We share a list of ten foods which are known to help revitalise and provide a natural energy refresh to help keep us going until the summer sun shines. This post was sponsored by E.ON, to help advertise their wide range of products and services available for your home. Although I was paid for this post, all views are my own.
Table of Contents
Why do we need an energy refresh?
It’s officially Spring! This conjures up images of lambs frolicking through the fields, daffodils and tulips brightening our gardens and longer, brighter, warmer days.
The reality though, is that it feels like for every beautiful Spring day there are three times as many rainy, gale-filled days! As I type this, hail is lashing at the window in torrential waves. I do not want to go outside.
I’m not alone with this. In a recent survey, E.on found bad weather causes more than three quarters (77%) of Brits to put off outdoor activities and errands. Furthermore, nearly a fifth (19%) say that miserable weather causes them to eat less healthily. Also, after the New Year, more than half of the nation (55%) say they want to incorporate exercise into their home routine.
With that in mind, I’m sharing ten foods which are known to help revitalise and provide natural energy to help keep us going until the summer sun shines. *fingers crossed*
10 foods to give yourself an energy refresh this Spring
- Bananas
- Oily Fish
- Leafy Green Vegetables
- Coffee (or Green Tea)
- Oatmeal
- Oranges
- Dark Chocolate
- Eggs
- Sweet Potatoes
- Water
Bananas
These fruits are a natural source of potassium, carbohydrates and vitamin B6. I like to whizz mine up in a post-workout protein shake, adding some vibrant red Spring strawberries for extra nutrition and flavour. I also regularly make batches of my Classic Banana Bread Recipe with any bananas that have gone too brown in the fruit bowl.
Oily Fish
Salmon, herring and mackerel are all sources of protein, omega 3 and B vitamins. Omega 3 essential fatty acids are known to help reduce body inflammation, while B vitamins help our blood cells utilise iron better, increasing energy. I like my salmon grilled with creamy polenta, or smoked with some scrambled eggs. Alternatively, mackerel pate on oatcakes with a side salad makes for a perfect, quick, nutritious lunch.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Spinach and kale are vegetable sources of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamins A, C, E and K. They are also packed with folic acid, fibre and antioxidants that provide a whole host of health benefits. Iron, especially, is essential in blood formation and oxygen distribution around the body. Kale and Almond Pesto is a great way to eat loads of kale in one sitting while Saag Aloo – Indian Spinach & Potato Curry is a super tasty way to eat a generous serving of spinach.
Coffee (or Green Tea)
Caffeine is a well-known stimulant, and in moderate doses has been shown to have positive health benefits on the body. Me, I couldn’t contemplate starting my day without a cup of coffee. Green Tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine which can moderate the anxiety and jittery effects of caffeine that some people experience. If you’ve made too much coffee, you could always use some in a batch of Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes with Coffee Swirl Frosting.
Oatmeal
As a source of complex carbohydrates, this Scottish breakfast essential is one of the best ways to start your day. Oats also contain B vitamins, iron and manganese, which help with energy production in the body. Opt for a traditional porridge to kick start your day, or how about making some Sunday morning oatmeal pancakes with yoghurt-maple syrup?
Oranges
Packed full of energy-inducing vitamin C, these tropical fruits also contain other antioxidant nutrients that help combat oxidative stress (a factor involved in fatigue). Start your day with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, or you could even incorporate this fruit into a savoury slow cooker meal, like my Easy Slow Cooker Cuban Chicken recipe.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate as health food? Absolutely! Dark chocolate (not milk or white, I’m afraid) contains plenty of antioxidants, as well as caffeine and theobromine which have mood and energy enhancing effects. I like to use dark chocolate in my Dark Chocolate Chunk Banana Courgette Bread recipe.
Eggs
High in protein and low in calories, eggs can give you a sustained source of energy without spiking your blood sugar levels. They’re perfect for a post-workout breakfast. I like mine scrambled and served with Prosciutto for a quick meal.
Water
Our bodies are made up of around 60% water, and our heart and brain contain on average around 73%. If we’re not drinking enough water, it’s like not having enough fuel in the tank and we slow down. Experts recommend we drink at least 6-8 glasses a day, and the NHS says water, lower fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count.
