Gaining self-confidence and practising self-care

“I’ve had patients who get up early in the morning - before their husbands - to put on foundation. That’s the kind of thing I want to change,” says business leader and skin specialist Lourette du Toit.

From cruise ships to game lodges to becoming the CEO of the Dermology, Du Toit has been in the industry for over 16-years.

She shares some tips with Izelle Hoffman on how to gain confidence, protect your skin from sun damage and much, much more.  Click below to listen.

BELOW: Check out the recipe from Izelle's book Mindful Eating that Lourette chose in the interview: Sweet potato chocolate brownies

Prep time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 12 brownies

• 1 kg sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 100 g almond flour
• 2 heaped Tbsp raw cacao powder
• 5 Tbsp raw honey
• 2 tsp vanilla essence
• 2 tsp caramel essence
• 1 tsp Oryx desert salt
• 2 tsp bicarbonate of Soda
• 4 whole eggs
• 4 egg whites
  

Icing

• 300 g almond butter or macadamia nut butter
• 5 Tbsp raw honey
• 1 heaped Tbsp raw cacao powder
• pinch of Oryx desert salt
• 1 tsp caramel essence
  

Topping

• flaked almonds (or pecans, hazelnuts or macadamias, or chopped dates and a grind of Oryx Desert Salt)
• raw honey
• raw cacao powder
• fresh mint leaves (Optional)

1.            Preheat the oven to 180 °C and spray a 20 x 30cm baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or line it with baking paper.

2.            Steam the sweet potato until soft, drain and place in a mixing bowl. Mash until smooth.

3.            Add the almond flour, cacao powder, honey, vanilla essence, caramel essence, salt and bicarbonate of soda. Beat to an even texture.

4.            In a separate mixing bowl, beat the whole eggs and egg whites until fluffy – this is important, as it influences the texture of the brownie. Add the beaten eggs to the sweet potato mixture and continue beating to a mousse-like texture.

5.            Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 minutes. 

6.            To make the icing, mix all of the ingredients until smooth. 

7.            After 30 minutes, remove the brownie from the oven and spread with the icing. Sprinkle over flaked almonds, drizzle with honeyed dust with cacao powder.

8.            Return to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. Allow to cool in the dish before cutting into squares. Garnish with fresh mint before serving if desired. As these are very moist, it is best to store them in the fridge.

Most irresistible after 2 days in the fridge or straight from the oven.

The reason for making use of specific ingredients for this recipe:

Almonds, (whether it is in flour, shaved almonds or almond butter form) is power packed with nutritional benefits! It boosts the immune system, helps repair damaged skin, helps to prevent cancer and reduce the risk of osteoporosis! Its a source of Vitamin E, magnesium and high quality protein! 

Sweet potato is an anti-inflammatory, full of nutrients, boost immunity and is rich in beta carotene (an important antioxidant and precursor to Vitamin A)! It also regulates blood sugar levels and is easily digestible because of its high fibre content.

Raw honey is anti-viral, anti-fungal and contains powerful antioxidants. Its helps ward off allergies, helps stabilize blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels. Its boost the immune system and promotes digestive health.

Raw Cacao contains very high amounts of antioxidants, reduces appetite and helps with weight loss. It alleviates stress, helps manage depression and regulates blood pressure.

Bicarb of soda alkalizes the body, provides relief from cold and flu and supports healthy detoxification.

with all of the above in mind- I simply can’t think of a healthier more tasty way to boost your immune system, stay in shape and regulate your body’s pH level!

ALSO LISTEN TO: Health food guru meets junk food lover

Find more episodes from Mindful Living with Izelle Hoffman in the channel below.

More about Izelle:

Lifestyle chef and cookbook author Izelle Hoffman is a rising star in South Africa's culinary firmament. Raised in a farming environment that placed great importance on good food, she’s convinced that eating correctly adds significantly to a life of overall wellness.

Izelle is well known to local television audiences as the lifestyle chef on a number of programs and she has also been food editor on a range of fitness magazines. She is author of Mindful Eating.

Follow Izelle on social media:

@IzelleHoffman on Instagram
Izelle Hoffman Lifestyle Chef on Facebook