Stuffed zucchini flowers and grilled salmon

Stuffed Zucchini Flowers

6 zucchini flowers

200g Ricotta cheese

1 bunch of basil

Dried oregano

1 clove of garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

Place ingredients into a bowl and stir until well mixed

Stuff the zucchini flowers with the mixture 

Pan fry the zucchini flowers with cold pressed olive oil

Grilled Salmon:

2 Fillets of salmon
1 bunch of fresh basil
1/2 onion
2 cloves of garlic
Butter
Olive oil

Place ingredients on salmon

Grill for 30 mins until tender and serve

Home made vegetable stock

Most conventional stocks are high in salt and sugar as well as other additives. Your own homemade stock is so easy and you are left with a nutrient dense liquid. Here is a simple way to do it your self and add flavour to any meal.

First of all when you are cooking throw any scraps into a bag, this includes the peels, skins, trimming of any vegetable. Dont throw anything out. You can put the skins of garlic, the ends of broccoli bunches, the stalks of herbs, pea shells.... anything!

I dont put any red cabbage or beetroot scraps as it will make everything red and the peels of potatoes because its to dirty. Keep filling up the bag until you have enough to make a stock.

When the bag if full empty into a large stockpot and cover with water. Bring it to the boil and simmer for 2-3 hours you can add any spices you like, as well a heap of salt and pepper. I usually put lots of garlic, ginger and onion and well as fresh herbs. I add any herbs that have seen better days to, as this prevents wastage. 

After it has cooled drain the stock into a big bowl over the sink.

 And there you have it your own stock! This can be used straight away or frozen for later use. I usually have at least one in the freezer in for those meals that need a little extra.

Basic Diet Recomendations

I strongly believe that you shouldn’t completely eliminate foods to achieve a healthy diet. Focus on what foods you can include to your diet and try substituting the foods you love, rather than cutting out complete food groups.

When you eat foods rich in nutrients, you’ll be giving your body the nutrition it needs and thus eat less, rather than starving your body of its nutrients and leaving you still hungry

The long-term goal is to feel good, have more energy and reduce the risk of serious illnesses and disease.  Give your body what it really needs and you will eliminate food cravings which are essentially your body telling you it is not getting sufficient nutrients.

Here are some healthy eating principles I try to incorporate into my daily routine, and perhaps with just a few small changes, I hope you can too.

* On rising squeeze ½ lemon in hot water, or I teaspoon of Apple cider vinegar into hot water and drink 

* Drink 2 liters of water daily to replenish and rejuvinate

* Eat protein with every meal and snack either meat or plant based

* Eat foods the way nature intended by always choosing fresh ingredients and try to increase the amount of whole, natural, organic, local, seasonal and unprocessed foods.

* ELIMINATE refined sugars, yes this includes all those things you love soft drinks,lollies, over processed cakes and donuts! 

* Eat organic wherever possible

* Eat organic grass fed meat and keep the fat on

* Avoid caffeine and caffeinated drinks

* Chew your food properly this means taking the time to taste the food and enjoy every bite. 

Raw Fruit and seed balls

Ingredients

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1 tsp flaxseeds

1 tsp chia seeds

I cup of sultanas

1 cup of coconut

1 tsp sesame seeds

½ goggi berries

½ cup prunes

½ cup dates

1 cup of raw cocoa

1 tsp cold pressed coconut oil

Place seeds and sultanas and cocnut in food processor until sultanas are crumbled into small pieces. Add the rest of ingredients and process until well mixed.

Roll the mixture into balls and then roll coconut over the balls

Place in the fridge until they have hardened and then serve!

A delicious sweet treat that can be eaten at anytime of the day to help curb the sugar cravings. These tasty balls are packed with essential minerals and vitamins that assist in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Chia seeds are one of the highest known sources of omega 3 and a powerful source of antioxidants this means that this tasty little snack can be eaten to stimulate brain function. Who knew a such a small thing could have so much to offer?