Beetroot and coconut halwa

This delicious halwa has all the flavour but way less than the usual fat and sugar content. Vegan & Gluten Free

Cornbread

Marion’s version of this classic staple. Vegan, Gluten Free

Lemon and lime pie

Serves 25 (small pieces, but it’s very rich. Increase recipe if you have a hungry crowd). Vegan, and optionally Gluten Free. This looks complicated but isn’t. Just follow the steps. It’s really healthy and nobody will ever guess…. Of course, I’ve reduced the sugar, but if you think your audience will complain, you can always …

Self saucing date pudding

For 25-30 (25 large portions or 30 normal portions esp if served with custard) This is a serious crowd pleaser and I’ve even made it twice in a week at Summer Gathering with great appreciation from the gathering. It’s vegan but contains gluten and sugar. However, as cakes go, it’s pretty healthy with mostly wholemeal …

Banana and black bean brownies

Way too moorish; luckily it freezes well as it won't hang around long otherwise! (Vegan & Gluten Free)

Good food guide to eating out

Either intentionally or when you accidentally leave home without a better option… Eating out, or even with friends is tricky if you want to eat well, feel good and maintain your weight. This guide is not a way to eat healthily, it’s simply how to make the best choices when faced with mostly bad options. …

Meat & dairy – myths and misunderstandings

As with sugar, this is a topic where many people need to unlearn much of what they have been taught about 'healthy' options. Dairy products are still animal protein. On this diet you want to avoid them. There are plenty of milk substitutes out there, and you can even find recipes for dairy –free cream …

Drinks

Drink 1.5-2.5L fluid per day. This may vary depending on your circumstances and does include soups and water in food. Do NOT drink your calories in smoothies, juices, fizzy drinks, packaged iced tea/coffee (from the supermarket) etc. Processed drinks also contain a lot of sugar and salt. Our bodies also get hungry more quickly after …

Eating +8 Vegetables & Fruit a Day

If you do not normally eat this many vegetables, then you will need to increase the quantity slowly or you may upset your bowel. Most of us eat way too little fibre and our bowels have become used to it. Eat fruit or vegetables at EVERY meal (dried fruit in small amounts is included) Eat …

Diet and high blood pressure

Specific foods which can lower blood pressure. Chocolate. 40-100g per day (but be careful of the sugar content or the effects may be negated!). Dark chocolate is probably best, but not proven. Hot cocoa (not hot chocolate) with a dash of sugar is a good way of consuming the cocoa. Curry leaves (pictured above - …