Lentil, beetroot & salmon salad bowl

The beauty of this lentil salad is its versatility! Some elements (lentils and salmon) can be added warm, and all can be made ahead or already in the fridge and cupboard so you can assemble this beautiful salad at the last minute. It makes a perfect starter for 4 or a balanced lunch for 2. The lentils and salmon provide a good source of protein and healthy fats to keep you full for longer. This can be made with any type of lentil - but I think those beluga lentils are perfect and sturdy for this salad. Second favourite to use are Puy lentils.

Hair loss - what you need to look for

If you start to lose your hair, whether it’s a gradual thinning or coming out in large amounts, it can be very distressing. Until it happened to myself following a bout of Covid I didn’t appreciate the emotional as well as physical stress it can cause. Washing your hair to find a huge clump of hair in your hand can leave you very distraught.

berry berry smoothie bowl

Who else loves a pretty smoothie? We love a colourful smoothie but especially when mornings get brighter and warmer. This berry smoothie is very simple and versatile and makes a prefect pre or post-workout fuel. It can be dairy-free, made from fresh or frozen berries, and even turned into healthy ice cream. What's not to love?

red pepper, parsley and feta omelette

Omelettes or frittatas are your friends! They can be breakfast, brunch, lunch and can be eaten hot or cold! Eggs are a great natural, simple, complete and affordable source of protein teamed up with any seasonal vegetable you may have to hand. An omelette takes 5 minutes to make for a quick lunch at home. Made ahead, they are ideal cold in a wrap with extra salad leaves.

Store cupboard chickpea dahl

A dahl is a super quick and easy vegetarian one pot that warms you from the inside out. The addition of chickpeas helps to increase the protein content, even if it’s not entirely traditional. If you have a well stocked store cupboard this makes a great meal when the fridge is empty and the prospect of a trip to the supermarket doesn’t appeal. If you need help stocking your store cupboard download our handy shopping list from the Resource section.

Vitamin C booster smoothie

Winter may not seem the time you fancy a smoothie, but they are so handy for packing so much goodness.

When I set out to create a new smoothie recipe, I was aiming for at least one vegetable, high fibre content, high in vitamin C, a good morning boost, a light textured and a pretty colour! Oh and why not include that daily dose of flaxseed (really helps with the hot flushes). I think I managed to tick all the boxes and it’s delicious! Give it a try and let me know!

Moroccan-spiced squash and lentil stew

We love cooking with lentils - super cheap, high in protein and can be used in so many ways depending on the type of lentil you choose. In this dish we have used green lentils, which hold their shape and are perfect for spiced dishes. We always soak our lentils before using, this helps to remove the phytochemicals which can prevent absorption of minerals such as zinc and magnesium.

Overnight flaxseed & chia cinnamon breakfast pots

Good habits start with breakfast. Making ahead is one of the best advice we can give. Those overnight flaxseed and chia breakfast pots take 10 minutes to prepare the day before and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Ideal to make on a Sunday afternoon and that’s Monday and Tuesday’s breakfast sorted. They are balanced, high in protein to keep you full until lunchtime and just delicious.

Lentil, mushroom and kale stew

Although we are not vegetarians we often eat vegetarian meals especially as we get a bit older. A vegetarian meal with puy lentils and mushroom is perfect for a midweek meal or meat free Monday meal. The mushrooms and miso paste hit the unami spot perfectly in this recipe. For a more substantial meal you could serve with some wild or brown rice - but it’s hearty enough without.

roasted vegetable and lentil salad

Regular readers of our blog and social media pages will know that we love a salad even in the colder months. However the key is to add warm elements. There’s nothing worse than a cold crisp iceberg lettuce in the winter! This salad is warm with roasted vegetables, warm lentils and then a punch harissa spicy dressing. So easy to rustle up on a cold winter day. If I am going to roast vegetables then I make a large tray full to be enjoyed over the coming days.