Print Crunchy Spiced Beans Print Recipe A satisfying snack, high in quality protein, healthy fats, fibre and all sorts of nutrients. Make them your own with whatever flavours you fancy – I love paprika for its smoky depth, but other spices and herbs are fine too. Harissa, ras al hanout, za’ataar work brilliantly, or toss…
If you’ve ever wished you could be a confident cook, be more creative in the kitchen, eat more healthily or just enjoy cooking more, then this is for you! So often the missing piece of the puzzle with those seeking better health, wishing to improve diagnosed illness, find success with permanent habit change, achieve…
Asparagus season. One of the first spring veg, and something Cornwall happens to produce, so that’s an extra big bonus! Even better? How beautifully it pairs with that occasional Sunday brunch treat, fresh local soft boiled eggs. What easier way to get a veg portion into breakfast (followed by a piece of fruit for more…
Thrilled to be one of the first 500 Ambassadors for Cornwall – this very special corner of the world is the land of my birth, the place I’m lucky enough to call home, and epically beautiful. Breathtaking beaches, magical moors, and wondrous woodland, to say nothing of warm and friendly people. When it comes to…
Our energy levels are one of those health aspects that we can be guilty of vastly underestimating. Slumps and peaks are seemingly so common that we almost accept them as ‘normal’ – trust me, they’re not! If there’s one thing that can significantly improve our lives and our mental state, plus make completing those to…
Want to supercharge your smoothies and your salads? Make sure that romaine lettuce is added to the mix and your smoothie or salad will be packed with nutrients before you add anything else! The rich nutrient profile, fibre, extremely low calorie content and high water volume combine to make the humble romaine (also called cos)…
The summer’s here, and the summer means strawberries. There are many ways to use them, apart from the ever-wonderful lusciously red slivers drizzled with cream. They go surprisingly well with pepper, basil, and in salads and savoury dishes, expanding their versatility beyond cakes, desserts and preserves. So I’m sharing a way of maximising the seasonal…
Although spring has officially sprung here in the northern hemisphere, the evenings are still chilly enough to want warming food, so here’s a luscious, comforting recipe that can make a great family supper or an easy dish for entertaining. It also has a wonderfully calming effect on the brain, making it good for anxiety, so…
If your consumption of sea vegetables thus far on your culinary journey has been limited to a bit of sushi from the supermarket, then you’re missing out. Whether it’s for flavour or health, seaweed is a fantastic food to add to your diet, and best of all, it doesn’t have to be from imported sources…
Some physical niggles are very irritating, we don’t want to bother the doctor with them and the solution seems impossible to find. Simple additions or exclusions from our diet are often the answer, so if you or anyone you know is plagued by any of these common problems, try these easy remedies: 1. Restless legs:…
Bone broth, or stock as we call it in the UK, is a rich source of gelatin, enhancing protein absorption, plus important trace minerals. For those who can’t eat much dairy, stock is also an important natural source of calcium. incredibly healing and nutritious, it’s worth making and freezing so that there is always some…
Gluten isn’t always the culprit when we have problems with digestion or the gut in general. Bread isn’t the enemy! In reality, proper bread is your gut’s friend. So, how do you know whether you really do have a problem with gluten, or whether it’s something else? And how do you find a loaf that…
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…
This seasonal recipe makes a lovely meal for all the family. Swiss chard may not be considered a staple in the diet of many in the UK, but it should be, especially when locally grown. Part of the beetroot family, it’s incredibly versatile and nutritious, but low in calories. An array of vitamins and minerals…
Here’s a recipe for a delectable dahl with homemade naan, very easy, and a great way of eating more pulses to boost the intake and absorption of brain-balancing, mood-enhancing nutrients essential for mental health, reduce inflammation and generally provide a delicious dose of healthy comfort food. For an added aspect, make the naan breads to…
For those who want to know exactly how aspartame (and other artificial sweeteners) damage our bodies, here’s a good article by Dr H J Roberts, well respected medical researcher and scientist. Scary stuff, but hopefully it will get people to understand and spread the word (especially to friends and family buying anything they think is…
Whether you’re exploring the health benefits of switching to vegan or a more plant based diet, or you already eat this way, it’s crucial you make the right food choices to ensure it really is the health boost that you want it to be! It’s still very easy to eat unhealthily on a vegan diet…
