Recipes and information to help you eat healthier

Marinated Chickpea Salad

One of the most popular legumes in the world, chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) were one of the first crops to be cultivated. They are one of the tastiest and most versatile of the pulses. Chickpeas are also high in fiber and contain the phytonutrient isoflavone, which may help to prevent cancer. Chickpeas belong to the family of legumes, also known as pulses. A study of 10,000 men and women in the USA found that those who ate pulses at least four times a week had a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease.

This tasty marinated chickpea salad can be put together quickly, stored overnight in the fridge and eaten for lunch the next day. Read more »

Slow Cooker Lentil & Quinoa Stew

This hearty lentil stew is an easy to cook, high protein meal that suits those on low carb diets – such as the South Beach diet and low GI diets. Both lentils and quinoa are high in fiber and protein. Read more »

Creamy Avocado Guacamole

Besides being delicious, avocados are very high in potassium, Vitamin A and fiber. One avocado contains 1230 IU of Vitamin A and 1204 mg of potassium, as well as 4 grams of protein and 10 grams of dietary fiber. They are packed full of other vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C, B1, B2, Niacin, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, B6, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium and Iron.

I find this guacamole the perfect way to incorporate hempseed (or flaxseed) oil into my diet. Both types of oil contain high amounts of the essential Omega-3 oils, and since it’s important that you don’t heat the oils, this recipe is perfect. I noticed a marked improvement in my skin and hair health when I started taking hempseed oil. In addition to skin conditions, omega-3 helps with heart disease, depression and fatigue. Flaxseed or hempseed oil is highly recommended for women 35 and older because they are very rich in phytoestrogens. Read more »

How To Cook Chickpeas In A Slow Cooker

Chickpeas are arguably the most delicious and versatile of all the legume family. They have enormous health benefits too.

Using a crock pot is simply the easiest way to cook chickpeas (garbanzo beans), but the main reason I cook my chickpeas in a slow cooker is that they come out so beautifully tender. Once you’ve had chickpeas cooked this way you won’t want to go back to canned chickpeas from the supermarket. Read more »

Cheesy Egg Muffins With Mushroom, Courgette and Spinach

I’ve been itching to try this recipe since last week when I found Kalyn’s Kitchen Blog and the recipe for these yummy looking, South Beach Diet Phase I compliant Egg Muffins. I even went out and bought one of those blissfully-easy-to-use silicone muffin trays.

I’ve been waiting and waiting, but our chickens aren’t laying much at the moment – either that or they’ve set up yet another secret nest for us to discover (either that or someone will come back with a bunch of chicks in a few weeks). We went to the local vegie shop yesterday and I got a tray of free range eggs, in anticipation of making this recipe. Well, today was the day! Let me tell you, they don’t disappoint! Read more »

Marinated Tofu

Tofu is naturally bland tasting, which makes it the perfect canvas for you to get creative with marinades. This recipe is quick, easy and tasty. You only need to marinate for a few hours, but if you can be organized enough try to prepare it the night before it to allow the flavors time to really develop. Read more »

Quick Fried Cabbage with Olive Oil & Garlic

Cabbage is one of the most under-rated and beautiful tasting vegetables if cooked correctly. It’s also full of vitamins C & A. If your childhood memories of cabbage are of a over-boiled mush, do yourself a favor and try this recipe. It might change your view on cabbage. Read more »