A Girl's Guide To Kicking Goals by Steph Claire Smith & Laura Henshaw

Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw are two young models turned entrepreneurs.
Together, they formed Keep It Cleaner (KIC), a website where the girls feature recipes, workouts and blog posts. They have also launched an e-book, which was very popular.
Now they have recently put together A Girl's Guide To Kicking Goals, a book aimed at teen girls, to teach them about the importance of body confidence, healthy living, and setting goals.

The book is set out in an easy-to-follow format, and includes chapters on stress management, social media, role models, body changes, and career options. 
It even includes a range of healthy recipes including stir-fry's, pesto zoodles, and even sweet treats, like the Trixy Bikkies and Vanilla and Coconut Bliss Balls pictured below.


Trixy Bikkies:

 Makes 15
Seriously, what a perfect combination of chocolate, caramel and crunchy biscuit! This is a tribute to one of our absolute favechoccie bars when we were growing up – we just had to create a healthier, refined sugar-free version to make at home. We love whipping these up on special occasions to enjoy with friends and family. They’re always a hit.

CARAMEL LAYER
1 cup (160 g) medjool dates, pitted and soaked in warm water
1 Tbsp tahini

BISCUIT LAYER
½ cup (50 g) almond meal
½ cup (75 g) gluten-free flour
¼ cup (55 g) coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp rice malt syrup

CHOCOLATE LAYER
½ cup (110 g) coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract 
3 Tbsp almond butter
¼ cup (90 g) rice malt syrup
½ cup (55 g) raw cacao powder

1  Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a medium-sized square baking tray with baking paper.
2  To make the caramel layer, mix the dates and tahini in a blender or food processor, with ½ cup (125 ml) water and sea salt to taste. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze for at least 40 minutes. 
3  To make the biscuit layer, mix together all the ingredients to form a doughy mixture. Roll out the dough into a square about 
3 mm thick and line the baking tray. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool in the tin. 
4  To make the chocolate layer, melt the coconut oil (if solid) and blend in a food processor or blender with the remaining ingredients until smooth.
5  Once the biscuit and caramel have both cooled, pour the caramel on top of the biscuit layer in the tray, then pour the chocolate layer on top. Freeze for at least 3–4 hours (or ideally overnight) before slicing into small snack-sized pieces.
6  Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Vanilla and Coconut Bliss Balls:

Makes 12-15 bliss balls
Bliss balls are so handy to have ready to go in your fridge. Whether you’re running out the door in the morning and don’t have time for breakfast, or you need an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a pre- or post-workout snack.
These bliss balls are very close to our hearts, as they are one of the first recipes we created when we started our cooking journey. While we have come a long way since then, bliss balls are the one thing we felt we could always get right! No baking required, just blending. If you find your bliss balls are too dry, simply add a little water and, if they are too wet, add a little extra shredded coconut and almond meal.

1 cup (65 g) shredded coconut
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (60 g) vanilla protein powder
½ cup (80 g) pitted and chopped medjool dates
½ cup (50 g) almond meal
1 Tbsp coconut oil

1 Put all the ingredients in a food processor and mix on low speed. If the mixture is too dry to come together, add a dash of water.
2 Once the ingredients are completely combined and have formed a large ball in the food processor, switch off.
3 Roll the mixture into small balls with your hands (wet your hands with warm water before you start, to prevent the mixture sticking). Store in the fridge for up to
4 days.

Note: Almond meal is a fantastic substitute for regular flour. Almonds provide more calcium than any other nut.

‘Images and recipes from A Girl’s Guide to Kicking Goals by Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, Murdoch Books, RRP $24.99 Photography by Cath Muscat.’

The girls offer a lot of good advice based on their personal experiences, and I think that this will really appeal to teens.
Steph and Laura are both so positive, and are ideal role models for females, both old and young alike!
As a mum of three daughters, I know firsthand the importance of encouraging body positivity and having a strong mindset. 
This book is a really fantastic resource, and it would make an ideal Christmas gift for teens.
It is available now through Murdoch Books and has an RRP of $24.99
For further information on this title, head here