We are big believers in discovering and maintaining the art of balanced living. Our Golden Balance series interviews the busiest of individuals, who though lead incredibly demanding and time-pressured lives, have managed to find their own golden equilibrium in body, mind and spirit in amongst the commotion of daily life.
Gabriella, aka founder of Nut Blend, a range of all-natural nut butters shares with us the secrets to her delicious success.
What was the main inspiration behind your collection of nut butters?
In 2015, I invested in a small food processor and started experimenting with a range of pure ingredients and 100% natural nut butter (peanut butter has always been a childhood favourite!). Without any added salt, oil or sugar – including “healthy” sugars and those from dried fruit – the flavour was incredible and made me feel super energised, happy and guilt-free – and there was no subsequent sugar crash. I felt obliged to share this experience with the rest of the world and thus launched Nut Blend Nut Butters.
How do you find your sense of golden balance on the daily?
I drink a lot of green tea, take frequent breaks – either going on a walk or doing a workout– and always get my fix of nut butter for energy!
Is self-care important to you? If so, how do you practice it?
I’m quite a restless person and so switching off is hard for me. To release stress, I love moving – walking or doing a workout like a body pump or circuit based. Otherwise, I love reading a good book – John Sandford’s Prey Series and entrepreneur stories are my favourites.
Tell us a quote that most inspires you every day.
“I can and I will. Watch me.”
How do you integrate a nourishing diet into your everyday life?
Luckily, I love healthy food – especially veg! I always try and load up my plate with greens; I love porridge and smoothies as well as comforting dishes like chilli con carne and salmon pasta – and ever since I was young I can snack on a tin of sweet corn anytime…
What are some of your favourite ways to unplug?
Watching films, going to the cinema, cooking, working out and seeing friends.
What are your three kitchen essentials when it comes to ingredients?
Can I say nut butter? Three is hard to choose but I would have to say ground cumin, any form of cacao and garlic.
What is your favourite way to use turmeric? (in your cooking/beauty regime etc)
Definitely cooking! It makes a curry, chilli or salad dressing so delicious!
Now tell us, do you have a guilty pleasure?
I don’t want to sound biased but I absolutely love dunking or melting 100% cocoa buttons into both Nut Blend Golden and Indulgent Nut Butter, and then adding cacao nibs and roasted pecans. Literally THE dream team (even thinking about it makes me want it…)!
Coffee or turmeric latte?
I’m a sucker for trying independent café’s – a half-Rude Health almond milk and half-Bonsoy flat white is a total game changer!
Gabriella has also shared with us a recipe for a turmeric latte with a difference, featuring a spoonful or two of creamy Nut Blend nut butter and a dash of our magic Instantly Golden Turmeric x Chai Latte blend.
Nut Blend x Wunder Workshop Chai Turmeric Latte
As you all know, turmeric lattes are absolutely delicious – combine it with chai spice (think cinnamon, cardamom, ginger) and this gorgeously creamy drink is taken to a whole new level!
To make it, you need the following ingredients:
• 250ml hot water
• 15g (2 tsp) Nut Blend Perfect Nut Butter
• ¼ tsp raw maca powder
• ½ tsp Wunder Workshop Instantly Golden Turmeric x Chai Latte
I used a blender to combine and then heated it on the hob; otherwise, add a dash of hot water to the chai mix and maca powder to make a paste, Then add half the hot water, stir in the nut butter and add the rest of the water. Stir thoroughly until well combined, heat in the microwave or on the hob and enjoy.