One of the things that I end up talking about a lot, whether in classes or with clients, is the importance of keeping blood sugar balanced throughout the day.

Avoiding the late morning or mid afternoon slump that has us reaching for a quick fix is a key factor in sidestepping a number of niggles that you may not associate with plunging blood sugar levels. It’s not always the obvious symptoms like hunger that signify a need to fill the tanks.

Other symptoms might be things like fatigue, headache, dizziness, irritability, feeling slightly wobbly, or even feeling anxious without a real reason.

Resolve this by ensuring that you have a good breakfast with a major protein component (whether that be something like eggs, yogurt, or nuts and seeds), and have decent snacks prepared if there is a delay of longer than 3-4 hours between breakfast and lunch, and lunch and dinner.

The best snacks for maintaining blood sugar levels are protein based too – in fact, all meals and snacks should be a combo of protein and complex carbs with a bit of healthy fat for prime nutrition and fuelling.

Is it difficult to do in the everyday run of things? Not if you are prepared, and even that preparation is often just a chuck in and whizz exercise!

This is one of my two favourite dips – not only is it quick and easy, it’s full of all round fresh goodness, keeps well to last through the week, it’s easily transportable for going out and about, and absolutely delicious!

For all of us ladies over 40, edamame beans are obligatory for getting the best soya phyto-oestrogens in the most natural, healthy form. Stay away from the processed soya like meat replacements, milks and yogurts that are just frankenfoods, and eat this  Grab edamame beans from most supermarkets in the frozen section, or just pop into a Chinese supermarket.

Lovely and light, perfect for the return of the light as we hit spring and look forward to summer!

Edamame Energy Dip

250g edamame beans (thawed if from frozen)
3 cloves of garlic
50g baby spinach
20 mls white miso (from paste and water mixed)
50 mls coconut oil
50g tahini
lime juice to taste (1-2 limes)
seasoning
sesame, poppy, pumpkin and/or sunflower seeds

In a food processor, whizz up all the ingredients except the lime juice and seasoning until the lumps have blended out. Add the lime juice and seasoning until you’ve reached your desired taste and consistency. Serve with the seeds scattered over the top, and dig in with veg crudités and wholegrain crackers.