No, oats and porridge don’t help you lose weight
If you have weight to lose, don’t eat oats. Despite the health halo oats have been given, your body will digest them and turn them into sugar. Nutrition is a…
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Best ever Keto “Fried” Chicken Low Carb KFC Dupe
Keto "Fried" Chicken low carb KFC dupe Not only is KFC coated in high carb flour it is cooked in toxic vegetable oil. Did you know that originally it was…
Best ever easy low carb granola
Easiest ever low carb granola So delicious and so much better for you than cereals. You don't have to serve this with milk, you could have it as an on…
4 Ways to make positive improvements today
You know I’m always talking about taking the very best care of yourself. Obviously, my focus is the very best food but there are other ways that you can enhance…
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Best Ever Low Carb Korean Pork ‘Bibimbap’ Recipe
Best ever low carb Bibimbap Although this Korean dish literally translates to mixed rice, I'm still using the name because the overall taste is the same. You don't miss the…
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Best Ever Easy Korean Gochugaru Paste recipe
Korean Gochugaru Paste Shop bought pastes contain fructose and wheat. This is so quick and easy but it is essential to use Korean Gochugaru chilli powder. It doesn't have the…
New study finds even healthy weight children are on a diet
It’s our national obsession. And it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. We now live in a time where we’ve passed our weight obsession onto our children, rather than…
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Easiest ever microwave one minute poached egg
Easiest ever one minute poached eggs Until I came across this method I could never be bothered with the palava of making poached eggs. This couldn't be simpler. I'm now…
Best ever fried crispy calamari
Best ever calamari Using baby squid, this is such a simple recipe that allows the taste to shine. 400 g prepared baby squid250 ml whole milk (to soak squid)60 g…
Help yourself to better thyroid health
You’ve more than likely heard of someone having a ‘thyroid problem’. You might be that person. The thyroid is the butterfly shaped gland in your neck in front of your…
The slippery slope of self-justification
Are you in the habit of justifying every action you take? For example, might you book a holiday that will stretch the bank, but justify it with the thought that…
Kindness matters to your health
I love how various events set me off on a tangent. I recently got invited onto BBC Radio Suffolk, to talk to Wayne Bavin again, this time about a story…
Staying indoors and wearing sunscreen INCREASES fatal skin cancer risk
If you are averse to absorbing the sun’s rays, then absorb these facts: You are twice as likely to die from not being exposed to sunlight than those who are…
Why are the various stages of womanhood rarely taught?
Being in my fifties now, I find myself more and more baffled at the sheer lack of information I was ever provided with, either at school or via public health, when it came to the various stages my body would go through as a woman.
10 steps to a balanced life
It's no secret that maintaining a healthy balance in life can be tricky. We are constantly bombarded with demands from work, family, and social obligations. It can be hard to find time for ourselves, let alone our hobbies and interests.
Lime and coriander tartare sauce
This has such a nice fresh taste to it. Use it for the lime and coriander crumbed cod.
Lime and coriander crumbed cod
Lime and coriander crumbed cod If you already have tartare sauce in the fridge and a batch of low carb rolls in the freezer then this makes a quick meal.…
It’s OK not to be OK interview
I talk to Wayne Bavin of BBC Radio Suffolk, about a study that found that we say we're fine when asked how we are, even if we're not.
Shush. Don’t talk about sexual dysfunction in women
A recent study by Belgian researchers found that out of 750 type 1 and type 2 diabetics, around a third of both men and women suffered from some kind of…
The ‘Drop the F Word’ is a fantastic campaign. Shame about the sponsor
Walkers Crisps in collaboration with Ruby Wax and Comic Relief have launched a campaign to improve our mental health by talking more honestly to each other and to stop using…
Don’t try this at home! My nightmare with MCT oil.
Here’s what not to do if you’re trying to replace one ingredient with an untested alternative! My goodness I thought I was being so clever. I’m normally you’re archetypal over…
The benefits of time restricted eating interview
Listen to my interview with Wayne Bavin of BBC Radio Suffolk about when the best time of day to eat is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xte6U8pFTHM Subscribe to receive your FREE guide on how…
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Layered celeriac, leek and bacon gratin
Layered celeriac, leek and bacon gratin Adapted from a student recipe using potatoes I've been using for years until going low carb. This is simple but full of flavour. Makes…
Low carb, low fat or vegan? The supermarket products that profit industry, and cost you health.
