Hello, my names Justine and I am a foodie!
How this Blog was born
I genuinely believe you don’t need processed sugar in your life. This isn’t just because it’s the main cause of obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay in the UK it’s because today, in 2015, we have an abundance of healthier unrefined sugars, raw honey, organic maple syrup, xylitol, stevia. When correctly used to substitute processed sugars in recipes, natural sugars create equally tasty dishes that you can enjoy just as much without your conscience or the need for your nearest Weight Watchers meeting. None of the recipes on this blog have processed sugars, or have been blogged without me making and approving them, try them I promise you won’t be disappointed.
I’m really keen on understanding why something is good for you and how you use it to create delicious dishes. How you maximise an ingredients potential (how to cook it/not cook it), how and when to prepare it and what it can be combined with to exploit its full benefits. Take for example the humble lemon, bursting with Vitamin C and when squeezed over broccoli, salad leaves etc promotes the absorption of the iron (abundant in dark leafy greens).There are hundreds of examples of simple ‘food combining’ that, once you’re in the know will allow you to exploit all the goodness from the food you eat.
What I do Differently
*Substitute unhealthy ingredients without losing flavour and texture and appearance.
*Balance food groups and ‘food combine’ to maximise the benefits to health and well being.
*Omit the use of processed sugars and ‘bad’ fats in all recipes.
*Challenge levels of sugars and fats in recipes.
*Experiment:using interesting combinations of herbs and spices to add flavour and omit the need for unhealthy dressings/sauces/salt.
*Simplify:Use raw ingredients, of lightly cooked as oppose to heavily processed, refined foods to maintain the benefits.
*Understand ingredients:Which foods, flavours compliment one another.
*Resourcefulness: I’m not a fan of throwing good food away so lots of my recipes can be kept for up to a week, frozen or offer advice on how to use up leftovers (not that they’ll often be leftovers!!)
Food
I like to buy it, research it, understand why it’s good (or not so good for us), experiment with it, cook it, create new recipes with it and of course eat it! I believe unreservedly all meals, snacks etc should be eaten for pleasure as much as necessity. Therefore I hope you’ll find these recipes not only look good and are healthier but they taste just as good, if not better, than the more traditional recipes or dreaded shop bought varieties.
Enjoy
I’ve been inspired from a young age, watching my Granny Lemon create fabulous pastry without a measuring device or recipe book in sight, just few quality ingredients, a little time and lots of enthusiasm. I think that’s the key, enjoyment. Creating dishes, menus, memories and enjoying it. Relax if you haven’t got every exact ingredient, improvisation is fun and often creates a more personalised signature dish. Make recipes work for you, if you don’t like plum in a recipe substitute it for a fruit you do like.
Spice of Life
Herbs and spices are… the spice of life! Not only do they stop you adding unnecessary and unhealthy sauces, dressing etc to your food they offer endless opportunities to diversify dishes to suit what’s in season, in your fridge and most importantly what you like.
Practise makes Perfect
Have fun, experiment and remember that the more time you spend cooking the more accomplished you will become. It’s not all about the cooking, reading and researching ingredients, recipes etc is vital…and highly addictive!It allows you to familiarise yourself with when and how you can use different ingredients (brilliant when you don’t have the ingredient the recipe asks for!) and be inspired by other chefs, cookbook, food blogs etc.Infact the more immersed you get in ‘food therapy’ the greater it will complement every aspect of your life from learning about different cuisines and methods of cooking when abroad to gaining insight into foods medicinal properties.
PS
I’m not a medic. Though the beneficial facts of healthy eating are undisputed please use my blog to enrich your mealtimes and consult your doctor regarding any health concerns.
