Clean Eating In Sydney

After months of sampling the best cakes in Sydney it was time for some balance in my life. This month I’ve been participating in my first cleanse after coming across Savannah Daisley’s Smart Cleanse. The 14 day detox programme involves weeding, seeding and feeding the gut through a series of shakes and supplements that are combined with a clean, low carb diet. There’s no booze, sugar or caffeine allowed during the cleanse and naturally, although the first few days are tough, I came out feeling great at the end of it.

During the experience I also discovered some great places to enjoy clean, healthy meals in Sydney. The following range of cafes focus on organic and natural foods and are perfect for injecting a bit of balance into your diet whilst dining out in Sydney.

Paleo Café

Following the Paleo framework, the menu at Bondi Junction’s Paleo Cafe incorporates plenty of plant-based foods, quality meat, seafood, eggs, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds and herbs and is free from dairy, grains, gluten, legumes, sugar and preservatives. Their breakfast menu involves flour-free pancakes, bowls of pulled pork, and poached eggs and avocado on protein bread. They also make the most delicious gluten-free muffins, as well as shakes that taste like a meal in a glass. There’s a small range of goods on sale in store if you want to make things like a Bulletproof coffee at home.

Paleo Cafe, Shop 5, 310-330 Oxford St, Bondi Junction

Aboutlife 

Aboutlife is a collection of Natural Supermarkets and Wholefood Cafes whose products are 100% natural. As well as dining in at the cafes you also have the option of taking something warm away from the deli counters or shopping the large range of natural products in the supermarket. The menu (naturally!) focuses on organic, wholesome foods and you’ll find a few Paleo-inspired treats in store too.

My favourite dish at the cafe is the Paleo Breakfast Superhash – a bowl of bacon, poached eggs, spinach, salsa and a sweet potato and kale hash. Breakfast is served everyday until 3pm – so you can grab your organic eggs and avo whenever you get the craving.

You’ll find Aboutlife stores in Bondi Junction, Double Bay, Rozelle, Cammeray & Surry Hills. Join Savannah Daisley, Smart Cleanse Founder, for a Gut Health Master Class at Aboutlife Rozelle on Thursday 16th July 6:00 – 8:00pm. Click here to register.

Bread & Circus

Bread & Circus focus on organic, seasonal produce and the menu varies according to what’s in season. A regular favourite feature on the breakfast menu is their biodynamic eggs and avocado and flourless lemon pancakes with caramelised banana and ricotta. They also serve gorgeous Mediterranean style salads at lunch and offer them with a side of grilled halloumi (yum). The wide range of herbal teas and fresh juices are also delicious (particularly if you’re on a coffee-free diet and are looking for something tasty to sip).

Bread & Circus, 21 Fountain Street, Alexandria

Thr1ve

Thr1ve serve “real food, real fast” and is my go-to lunch spot when I’m in the CBD (there’s one in Westfield Sydney and the MLC centre.) A Thr1ve green bowl consists of 2 bases (such as seasonal greens and veggie mash) and a warm marinated meat of your choice. My favourite is the chicken breast, which comes in a lemon and herb sauce, with pesto and red peppers. They also serve a number of paleo-friendly snacks and coffee, as well as breakfast bowls and smoothies.

You can find Thr1ve in Sydney at the MLC Centre and Westfield Pitt Street.

About Smart Cleanse

Smart Cleanse is the brain child of Savannah Daisley BHSc ND, a nutritionist and wellness expert, who began her career 16 years ago specialising in Detoxification, Stress Management and Weight Loss. The 14 Day Smart Cleanse programme includes everything you need straight out of the box, including recipe ideas and a shopping list. The combination of steps, which include a Bentonite Drinking Clay, Gut Lining Formula and Liver Tonic, help to increase energy, improve digestion and balance your immune system. By the end of the first week I noticed reduced bloating, clearer skin and more energy (without the need for coffee). It was the kickstart I needed to make smarter choices for my body and I’m continuing to watch the amount of coffee (and cake!) I consume going forward. Having discovered the deliciously natural meals at the above cafes certainly helps with this endeavour!

Smart Cleanse is available to buy at a few select health food stores and online via www.smartcleanse.com.au. I was sent a Smart Cleanse pack for the purposes of this review – all opinions remain my own.