Sweet Potatoes
These orange-coloured tubers contain a useful quantity of beta-carotene and are lower in carbohydrates than standard white potatoes. I like roasting mine with fresh beetroot and chicken thighs for a quick, one pan midweek meal (with loads of whole garlic cloves). Alternatively, I’ve got a Quick & Easy Sweet Potato & Chilli Soup recipe that tastes rather delicious.
Other tips to give yourself an energy refresh
To help give the nation a boost, E.on has partnered with fitness expert, Alice Liveing to create a series of tips to give you and your home an energy refresh this Spring.
Her tips include:
- cosy up your home with duvets and making sure your home is warm and toasty
- do some energising stretches
- eat something wholesome
- do a wet weather workout at home
Me, I like to give myself a refresh with a cardio home workout, or a walk along the clifftops near my home. Food wise, I try and eat as many fruits and vegetables as I can, which is aided by a weekly delivery of a locally grown vegetable box. Green leafy vegetables are appearing in nearly every meal these days, even breakfast!
What would you add to this list? Let us know your tips and tricks you use to keep refreshed in the comments below, and you could win a £150 Abel & Cole gift voucher!
£150 Abel & Cole Gift Voucher Giveaway
E.on has very kindly offered a £150 Abel & Cole Gift Voucher worth £150 as a giveaway prize to one of my lucky UK readers! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. To unlock the entries, let us know your tips and tricks for an energy refresh in the comments below! Please make sure your comment is at least two sentences long and a minimum of 15 words. Comments not following this rule will not be approved and subsequent entries will be disqualified.
Terms & Conditions
This giveaway is open to UK entries only. Entrants must be age 18 or over. The winners will need to respond within 28 days of being contacted; failure to do this may result in another winner being selected.
The prize is offered and provided by E.on. The prize is to win an Abel & Cole Gift Voucher worth £150. There is no cash alternative and the prize is not transferable.
There is no entry fee and no purchase is necessary to enter this giveaway. The promoter (Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary) reserves the right to cancel or amend the giveaway and these terms and conditions without notice.
Entry into our giveaways will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.
If you need some help using Rafflecopter, here’s a quick clip to show you how. Rafflecopter will pick the winner at random from all the entries received.
Closing date is midnight (that’s 00:00 hours, 12 am on Thursday night/Friday morning) on Friday 29 March 2019 (GMT) and the winner will be announced shortly afterwards.
****Please make sure your comment is at least two sentences long and a minimum of 15 words. Comments not following this rule will not be approved and subsequent entries will be disqualified.****
This post was sponsored by E.ON, to help advertise their wide range of products and services available for your home. Although I was paid for this post, all views are my own. Photographs are all sourced from Unsplash.
Adventurer. Expat Canadian. Foodie. Loves bikes. Calls Shetland home.
Jessa Pioquinto says
All you’ve listed are my personal favourites, what a coincidence! Though I also love Almonds, Chia and Sunflower Seeds. Also, in lieu of coffee I drink Matcha and Peppermint Teas!
Shams says
Hello ELIZABETH,
I am a fan of coffee. I also love Dark Chocolate. But i think WATER gives you the best refreshment.
Kyra Rodriguez says
I really really looove eating vegetables! and, I always drink green tea at night! But, not fan of oatmeaaal 🙁
Georgie Wright says
I love making a ramen style dish. You can use whatever vegetables you’ve got in, it’s so quick to make, healthy and tasty of course!
Lynne O'Connor says
For me it has to be something spicy. My favourite would be a filling vegetable or chicken biryani, comfort eating at its best
Sarah Parker says
I love hearty soups in the winter. I also like to have salads in the summer 🙂
Emma Davison says
I like tomato and red pepper soup. I make it with tomatoes grown in the greenhouse over the summer and add some chilli and lime zest to keep it warming and refreshing.
Chantel L says
Veggie lasagne – healthy veg with the comfort food that is cheese! I also like avocado with black pepper & a squeeze of lemon juice on a bagel as a quick snack.
Gary Topley says
I love my stews in Winter months with lots of veg in. Thankyou for the competition x
Chirag Patel says
our favourite is a potato dosa , a rice pancake wih spicy mash filling smothered with a lentil dahl. Lovely and too moorish. i’s light and just perfect all year round
Jenny Jones says
It has to be homemade soup. I love the soup maker I had as a christmas gift. My favourite and my kids favourite too is Chicken and vegetable Soup, so healthy and comforting
Lesley Prestage says
I love vegetable shepherds pie. Lots of veg and pulses with cheesy mash on top.
