Breakfast is all about getting a yummy dish to give me long lasting energy and feeling on form for a sometimes non-stop morning. This breakfast includes all that I want to set me up for a busy day. It's got protein from whey protein and chia seeds, carbohydrates from berries and banana, good fats including some omega 3 fats from chia seeds, nuts and other seeds. Depending on the style of … [read more]
Plastic, plastic and more plastic!
Everywhere I look I am surrounded by the stuff. I am on a mission to not let it come into the house. Here in Christchurch we can recycle harder plastics but soft plastic wrap goes into the refuse for landfill. And despite my efforts our family refuse bins get pretty full every 2 weeks with plastic. Why do I want to live plastic free? To be kind to the environment? Yes absolutely! But the … [read more]
Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Leaves are turning gold and the mornings are darker as we head into Autumn. And after enjoying salads during the Summer months I now start yearning for warming soups at lunchtime. Pumpkins and parsnips are some of the seasonal produce at the Farmers Market in Lyttelton were we shop each week for all our groceries. There are still courgettes and green beans in season, so lovely to combine with the … [read more]
Kombucha drink
I am having a lot of fun here making my first fermented food, rich in bacteria and yeasts that are great for my digestive tract, immune system and just about any aspect of health you can think of. I’ve been advising on probiotics for many years and have just been writing in Healthy Food Guide all about the benefits and virtues of probiotics. But what I reckon will be the next culinary wave are … [read more]
Roast Vegetable Salad
Whether it's warm or cold outside, I love Roast Vegetables, especially as a salad. Once roasted, they can store in the fridge for a good 3 days. Then just easily warm enough for lunch or dinner and serve with your favourite green leaves (thinking spinach, rocket, musclun). Here I have added almonds and some pieces of Italian style cheese from our local farmers market. But I also love grilled or … [read more]
Getting to know your gut
Want some great tips for looking after your gut health? I have written an article in this month's issue of Healthy Food Guide Magazine in New Zealand, March issue 2014. It's called 'Getting to know your gut'. Read more about why you want to look after your gut bacteria, how they go astray and how this can affect your … [read more]
Salsa~salad or side
I am in love with mint and it is taking over my garden, so a great ingredient to use lots of. I can't get over how much freshness and zing it adds to foods and drinks. It seems many recipes have forgotten about the herbs, but they transform a dish. So when I tried this salsa for the first time I was blown away by what the mint did for it. You've got to try it! The Salsa will keep in the fridge … [read more]
Omelette~bursting with colour
This omelette makes a great breakfast or lunch or equally a great dinner! Eggs are rich in protein and when combined with vegetables, give sustaining energy. So an omelette at breakfast sets me up for the day really well. And best of all, it tastes amazing! Ingredients 2 eggs 1 TBS water grind of salt and pepper 2 handfuls of green leaves e.g. spinach, kale, … [read more]
Had a busy day?
I've was greeted with this question twice yesterday. I'm curious~what are your first thoughts when asked if you've had a busy day? Are they similar to one of these answers? 1.“Yes, I’ve been 'on the go' from the moment my feet hit the floor; getting myself/ family ready in the morning, making lunch,putting the wash on, trying to get emails cleared, phone calls returned, all my urgent tasks … [read more]
Breakfast Booster Smoothie
Which breakfast gives you the most ‘mileage out of your tank of fuel’? Have you noticed which foods make you feel nicely satisfied in your stomach, awake and bright in your mind, with a steady stream of energy and even mood for the next few hours? Rather than feeling sleepy, irritable, hungry an hour later, heavy and bloated! One of my favourite breakfasts that ticks the boxes for me is an … [read more]