Low carb meals, low fat or vegan, it’s all there. Isn’t it convenient that we can simply move from one diet to another and have our needs taken care of?…
Talking to Wayne Bavin on BBC Radio Suffolk about his weight loss challenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugFJehoxL4s&t=3s
Why do you service your car but not your health?
Do you have maintenance plans of any kind? You more than likely get many things serviced to keep them in good condition. Car, boiler, home appliances etc.
Big food is making a fool of you but you love it
No. Surely not. Not you. You’re vigilant and always watchful for someone taking the Michael. And if something slips by your guard you easily nip it in the bud. Don’t…
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Dill meatballs with fennel and beetroot
Dill meatballs with fennel and beetroot Using sausages makes this dish extra tasty. It has a lovely fresh taste due to the fennel. Meatballs400 g sausages (Aldi's are sugar and…
Why do humans think we’re superior to nature?
Before 2012 I never questioned where my food came from. I went to the shops to buy the weekly groceries and filled my trolley to the brim to feed my…
My anger at dietary guides that caused cancer
I would wager that you’ve known someone related to you or closely associated with you who has died of cancer. There are very few people who haven’t been affected by…
How we could make the UK more sustainable as we fast
With 7.9 billion (and counting) people on the planet it is well known that there is an urgent need to find ways to feed us all. In the UK, if…
Low carb onion bhaji
Low carb onion bhaji Traditionally these are made with gram flour, but to keep the carb content down I've used a different batter mix. Super easy to make and absolutely…
Marinated Paneer
Marinated paneer This is super easy to make. Serve as a starter to accompany the low carb onion bhaji. The bhaji recipe is below. 200 g paneerMarinade2 tbsp Greek yoghurt1…
Healthy snacks for road trips
(This is an article that includes links for which I am a paid affiliate.) During term time is a great time to get out and see the sights without the…
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Smoky roasted cauliflower tacos
Roasted cauliflower tacos This food is for sharing. Make all the dishes and let people pile up their tacos in their own way! Soft Tacos (made from mini low carb…
Fat is your friend
Go to the supermarket and the special offer shelves have low cal this and low fat that and ‘heart healthy’ wholegrain cereal bars at all the checkouts. Then you scroll…
Celeriac dauphinoise
Celeriac dauphinoise Celeriac is a great low carb swap for potato. This dish is absolutely delicious. 1 kg celeriac peeled200 ml double cream200 ml milk2 cloves garlic crushed½ tsp freshly…
What would a nutritionist tell me to eat?
Great question. But you might as well ask any random person on the street because you will get a million different answers!
What if its your blood sugar not the menopause causing your symptoms?
Hot flushes, mood swings, insomnia, vaginal dryness, low libido, bad skin, mental fog, and myriad other things we’re told to look forward to as we approach that “certain age” as a woman.
Easy Omelette
Easy Omelette The quickest meal ever. Plus you can use left over ingredients in the fridge. 3 eggs (or more if you're hungry!)1 tsp olive oil10 g butterhandful cooked bacon,…
Have you been feeling completely drained lately?
You’re not alone and its fair to say that a lot of people find themselves exhausted. Not least because of the year we’ve all been through. But there can be various reasons for exhaustion so let’s explore some of the possibilities along with potential solutions.
Low carb lamb samosa
Low carb lamb samosas I've properly cracked the authentic taste of the lamb samosa filling here! I like it with or without the low carb pastry. 1 qty low carb…
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Low carb pastry
Low carb pastry I didn't think it was possible to get a crisp finish without flour, but it is! Food processor Dry ingredients first96 g ground almonds40 g coconut flour½…
What does a nutritionist do?
What does a nutritionist do? The simple answer is that they give you advice on the best foods to eat for optimal health. The definition of nutrition is “the…
Forget about fruit being healthy
You can call me a heretic, I don’t mind. In fact, I welcome it. Bring it on. I will stand my ground. I don’t believe you should eat fruit. You…
Best ever low carb gnocchi
Best ever low carb gnocchi The chewy texture of this flour free gnocchi is really similar to the real thing. Coupled with the acidity that comes from the fresh tomatoes,…
Frequently Asked Questions
I've done the research so you don't have to. And I'm here to tell you that you can literally treat yourself when it comes to your health. Treat in all…
Is the UK population malnourished?
Malnourished means wrongly nourished, or not getting the nutrients needed to function properly. And of course, I think the UK population is just that. In a time where it's never…
BBC Radio Suffolk – How to eat in lockdown
I talk to James Hazell about how to make changes to support your mental and physical health in lockdown.
