Roz Purcell's Blog, page 39
January 14, 2017
Takeaway Healthy Food Guide
With the New Year comes new resolutions, typically to eat more healthily and become more active. And while going to your nearest boot camp and following a healthy diet is bang in trend, let’s be honest it’s sometimes really hard!
When it comes to being healthy I always remind myself that you don’t have to be good 100% of the time. We’re human and you’re only setting yourself up for failure being strict 100% of the time. Finding a balance is vital and it’s far more sustainable for the long term. It will also help avoid you completely bingeing out on unhealthy food and derailing your whole healthy eating plans altogether (it’s happened to us all)!
With food and achieving good health, I opt for whole foods. There’s no magic trick, just replenishing your body full of fantastic things. I avoid processed goods where possible. Foods that have aspartame and additives I can’t even pronounce – they’re a big no!
By choosing meals packed with nutrients it can help make sure your body is functioning well. As much as I love cooking and baking, sometimes it’s hard to find the time to prepare meals from scratch with my work schedule. So I’ve decided to share a post on my top healthy takeaways meals for days when I don’t have time to cook meals (and I want to stay in my sweats and relax on the couch). Thanks to Deliveroo there’s lots of healthy options available when it comes to takeaways.
When ordering takeaways, I like to know the ingredients in each dish and the quality to ensure the food I’m eating is nutritious and full of health benefits, so I’ve listed my favourites below based on this.
Most of you will know that I LOVE pancakes! They are such a treat for me and are healthy (when you order the right ones). Eathos serve delicious buckwheat pancakes as part of their breakfast offering and guess what? You can order them for breakfast and get them delivered right to your door with Deliveroo. The pancakes are served with fresh winter berries, flaxseed, cacao nibs, white mulberries, bee pollen and coconut yogurt. And with all those toppings, this is a breakfast that will keep you full for hours. Buckwheat is also great for digestion so a great way to start the day.
For lunch, I love Cocu. They serve up some delicious healthy tasty salads. One of my favourites is their super salad which is full of flavor. The salad is made up of mint peas, broccoli, courgetti, quinoa, feta and beansprouts. I usually opt for a minty yoghurt dressing to serve with it on the side. When I’m on a job I usually get this salad delivered to me with Deliveroo to keep me on track.
When it comes to dinner, especially with the colder temperatures I usually go for something hearty while still ensuring it’s a meal packed with nutrients. Recently I ordered the lamb, chickpea and aubergine curry from Fallon & Byrne and it was so satisfying. In the curry there is onions, garlic, cuman, lemongrass, chickpea, aubergine, lamb stock, and lamb and it’s so good! I love Irish lamb as it’s a great source of iron, zinc and vitamin B12 – all to help battle fatigue when you have a busy lifestyle.
I ordered a meal bundle so it came with grilled Mediterranean vegetable (that were made with made some olive oil, thyme and rosemary) and a flourless chocolate tart (yes, chocolate tart, it’s all about balance after all). I love something sweet after a meal sometimes so the chocolate tart was such a nice treat. It’s made with chocolate, eggs, milk, and cocoa powder – so a lot better than most chocolate desserts.
When it comes to snacks, here are my top picks.
I train every day and lead a pretty active life (Wilko keeps me on my toes) so I like to be ready and have snacks to hand to keep me fueled it also stops me from over eating at meal times.
In the mornings, I love the aloe booster shot from Pog which is just pure aloe-vera gel with lemon. Aloe Vera gel is crammed full of amino acids, vitamins and minerals making it one of nature’s most effective cleansers.
Protein balls are a super snack following a gym session if you’re not eating straight away. Green Beards Juicery offer a selection of expresso flavoured balls (in case you need an extra caffeine kick) and normal protein balls. The expresso balls are made with coaco nibs, coffee, cashews, dates, almonds. And, the protein balls ingredients include maca, cashews, coconut, Himalayan salt, and dates. All to help beat the dreaded midday slump!