Sheena Read says
Lots and lots of fruit and vegetables. Even though they are more expensive at this time of year I incorporate them into as many meals and dishes as I can. I don’t over cook them as this loses some of the health benefits.
Michelle Moloney says
Make sure you are drinking enough water. If it’s too cold for water you can always drink a cup of boiled water so it’s warm. It’s surprising how refreshing water actually is and it’s a nice free and quick pick me up.
Laura Banks says
i find i eat alot of chilli its filling and keeps me going on the cold nights when im at work its just a shame my son isn’t as keen on it as me
Melanie Halpin says
I make my own ginger, lemongrass and tumeric tea. It gives me loads of energy in the morning.
ruth hunter says
I like lentils with brown basmati rice and cabbage. The puy lentils are cooked with anchovies onion garlic chilli soy sauce and lemon juice added at the end.
Ash R says
For me it’s a nice chicken risotto! We make it with peppers, onions, mushrooms, chicken and a tea spoon or two of thyme! Long grain rice boiled in chicken stock (about 1.5L) and then served with garlic bread! Yummy and so long as you stick with low salt stock cubes it’s reasonably healthy x
leanne weir says
I absolutely love to infuse fruits. I infuse them in to sauces and smoothies and I feel so much more healthy
Susan Willshee says
I like to use fresh raw veg. I enjoy a mixed raw salad of grated carrot and courgette. I find this salad will go with almost any meal and always leaves me feeling refreshed.
Samantha Harvey says
I love to eat salads in the colder months as I feel they do give me more energy and stop me feeling sluggish. I especially love celery every way, chopped up in mixed salads, using with a dip or just munching at work as a healthy snack!
David Baines says
My favourite recipe for winter months is for homemade banana cake. My favourite ingredient is bananas, using no more than two is best as the cake can become too moist otherwise.
Karen R says
Recently I’ve started to eat oranges. They taste so fresh and full of vitamin C, they really make me feel like they’re helping my immunity xx
moth says
I absolutely love ginger. Ginger tea, ginger in puddings, ginger in curries. So zingy and revitalising!
Inga Andersen says
My favourite food is a belly pork casserole I make. It has carrots, leeks, onions and celery and cooked over about 4 hours. It’s the most tasty casserole and the small pieces of belly pork just melt in your mouth!
Diana says
I love prawn and fish curry with greens. Even my children eating it happily as it’s not too spicy 🙂
Susan Hoggett says
I love cooking with butternut squash as it’s such a versatile vegetable. I like making soups, casseroles, stuffing them and then baking them, adding them to salads and so much more!
Kristy Brown says
My healthy go to is a nice slow cooked stew – I can fill it with oodles of veggies and usually opt for beef with it but as training doesn’t stop through the winter months I know that this lovely homemade goodness will not stodge me out too much (unless I add dumplings of course)
Heather Haigh says
I think my favourite winter ingredient is kale, I use it in dehydrator crisps, juices and smoothies, and of course as a veg.
Maxine G says
I think that incorporating lots of green veg to your diet really helps. I certainly love lots of spinach in my diet and combining this with baked eggs and tomatoes makes an easy after work meal
Wendy Shippam says
Some nice warming spices keep me feeling healthy and refreshed over winter. Spices instantly warm me up and add interest to the flavour and colour of food.
Mark Johnson says
For spring british asparagus, such a great taste, a shame the season is so short.
Kim Neville says
I like goulash with some salad and rice. A recipe my mum used to always cook for us when younger
Emma Walters says
when its still cold outside and the evenings are dark i love the comfort of root veggies. Slow cooked in a beef lobby keeps me warm and satisfied x
Stephanie Coals says
I absolutely love to add garlic to meals all year round but especially in the winter. It really helps to support the immune system and to ward off coughs and colds.
Rich Tyler says
I love stews etc in the slow cooker, you can add pretty much any veggie under the sun into the mix and it will taste amazing, esp leeks!
Suzanne McCusker says
My current favourite is kimchi – very good for health/gut bacteria, and so tasty and versatile, I add it to wraps, stir fries, noodles, omelettes + more. I love spicy foods, and kimchi is just the kick I need.
