way to practice self-care; not only does it help calm the nervous system, boost energy, improve moods and reduce stress, it's also the perfect plan for optimising gut health. It'll give your gut a boost and beautify your inner-ecosystem without taking over your life. Your body will be propelled to convert energy more efficiently and take a load off your digestive system. With so many delicious recipes to try, mindful practices and lifestyle tips, you’ll be able to enjoy supercharging your gut and gardening that inner-forest of yours and experience the positive outcomes in no time!

One beautiful and fun way to show the gut some love is to stimulate the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which can be compromised in gastrointestinal issues. While eating clean and doing mindful, stress-busting practices can help out our vagus nerve, it’s been found that gargling and singing can improve vagal functions. So, if you need me, you'll find me singing The Greatest Showman soundtrack in my car… it’s to boost my gut health, okay?

If you want to find out more tips on supercharging your gut to help you thrive, not just survive, and flourish that beautiful inner-ecosystem of yours, and get over 100 amazing recipes be sure to check out my new book Supercharge Your Gut!

It’s incredibly easy to get lost in the crazy world of social media and completely lose sight when it comes to healthy eating. While celebrities and supermodels promote insane diets, unhealthy skinny teas, sugar-laden ‘protein’ bars and more, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for us to navigate a reliable source of information and the best way to achieve a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

If you want my opinion, the best way to do that is to eat real food and love your gut.

Which brings me to my next point – protein.

While some people rave on and on about how you need "x" amount of protein to build muscles, become lean, pick up buildings, etc. it’s important to note that you don’t need to eat meat for every single meal to get enough protein. There are plenty of sources of plant-based protein that can be enjoyed by everyone, not just your hippie vegan friends.

So, without further ado, it’s time to pass the spotlight onto the product of the moment – hemp seeds.

Before I go on, I think it’s important to clarify a few things about our hemp-y friends. Hemp seeds aren’t the smelly stuff your neighbours have been smoking and it won’t impair your state of mind either. Basically, what I’m trying to say is that hemp isn’t the same. Hemp seeds are the fruit of the hemp plant, and only contains trace (<.5%) amounts of the psychoactive element THC so it won’t affect your state of mind.

The Thompson’s Hemp Range contains proteins full of amino acids, including the essential amino acids that our bodies are unable to produce. They’re also high in essential fatty acids, dietary fibre and boost energy. Plus, they’ve got a delicious nutty taste and super satisfying crunch.  I love that they’re a low allergy food and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

If you’re loving the idea of hemp but unsure where to begin, as always, I’ve got a delicious recipe up my sleeve! I’ve created crispy salmon cutlets with hemped-up protein and a rocket salad with a hemp and lemon dressing. It’s super simple but sure to satisfy every single one of your cravings. I love the sweetness of the pumpkin, the crunch of the hemp seeds and the zing of the lemon & hemp oil dressing.

Pumpkin’s aren’t just good for Halloween! Pumpkins are packed full of fibre, antioxidants and minerals. They can also help boost our immunity and reduce inflammation. Undoubtedly, the best way to enjoy pumpkin is baked in the oven. I love when it comes out sweet, toasty and ultimately, delicious.

Of course, this dish wouldn’t be complete without some salmon. Salmon is a serious wonder-fish. It’s high in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins for energy and protein. It’s one of the most nutritious foods on the planet - it can even promote eye, skin and heart health!

I’ve combined these three wonderful ingredients, pumpkin, salmon and hemp, to create the ultimate dinner or lunch to impress. Make it for yourself, your family, your friends or even your special someone and they’ll be blown away with your cooking abilities and new-found knowledge on all things hemp!

Are you ready to get hemp-y?

You can find the new Thompson’s range at pharmacies and health food stores across Australia.

Crispy Salmon Cutlets with Hemped-up Pumpkin and rocket salad with a hemp and lemon dressing

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 2 salmon cutlets

For salad:

• 1/4 pumpkin chopped into squares
• 1 tbs olive oil 
• 2 cups rocket leaves
• 1 cucumber peeled and slices
• 2 tbs Thompson's hemp seeds
• 2 tbs pine nuts

Method:

• Heat oven to 175 degrees Celsius
• Lay pumpkin on a baking tray and cover with olive oil then bake for about 30 mins till crispy 
• Five minutes before the pumpkin is roasted warm oil in heavy frying pan and add salmon, cooking until crispy then turning over to crisp up the other side
• Once cooked set aside and arrange salad ingredients between two plates, make dressing and drizzle salad with dressing. 
• Top salad with Thompson hemp seeds and pine nuts. 

For Dressing:

• 2 tbs Thompson’s hemp oil
• Juice of one lemon squeezed

Method:

• In a small bowl mix dressing ingredients with a fork until combined 
• Pour over salad and enjoy