I asked you all about your health and well-being goals and you told me. And you’re an ambitious, energetic bunch when it comes to healthy eating! And I was so excited to see how many of you had already taken huge steps towards improved nutrition and were experiencing the benefits already. Since there were many…
SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, is more common in the UK than we might think. Weak, watery winter sunshine, if we get any at all, doesn’t exactly encourage us to get out and about, leaving us at risk of low vitamin D and serotonin levels. So if you, or someone you know, seems to retreat…
This winter, decide to stay off the vitamin C supplements (often containing nasties that have a negative impact on our health) and make your own. Yes, it really is that easy! A great activity for kids, and such a great way to get immune boosting nutrients into their diets without fighting over pills and potions.…
As the season of the flu bug approaches (and there’s always a rash of autumn colds when the schools go back) bump up your immunity by paying special attention to your fruit and veg intake. We should be eating at least 5-7 portions a day, and at least 1 portion with every meal (including breakfast). Are…
Breakfast, we’ve all been told by our mothers or grandmothers, is the most important meal of the day. If you believe what you read in the media, this ‘fact’ has been proved and disproved a thousand times in recent years, as different fads arrive and go out of fashion. The truth? Breakfast is crucial. Our…
You can’t drive anywhere in our beautiful county at the moment without seeing fields of sweet corn ears standing tall and straight, waiting for harvest. As a child, I loved nothing better than freshly picked corn on the cob, hot from the pan, and dripping with melted butter which ran down my chin as I…
There are so many ways to enjoy asparagus while the season lasts and it’s at its best – lightly streamed, in a tart, in a str fry, wrapped in prosciutto or bacon, or just drizzled with butter, or with a luxurious sauce. Try this luscious hollandaise to go with the new season’s asparagus. Gorgeous! Hollandaise…
The festive season means many things, but to me, on the inevitable taste and sensory level that I seem to have as a default mode, December means spices. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, oranges, all spice, and so much more. Jewelled colours, rich aromas, and warmth to counteract the wintry chill. There are so many ways…
After a few days of strange, unusual, and if I’m honest, chaotic events (culminating in nearly running over a suicidal seagull focused only on the lollipop clamped jealously in its beak, proving how dangerous junk food is!), I was thrilled to receive the inaugural copy of Walnut magazine – I was approached to write foodie health articles…
If you’re looking to reduce carbohydrates and increase protein in your diet, one of those foods that is the most difficult to replace is potatoes, the staple of so many meals that revolve around the traditional meat and vegetables. When it comes to family meals too, removing potatoes, and wishing to reduce tons of pasta…
Rice and broccoli might look a bit boring, but don’t skim past yet! The fibre in rice is an obvious benefit, but did you know that rice, especially organic brown rice, is a good source of the B6 required for promoting weight loss and has some protein too? Rice salads are incredibly versatile, and even…
Pizza immediately gets classified as junk food or fast food, but in truth, a properly, or consciously, made pizza is an exceptionally healthy meal. If wheat is an issue for you, using a heritage grain like spelt can help get around that. Remember those symptoms could be due to a number of factors – see…
If it’s a healthy alternative to crisps you’re after, this is it. Extremely easy, cheesy and moreish, it’s a great way to get greens into kids as well as into yourself. Kale is a real powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and fibre, and paired with only a couple of other ingredients it can be turned from…
Eggs are the ideal breakfast or light lunch choice. As a direct source of acetylcholine, the substance that works as a neurotransmitter in the brain promoting focus and concentration, it’s perfect for a day that needs you to stay sharp mentally. It’s also great for keeping you feeling fuller for longer, and getting a portion…
Early summer veg are a joy, and those first broad beans are among my favourites. Beans are such a healthy food, particularly for women – research has shown that women eating beans and pulses three or more times a week are at least 25% less likely to be diagnosed with a hormonal cancer like breast…
What a whirlwind life has been since Christmas! Besides being offered a twice monthly radio show (more details soon!), I’ve been busy loading fabulous recipes, health advice and resources onto the Functional Foodie membership, course and recipe hub website in preparation for launch later this month/early February. Here’s my new logo, looking amazing on an apron…