And, the best thing with all of the above is that you can get them delivered straight to your door with Deliveroo. So, there really isn’t any excuse to stay on track with your healthy eating plans this year :) #Deliveroo
*This is a sponsored blog post
Instagram Competition 14th January 2017
To beat the January blues, I’ve teamed up with Dr. Coys to giveaway this amazing prize! When cooking and baking, I use trusted brands that deliver quality and what they promise. Sometimes it can be hard to choose brands when buying new ingredients for the first time. So, to make things a little easier, I’ve gathered my favourite Dr. Coys products and my cookbook to help you create your favourite #naturalbornfeeder recipes from the book.
The hamper includes:
Signed Copy of Natural Born Feeder Cookbook
Dr. Coys Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Dr. Coys Organic Coconut Flour
Dr. Coys Organic Vegetable Bouillon
Dr. Coys Chocolate Covered Cherries
Dr. Coys Chocolate Covered Almonds
Dr. Coys Nutritional Chocolate Bars
Dr. Coys Stevia Erylite
Russell Hobbs Aura Hand Blender
All you have to do to enter is head over to @naturalbornfeeder Instagram page, ‘like’ this photo and in the comments, tag a friend who you think would love to win this hamper too! The closing date for this competition is Friday 20th January. The winner will be chosen on Saturday 21st January and directly contacted via Instagram direct message. Please read the Terms & Conditions below before entering and good luck!
PRIZE DRAW TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By entering this free prize draw, you agree to accept and be bound by these terms and conditions. All entry instructions form part of the terms & conditions of this prize draw.
This free prize draw is open to anyone aged 16 or over who is a resident of the Republic of Ireland.
Entries must be received by Friday 20th January 2017 23:59 GMT. Entries that are illegible, incomplete, corrupted or which fail to be received by the closing date for any reason, will not be counted. The promoter is not responsible for delayed entries. Automatically generated entries or entries via agents or third parties are invalid and shall not be counted.
Only one entry per person. No entry may win more than one prize.
To enter, simply ‘like’ this image on instagram and comment below, tagging a friend. The image can be found on the @naturalbornfeeder Instagram account: www.instagram.com/naturalbornfeeder
All correctly completed ‘entries’ will be entered into a prize draw which will take place on 21st January 2017. The first ‘entry’ drawn at random will be the winner.
The prize is a hamper for the winner, which will be delivered to the recipient’s provided addresses.
The prize is non-transferrable and no cash alternative will be offered.
Events may occur which render the awarding of the prize impossible due to reasons beyond the control of the promoter and the promoter may, at its absolute discretion, vary, amend, suspend or withdraw the prize with or without notice.
The winner must claim their prize within 14 days of the promoter sending notification. If the prize is unclaimed after this time, it will lapse and the promoter reserves the right to offer the unclaimed prize to a substitute winner selected in accordance with these rules.
Other than those specified above, the promoter shall not be liable for any costs or expenses arising out of or in any way connected with this prize and does not accept any responsibility for any damage, loss or disappointment suffered by the winner as result of accepting this prize.
The winner agrees to the promoter’s use of their name, town of residence and photograph in relation to the promoter’s publicity material.
Promoter will use any data submitted by entrants only for the purposes of running this prize draw, unless otherwise stated in the entry details. By entering this prize draw, all entrants consent to the use of their personal data by the promoter for the purposes of the administration of this prize draw and any other purposes to which the entrant has consented.
The winner’s name will be available upon the promoter’s receipt of a stamped addressed envelope requesting the same.
Promoter may disqualify any entrant whose entry does not comply with these terms and conditions (in promoter’s sole opinion) or who, in promoter’s sole determination, has acted in a manner that is fraudulent, dishonest or unjust to other entrants including, without limitation, tampering with the operation of the prize draw, manipulating or rigging votes, hacking, deceiving, using multiple accounts to submit multiple entries, cheating or by harassing or threatening other entrants, the panel or a representative of promoter
This prize draw is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You acknowledge that all information and material that you submit to enter this prize draw is submitted to the promoter and not Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and you agree that neither Facebook, Instagram nor Twitter shall not be liable to you in any way in respect of this prize draw.
