a week of healthy packed lunches

a week of healthy packed lunches

Kat Bright
Blog, Nutrition, Health

It's back to school time and for some that means the return of the packed lunches. How do you make them healthy, but still taste good so your children actually eat them? We have come up with some healthy ideas here, that will hopefully inspire you to change things up. The key is to be organised. Get the bag ready the night before and put in anything that doesn't need to be refrigerated. Fill up a water bottle and leave it to chill overnight in the fridge - small things will make a difference. All the meals are nut free and most are gluten free and dairy free. We have also tried to make them full of fruit and vegetables โ€“ and colour, which is lacking in so many lunch boxes that we see.

simple vegetable curry

simple vegetable curry

Val Simpson
Recipes, Mains

When days get shorter and cooler, we all seek comfort in warming foods. Spices do just that, and it doesn't have to be complicated. Plenty of vegetables and plenty of gorgeous colours are sure signs that you're eating something full of goodness. So have a go! This is a great vegetarian dish on its own or the perfect side for a roast chicken for example.

stewed apricots & plums

stewed apricots & plums

Val Simpson
Recipes, Breakfast and brunch

When fruit season is in full swing, let's take advantage of it! Having fruits as part of a healthy nutritious breakfast is a great way to kick start your day. This very simple apricot and plum stew is not only seasonal and delicious, it is extremely versatile. It makes a perfect crumble base, or a great topping for your morning oats or Greek yoghurt!

Pick me up smoothie

Pick me up smoothie

Val Simpson
Recipes, Juices and smoothies

Could this purple bit of goodness be any prettier? Not only will a smoothie offer one of the easiest and most versatile way to add goodness to a healthy diet, I have found that with kids, it is such a practical on-the-go way to supplement their diets with essential vitamins and minerals they may lack. Packed full of seasonal ingredients they have become part of our daily life.

vegetable tagine

vegetable tagine

Kat Bright
Recipes, Mains

This tagine serves a delicious spicy punch. Not one for little ones unless adventurous! A great vegetarian meal that packs in lots of different vegetables. Can be made ahead and reheated and leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day. Delicious served on its own, but if you are super hungry then serve with brown rice, quinoa or some cauliflower rice. Don't be put off by the long list of ingredients - the spice paste is ever so easy to make!

Tips for a healthier and eco friendly kitchen

Tips for a healthier and eco friendly kitchen

Kat Bright
Blog, Nutrition, Health

As well as looking at the food we put into our bodies, it's also worth thinking about minimising toxins from our kitchen. There have been many studies showing that your home can be more toxic than your office. Chemicals in our home have been linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and dementia. These can either be directly or by damaging the beneficial bacteria in our gut, which helps to keep us healthy.

blueberry & almond loaf

blueberry & almond loaf

Val Simpson
Recipes, Snacks

Reworking childhood recipes with a healthier twist is one of my favourite kitchen challenge. I strongly believe in enjoying old fashioned foods. French classics such as clafoutis are delicious, seasonal and the opposite of fussy. Try this no refined sugar, gluten and dairy free version and share with the family this summer!

tomato and coconut chicken

tomato and coconut chicken

Kat Bright
Recipes, Mains

This is perfect for introducing your children to spices. It's not that hot, so I add a couple of dried chillies when I cook it for some extra heat. If your children aren't used to spices then don't add any chillies the first time you make it and then introduce gradually. Don't be put off by the long list of spices it's a very simple dish and the oven does the hard work!

mocha energy shot

mocha energy shot

Val Simpson
Recipes, Snacks

These energy balls were inspired by, or should I say, commissioned by my Sweaty Betty team mates! They have been designed to be free from most of what we try to avoid or reduce and full of the flavour of that much loved coffee shot! They are a perfect made ahead item and were a massive instant hit at our Monthly meeting!

French cherry & almond clafoutis

French cherry & almond clafoutis

Val Simpson
Recipes, Snacks

Reworking childhood recipes with a healthier twist is one of my favourite kitchen challenge. I strongly believe in enjoying old fashioned foods. French classics such as clafoutis are delicious, seasonal and the opposite of fussy. Try this no refined sugar, gluten and dairy free version and share with the family this summer!

good night's sleep

good night's sleep

Kat Bright
Blog, Nutrition, Health

I believe that sleep is the most important thing we can get right for our health. Often when seeing clients I will also give them tips for a better night's sleep as well as help with their nutrition. If you aren't getting enough sleep than how can you be expected to have the energy to cook yourself nutritious meals and look after your family? Poor sleep is implicated in a range of health conditions such as heart disease, poor immunity and insulin resistance.

avocado and mango salad

avocado and mango salad

Kat Bright
Recipes, Soups and salads

This colourful salad is perfect for lunch on a summer's day. It's ideal to serve on its own, but can also be served alongside a BBQ on a summer's day. It's very quick and easy to prepare leaving you more time to spend outside. I'm not usually that keen on adding fruit to a salad, but trust me โ€“ this really works!

courgette & mint fritters

courgette & mint fritters

Kat Bright
Recipes, Mains

If you grow your own vegetables then you will need lots of recipes to use up the courgette glut that is inevitable! Even if you don't grow courgettes this summery recipe is a great way to combine the delicious summery flavours of courgette, mint and pea. Serve with a simple salad and a yoghurt and cucumber, mint dip for an easy lunch.

rainbow salad

rainbow salad

Val Simpson
Recipes, Soups and salads

Did you say green salad? Why stop at green? Although green is THE compulsory colour on our plates at all times, we love a rainbow. With mixed elements of raw and roasted vegetables, it will accompany your summer barbecues perfectly and provide a useful nutrient dense and balanced option for your vegetarian friends.

you don't have to put a name on it

you don't have to put a name on it

Val Simpson
Blog, Nutrition, Health

What I am writing about today is not a rant, not a judgement, not scientific just an account of my very personal experience with food sensitivities over the past 10 years. With access to information facilitated by technology, and the rise of fad diets, health trends and fancy buzz words spreading across social media, I sometimes find myself facing harsh criticism and negative reactions when I ask about the gluten content of my order when eating out. 

peachy smoothie

peachy smoothie

Val Simpson
Juices and smoothies, Recipes

Smoothies are the easiest, quickest and most versatile way to manage a nutrient rich balanced healthy diet. Packed full of seasonal ingredients they have become our best friends.
This new smoothie is sunshine on tap and nice little health boost for a peachy smooth skin.

raspberry & coconut FroYo

raspberry & coconut FroYo

Val Simpson
Recipes, Snacks

It's not just any yoghurt...oh no! It's frozen yoghurt, aka Fro-Yo. And that takes us into a whole different world of yummy healthy desserts. With so many different fruits available in the summer, the possibilities are endless.

chia jam strawberry tart

chia jam strawberry tart

Val Simpson
Recipes, Snacks

Strawberry season has well and truly arrived! Our local farm have opened their doors for the traditional annual PYO tradition!
My favourite way of enjoying strawberries is just the fruit, but my not so little children and husband do demand a proper dessert occasionally so this tart does fit the bill. Perfect for your next Sunday lunch with the family!

kale & mint smoothie

kale & mint smoothie

Kat Bright
Juices and smoothies, Recipes

This fresh tasting mint smoothie is the perfect accompaniment to a summer weekend breakfast or a mid morning pick me up. We have made it sweet to appeal to children as well, but if it's only for you, then you might find that one pear, or even none, will do. There's no protein in the smoothie so it's not a substitute to breakfast. If you want to eat on its own then include a handful of almonds in the smoothie.

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