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Add a little Japanese flavour to your busy weekdays with this simple miso eggplant. While eggplant isn’t technically a protein, it’s often the star of vegetarian dinner plate.
For something small and simple but impressive, these canapes are my go-to. Just a few ingredients, and can be made in under 10 minutes.
If you haven’t used liquid smoke before, you’re in for a real treat. You can find it at most speciality grocers, and it adds an amazing BBQ flavour to sauces, meats, soups and more. A little goes a long way. Great if you don’t have a BBQ to hand and end up doing these in the oven, like me in my little city apartment!
Did you know chickpeas are a great source of protein for vegans and veggies? They’re also great on the fibre front – so you can stay fuller for longer. WINNING.
You’ve had a heavy weekend and your guts need some loving’. Make this in advance and keep it in your fridge for months (if it lasts that long).
Not only are fermented products amazing at keeping the bacteria in your gut happy (which comes with a wealth of amazing health benefits). Researchers have established a compelling link between gut bacteria and mental health – 90% of the body’s total serotonin is produced in the digestive tract. The right amount of serotonin in the brain produces a calm and happy feeling. Happy food!
I know Nutella love to advertise themselves as a ‘healthy’ nut spread packed with milk and natural goodness, but it’s dangerously addictive. Why is it that I can’t leave the jar alone?
Here’s a closer look at the ingredients list (in order of highest quantity): Sugar, Vegetable Palm Oil, Hazelnuts (13%), Skim Milk Powder (8.7%), Fat-Reduced Cocoa Powder (7.4%), Emulsifier (Lecithins) (Soy), Flavouring (Vanillin). Hum… SUGAR is the first ingredient, meaning it spikes your blood sugar levels and when they drop, you’re left crying out for more. Sugar is swiftly followed by palm oil – don’t even get me started on that one.
So kicking my addiction with something a little less toxic…homemade chocolate nut butter, dip or sauce – whatever consistency you prefer, it should go on everything. Perfect for when sweet cravings hit, the healthy fats from the pure nuts and coconut oil will actually mean you don’t eat that much – it’s really satisfying to stick to just a couple of tablespoons. *eye roll* Just trust me.
Delicious on it’s own, or an impressive accompaniment to cold meats, tarts, and quiches, this one will become your winter staple. It’s packed with anti-oxidants to keep your skin glowing. Red cabbage is also high in potassium – tuck into it after a workout to help reduce muscle soreness.
Though this recipe is nothing like the plain old veggie sticks you’ve been told to eat a thousand times before, you gain all the nutritional benefits of raw goodness, and prep time is minimal. This dish makes a great lunch on it’s own, or is a welcome addition to any BBQ. Make extra and store leftovers in a container for the rest of the week – you’ll be amazed at how many dishes this compliments!
Cauliflower is so underrated. You probably remember it as the wet, mushy tasteless stuff of your youth that most likely brought horror when laid next to roast meat on a Sunday. Granted, it isn’t packed with flavour, but it can be one amazing vehicle for plenty of punch. This spicy version is a great metabolism booster, and can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to a main dish.
This smooth and creamy dressing and it has a delicious kick thanks to the cayenne – that will give your metabolism a boost. The fresh herbs give it loads of flavour, so enjoy it over any of your favourite salads, veggies, as a dip for crackers.
A great way to curb cravings, this simple jam contains much less sugar than the store-bought stuff. It takes about 3 minutes to prepare, and with the help of the almighty chia seed, it will fill you up quicker. Dollop on your morning oats, swirl into yoghurt, use as a fruit dip, or spread on some delicious rye bread. With the addition of liquid, chia seeds swell to 17 times their original size and slow the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. Clever little things.
