The home cooking continues! I am trying (without difficulty) to avoid meat, but for the moment, I just cannot let fish go. I love it so much and I do think that I eat it in the right way. You will rarely catch me in a chippie even though I am Welsh!
I've made the following fishy dishes in the last week or so, and both went down well with my family! I wanted to share especially because I'm conscious that all I've posted so far are veggie options, and whilst I love veg - it has to be said that fish is packed full of super goodness.
Salmon - My favourite fish, and luckily for me, a healthy favourite. Apparently considered 'brain food', and an excellent source of high quality protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids (contribute to healthy brain function, heart, joints and general wellbeing
Prawns - A good low fat protein source. Calcium and vitamin E for healthy skin, teeth and bones. They do have a high sodium content which is a shame because there is a lot of goodness in them!
Cod - I found an entry for cod on a site called 'The world's healthiest foods', which I can only see as a good sign! Once again, low calorie source of protein with lots of cardiovascular benefits. An omega-3 rich diet also improves mood and reduces depression and surprisingly, protects against sunburn!
My newest fishy recipes...
Sunday, 8 February 2015
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
Mindfulness for Beginners
I don’t pretend to be an expert on anything mindfulness-related yet. For now I’m learning and enjoying the journey. Of course I intend to do this my way, but I’m naturally very theoretical, and always want to understand the detail behind things so I invested in this book.
So far, so good. I love to hear other people’s views as well as understanding the theory behind practicing mindfulness. It would appear that it is almost becoming en vogue, something I wasn’t aware of, but will make best use of. Hopefully this will mean lots of information, sharing and understanding of the practice. I will shortly be moving again, finally into my own apartment and I have been researching 8-week mindfulness courses around the area. I think I’ve found the one that fits for me, and I’m looking forward to enrolling and starting to be guided along this journey.
As a useful tool for my mindfulness practise, I also grabbed a copy of the Mindfulness Journal from my favourite stationary store. Their products are so adorable, and they currently have a range devoted to inspiration. This journal is perfect for my ever so slightly nerdy obsession with writing things down, and tracking what’s happening. For this though, I actually think it will be a good thing.
As a useful tool for my mindfulness practise, I also grabbed a copy of the Mindfulness Journal from my favourite stationary store. Their products are so adorable, and they currently have a range devoted to inspiration. This journal is perfect for my ever so slightly nerdy obsession with writing things down, and tracking what’s happening. For this though, I actually think it will be a good thing.
I love the journal - it has pages of meditation information, mindfulness practice and space for your own thoughts. It then splits up into months, to reflect on the month as a whole, as well as space for individual days. I think this is a great set up, allowing yourself to then reflect back on how you've change and progressed over the year.
I really want to get started on an 8-week mindfulness course. I'm really keen on this one from The Mindfulness Project, and this one from The Now Project. Part of me thinks I need to go easy on the courses - I'm already well underway with my Nutritionist Course - but then again, I really enjoy learning things I'm interested in and I think the two go hand in hand.
Tuesday, 3 February 2015
Almost Parisienne
I may have mentioned previously that Paris is probably my favourite place in the world. I am already so excited about a trip that my mum and I are taking in November for my birthday. We started planning it over the weekend, and just booked our hotel, so that it's firmly in the diary and we can start deciding what to do while we are there. I can't believe it's only the start of this year and I am thinking so far ahead, but it's so important to have things to look forward to!
It's been far too long since I was in Paris, and I'm so pleased that by the time we go I'll have already been to Nice on my French language course (more on this later) so I can get some more practise later in the year. I think it takes less time to get to Paris than it does to get to the north of England on the Eurostar - another reason I love living here.
Now I have 4 days in Paris to plan before Christmas and I'm starting right now! I dug these out from my book collection to get me started.
It's been far too long since I was in Paris, and I'm so pleased that by the time we go I'll have already been to Nice on my French language course (more on this later) so I can get some more practise later in the year. I think it takes less time to get to Paris than it does to get to the north of England on the Eurostar - another reason I love living here.
Parisian Chic is primarily a fashion book which I think is spot on and very entertaining. I've taken a lot of tips from this over the few years I have had it - I do really like the French style. There's also a great section on the city itself, as well as a 'Secret Paris' chapter which I haven't explored yet.
My Little Paris is a great book full of inspiration and things to do, from exploring secret Parisian outlet stores, to having your lingerie delivered (perhaps not such a good one for a long weekend trip!). Either way its a great read, and a list I'm going to make sure I complete in the years to come.