Where does ultra processed food begin and end?
When I was a child, I was the world's fussiest eater. I lived in fear of being offered food at a friends house, knowing that I would be unable to…
Cod with Chorizo and Leeks
Cod with chorizo and leeks This is a classy looking dish with sophisticated flavours but really simple to make. 800 g cod fillets (or any other white fish)3 leeks, halved…
Easy Chicken Wings
Easy chicken wings Superb low carb finger food 1.5 kilos Chicken wings4 tbsp olive oil2 tsp paprika2 tsp ground cumin1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional if you don't like spice)2 cloves…
This virus has shown us what we’re made of
But my headline 'This virus has shown us what we're made of' refers to the actual physical attributes of the human body and how we can arm ourselves against it and anything else that crops up in the future.
Easy Prawn Curry
Easy prawn curry This is so easy. The veg and spices are cooked first and then the coconut cream and prawns are added halfway through the cooking time. You can…
Happy People Solutions Podcast
My sister business with Katrina Love, Positive Mindset Coach, talking to Nicki Bannerman
BBC Radio Suffolk Dessert Stomach
I talk to James Hazell on BBC Radio Suffolk about the phenomenon 'dessert stomach'.
Radio Suffolk Dry January
I talk to the lovely James Hazell on BBC radio Suffolk about what to do in dry January.
Make today count podcast
Here I talk to the excellent host of the Make Today Count podcast, Ross Dean.
Low carb ‘pasta’
Low carb 'pasta' This so versatile. And unlike regular flour made pasta it won't bloat you. Although it will definitely fill you up with all that protein! 200 g cream…
Why the governments latest obesity strategy is set to fail
The government has unveiled a plan to tackle obesity in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Natasha Hodge of Wide Eyed Nutrition takes a look at why it will not…
Low carb pizza base
Finally a base that you can roll thin enough and still have crispy edges but hits the low carb sweet spot!
My son’s weight loss Journey
This is my son Jacob. The picture on the left is November 2017. At this point he is 17. In fact he is two types of 17, as he is…
Chicken ‘n’ Beans
This has been adapted from a Pollo A La Plancha recipe, which just translates as chicken on the grill. Its the beans that accompany it that set this dish apart.
Best meatballs ever
There is so much flavour in these meatballs. The sauce is gorgeous mopped up with a low carb roll. Forget pasta you don't miss it with a side of green beans and topped with Parmesan cheese.
No Pasta Lasagne
As I advise to move away from pasta which sends blood sugar sky high, the alternative has always been to use vegetables as a swap. But this cheat, again adapted from the Diet Doctor website ticks all the taste and texture boxes whilst keeping you low carb. A revelation.
Happy pancakes
These are 'happy' because they keep the body and brain on an even keel without a huge rush of insulin needed to deal with the high starch ingredients of regular pancakes.
Best ever creme caramel
Using raw milk and the freshest local eggs, this is a dish made in heaven. It's fructose free as it only uses glucose based sweeteners so it has a subtle sweetness. Divine.
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Pizza rolls
Melted and golden Buffalo mozzarella, basil and tomato is as traditional as you can get. But without the bread that causes blood sugar spikes that can lead to long term illness.
Low carb rolls
If you are trying to reduce your blood sugar, bread is the last thing you should eat. These easy to make low carb rolls are the perfect replacement.
Aaarrgghhh! Stop boring me with healthy eating!
I know we have to eat. It's something we all have in common. But oh my goodness isn't it boring to hear different takes on the latest food trends day in and day out?
Seed Biscuits
Based on my pecan brittle recipe, this is a no-nut crisp and sweet alternative. It's also packed with loads of vitamins and Omega 3 fat.
No Egg Mayo
For those with an egg allergy or vegan, this is perfect. I've tried cashew mayo which leaves a grainy texture on coleslaw, but this is truly smooth. Tastes delicious and the flaxseed mean it's packed with omega 3's.
Stop Brain Drain
Not the kind of brain drain where the brightest sparks clear off to other countries and contribute to other economies. The kind where your own thoughts clear off to some…
I’ve been kidding myself!
So here I am, in a reflective mood on holiday in Kos in 2017. The holiday was nearing its end, and we'd had a really great time.So what has this got…
Crazy good cookies
Not only are these delicious, they have added omega 3 from the flaxseed and protein from the almond butter.
Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Cups
Using rice syrup as the sweetener these are beyond delicious. Made and frozen in 30 minutes they make a nice dinner party petit four.
