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…
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…
As we hit the Easter celebrations, if you’re preparing to entertain the family for Easter Sunday lunch, you might be wondering what to make for dessert that is light yet indulgent, easy to do, and people-pleasing with a seriously healthy edge. For me, a cake using healthily alternative ingredients like ground almonds, polenta and dark…
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…
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…
100g almonds, roughly chopped 100g oats 40g dried apricots, chopped small 40g dried blueberries 40g dried cranberries 30g coconut oil 50g coconut sugar 1 1/2 tbsp honey 20g buckwheat flour 150 ml coconut milk 200g dark chocolate Preheat the oven to 170 degrees, and line a baking tray with baking parchment. Mix the almonds and…
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…
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…
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…
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…
So, for a recipe to start the new year, what about something ‘clean’? A chicken recipe, but a chilli too? After the seasonal indulgence, with a plethora of diets, detoxes and all sorts of regimes flying about (my thoughts on these later in the week!!) what we could do with is maximum nutrition, fantastic taste…
There’s a perception that making your own bread is time-consuming, tricky work that can just as easily see you end up with a doorstop as with a fragrant, fluffy loaf. Fear not, though – there are some recipes and ways to make bread that almost guarantee an edible result you can be proud of! To…
Asparagus is one of those very special seasonal veg as the season is so short. For those who try to eat seasonally by buying locally, when Asparagus season hits, it’s to be savoured as much as possible for that brief time. All veg are superfoods in their own way, as we know, and asparagus is…
Cake with veg? Absolutely! Kids love these, and they’re just as popular with adults. Being able to stuff in two such nutritious veg that adapt so well to baking needs little introduction. With a raft of ingredients like nuts and spices on top of the veg that add different nutrient profiles, fibre and health benefits,…
How about this simple but luscious, comparatively light and healthy recipe for a bit of NYE entertaining? Really useful if you have to feed lots of people, and also easy on the crockery as napkins or picnic plates could be used Bring a fragrant, exotic flavour to your celebrations, no matter how large or small, to…
With Christmas on the doorstep, and some wonderful seasonal greens, here’s a healthy diet side dish that’s not just suitable for the Festive Feast, it’s great all through the winter for some serious nutrients, and uses the love-them-or-hate-them Marmite of greens – Brussels sprouts! There’s no doubt about it, sprouts cooked properly are gorgeous green…
A sweet treat for the kids (and grown up kids!) in your life – these cookies are good for lunch boxes, journeys, or for whipping up with the little ‘uns to keep them busy this Christmas with the hols just around the corner. Carrots add a vegetable element, oats keep energy release stable, plus…
Everyone who knows me and what I do will tell you that my passion lies in helping others use real food to live real life to the full, and attain real health via delicious, easy healthy eating – busy women especially, who so often put themselves last on the list because they are trying to…
A luscious chicken recipe from the energy recipe resource I’m developing to inspire you into the kitchen, and boost your energy levels for a weekend of fun, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. Simple Parmesan Chicken 2 large chicken breasts 2 tsp chopped garlic 50 mls/1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 75g/3/4 cup approx…
To go with the release of Supercharge, and in celebration of boosting health the right way in five minutes a day with smoothies and juices, I filmed a series of video demos giving some easy hints and tips to all the health-conscious fruit and veg fans out there. You can find them on my Youtube…
This post I’m going into full functional foodie mode, plus there’s more than one seasonal pumpkin recipe to warm your cockles. This is what I do, after all. My whole philosophy rests on the nourishing, natural, and ultimately, necessary, need for a diet based around real food. I see clients with all kinds of health…
Hollandaise sauce 4 large free-range egg yolks 250g cold unsalted butter, diced 1 tbsp of lemon juice (adjust to taste) seasoning Put a cold, heavy-based pan (like Le Creuset) on the hob, add the yolks, butter and 2 tbsp of water. Begin to heat very gently, whisking the contents constantly. The butter will melt, and…
This week’s 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…
Potatoes are one of those foods many cut from their diet as we head towards beach season: perceived as highly starchy, calorific carbs, the humble potato has had quite a bad press in recent times. The truth is very different! Any potato smothered in butter or eaten in large quantities is, of course, going to…
