Hrbalife Nutrition Formula 1 Healthy Breakfast Independent Herbalife Nutrition Member Bath UK

Chicken & Vegetables: Cooking does not need to be complicated

Cooking does not need to be complicated. What is important for any meal is for it to be balanced. I am not a cook book kind of girl, I have no interest in following long complicated recipes as life is too short and, while it seems that lot of my life revolves around food because I talk about it, help people with it, cook it, take pretty photographs of it (as photography is my second passion) and then talk more about it – I actually do not enjoy it when process is too lengthy. I cook completely the opposite way most people do. Most people might think what they will have or what meal they would like to cook after they see a recipe, get ingredients and then cook. I, instead, buy food making sure I have dairy, meat, meat free options, grains, fruit and vegetables (so, all major food groups)… I open up a fridge and it almost as if talks to me: “Have this!”, “Try this”, “Have that!”. I like my meals to be delicious, I strive for balance and high nutritional content, but also I aim for as little cooking time as possible. In my world – this is a true WIN WIN.

Hrbalife Nutrition Formula 1 Healthy Breakfast Independent Herbalife Nutrition Member Bath UK

Breadless Sandwiches are the way forward…

So, why go through a whole trouble of replacing food staple such as bread and putting, instead, grilled sliced aubergines or courgettes instead? Simple, bread makes me bloated, as it does quite a few people I know. Also, 1 slice of bread happens to be the recommended Government serving of carbs per mal, so, two slices needed for a sandwich just makes the whole meal go out of balance. Yes, even if you use wholemeal/ whole grain (and I hope you doo)… You see, any excess carbs will be stored as fat and anything more than one single slice will pretty much put majority of people in exactly that kind of scenario and we do not want that.

So, finding a way to enjoy sandwiches whilst being pretty smart about it, is quite cool and, as I found, even more delicious. Breadless sandwiches are a great way to enjoy your light dinner or lunch with a difference. Grilled aubergines and courgettes filled with egg omelette, tomato, spinach and feta cheese,are above pictured. I sometimes even put grilled chicken and vegetables. Absolutely delightful, balanced and delicious with added fibre and nutrients.

Alternatively, have an open sandwich, like the one pictured below. My option for that is usually rye bread. Or to avoid highly processed what bread – use spelt bread… still one slice if you want your meal well-balanced. I wont apologise for this advice, you may actually thank me for it 🙂 as it may revolutionise your weight management efforts. You are welcome.

Enjoy!

Hrbalife Nutrition Formula 1 Healthy Breakfast Independent Herbalife Nutrition Member Bath UK

Jacket Aubergine

Yes, you’ve heard me! I have actually seen a similar recipe in one of my favourite cook books after discovering Yotam Ottolenghi. One of my best friends and clients from the United States and her friend (both called Maida) introduced me to Ottolenghi and even sent me his PLENTY, Vibrant Vegetable Recipe from London’s Ottolenghi all the way from USA as his cooking is absolutely superb. I just love the colours and ingredients he uses.

Hrbalife Nutrition Formula 1 Healthy Breakfast Independent Herbalife Nutrition Member Bath UK

Spinach and Feta Cheese Frittatas

These are lower fat frittatas, full of protein, calcium, Vitamin A & riboflavin. You will need 150gr of spinach steamed, drained and chopped, 1 garlic clove chopped up, 2 eggs, 2 egg whites, 60ml skimmed milk and 6-18 cubes of low-fat feta cheese, salt and pepper. Mix everything except feta, put it into 6 muffin holes, add 1 – 3 feta cubes on top. With 3 feta cubes – each frittata has 8 grams of protein and only 80 calories! Fantastic snack! Even 2 will not break a bank! Enjoy!

Hrbalife Nutrition Formula 1 Healthy Breakfast Independent Herbalife Nutrition Member Bath UK

Get Spiralising

This was a very simple lunch today… I spiralised 1 courgette each for my husband and myself, mixed in some peas that were left after dinner last night, vegetarian sausages and red Thai curry sauce into it. Very, very delicious. 20gr protein under 350 calories.

Spiralised courgette can be used instead of pasta as courgette are very low in calories (well, it is a vegetable afterall), high in nutrients and moderate amount of fibre. Just add some protein, perhaps another one or two vegetables and perhaps some clean sauce and you are getting a deicious meal that, if pasta was used instead in the same amount it would be in hundreds of calories.