recipes

Blog, Health

The smell of coffee is one of those smells that brings a smile to my face, along with cut grass and freshly laundered sheets. I treasure my mid-morning cup of coffee - but is it actually good for you? Caffeine can sometimes get a bad rap - but did you know there’s more to your cup of coffee than just caffeine and there are some great health benefits, in particular for a midlife woman.

Apr 10

Apr 10 10 mins beans and avocado salad bowl

This plant-based bean and avocado salad is one you will adopt and make over and over again. Perfect as a lunch prepped ahead for a couple of days, where you can add a different source of extra protein (boiled egg, feta cheese, leftover roast chicken, poached salmon). It is also a fab salad to make to work alongside those summer BBQs we are all looking forward to!
Bonus, it’s super quick and made from everyday affordable ingredients!

Apr 3

Apr 3 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.

Apr 1

Apr 1 Hair loss - what you need to look for

Blog, Health

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.

Mar 30

Mar 30 berry berry smoothie bowl

Breakfast and brunch, Recipes

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?

Mar 28

Mar 28 Spinach, lentil and halloumi salad

A salad with halloumi is always a winner for us. Easy to put together and can be enjoyed on its own or added to a lunchbox and taken to work.

Mar 27

Mar 27 red pepper, parsley and feta omelette

Recipes, Mains

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.

Mar 20

Mar 20 Our top 6 favourite salad dressings

Recipes, Blog, Dips and sauces

It’s no secret that we love salads here at The Health Boost. A good dressing though is essential as it can make or break a salad. Here we have our favourite 6 salad dressings. If you are looking for a salad to go with those dressings we have lots under our Soups and Salad section. Or else head to our Instagram account - The Health Boost - where we post our lunch salads daily.

Mar 14

Mar 14 Almond butter salad dressing

This almond butter salad dressing is so good you almost don’t need to pair it with a salad. We could happily devour from the spoon! However if you do want it go with a salad make a salad with robust leaves such as kale and then it’s a match made in heaven.

Mar 14

Mar 14 Asian style sesame salad dressing

This dressing is inspired from the flavours of Asia. Pairs perfectly with thinly sliced cucumber for an accompaniment to a table of salads and grilled meats and fish.

Mar 14

Mar 14 Mediterranean garlic and herb dressing

This salad dressing is a classic and a favourite from the French member of our team. You can add as much or as little garlic as you like depending on who you want to scare away. You can choose whichever herbs you have to hand.

Mar 14

Mar 14 Spiced Harissa and yoghurt dressing

A delicious spicy harissa paste salad dressing that’s mellowed with the addition of creamy Greek yoghurt. We use the Belazu rose harissa paste which we have found is very popular with our families.

Mar 14

Mar 14 Tahini and ginger zingy dressing

A lovely nutty salad dressing that’s lifted with the tang of the Dijon mustard. Pairs perfectly with a robust grain salad or roasted vegetables. If left to sit it might thicken up, so just loosen again with a splash of water.

Mar 14

Mar 14 Creamy avocado green dressing

Feb 20

Feb 20 Harissa roasted cauli & chickpea salad

A lovely warm salad that will take you through from Autumn to Spring. I used a jar of Brindisa chickpeas but these can be substituted with tinned to keep the cost down. I have used raw beetroot that I have grated. However you could use a pouch of ready steamed beetroot that is now available from supermarkets.

Feb 9

Feb 9 Store cupboard chickpea dahl

Recipes, Mains

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.

Jan 14

Jan 14 Vitamin C booster smoothie

Recipes, Juices and smoothies

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!

Jan 11

Jan 11 Moroccan-spiced squash and lentil stew

Recipes, Mains

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.

Jan 10

Jan 10 Overnight flaxseed & chia cinnamon breakfast pots