When Triné and I went to Paris a few years ago, we had the most amazing time. We invested in Moleskine city notebooks; such a great idea to document all the wonderful places we found along the way. I can't wait to venture back to some of these places, and add to my collection of things I have discovered to do and see. My mum and I have a plan to each surprise one another with a restaurant while we are there and I think that these will go a long way in finding some wonderful venues.
Monday, 2 February 2015
January Favourites
The first month of a new year... always refreshing! This month has all been about planning this new blog and my 2015 journey, getting excited for moving into my new place next month, and getting stuck into a really important phase in work! Here are some of my favourite things from this month.
1. Mindful App - Just as an introduction, I downloaded a couple of mindfulness and meditation apps on my iPhone to get me started. There are daily sessions to follow, which form part of a programme, as well as various practices of different lengths and types, depending on what you're looking for. It also allows you to pause at various times in the day for a short reflection, this is probably the best part as you can complete it anywhere, and usually only for a few seconds.
2. Flaxseed - Because of my current lack of kitchen, it can be quite hard to get the healthy kick I want and need (3 weeks and counting until my new home is ready!). Until then, I still make sure to use any and all of the easy nutritional boosts I can. I love the Linseed flaxseed and goji berry mix - I mix it into my porridge in the mornings. It's full of protein, fibre, vitamins and antioxidants - and its quite yummy.
3. Gossip Girl - Somehow I've been re-watching this series through January. I'm such a huge fan - it's probably my TV guilty pleasure! When it's cold and rainy and horrible outside, there's nothing better than staying in with back to back Gossip Girl episodes and a cup of tea!
4. Pure Foods - Pure is a great lunchtime spot I've recently found close to my office. I love their selection of wholesome, freshly made food. A lot of it is super healthy, and my current favourite is their thai green lentil soup, made with spinach and coconut
5. Clarins Facial Oil - I have the weirdest skin - dry, yet congested, and London doesn't make it any better. Although it's still not at its best, Clarins rebalancing oil really helps me (I use Blue Orchid). They are completely natural pure plant oils which I love; there can be so many chemicals in facial products now, the natural something is the better, especially when it's going all over your face. Even though these are oils, they don't make skin greasy because they rebalance to the way your skin should be feeling.
[Image credits here and here]
1. Mindful App - Just as an introduction, I downloaded a couple of mindfulness and meditation apps on my iPhone to get me started. There are daily sessions to follow, which form part of a programme, as well as various practices of different lengths and types, depending on what you're looking for. It also allows you to pause at various times in the day for a short reflection, this is probably the best part as you can complete it anywhere, and usually only for a few seconds.
2. Flaxseed - Because of my current lack of kitchen, it can be quite hard to get the healthy kick I want and need (3 weeks and counting until my new home is ready!). Until then, I still make sure to use any and all of the easy nutritional boosts I can. I love the Linseed flaxseed and goji berry mix - I mix it into my porridge in the mornings. It's full of protein, fibre, vitamins and antioxidants - and its quite yummy.
3. Gossip Girl - Somehow I've been re-watching this series through January. I'm such a huge fan - it's probably my TV guilty pleasure! When it's cold and rainy and horrible outside, there's nothing better than staying in with back to back Gossip Girl episodes and a cup of tea!
4. Pure Foods - Pure is a great lunchtime spot I've recently found close to my office. I love their selection of wholesome, freshly made food. A lot of it is super healthy, and my current favourite is their thai green lentil soup, made with spinach and coconut5. Clarins Facial Oil - I have the weirdest skin - dry, yet congested, and London doesn't make it any better. Although it's still not at its best, Clarins rebalancing oil really helps me (I use Blue Orchid). They are completely natural pure plant oils which I love; there can be so many chemicals in facial products now, the natural something is the better, especially when it's going all over your face. Even though these are oils, they don't make skin greasy because they rebalance to the way your skin should be feeling.
[Image credits here and here]
Sunday, 1 February 2015
Just call me Miss Nutritionist
Exciting news!
I've just signed up to complete a Nutritionist Training course; a certified course teaching the role of nutrition in the body. I'm very excited - I'd been thinking a little bit about doing something like this, but hadn't really got around to it yet. My mum told me about one she saw, and when we then looked it up - it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for!
I might be keen on taking this even further, but this course will be a great introduction. It's all online, and providing I pass the final exam, I can wave around my Certificate in Nutrition with pride!
The company that runs this course, Diet Specialist, are a team of registered dieticians and nutritionists who not only run this course, but also provide individual consultations, business support, seminars and workshops, and health centre services. They have a scientific approach that I completely agree with, helping people to understand health and wellbeing. Here are their six steps:
Detoxify your body
On starting a healthy eating regime, an initial a detox programme cleanses the body from toxins, provides you with energy and helps you feel revitalised and prepares your body for a tailored diet.
