Whatever is good for the soul, do that
lets talk FOOD
It's really important for me to start the day off with a breakfast that makes me feel energised and ready for the day. I really do feel like breakfast sets the tone for the day. Sometimes finding a breakfast that's creative and delicious, if you're like me who doesn't like to eat the same thing everyday but also like something that's quick and easy to make then these breakfast ideas can help.
- Avocado toast - my preference sprinkled with chilli powder and a soft boiled egg served on sourdough toast- is a great savoury option for breakfast. The avocado provides vitamins, antioxidants and is a great source of a healthy fats. The egg is the perfect protein source.
- Eggs scrambled with any veggies that you have at home is a simple but protein packed breakfast you can season to your liking and serve with wholemeal toast or alone. I love to add siracha to mine.
- Pancakes with berries and fruit is perfect if you have a sweet tooth in the morning. I like to make my own pancakes with blended oats, plant-based milk, an egg and a banana. Feel free to substitute the egg and milk for dairy free yoghurt. I also add in protein powder to my mixture to feel more energised. You can make your own jam by boiling berries with lemon juice, chia seeds and honey. Boil your berries on a medium heat and combine lemon juice, remove from the heat and add the remaining ingredients.
- Sourdough with almond butter, banana and cocoa nibs is another delicious option. Almond butter contains healthy fats, and the cocoa nibs contain magnesium.
- A yoghurt bowl with granola or even toasted oats and fruit is a refreshing breakfast perfect for summer mornings. I add almond butter, chia and flax seeds and protein powder to mine.
- Even a bowl of fresh in season fruit is perfect too alongside these breakfast options. I love to use dragon fruit, passion fruit, guava, lychees, and citrus fruits.
We all love a cup of coffee in the morning, I usually start my day off with an almond milk latte and vanilla to sweeten. Chai lattes are also something I do quite enjoy. Although now my latest obsession has been matcha. My favourite brand of matcha being the Pure Chimp matcha green tea which you can purchase from Amazon or their official website. Unlike coffee, matcha makes me feel energised and calm. It's packed with antioxidants and can help boost the metabolism, it's also extremely delicious. I like to make mine by blending any plant-based milk with a teaspoon of matcha and adding a dash of vanilla. Delicious!
things i like to eat and drink
Coffee order
Coffee order
Coffee order
When I need my coffee fix, my order is an iced almond milk latte with vanilla and chai syrup. If it's super cold out I won't have it iced but if you see me walking around when it's snowing with an iced latte don't be surprised.
Tea
Coffee order
Coffee order
When I'm not drinking coffee, I like to drink green tea or peppermint tea, my favourites being from Whittard of Chelsea. Pure Chimp matcha blended with plant based milk throughout the day. I recently was gifted the Fortnum and Mason's valentine's tea with scented rose petals and hibiscus.
Greens
Coffee order
Coffee and cake
Green juices and smoothies seem to be so popular in 2022, I like to incorporate these into my diet adding a mix of kale, spinach and even celery with fruits of your choice can make any green juice delicious.
Coffee and cake
Fish and veggies
Coffee and cake
Coffee and cake is a great way to socialise and catch up with friends. It's important not to pressure yourself and restrict yourself.
Soup
Fish and veggies
Fish and veggies
Green goddess broccoli soup is simple and easy to make. High in vitamins and minerals, it's perfect to prevent bloating and constipation Enjoy with sprouted grain bread and a drizzle of olive oil.
Fish and veggies
Fish and veggies
Fish and veggies
One pan salmon and vegetables is trouble free and delicious. Season it to your liking and garnish with lemon.
Risotto
Risotto
Risotto
Arborio rice packets are always found in my kitchen. Cook in organic stock and combine with whatever you like. My preference is vegetables or prawns.
Pesto
Risotto
Risotto
Next time you decide on having pasta why not try making your own pesto to accompany it. I used pine nuts, pesto oil, basil, garlic, lemon and vegan cheese. Fresh pesto does not compare to store bought in a jar. Trust me.
Sushi
Risotto
Oysters
For a light lunch vegetable sushi is is very enjoyable and you can find them in your local supermarkets.
Oysters
Creamy avocado noodles
Oysters
Oysters are a rich source of vitamin D, zinc and copper. They are low in calories and so aesthetically pleasing on the plate.
