Colourful food is my favourite. Anything with lots of vegetables and plenty of colour in my eyes is the epitome of healthy and nutritious. When  I'm in college during the week I generally base my meals around vegetables (because I absolutely LOVE them), and while many people are living off Pot Noodles and Microwavable Rice, I'm just making another one of my made-up on the spot recipes. I do plan on sharing some more of my savoury recipes here once I have perfected them! But for now, here's one which has been inspired by one of the GREATEST Chinese dishes I have ever had while over in Spain on my holidays last year. The chinese restaurant was the best one I have ever been in, it served free watermelon after the meal and made the most delicious jug of Sangria. (Very multicultural haha). It was like no Chinese Restaurant I have seen here at home.  

Here is my recipe for my Almond Coated Chicken Stir Fry.

Almond Butter

Almond butter is so often praised on healthy eating blogs and in recipe books, but to buy, a small jar will leave your pocket about four euro lighter. To me that's an insane amount to spend, especially when it's so easy to make! I actually think this one is a lot nicer than the shop bought version, much more flavoursome. A small bag of almonds costs less than two euro in Lidl. Thank goodness for the Belbake range!

Granola Oat Bites

When I go swimming and feel a bit peckish on the way home I'll call into the shop and get some fruit like Strawberries, Blueberries or Raspberries to nibble on on the way home, just as a pick me up until my next meal. Bananas however are great for satisfying hunger pangs and cravings because they have fibre, protein and fat. A large banana has approximately 120 calories.

After exercising your body needs carbohydrates and protein to relieve tired muscles and get your energy back up. I've put together a little recipe for Granola Oat Bites that would make for a great post workout snack, mid afternoon snack or even a great breakfast on the go! 

Sweet and Zesty Side Salsa

Hi! I just wanted to share this little recipe for a Salsa that I love! It really spices up a plain meal and I cannot stop eating it til it's all gone! Here goes..

Serves 2 :
1 red chili
1 avocado
1/2 juice of a lemon
400g cherry tomatoes
4 spring onions
salt
pepper
parsley

Method:
Chop the avocado into chunks & the cherry tomatoes into halves.
Add about half the red chili, although if you like the heat add the whole thing (or even extra).
Dice the spring onions, add to the bowl and mix well.
Add the juice of half a lemon, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper.
Finely chop your parsley and sprinkle over the top.

I love serving salsa with fish cakes as it adds more interest and goes so well!

Chocolate & Raspberry Nibbles

These little shards of deliciousness are hands down my favourite go-to recipe when I'm wanting to satisfy a sweet craving without the guilt. They are super easy to make and actually very adaptable. The raspberries are a burst of fresh sweetness to a more deep tasting, almost bitter chocolate.

Carrot Cake Mini Muffins

There is actually nothing better than homegrown carrots straight from the garden! Not only are they so photogenic and vibrantly coloured (once they are washed of course), they are also so fresh and nutritious! These beauties are straight from the garden, and a little wonky from stony soil, but still way tastier than shop bought! I thought I'd whip up a batch of Carrot Cake Muffins, but with a slight healthy twist. The are really filling so would be great for a snack and would satisfy a sweet craving! 

They are even more indulgent and delicious with the cream frosting.

New Year!

It's now 13 days into the new year, and unlike other years I have taken a little longer to decide on my goals for this year. I didn't want to just pick a few ideas off the top of my head and almost immediately fall off the bandwagon. My unwritten goal of the year is to become more organised, hence why I bought myself a brand spanking new diary, for only 4 euro in Tesco. I just thought it was the sweetest little diary, and the perfect size for a handbag, so it can come everywhere with me!

Eating Better for Less

Everyone knows that eating well and eating healthy can be difficult on a small budget, and this has been increasingly noticeable for me since becoming a student. Here are my tips for spending less and still eating good, nutritious meals at the same time.

Pumpkin Muffins

I had a little pumpkin remaining from the autumn harvest, so after pureeing it I found a lovely little recipe for Pumpkin Muffins, and changed it round a bit to suit me.

Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds

Ok, so I have seen this little recipe everywhere, the old Chia Seeds and Overnight Oat pudding, and there are so many different and great variations.

Hummus / Houmous

I love this quick and easy recipe for a tasty little hummus dip (and yes I am in two minds about how to spell it). Hope you enjoy!!

Gluten Free Diet - Day 1

When learning about Gluten Intolerance in school from Home Economics class I always thought it would be a pretty easy dietary requirement to have to deal with. I was under the impression that it only involved cutting out wheat (Pasta and Bread) and all that related food group: Barley. I thought that would be pretty simple. What I didn't realise is EVERYTHING has gluten in it. Cornflakes and even sausages contain gluten. Bread, pasta, cakes. Basically all the things people use to fill plates and bellies, contain gluten.

I am taking on a gluten free diet for the next two weeks for a few reasons.
Firstly I want to educate myself more on what foods are available for the Gluten Intolerant .. and already this has posed itself as a task. I want to search grocery shops, and see if I can still have decent meals without gluten. The first problem I have already come across is the price, with gluten free alternatives being more pricey than the gluten rich counterparts.
In cutting out gluten I am hoping to become more conscious of my diet and the foods I eat.
Secondly I am hoping that removing this protein from my diet will help with my skin at the moment (which is kind of spot central for some reason) as I have heard that gluten can cause skin reactions. I am willing to try anything at this stage.

DAY ONE

Breakfast:

Fake Truffles

These 'truffles' are really balls of energy and fibre, disguised as chocolaty goodies. They are definitely the best thing that has come out of my kitchen in a long time - in regards to taste, a healthy treat and the ease of making! They are truly DELICIOUS.

Super Healthy Banana Bread

No added sugar, milk, eggs or oil.