Plan a new and effective diet
Having explored your current diet & lifestyle habits, introduce foods that are tailored according to the glycemic index and their pH balance, with an appropriate calorie content and set at suitable portions & frequency.
Tailor your diet to specific needs
Everyone has their own dietary needs hence your diet should be tailored according to food sensitivities, allergies and intolerances, and for all other health conditions.
Increase your metabolism
Measuring your metabolic rate & identifying which foods slow it down, understanding how to increase metabolism and developing a tailored exercise regime.
Incorporate new lifestyle habits
Successful weight loss is often driven by lifestyle changes, we can help with practical tips on shopping, cooking and eating out, psychological tips to change behaviour and dealing with binges and cravings.
Provide tools to understand nutrition
Not only will we help you to lose weight, but we will provide you with tools such as guidance on interpreting food labels, advice on marketing terminology such as low fat, light & no added sugar and knowledge of ingredients such as E-Nos.
I am so excited to get started, I'm really interested in health and making sure my body is strong and well - this seems like a brilliant way to get started! I will be keeping you posted!
I've just signed up to complete a Nutritionist Training course; a certified course teaching the role of nutrition in the body. I'm very excited - I'd been thinking a little bit about doing something like this, but hadn't really got around to it yet. My mum told me about one she saw, and when we then looked it up - it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for!
I might be keen on taking this even further, but this course will be a great introduction. It's all online, and providing I pass the final exam, I can wave around my Certificate in Nutrition with pride!
The company that runs this course, Diet Specialist, are a team of registered dieticians and nutritionists who not only run this course, but also provide individual consultations, business support, seminars and workshops, and health centre services. They have a scientific approach that I completely agree with, helping people to understand health and wellbeing. Here are their six steps:
Detoxify your body
On starting a healthy eating regime, an initial a detox programme cleanses the body from toxins, provides you with energy and helps you feel revitalised and prepares your body for a tailored diet.
Plan a new and effective diet
Having explored your current diet & lifestyle habits, introduce foods that are tailored according to the glycemic index and their pH balance, with an appropriate calorie content and set at suitable portions & frequency.
Tailor your diet to specific needs
Everyone has their own dietary needs hence your diet should be tailored according to food sensitivities, allergies and intolerances, and for all other health conditions.
Increase your metabolism
Measuring your metabolic rate & identifying which foods slow it down, understanding how to increase metabolism and developing a tailored exercise regime.
Incorporate new lifestyle habits
Successful weight loss is often driven by lifestyle changes, we can help with practical tips on shopping, cooking and eating out, psychological tips to change behaviour and dealing with binges and cravings.
Provide tools to understand nutrition
Not only will we help you to lose weight, but we will provide you with tools such as guidance on interpreting food labels, advice on marketing terminology such as low fat, light & no added sugar and knowledge of ingredients such as E-Nos.
I am so excited to get started, I'm really interested in health and making sure my body is strong and well - this seems like a brilliant way to get started! I will be keeping you posted!
Saturday, 31 January 2015
Home cooking
One of my aims this year was to eat better, healthier food and fall back in love with cooking. It's so hard to be creative in the kitchen when you're hardly at home, have a tiny kitchen, or live on a constant party island (more on that later!). Spending some time at home recently I've been having a lot more fun in the kitchen, getting into the habit for my own lovely kitchen in a couple of weeks time.
Whist it would be nice to loose a few pounds and be a little more excited about the way I look, it's mostly about the way I feel, and the benefits that good food brings you. I am sometimes careful about what I eat, but probably not in the right way. I enjoy understanding the theory behind food and what feeds your body properly. To be honest, if you follow that, you can't really go wrong on the calorie front either.
This year I've said previously, I want to try some different diets as well - right now I'm staying away from dairy and, as much as possible, meat. It's only been a week or so but I think I feel better for it, especially the meat. I've never been a huge fan anyway.
It's been perfect to be at home for a while trying out some dishes and back in front of my lovely cookbooks. Here's what I've been creating over the last few days...
Whist it would be nice to loose a few pounds and be a little more excited about the way I look, it's mostly about the way I feel, and the benefits that good food brings you. I am sometimes careful about what I eat, but probably not in the right way. I enjoy understanding the theory behind food and what feeds your body properly. To be honest, if you follow that, you can't really go wrong on the calorie front either.
This year I've said previously, I want to try some different diets as well - right now I'm staying away from dairy and, as much as possible, meat. It's only been a week or so but I think I feel better for it, especially the meat. I've never been a huge fan anyway.
It's been perfect to be at home for a while trying out some dishes and back in front of my lovely cookbooks. Here's what I've been creating over the last few days...