Hayley says
I’m definitely obsessed with pesto and I will put it in anything. Really good for your gut and heart because of the basil and garlic and I will put it in anything. Sandwiches (great toasted), pasta (classic) and swirled into soup.
Caroline Howard says
I love a good nights sleep, followed by a hearty breakfast of porridge topped with frozen berries. It is so tasty and gives me a boost for the day.
Helen R says
I used to have such a poor diet and would really notice its effect on my body in the winter months as I would always be ill with something! Since I have started putting some time aside on the weekend to batch cook food, I have noticed such a difference in how I feel and am ill less often. I love to use up all the manky veg I would usually throw away by roasting them in herbs and spices and then having them with couscous, rice or even as a pie or tart topping! Forward planning and eating the right foods has had such an impact on not only my body but my wallet too!
nicola dean says
My favourite ingredient that I use in or alongside most meals is asparagus. Its so tasty, full of healthy benefits and keeps me feeling good.
Rhianna M says
I love fish – seabass or salmon with vegetables and mashed sweet potato for carbs. So delicious while also being healthy. I find if I eat too ‘heavy’ foods I get quite bloated so this is perfect!
Emma T says
For me, it’s a nap. It might not work for everyone however I have a toddler who doesn’t sleep well at night so it’s my little boost to help me get through the day.
Dan Thompson says
Plenty of vegetables.. we often cook a tray bake Jamie Oliver recipe too, with chicken thighs, chorizo, onions, peppers, herbs and potatoes – it’s delicious and nice in the winter months.
Emily Hutchinson says
A good night’s sleep and lots of fresh salad always makes me feel more refreshed. Exercise too is revitalising.
ClaireD says
Exercise! I honestly feel more shattered if I sit around all day doing nothing. And a morning smoothie – or even an orange juice – sorts me out first thing.
Carole Nott says
I try to up my 5 a day in the winter to balance a healthy lifestyle. I especially like recipes that include bananas – a great source of potassium
sallie burrows says
all fruits,especially raspberries,bananas,melon,pears and a sandwich full of salad
Andrew Kent says
As a pescatarian I adore squash and tofu curry in the spring . For winter a lentil and linda mccartney sausage stew stew.
Rb36 says
I think fruit and veg are the most energy giving food. A nice salad like Chicken Caesar always makes me feel better, or berries mixed in with my breakfast.
Margaret Gallagher says
Veggies are so easy to disguise and add to foods such as cream biscuits cakes and Bolognese or pies – once you’ve got the hang of it you’ll see your health maintained
Aimee F says
I love using peppers! I feel like you can have them with anything! I love having peppers with chicken mostly.
Dean T says
An apple a day …. might be an old wives tale but I am free from any serious ailments so far as I dive into middle age
Lucy Frain says
As a recent pescatarian I love making a mango, squash and tofu curry in the spring . And when it gets colder a lovely cod and vegan chorizo stew.
Mary Baldwin says
I don’t eat much meat and if I run out of time I often end up living on toast for dinner. So, I’m making a conscious effort to at least add spinach to meals to up my iron intake. Because it cooks so quickly, I can just add som eraw leaves to a plate and put my food on top and it wilts down.
Emma Topp says
We always have a big bowl of veggies with our meals. Our favourites are green beans, carrots and courgettes.
Meg Gaskell says
I peel a large orange every day that I’m at work, before I go to work and wrap it in cling film to stop it drying out. This makes it easier to eat at work, and hands don’t get too sticky. It’s really refreshing, 1 of your 5 a day and lots of lovely vitamin C
Barbara-Jane Shaw says
Garlic cloves – I throw them in nearly every recipe I do. I love the stuff!
Emma Sinclair says
Ginger. I like making sticky gingerbread and drinking ginger tea to keep warm and refreshed.
Corinne Henson says
I love Butternut squash and in particular cooking spinach and butternut squash lasagne
Sarah Morris says
I like to make a nice tomato and red pepper soup in a blender, with garlic, onions and paprika chucked in. I am also a big fan of making stir fries with any leftovers including meat or veg, and then having it with a side of brown rice.
Milly Youngman says
Peppers are my go to ingredient to keep me feeling healthy and nourished! I love that they can go with anything – at the moment, I’ve been cooking them with a homemade sweet and sour sauce, perfect served with pork chops and mash!
