Kefir Smoothie

This delicious kefir smoothie is really nourishing for gut bacteria and has some great protective properties. A great way to start the day. You can buy whole milk kefir (unflavoured) from most supermarkets now. Whizz this up with frozen berries, 2 tablespoons of flax seeds and some green kale if you are brave!

Berries contain ellagic acid, a potent anti oxidant which has been shown to have cancer protective properties (a bit similar to curcumin). The best sources of ellagic acid are raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, pomegranate. Organic is best.

The flax seeds contain lignans which bind to and help clear used hormones and toxins from the body. Great for hormone balance.

Go for it!

Functional Testing

I just recorded my first webinar which was for BCNH (UK College of Nutrition and Health). I took the students through how to interpret some diagnostic tests focusing on gastrointestinal health and nutrient status. These functional tests are incredibly useful for detecting imbalances on a deeper level in order to put together a more targeted protocol. It was great to be back in contact with BCNH which is where I studied for 4 years to get my nutrition diploma. I have also written an article on Adrenal stress testing for the BCNH e-newsletter.

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Breakfast of the Week - Avocado and Seeds on Toast

Breakfast of the week - Avocado on toast! This one is really popular, quick to make and keeps (most people) going until lunch. Half an avocado whizzed up with sunflower and pumpkin seeds and spread on rye bread toast. Packed with protein and nutrients. And if you can face a small salad early in the morning then full marks!

Speedy Fish Cakes

Made these tasty fish cakes this evening. Just lightly mash cooked potatoes with a fork, add cooked white fish, some lemon and grated lemon zest with some chopped coriander or whatever herbs you fancy. Make into balls, lightly dust with some flour, then fry or oven bake. Great with a nice big salad. Protein - tick, Greens - tick.

Thai Green Curry

Thai green curry is one of my favourites, it's quick to prepare, healthy and can be really cheap! Best made with plenty of aubergine, onion, mushroom, courgettes, butternut squash. Add some green thai curry paste and coconut milk and job done. At the moment I'm making mine with white fish, but prawns, chicken or simply vegetables will also do the job

Awesome, Nutrient Packed Lunches

Tip for awesome, nutrient packed lunches: Make up a salad base on Sunday evening (and Wednesday too!) using your food processor to grate up carrot, red cabbage and celery. Pop in a large tupperware with chopped avocado, beetroot, spring onion, cucumber and olives, squeeze over the juice of a lime. Take out a portion each day, add some green leaves and some protein from fish, chicken, beans or turkey and job done!

Joys of a Slow Cooker

I had dinner with a friend on Friday and she cooked up an absolute feast using a slow cooker. It reminded me how fantastic these guys are. When meals are cooked slowly over 6-8 hours many more of the nutrients are retained, red meat cooked slowly it is far less likely to create damaging chemicals which can be formed by high temperature cooking. And how great is it to get home after a long day at work to find your one pot dinner waiting for you? 
There are loads of good slow cooker recipes but you can't beat a hearty casserole and greens