Vegan pizza
Creamy avocado noodles
Creamy avocado noodles
My Friday nights consist of homemade vegan pizza with cherry tomatoes and BBQ sauce. If I'm having a really bad day I might just call Domino's for some emotional support.
Creamy avocado noodles
Creamy avocado noodles
Creamy avocado noodles
If you're tired of pesto in your pasta try making an avocado sauce. Use one ripe avocado (pitted), salt / pepper, lemon juice and basil. I combine capers and spinach for the perfect pairing.
celery juice
Why drink it?
So, I recently started drinking Celery Juice once a day when I'm at home and initially I didn't try it because i don't have a juicer. I did think about buying one actually and eventually would've, but I came across a video where you can make celery juice at home using a blender and a nut milk bag/ sieve to strain out all the pulp. The end result is a vibrant smooth juice. I use celery, cucumber and lemon juice or I just customise with whatever is in the fridge. Celery is super cheap in supermarkets and work out better than storebought, although convenience when travelling is another story. Btw my favourite juice is the Green Tonic juice from Joe & The Juice. It has kale, celery and cucumber, also the tunacado is to die for OMG! I always order both.
Celery juice has high levels of vitamin A which means it's great for you skin, hair and nails. If you want healthy and glowing skin I recommend. It's also high in vitamin K, B2, B6, C, potassium, folate, pantothenic acid. It's packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory properties so it's also good if you're feeling a little under the weather. If you're someone who struggles with digestion, then celery juice may help make that easier and decrease bloating.
I recommend using organic celery but if you can't find that just be sure to wash your celery extremely thoroughly and use filtered water when blending.
happy hormones
Breakfast and blood sugar
When a blood sugar spike is too high, it causes a crash. This crash leads to a stress hormone, where your body releases cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone which has been researched to cause fatigue, hunger, acne etc. Excess cortisol causes hormonal imbalances where painful or irregular periods can also occur. Fluctuating levels of cortisol in the body can make the skin more sensitive and reactive, since it causes the skins sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.
To help your body avoid a glucose spike that can leave you feeling anxious and could cause acne, hunger and many other issues, try to prioritise fat, fibre and protein in your meals. Carbohydrates raise blood sugar, protein lowers blood sugar, so when consumed together they keep things stable. Don't avoid carbohydrates at all costs, just be intentional about what you pair it with. Reducing carbohydrates can help too but that is no fun sometime so just remember to add protein and fat.
Personally, for me I found that when opting for a savoury high protein and high fat breakfast, my skin, mood and energy levels were so much better. I felt fuller for longer and my skin suffered with less breakouts. Of course, everyone's glucose response is different, but I know from friends and online studies people experience a drastic change when they balance their blood sugar by prioritising higher protein and fat at breakfast. Managing blood sugar in the morning is the most important time to do so. Recently my breakfast has been wholemeal toast or sourdough toast with avocado, olive oil and chilli flakes.
Another thing I've also introduced into my morning routine is drinking coffee after eating my breakfast - for the reason of happy hormones of course.
Try it out and see how it goes!
gut friendly
Plenish
Wait for your coffee
Wholegrains
My favourite plant based milk option is Plenish, which I get from Sainsburys. I usually buy the Almond milk and Cashew milk. Unlike other brands they don't contain any unnecessary ingredients that aren't very nice to your gut. I always use them in my lattes, teas or just to drink alone.
Wholegrains
Wait for your coffee
Wholegrains
Try swapping white bread for wholegrain, rye or sourdough bread for added fibre. I actually prefer the taste of these types of breads compared to white bread.
I promise it's not bad tasting lol...
Wait for your coffee
Wait for your coffee
Wait for your coffee
Try enjoy your morning coffee after you've eaten breakfast. Since cortisol is high in the morning consuming caffeine when it's in this state can actually cause you to produce more. Drinking it after breakfast will also help you feel less sluggish and more alert like coffee should. If you must drink it first thing, try decaf.
food i always order when i'm away
Avocado toast and crudites yumm.
Lots of soy/ almond milk coffee, purely because i love coffee and it tastes better on holiday.
Any dessert with chocolate to keep me sane.
Alcohol free cocktails, my favs are virgin pina colada or anything with ginger/ berries.
Sea bass or any type of white fish with olive oil, lemon and veggies.
Raspberry tart to have with my coffee of course.
my go to summer lunch
Buddha bowls and colourful salads with chicken all summer long please.