Siobhan says
I follow a plant-based diet and know if I’m in need of an energy refresh – at least once a week I will cook up a huge pot of 10-veg goodness to give me a boost! This involves kale, leeks, celery, carrots, spring greens, tomatoes, garlic, butternut squash, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers and some lentils and cannelini beans to thicken it up. This makes a great base for whatever cuisine you’re in the mood for…
JAMES HOLYLAND says
I’m a big turkey fan so I like to do turkey casseroles with plenty of veg. Or else turkey sausages with salad.
Katie J Blackmore says
I love to sneak lots of extra vegetables into a spaghetti Bolognese as my little boy won’t eat anything but when he can’t see it he swallow it all up
Judith MacInnes says
It has to be asparagus for Spring! I absolutely love British asparagus, & serve it from it’s first (expensive) appearance in stores until the last woody dregs disappear at the end of the season! I even save the snapped bits at the bottom, & freeze them so I can make asparagus soup once we’re back to the imported variety.
Melissa Lee says
I love a great big salad to make myself feel refreshed and awake. I love chopping lettuce with cucumber, tomato, spring onions, baby gherkins, black olives and a hard boiled egg. Top with some balsamic vinegar and maybe some coriander, and it’s perfect!
Kirsty R says
I love homemade chicken vegetable rice and my children love it too! Lots of veggies packed into tasty rice. Love your site, so helpful!!
olivia Kirby says
I really like fennel. I love to braise it with wine and tomatoes. One of my favourite recipes is fennel and leek risotto.
Vicky Lewis says
Spinach! I just add it to everything! Not so it gets all slimy, but right at the end so it still has some texture to it. I reckon a food as green as that just HAS to be good for you!
Jo Raffe says
My favourite secret healthy ingredient is butternut squash, it is so easy to sneak into my recipes, is delicious and good for us. I add it to chicken pie, risotto, soup and even pasta sauces.
Dale Askew says
My favourite dish is chicken chasseur with baked potato and coleslaw. It is absolutely delicious!
Kathryn says
I cook lots of the same things so I would love some more ideas. I love to cook but don’t often have time.
Emma Nixon says
i love a bit of heat! Chiili pesto pasta.
Lots of vegetables, even the ones i don’t usually like all cooked and mixed with a chilli pesto.
The chilli gives a bit of added flavour and makes it a warming dinner for the chilly evenings.
Sarah Rees says
I love smoothies for breakfast. I try and have mango, pineapple, papaya and spinach every morning
ELISHA says
SWEET POTATO CARROT AND APPLE JUICE WITH NUTMEG AND AND CINNAMON EITHER SEASON, IT’S HEALTHY AND COMFORTING
Solange says
Beef bourguignon and the secret to this super-rich beef casserole is to use all wine and no stock.
Stephen Holman says
Eggs!! There are so many different options and they are super good for you too!
Emily says
Lots of ginger and garlic! Especially roasting garlic with vegetables, or making some chilli/ginger/garlic stir fry sauces.
Chloe Taylor says
Vegetables are great in the winter/spring, like vegetable soups or stews, very filling and nutritious, and helps to prevent winter illnesses. I often have a chicken stew on a sunday with casserole vegetables x
Rena Plumridge says
I cook curries with lots of different spices in like turmeric, cumin, coriander and of coarse garlic. I try and batch cook as it takes quite a long time to prepare and cook. I then can just pull one out of the fresher and heat it up for tea, it also taste better after it has been frozen.
Naila says
I like cooking vegetable and chicken pie, usually i try different recipes to see which one comes out the best. Its a family favourite i usually serve it with mash potato.
Sarah Webb says
I love kitchen sink salads with everything thrown in. Lots of different flavours instead of just boring old lettuce.
Jan Wilson says
My absolute favourite dish has to be a vegetable based spinach lasagne accompanied with a selection of seasonal vegetables roasted with a sptinlinking og paprika and olive oil on the side. Yum! *licks lips*
Jo Young says
I like to eat veggie savoury rice. I make it in my Instant Pot so it’s super easy. Just add rice, stock and whatever veg you have to hand, frozen is perfect, hit the rice button and voila a quick, healthy, tasty meal!