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Duck fried spring greens
Apart from the chopping of the spring onions this version uses frozen onion, garlic, chilli and leftovers for speed.
Quinoa Arancini
This is my take on the crispy Italian rice balls. They are filled with buffalo mozzarella as we digest it more easily.
Olive and tomato sauce
This is a fast food. From jars and packets, you can knock it up in 10 minutes.
Asparagus and Mushrooms with Shallot Dressing
The hearty nature of asparagus and portobello mushrooms make this a substantial side dish or a main event.
Toasted Tamari Seeds
The seed mix here includes calcium and omega 3 as well as a myriad of other vitamins and minerals.
Cauli Salad
Cauliflower is so versatile. So using it with different textures in the same salad makes a delicious dish.
Beetroot, Feta and Quinoa Salad
Quinoa might be the latest 'fad' food to some, but it's nutty texture is great for making substantial salads.
Vegetarian Chilli
This is packed with great pulses. It is a quick version as there is little prep involved and it freezes superbly well.
Clean science:The Dirty Truth
Did anyone see the BBC programme last week, Horizon 'Clean Eating: The Dirty Truth'? I watched it, anything to do with health and food is my thing, but just from…
Deconstructed Spanikopita
Spanikopita are Greek pastry parcels filled with spinach and feta. To make it gluten free I've made the filling and put it on quinoa pastry disks. Looks good as a starter.
Caribbean Curry
This tastes of sunshine, hence the name. My oldest friend made this for me. She made it with chicken, but here I have used tofu.
Fish pie with crushed potato top
The crushed potato top adds another dimension to this classic dish because of the fibre in the skins. It also makes a nice crispy topping.
Refried beans
Not only delicious, the black beans are rich in vitamins and minerals, they also provide you with a great source of protein.
Tomato and mushroom sauce
This is based on one of my mums recipes, goodness knows where she picked it up. But the smokey flavour mixed with the thyme is simply irresistible.
Mexican mixed puy
This is a vegetarian version of the Mexican meat recipe. It is lovely piled onto real Mexican Masa flour tacos.
Sausage casserole
Such a comforting meal and really easy to prepare. Use good quality gluten free sausages.
Cake free coffee mornings? Nooooo!!
You're definitely not going to like this.What could be a cosier way of fund raising for a good cause than by selling cakes and biscuits and chatting over a cup…
Hearing restored thanks to a….water pistol!
You don't know what you've got 'til its gone. It's a common phrase. Well I have recently been living in a kind of underwater world.
Bean Bolognese
This is a really robust sauce. Full of brilliant antioxidants, a good source of fibre, and it's absolutely delicious!
Poached pears
Easier than you think. These make a wonderful dessert, especially when entertaining. And because the fruit is whole you get all the benefit of the fibre within.
TV dumbs down health
I'm the first to put the series link on and devour the info that's spewed forth by good looking presenters masquerading as experts in health knowledge. But since…
Mango quinoa salad
These flavours are so fresh and zingy. The sweetness of the mango goes so well with the savoury elements. The fried onions in the mix add another flavour dimension.
coconut and almond cookies
Coconut and almond cookies
These are dairy free, they have a lovely taste to them from the coconut oil.
Sweet lemon bake
These are an alternative to the lemon tart. Leaves out having to make pastry. You could serve with the super almond cookies.
Melted cauliflower
Its not the prettiest dish, but it tastes delicious. So simple. Throw the ingredients together and bake for an hour. Side dish or main event, it works well.
Sweet tomato salad
Colourful and bursting with flavour, this is a lovely looking dish as well as tasting delicious.
Savoury coconut crackers
With a pastry like, crumbly texture, these moreish crackers are great served with dips such as Mexican bean or guacamole. Dairy free and gluten free.
mushroom not so stroganov
Mushrooms not quite Stroganov
Stronganov (often written as Stroganoff) was named after a Russian using his native sour cream to serve with beef. I have made a vegetarian dairy free version
Time on my hands
I've only gone and got myself an allotment! I'd envisaged this: And got this! Well to be precise I got it a month ago, and have been hard at it,…
lemon crumbed fish
Lemon crumbed fish
Putting an almond crust on fish hadn't occurred to me before, but this really works. Choose a firm white sustainably sourced fish.
Low carb or what?
All these food rules. I've heard of people making themselves really ill by literally just eating protein and very little else. Carbs or carbohydrate…
Liver, bacon and mash
Liver and Bacon
For want of a better word, organ meat is fantastic for your health. Choose good quality liver and your body will thank you for it.