The promoter’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into in relation to the prize draw.
These terms and conditions are subject to English Law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
The promoter’s contact details are: Natural Born Feeder, Dublin 2
January 13, 2017
Oat & Fruit Balls
Looking for new snack ideas? Try these oat and fruit balls for little energy bites to get you through the day. They’re simple to make and prep for the week ahead.
January 7, 2017
My Top Tips for Good Health
Just look after yourself, and I don’t just mean train and eat well, it’s a whole package; your mind, health and relationships.
There’s no magic trick, just replenishing your body full of good things. Staying active is key not only for your body, but also your mind.
Food is really important, by choosing meals packed with nutrients it can help make sure your body is functioning well.
Important rule – don’t tell yourself you must be good 100% of the time, you’re setting yourself up to fail. Just be balanced, it’s far more sustainable.
Mini Meatloaves
Mini meatloaves are great for a quick grab and go breakfast or lunch. There easy to make and most importantly cheap too. Kids will love these in their lunch boxes for a healthy nutritious meal that will keep them fuelled. For days when I am on the go all day, I pack a few in lunch box for snacks – they taste delicious hot or cold!
January 2, 2017
Vegan Protein Breakfast Pudding
This vegan pudding is the perfect option when you need a quick and filling breakfast. This nutrient-rich chia seed pudding is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids support heart health, regulate blood sugar, and promote healthy hair, skin and nails.
December 31, 2016
Peanut Butter Brownies
This super fudgy brownie recipe combines two of the greatest foods, peanut butter and cacao! Get stuck into these guilt free brownies :)
December 26, 2016
Blackberry, Basil & Coconut Chia Pudding
Looking for a healthy breakfast to kick start your day? This chia pudding is naturally sweet and will keep you full for hours. With this pudding you prep it the night before so in the morning it’s ready to be eaten.
December 23, 2016
Mince Pies
Nothing says Christmas like mince pies…here’s a healthy version, full of delicious fruit and nuts. Happy Christmas :)
December 20, 2016
My Top Foodie Spots for Budapest
You will have an awesome time in Buda and an even better time in Pest! Yep, hopefully after reading this piece you will be looking up some relatively cheap flights to get you over to dig into some goulash and knock back some seriously strong cocktails!
This post is zoning in on the food but if you’re a history or architecture lover or a Christmas market fan you have to put Budapest on your hit list! I highly recommend heading over in winter to get into the festive mood in the Christmas markets, something about the atmosphere makes you automatically giddy and merry! However, if you’re not a fan of the crisp cold weather the summer time is nice and dry and they have a host of cool festivals like Zegit that you could add in to your trip.
Now, when it comes to food in Budapest, I’m going to be honest it’s not its forte, traditional goulash, liver cock sausage isn’t the main reason you’re travelling over there, but during your stay I have made a foodie hit list of all the places you need to check out for whatever kind of foodie you are! The food is not typically healthy and dedicated health food cafes are far a few between – the places I have included deliver great food, atmosphere and a taste of modern Budapest. I’ve added a light list below for dietary requirements of places I found along the way.
Mazel Tov
First on the list is my favourite, It’s not Hungarian food but it gets top marks- from the building itself to the fresh food, it is a fantastic fun experience. The cuisine is middle eastern/Israeli with a great selection of drinks. In Budapest a big thing are the ruin bars, Mazel Tov itself is a ruin bar/restaurant in the Jewish quarter and near enough to some really cool ruin bar hangouts (perfect for a few drinks after – you need food for soakage).