Helen Tovell says
I tend to make a chicken Thai red curry and a sausage bake using winter veg. I make two different things to make sure all the veg gets used up.
terri kelly says
I try to eat lots of fruit and veg and things like pulses and beans. I tend to eat lots of stews in winter and then when spring comes eat more salads, using a variety of mixed leaves and often avocado.
Emma Hutchings says
i like to make meals out of nothing so my favourite thing recently has been cooking bacon with mushrooms, onions, garlic, red and green peppers, paprika, sage in a sour cream and chive sauce (left over from my weekly chips and dip binge!). I tend to really crave garlic in winter so use loads
The Woman says
I Love Carrot and Coriander soup freshly made with a hint of spice.
To start my mornings I love a home made pina colada smoothie, so coconut milk, pineapple and mango, topped with toasted cocnut. A real wake up, that can be packed with super greens for that extra zing.
A K MACDONALD says
We are a vegetarian family and all of our dinners are packed with veg. I usually try and manage to get some spinach mixed in with every meal as it’s great for iron levels.
Katie B says
I love vegetables in my pasta bakes, whatever vegetables I have in the fridge. a lot of greens, usually kale, broccoli and or sprouts!
We like a lot of vegetables in our house and usually have two or three different types with each evening meal!
Karen McMillan says
I love making smoothies for all the family, it is a great way to get lots of fruit and veg in them. You can even hide veg they don’t like in a tasty smoothie. Carrots, banana , apple , ginger. beetroot all make a tasty smoothie.
MM says
It might seem a bit strange, but i really like salad sandwiches.
Just normal bread, and pre-washed salad. Normally containing beetroot.
Nicola Sadler says
I love ginger as my go to ingredient to make tasty soups – such as tomato and ginger in the winter and into spring time to help keep me in top condition. Tomatoes are full of vitamin C and believed to reduce risk of heart disease, and ginger which contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols which are believed to help those with osteoarthritis in reducing the pain they experience.
Lynda Jones says
Salmon with roasted root veg, the salmon with its healthy oils is even more important during the Winter months,the root veg makes it super filling and healthy (Carrots, Potato, Parsnips, Beetroot) onion & bell peppers give it colour and even more vitamins
Emma Rogers says
I always have fresh, organic fruit on hand then make sure that whatever I cook, I have fresh herbs. I have planted a herb garden at home so that I always have organic food to hand! Then I like to cook hearty dinners, again with herbs and try to use a grand mix of vegetables at each meal. This year I’m growing cauliflower, broccoli, beans, pumpkins, watermelons, carrots and peas to add to the kitchen. I hope the watermelons get enough rain this year because last year they were a washout!
Steven S says
I love a fresh mixed leaf salad with chargrilled chicken and crispy bacon on. Sitting out in the garden having something like that takes some beating.
Maegan.B says
For a good Winter/Spring recipe, I love cauliflower soup. I find many don’t really enjoy cauliflower, but having a warm bowl of this stuff will help boost your Vitamin D intake which so few of us get over the Winter months! Bring on the Summer sunshine! 😀
Sophie Grayling says
I love making wraps for lunch and dinner if in a rush. I quite like adding cucumber as it goes with most things and the little one wont complain about it but you cant chuck whatever you have in it.
Maegan.B says
It’s important to make sure you get enough of that Vitamin D over winter – as too few actually do! And make sure you’re drinking enough water as it’s essential to energising and even repairing your body! As soon as you feel thirsty or dehydrated, it’s too late! The damage is done. Get in your water throughout the day to stay hydrated and awake!
Kayleigh Tanner says
I’ve just got started with aromatherapy, so my top tip is to surround yourself with energising fragrances like orange, bergamot, black pepper and grapefruit to perk you up a bit! It’s a great way to start the day, but also handy if you need an extra burst of energy for a night out.
Penny H says
I love salads, winter and summer! The more colourful the better but I do love adding peppers, raw or roasted especially.
Jackie Howell says
vegetable lasgagne is my favourite and I love to experiment with all different combinations of vegetables
Kelly glen says
I always try and get a lot of fruit and vegetables into my diet in the winter. At least five a day if I can.
Jodi says
I love getting out in the fresh air to recharge my energy. Forest bathing is the best for this!