Vanilla Creme Brulee
Vanilla Creme Brulee Simple, gorgeous and without sugar. 570 ml double cream6 egg yolks4 level tsp corn flour (make sure its gluten free)4 tbs dextrose1 tsp vanilla essence (sugar free)optional…
Mango and Pomegranate Chicken
Mango and Pomegranate Chicken This is an unusual curry as it use no garlic and has quite a tangy flavour due to the lemon in it. I have made this…
Crispy Kale
Crispy Kale Kale is not usually something I enjoy. I'm pretty good with most veg but with Kale I have a slight mental block. Until I made these! How moreish?…
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Crustless Quiche Lorraine
Crustless Quiche Lorraine This is so rich that you will not miss the pastry. Great for a snack it's best eaten after standing for 10 minutes or so. Gruyere is…
Coconut cookies
Coconut cookies Unlike the almond cookies these do go crisp. They are buttery and delicious and are great with a glass of whole raw milk or as an accompaniment to…
Turn back the clock
A New Year. A clean slate. Lets look forward to a lifetime of good health. My goal for this year is to turn back the clock. Not just for myself and…
Peanut cookies
Peanut cookies These are chewy in the middle. They are full of protein but make a great sweet treat without the fructose. These are a great energy booster. 35 g…
Sesame cookies
Sesame cookies Low starch and gluten free often means soft and chewy cookies, but these are fantastically crisp! High in protein and calcium, these are a great sweet treat that…
Have you got the time?
Have you got the time? Natasha Hodge- Wide Eyed Nutrition (Published in mailchimp 13th march 2015) Rush! Everyone seems to be rushing. So busy all the time. Getting everything done…
Egg free mayo
Egg free Mayo A great allergy free alternative to dip your chips in! And many other uses. 3 tbs lemon juice2 tbs white wine vinegar1 1/2 tsp mustard powder1 small…
Wot no egg? choc cake
Wot no egg? choc cake I couldn't believe how good these taste without eggs. The texture is great and they are simple to make. The linseed should be freshly ground…
Green bean salad
Green bean salad This salad is so substantial it is a meal in itself. So much flavour. I have adapted it from the master of vegetables Yotam Ottolenghi. You have…
No egg ice cream
No egg Ice cream So simple and without the eggs it doesn't require cooking. 560 ml double cream150 g dextrose/glucose powder1 tsp vanilla essence (sugar free) in a bowl mix…
Linseed egg substitute
Linseed egg substitute For those of you with an egg allergy this comes in handy. Don't use it for cakes as it won't do the same job as an egg…
French Salad dressing
Salad dressing Most dressings you buy in supermarkets have all sorts of nasties in them. This couldn't be easier to make and you can change whatever you like to suit…
Steamed bananas
Steamed bananas These are super easy and based on a Thai recipe. 1 can organic full fat coconut milk4 bananas2 tbs rice syruppinch saltsesame seeds (optional to sprinkle)shredded coconut (optional…
Super almond cookies
Super almond cookies Dairy free doesn't have to be taste free. You could put any smooth nut butter in this recipe to change up the flavours. Try it with finely…
Walnut, Squash and Spinach Tortilla
Walnut, Squash and Spinach Tortilla A decadent comfort food for winter. No, actually, any time! 400 g butternut squash (peeled, seeds removed and cut into 2cm chunks)6 eggs125 ml double…
Herb Stuffed Tomatoes
Herb Stuffed Tomatoes These look good but are quick to prepare. Great for a dinner party. 4 good sized firm tomatoes1 large onion finely chopped2 cloves garlic crushed12 pitted kalamata…
Mexican Peppers
Mexican peppers So quick and easy recipe that you can use to accompany many things. 4 mixed bell peppers sliced3 onions, sliced3 tbs olive oil1 tsp paprika1 and 1/2 tsp…
Wild Mushroom Fricassee
Wild Mushroom Fricassee There are so many varieties of mushroom so you can go as exotic or run of the mill as you like. It is worth investing in a…
Mushroom, Tofu and Nut Pate
Mushroom, Tofu and Nut Pate Quick and easy to make. Store in an airtight container as an anytime snack. Full or protein and flavour. 200 g silken tofu50 g raw…
Lush Lentils and Sundried Tomato Salad
Lush Lentils and Sundried Tomato Salad Make sure the tomatoes are in olive oil, as sunflower oil is one to avoid for good health. This can be served warm or…