The warehouse vibe is really fitting; you can’t help but let your eyes wander around the room. It’s definitely a little hipster with its exposed bulbs and wooden picnic tables and you can really get lost in time sitting there. The menu is suitable for lots of different esters from vegan to carnivores. It’s an ideal spot for big groups as they have a lot of sharing plates and its pretty inexpensive.
Top things to try on the menu:
Grilled Aubergine
Jerusalem mixed plate
The cheesecake
Frangelico sour cocktail
Click here for their website
Tips:
Check them out on Instagram @maveltovbudapest
Wifi available
Only accept cash
The Kollazs at the Gresham
The restaurant is ideal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It was actually located in my hotel but it was ranked really high on all the food sites and probably one of the best lunches I have had abroad. The menu was simple and covered all kinds of cuisines like French, Hungarian & central European and had a great selection of fish, meats and vegetarian options.
The staff get a special mention here, you know when you’re in a place and the staff go above and beyond that’s pretty much this place but not in an uncomfortable way. This restaurant is situated in the Four Seasons Hotel, a stunning building you have to walk around regardless, along with the perfect view of the chain bridge and Buda castle. It’s a stop off for a lot of tours just to look at the amazing palace itself (even though it was never actually a palace).
If you are sitting in the court yard part of the restaurant you will have a beautiful view of the basilica.
Top things to try on the menu:
Grilled Octopus & Calamari
The Breakfast Waffles
Wifi available.
Click here for their Instagram
SZimply Food
The health food freak in me couldn’t help source out the best spot for a healthy and different brunch! The cafe in tucked away down an alley off the main street very close to the “Golden Gate Bridge”, the place is very small, seating only about 15 but head there early for brunch or a late brunch to ensure no queues.
The decor is modern and very Scandinavian. The menu is a mix of savory green waffles with egg and smoke salmon to tapioca pudding and homemade granola. The food is simple, clean and fun. The staff are young, trendy and have tones of craic behind the counter:)
They also have wifi so you can snap your meal- password is talktoeachother …… ahem!
Top things to try on the menu:
Green waffles with egg and smoked salmon
Click here for their Instagram
Borkonyha
Ok it’s a littlest fancier than the rest, a Michelin restaurant but casual all the same. it’s probably the best place to get traditional Hungarian food with a tiny bit of a modern slant. Try eat here for lunch, the atmosphere is calm and intimate but book to make sure you get a table. The food is Michelin standard without being overly fussy, plus the portions are normal size – thank god! The menu is full of different dishes you aren’t used to seeing like partridge, pigeon, liver among the safe options too – don’t worry. It’s just a really nice dining experience for an occasion.
Top things to try on the menu:
You won’t be disappointed with anything you order on this menu, I had the the Cod and it was super.
Tips;
Book in advance.
Click here for their website
Comme Chez Soi
This place has old style decor and warm charm. The service is top class, in that you’re treated like a king or queen. They offer free appetizers. Book well in advance we were cheeky enough to get a walk in which is usually unheard of. It’s not touristy spot just full of locals which is always a good sign.
I customised my dish a little to suit my preference and they were very accommodating, so don’t be afraid to switch things up if needed. Be hungry when going as the portions are very generous! It’s pretty cheap there especially considering the portion sizes.
Top things to try on the menu:
Beef carpaccio
Seafood Pasta
Sorbet
Tips:
Cash only accepted
Book in advance
Click here for their website
Beszallo Food Bar
The best place to try Hungarian and Asian cuisine with a modern twist – this was a delicious casual dining experience. The interior is quirky and there’s a great relaxed, fun environment.I actually found this place through a recommendation from the guys at SZimply food, I always make a point of asking local foodies on tips and suggestions!
The bread was deliciously fresh and the beef is a great shout here! No reservations needed as it’s a first come first served basis. It’s not your average menu but regardless expect to leave full and a little mind blown. Prices are reasonable and quality is really good.
Top things to try on the menu:
Literally everything tasted good!
Click here for their Facebook
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