Chicken and Sprouts Stir Fry

Having submitted my first Dietetics assignment yesterday, I'm finally starting to feel like I'm getting into the swing of things. Even though my social life seems to be fading away, I'm thoroughly enjoying the course, taking in as much information as possible and getting to know new people. So, here's to me surviving my first month as a Dietetics student! Now lets focus on what's important, this Chicken and Sprout Stir Fry. I eat with my eyes before my mouth which is one of the main reasons why I make such  colourful dishes; with the acceptance of my fondness for vegetables of course. This is super easy, effortless and quick to make. This stir fry is low in saturated fats and sugars, with a medium amount of salt. The funny thing is there is actually no added salt used in this recipe, just herbs and spices. This just goes to show how unnecessary it is to add salt into food. I'm just a simple girl who likes easy, straight-forward recipes so when you're tired, stir-fry. Why not start by trying this one?

Douwe Egberts Smooth Caramel Coffee Review

When opened; a pleasant, strong scent fills the room and there is nothing I'd like more first thing in the morning. This is the only coffee I truly enjoy; my only bother is that the whole family including some of my friends love this coffee which means it vanishes rather quickly. Maybe I should consider writing up a very colourful 'do not touch' label. I am in no way, shape or form a coffee addict, in fact I hate coffee but it just so happens that this is the only one I can drink. Have you tasted it? It contains very few calories and so it can be enjoyed guilt free. Douwe Egberts smooth caramel coffee tastes fantastic. With its warm, creamy flavour and gorgeous aroma, you'll be sure to keep going back for more.For instant coffee, Douwe Egberts' smooth caramel coffee is rather pricey but for the joy you endure from one sip, it is totally worth it. Strong flavour that's not overpowering, genius! The container is so cleverly designed that after your coffee is finished, you can rip off the label and use it for spices. How resourceful.

Gluten Free, Egg Free Blueberry Muffins

These blueberry loaded, amazingly fluffy gluten free muffins are so easy to make! I've been slacking the past few weeks when it comes to Gluten and so I've had to battle the bloat that little bit harder the past few days, which has been unpleasant to say the least. Gluten is one of my worst triggers and I tend to consume it in very small portions to avoid abdominal pain, nausea and bloating. All you IBSers know what I'm talking about. So, I'm starting a new week as I mean to go on with these Gluten free, Egg free Blueberry muffins. We have lots of blueberries in the fridge so I might as well put them to good use. These muffins are soft and tender on the inside, nutritious & 100% drool worthy.

*Free & Easy Organic Three Bean Chilli

Living with dietary restrictions such as allergies, IBS, Coeliac and other food intolerances is not easy; it can be a huge challenge which is where this new 'Free From' range comes in. Last week I received a lovely package from Healthy Food Brands Ltd containing different foods from this new range to try. As you can imagine, its quite the treat as I have completely cut down my gluten intake due to my IBS so thank you to the team at Healthy Food Brands Ltd. So what is this free and easy range about? Created by a group of specialist chefs, the Free and Easy range consists of soups, ready meals, sauces, curry pastes, cake mixes and much more. These foods are made without artificial additives and preservatives,; they are also Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free, Wheat Free and Soya free. Did I mention they are also suitable for vegans and vegetarians? Well, it is. Tonight, I tried their three bean chilli with a side of brown rice and my goodness, I wasn't disappointed. Rich in flavour and ready in just 3 minutes, the free and easy range presents ideal, nutritious dishes fit for the whole family. 

*Coedffranc primary community family room// Aviva Community Fund

In association with Aviva Community Fund 2017

Wouldn't it be nice if every school in the UK offered a place for parents to receive advice, support and information that contributed to their well-being? The Aviva Community Fund which launched on the 12th of September can help make this possible. If there is a project in your local community that you are extremely passionate about, why not try and secure funding to put towards that important cause, following in the footsteps of Coedffranc Primary School. Over the last year, Coedffranc primary school has been running a family room after being awarded funding through the Aviva Community Fund in 2016. This buzzing hub of engagement, education and activity has become an important part of life for the entire school community and families. The funding helped the school to purchase everyday objects that help in the running of these classes making an extraordinary difference. So what exactly is the Family room? The family room is a free program run by members of staff providing a variety of courses including Cookery and Healthy Eating, Food Safety, Parent Nurture Programmes, Paediatric First Aid, Butterfly Project and Childcare Level one to parents and children. Even something as simple as Family learning together sessions are offered which gives the children and their families a chance to explore and grow together by visiting different places like Margam Park. These different courses are crucial to health, for example Food Safety. It is important for parents and children to understand how their behavior, hygiene and handling during food preparation affects the safety of their food as well as gaining confidence in the kitchen. These things may seem fairly obvious to some but when the education is there at your disposal, why not take it? We all know that we need to eat a balanced diet but how many of us actually know what that means? This is where Coedffranc Primary School's healthy eating classes come in. These classes allow children and their parents to put the nutrition education they learn in class to the test in real life situations. This also encourages the children to make better food choices as they grow up and this education leads far beyond the classroom.

Rye Bread in Two Ways

Who loves breakfast? I do! In today's society, a lot of people tend to skip breakfast because of  their busy lives, time doesn't seem to be on anyone's side. Still, I believe breakfast should not be skipped. When you have breakfast, it will keep you going until lunchtime and you are less likely to snack on those good looking biscuits stirring at you from the corner of the office. The EatWell guide was updated this year and it shows the different types of foods and drinks we should consume as well as the proportions so as to have a healthy, balanced diet. Maybe print out a copy and stick it on your fridge. Its a great way for the whole family to get acquainted with The EatWell guide. Anyway, I've gotten extremely fond of Rye Bread lately and so I've been getting experimental as always. Sweet and Savoury is my favourite breakfast combination ans so today, these two little numbers are gracing my plate. Simple and quick to prepare, not to mention nutritious, these can easily become a grab & a go breakfast.

Grilled Curried Mackerel

Mackerel is one of the most consumed fish all over the world and just so happens to be one of the healthiest when baked, steamed or grilled. It's packed with a high amount of protein, omega-3-fatty acids and lowers risk of diabetes. Mackerel contains healthy fats including monounsaturated fatty acids which play a role in controlling blood sugar levels and prevention. These are just some of Mackerel's health benefits, there's more. Have a read of different Dietitian blogs and health and well being websites; they provide an insight into food science and it's a big ol' world.