When I've worked hard at a sweat-sesh, I always look forward to the refuel. I've earnt it! But where do I go to find the right kind of fuel? The stuff that leaves me feeling light, but satisfied? And better still...read on about how I do it on the regular....for free. Uh huh.
There's so many cute cafes in Sydney, but when it comes to post-workout, I'm pretty particular with my nourishment. It's got to be clean, lean and packed with protein - otherwise it feels like a wasted effort. There's lot of health food stores, and a few cafes doing great smoothies, but my favourite of all has to be Proteini in Darlinghurst.
It's a hidden gem, and if you haven't been before you're missing out on a super inventive menu. Not only that, the staff are just lovely. Owner Meg and her small team lovingly craft protein balls, raw treats, smoothies, salad bowls, healthy dressings and turmeric lattes from scratch every single day. Nothing comes from a tin, sauce bottle or other such stuff, so you can be sure you're looking after your body in the best way. It's one the few places I don't have to ask for amendments to the menu (yes, I'm that annoying person).
You can feel their passion in the food, and their ethos is event inscribed on walls - LOVE YOUR GUTS!
If you only have chance for one visit here (though I'm sure you'll be hooked after one trip!), get the Protein Pancakes (pictured below), or if you are hankering for something savoury, my favourite is the Caveman Bowl - the wedges of roasted pumpkin cooked in cinnamon are just delish. You can be sure all meals are sugar, gluten and dairy free. SO MUCH YUM!
Everything is made from scratch from natural, healthy ingredients. It's my favourite spot in Sydney!
GET IT FOR FREE!
Sadly telling everyone I'm a food blogger doesn't always score me free food (sad face), but for my regular trips here I use points from my Membership Rewards points earned from using my American Express Platinum Edge Card to cover the cost. Sounds crazy right?! But here's the health hack...earn points on your everyday spend using your American Express card, and use membership points to reduce your account balance. So for example, I might earn points on my weekly grocery shop, or by paying for my gym membership, and then I spend my accumulated points on reducing the total amount owing on my card - turning my points into credit - which covers my healthy brekkies.
Talk about being financially savvy...! Saving money never tasted so good.
SHOP SMALL + GET REWARDED
Not only do I love my Platinum Edge card for that super-cool benefit (who doesn't love free smoothies?!), but I also love their Shop Small initiative. You've probably seen or heard about it at some point through their marketing campaigns or through a friend, or even on a banner in-store. To explain it simply, American Express work with small businesses to offer Card Members cash back when they spend $20 or more in their stores - and you can use it up to ten times! When the campaign is live (which seems to happen pretty regularly), I head down the road from Proteini to Maloney's Grocers on Crown Street - a beautiful store that holds all the healthy goodies a girl could need. When I spend $20 or more using my American Express Card, my account is credited with $10. It's like a pat-on-the-back for supporting local shops. Isn't that lovely?! Save money, support local - such an awesome perk. I don't know of any card that looks after local business like that, and I'm all for it.
You can of course use your points in other ways too - travel, online shopping, or reducing your account balance for other treats you might reward yourself with for that sweat session. Winning.
*Editor’s Note: This article is proudly sponsored by American Express. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make The Fit Foodie Blog possible. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.