Spring carries with it thoughts of blossoming flowers, longer days and sunshine. Any wonder we are more motivated to change when Nature is so beautiful. We want to emulate what we are surrounded by and this brings to me the notion, that when we are surrounded by like-minded people or even spending time with people that we want to be like, we become like them.
It is said that we are the top 5 people we surround ourselves with so if this stands to be true for intellectual development, workplace camaraderie then why not the pillars of health; Nutrition and what we eat, when and why.
NUTRITION
Our meal times are often a frenzied fast fix to get out the door to work, school or eaten at our desk whilst we work through another lunch break. Dinner's can also be a drama after a long day and neither you or hubby can be arsed to make anything or sit mindlessly stuffing whatever into your mouth. * No judgement, ive been there and at times still eat at my desk.. This is why I stress the importance of meal prep and shopping right, to ensure that you have simple go to recipes such as below to keep you focused and fueled for optimal health. BUT... that's all for another post!
As humans we all need to eat to survive and with a society that is busier and more stressful than ever, we feel like this is more of a challenge than ever... but it doesn't have to be! Eating good food that fuels our body and mind can be incredibly simple. We needn't eat like a Food blogger ever night, trust me they dont either! Its about creating simple, tasty and nutritious food that you enjoy.
If its easy to prepare, taste great, and is good for you, its ticking all the boxes and the benefits will be evident on your skin, the sparkle in your eyes and the energy you radiate. Who doesn't want to feel good all the time?!
A great recipe that my family enjoys is the Poke Bowl- aka, deconstructed salad bowl. Super simple and the texture, flavours and ingredients can be adapted to to your tastes, the seasons or what you have on hand! How could it be simpler? A big bonus is that this style of eating is super affordable (residual single mum mentality keeps our food budget for a family of 5 under $200 per week) plus it sets good habits in our children of food choices and variety.
Spring and its warmer weather, the family is more likely to want a colder salad however adding warm elements such as the salmon rounds off the meal well. Easy to throw together with what ingredients you have, my favourite recipe is as below. I usually have all these ingredients on hand but all are available from local supermarket or grocers.
Asian Inspired Salmon Poke Bowl
Ingredients;
2 Fillets of Tasmanian Salmon skin on
Few handfuls of spinach,shredded
Red Cabbage, finely sliced
1 Continental cucumber, diced
1 Capsicum, diced
200g of snow peas, roughly chopped
Avocado, diced, sliced or mashed
Cooked and salted endame beans
Habenero or birds eye chilli, finely chopped
Nori sheets, cut into thin strips
Pickled ginger
Soba noodles, cooked and cooled (or use wild rice- warm or cold)
Sesame oil
Cashews
Honey, soy, ginger, garlic
Sesame seeds
Method;
To create crunchy cashews, add to warm pan and toast until brown. Add a tsp of honey and sesame seeds, stirring until coated. Cool.
Splash sesame oil on cooked, chilled soba noodles to coat and inject with flavour, arrange on bottom of bowl or plate.
Arrange salad ingredients as you wish.
Meanwhile, cook salmon fillets to liking. Chop into bit sized pieces.
Add the salmon to the noodles and salad and top with pickled ginger and nori sheets.
There is sufficient flavour to carry this on its own but if you prefer a dressing mix the following in a screw top jar;
1tbsp soy
few splashes of sesame oil
1 garlic cloves, finely grated
few grates on micro plane of ginger
1 tsp honey
*play with the ingredients listed to preferred taste.*
Feel free to play with what flavours you enjoy. Think Mediterranean with olives and feta or an Indian influence with cumin spiced sweet potato roasted. Swap out noodles for rice or potato as the staple then add complimentary vegetables and choice of protein. The great thing with this style of eating is its simple and there are no rules. Raw or cooked, it doesn't matter.
Enjoying a meal like this as a family, we are essentially creating the positive eating habits within in our girls. The different style of eating and often a platter style serving creates an interactive meal that is fun and centers on the enjoyment of food. This is the way it should be. Whilst I talk about the negative effects of junk food with my girls, they are aware that what we fuel our bodies, also fuel our minds. They know they feel better when they poop better.... don't you?!
Next week's blog, will continue on this theme of behaviour change and the importance of surrounding yourself with people that have the same vision and goals. Its so easy to get swept up this time of year with parties and over indulging so next week will focus on Mindful techniques you can apply to keep you on track for your goals.
Look around you. Who are you currently spending your time with? Are they positively or negatively influencing your choices, behaviours and actions?
Amanda x
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