Simply Eat.
I am passionate about food.
Taking time to gather and prepare the ingredients for a meal to enjoy, either on my own or in the company of others, for me is quite simply one of the greatest pleasures in life. Perhaps it is the thoughtfulness of the process that gives me such a great sense of peace. It is really a form of meditation.
I grew up in Italy and food and everything that surrounds it is the bedrock of most communities. Preparing and sharing with others brings families and friends together. And watching my parents grow their own food and my mother preparing meals for us established a pattern in my life which continues.
I grow some of my own produce at home and I also spend time working on a small farm in the Channel region south of Hobart. I get so much joy out of watching the harvest unfold and as much from delivering the bounty to people who need the beautiful produce.
I run classes to teach people how nutritious food can be prepared simply and at the same time support local farmers and producers and reduce wastage. I can help my clients look at their food buying habits in a fresh way. Saving money is easy when you know how.
I eat simply everyday and focus on ensuring that my diet is full of nutritious and easily digested elements.
My Top Tips
- Regular exercise & meditation
- Early rise, early bed
- Regular meal time
- Light dinner
- Sip warm water through day
Daily Routine
After a few trials and errors ( lots ! ) I now have a daily routine that I love and works well for me.
I’m regularly out of bed early-ish (6-6.30am) and I sip a big glass of warm water with a pinch of freshly grated ginger, half teaspoon of raw honey and a squeeze of lemon.
Then onto some exercise movements, yoga and my regular meditation practice.
I’m lucky to have an area set up for this in my lounge room; a favourite scarf, blanket, sound bowl and plants make it an ideal space to spend some regular me-time. If I have time I add a short walk. If not I will make time for walking during the day .
For breakfast I finish cooking my porridge (pre-soaked overnight) and top it with my favourite things such as a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of toasted seeds & nuts mix, maybe a few blueberries or raspberries if in season. I use a favourite bowl and spoon, I wrap my hands around the warm bowl, take a couple of deep breaths and enjoy a few moments of silence.
During the day I usually sip about a litre of warm water, flavoured with half teaspoon each of fennel, coriander and cumin seeds. (in Ayurveda this is known as a tridosha mix, as it is suitable for the 3 main Dosha body-type).
I try to have my meals at a regular time every day, with the more substantial meal in the middle of the day.
Dinner is usually a light soup, steamed vegetables or just stewed fruit if I’m not hungry. An early and light dinner is easy on our digestive system and helps us to have a good night’s sleep.
As I’m an early riser I go to bed early around 9.30pm with a good book. A cup of green tea helps me to unwind.
Lights out around 10 🙂
So this is what works for me …most days. I use the 80 /20 approach and I don’t fuss if some days are more 70/30 or very occasionally 50/50 !!
Simple Steps.
Here are a few of my favourite simple recipes for a healthier approach to eating.
You will notice that I place a real emphasis on flavours in the meals I prepare. If you would like to attend a class on healthy approaches to food please contact me directly on 0419 338 941. I can provide small group or one-on-one tuition.
Morning drink
Warm water, a pinch of freshly grated ginger and lemon juice to taste.
If you like add half tea-spoon of raw honey.
Warm, flavoured water to sip during the day
In a thermos of any size add freshly boiled water and a pinch each of cumin, coriander, fennel seeds.
You might want to experiment with spice quantity to make it to your taste.
Sip the warm water during the day to help with hydration and your digestive system.
Stewed and roasted fruit
To make these items I use any fruit in season.
Add a little water, rosewater and a pinch of favourite spices.
Stew or roast to taste, and have as snack mid-morning, or as a light meal.
Recipes I use all the time from the Mudita Institute:
Mixed seeds/ nuts sprinkles
1 cup of your favourite seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, white and black sesame
1/4 cup of your favourite nuts, maybe lightly chopped if whole
1/4 cup of shaved coconut
1/2 tbs coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon tumeric powder
1/4 teaspoon fennels seeds
A tiny pinch of salt
Lightly roast all ingredients in a frying pan, keep stirring to ensure even roasting.
Make sure you keep a close watch as you’re cooking to make sure the mix doesn’t burn.
Use as a sprinkle over soups, salads, steamed vegetables, and any other way you’d like to eat it!