The Sol Journal

Time: 1 hour

For many of us snacking can be our downfall, falling at the knees for chips or chocolate in times of weakness. However, having a healthy stash of these flaxseed crackers in the pantry will not only help to cure those afternoon munchies, but they will also help your skin glow from the inside out.

We say it time and time again, however, having nourishing snacks to lean on can truly take our health to new heights. Why? Because we begin to replace our moments of weakness with nourishing options we then become mentally and physically stronger. Not only are these flaxseed crackers super easy to make, but they can also be kept for weeks on end (just make sure they are stored in an airtight container).

Increasing your fibre intake is essential for our gut health as fibre helps to get that waste moving out of your body nicely. If you are serious about achieving optimal results after your cleanse, try adding these into your pre and post cleanse preparation to assist detoxification and enhance nutrient absorption.

Ingredient Highlight

Sesame Seeds

A rich source of minerals such as phosphorus, lecithin, magnesium, potassium, and iron, one of the sources of calcium (surprise milk and cheese are not at the top of this list), plus a good source of Methionine, which aids in liver detoxification.

Flax Seeds

Also known as linseeds, flax seeds are an incredible source of alpha-linolenic acids (omega 3), dietary fiber; minerals like manganese, thiamine and magnesium and plant-based protein. Flax seeds rich source of mucilage gum content (a gel-forming fiber that is water-soluble) helps to move through the gastrointestinal tract undigested. This means that these little seeds help to increase nutrient absorption and increase satiety.

Chia Seeds

Despite their small size, chia seeds are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, as they are loaded with fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids to increase satiety, lower risk of heart disease, increase bone density, regulate blood sugar, reduce chronic inflammation and promote glowing skin.

Avocado

Loaded with potassium to help regulate electrical gradients in the body, high in monounsaturated fats, high in fibre to keep your bowels moving nicely, helps to regulate ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol levels, help to decrease depression and provide protection against chronic disease.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are in fact from the same family as pumpkins and watermelon where they are made up of 95% water which enables them to hydrate your cells and provide a cooling effect to the body. Cucumbers assist in the reduction of inflammation throughout the body due to its action in downregulating COX 2 (a pro-inflammatory enzyme). Cucumbers are also a rich source of fibre Vitamin K, B vitamins, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese which help to increase immune function, electrolyte balance, energy metabolism, and cognitive function.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Known as one of the staple foods of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil provides the body with an abundance of antioxidants to help lower inflammation, depression, anxiety, heart disease, dementia, and obesity. Olive oil helps to control insulin levels (a hormone that controls blood sugar levels) to help stabilise our energy, mood, hunger, overeating, and cravings. Not only is olive oil incredible when drizzled over our food, but we also love adding it to our baths too for silky soft skin.

Ingredients

Crackers

1 cup flax seeds
½ cup sesame seeds
3 tbsp chia seeds
A good pinch of high-quality sea salt
1 cup filtered water

Cucumber Salsa

¼ cucumber roughly diced
¼ lemon juiced
½ tbsp garlic infused extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper
¼ avocado (to serve)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees Celcius fan-forced and line two baking trays with baking paper.
2. Combine all of the cracker ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir with a wooden spoon and allow the mixture to sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the seeds to soak up the water.
3. Once you have let the seeds soak, divide the mixture evenly onto each lined baking tray. Use a fork to spread out the mixture evenly.
4. Bake the crackers in the oven for 20 minutes and then carefully flip the mixture onto the other side to bake for another 20 minutes or until they become nice and crispy. Allow to cool.
5. While you are allowing the crackers to cool down, combine all of the cucumber salsa ingredients in a small mixing bowl and stir gently with a spoon to combine.
6. Break the crackers into rough bite-sized pieces, spread with avocado and top with the cucumber salsa.