Kathleen marsden says
My homemade Irish chicken soup. It’s full of vegetables,healthy chicken, and pulses which keep you in tip top condition whichever time of year.
CAROLYN HEYWORTH says
My favourite is a hearty stews to keep me going through the winter months, always throw some garlic in along with the onion for flavour and good for immune system
Kuda says
I love my morning oatmeal every single morning. I make it with a vegan milk, and mix in puree banana for sweetness. Then i love it topped with fresh fruit such as apples, blueberries, strawberries or mango. For a treat and extra crunch, I add some nuts and seeds on top.
Mary Heald says
We are great fans of Curley kale. We love it with Sunday roasts and also put it in smoothies.
Lisa Pope says
My girls have been Vegetarian for a few years now & one of my go to recopies is Mediterranean Veg stew.
Red Peppers,
Carrots,
Sweet potato( Okay so this isn’t strictly Mediterranean )
onion, celery, garlic ( Finely chopped)
half pint of veg stock,
2 tins chopped tomatoes,
table-spoon tomato puree
this is all cooked for about I hour
Then for the last 10 mins of cooking add:
Crumbled Feta cheese, Basil & oregano & sauteed sliced courgette
seaneen mcloughlin says
These are great recipes. I always feel better emotionally and physically when I eat right.
Grace says
I normally go for soup. Always makes me feel a little bit better with chunky crusty bread. Or chocolate hahahaha.
Amanda says
my healthy go to is , saute onions,peppers (mainly red and orange) celery, aubergine,courgette, carrots,fresh tomatoes until soft. In a large pan saute lean turkey mince or quorn equivalent, then add tinned tomatoes, tomatoe puree, full bag of spinach, then add the sauted veg to this, combine thoroughly.. add lazy garlic, ginger , chilli and plenty fresh basil to taste. Can be frozen to eat at your leisure.
Jan says
I find a cup of hot water with lemon slices to be a really good refresher and aids digestion too. In cooking I always ensure there is a great variety of vegetables, whatever is seasonal, and crunchy salads are great in the summer- particularly with smoked fish. Yum.
Cat Williams says
I love using root vegetables in the winter months. I bung them into all recipes including stews, curries and anything I’m cooking in the slow cooker. I think they help with the Winter bugs and colds too.
Mark Cameron says
Pineapple, i love its sweet flavor and it goes with loads. But not pizza…lol
Tracy Nixon says
My homemade chicken stew is a recipe that keeps me feeling in tip top condition! So easy to make using either left over chicken or cooked chicken, carrots, potatoes, onions, seasoning and gravy browning! Cooks in 20 minutes on the hob and is especially good when not feeling too good!
Becky Yeomans says
I love making a good vegetable soup! really simple to make plus all the different vegetables I put in make me feel better from all the nutrition I am putting into my body. My kids love it too which is a bonus.
Kara Harrison says
I love salads, and I often make a big batch one to take to work (make Tues morning and eat through to Thurs). My fave salad is a supergreens salad with chopped green beans, edamame beans, freekah, bulgar wheat, lemon juice, pomegranates and whatever delicious greens I have lying around (shredded spinach is my favourite). I’ll then tray bake some salmon or chicken and that’s my lunch for 3 days.
It’s making me hungry thinking about it!
Fiona K says
I love beetroot and the intense taste makes me think of warmer season. In the cold months I use it in lots of meals – either in burgers or as part of a side salad
Rachael Simmons says
My favourite is a fresh pea and mint blended soup, usually served with seaweed crackers. I find it really refreshing in the spring, and of course the peas are at their best!
Kelly-Marie Dudley says
Pineapple! I have a slight addiction. It’s the first thing I eat most days, usually mixed with some blueberries and alongside my hot water with lemon. A great boost to start the day.
Elizabeth says
What a super suggestion! Pineapple is so good for you too. I’m suddenly feeling a craving for it!
lorraine kirk says
I love to make sweet potato and pepper chilli through the winter and spring months. It’s really easy to make, you can freeze batches of it and it is really warming on a cold day.
Elizabeth says
That sounds like a rather interesting and delicious! chilli! Is it a vegetarian recipe? I’m all for batch cooking too 🙂
Elizabeth says
That sounds like a rather interesting and delicious chilli! Is it a vegetarian recipe? I’m all for batch cooking too 🙂