Fifty Shades of Food, Because it is Valentine's Day Afterall

Anastasia Steele doesn't eat much when she is around Christian Grey (obviously she has other things on her mind and who can blame her?) But what if Christian was a bit more imaginative and tried to spice it up in the plate as much as he does in the bedroom?

So here you go dear Christian, some little tips for you (Fifty to be exact)... 
PS: let me know how the evening went.

All Recipes for 2 people (obviously...)

Fish of the Day: Sea Bass in Banana Leaves Parcels

This flavoured dish is surprisingly very easy to make. I love serving it at my dinner parties because it only takes five minutes to prepare and the presentation always impresses my guests. It is original, healthy and delicious. The banana leaves will keep the fish moist and  impart a subtle sweet flavour to the dish.

Tested and Approved: Barry's Bootcamp

I always wondered why so many celebs keep saying that they can eat as much as they like without putting on weight.  I seriously thought it was a massive lie (it is probably the case for some of them though) but I discovered recently that if you train as hard as Jessica (Biel), Jake (Gyllenhaal) and Katie (Holmes), you can burn so many calories that your cheeky dessert or pizza will be forgiven.  They all train at Barry's Bootcamp, the most famous ambassador apparently being Kim Kardashian (not that I am jealous of her bottom, but I have to admit, the rest of her body looks very toned).

Week 5: Testing Fitness Limits and a Taste of La Bodega Negra

When I woke up in my warm bed on Sunday morning, enjoying my last thirty minutes of farniente before a yoga class, I had a thought for my two girlfriends taking part in the Tough Guy challenge. For the people not familiar with the concept, it is a 15kms race across mud, icy lakes, barbwires, all this spiced up with gas explosions and electroshocks. It is known as one of the toughest sport event in the UK and I admire my friends for going there. They both completed it, survived it, but apparently not everyone was as lucky (or fit, as I am not sure luck plays a big part in this event) and some people were fainting or suffering from hypothermia. It made me wonder: how do you realise that you are pushing yourself too hard, hence harming yourself? 

Week 4: Eating Outside, Slip-Ups and Staying Optimistic

Colder, whiter, wetter . I believe these three words sum up the lovely weather we have been experiencing recently. To be honest, this didn’t help me in my quest for health. This week I have also been confronted with a new challenge (how many more will I face?): Travelling. Being outside of the comfort zone of your kitchen or local restaurants give you the impression that it is impossible to plan your meals. It is not: you just need to be a bit more cautious...

Week 3: Weight Loss & a Full Stomach

Last week reminded me of how very human I am when temptation seems to be everywhere around me: a birthday cake at the office, an invitation to one of the hottest bar-restaurant in London and freezing temperatures  bringing cravings for hot rich food. 

But this morning, I was happily surprised to see that despite all the obstacles, I was already 2.5kilos lighter without any feeling of hunger.

Week 2: Motivation, Dedication and Nine Varieties of Fish

First week done! I am actually quite proud of myself for resisting all the temptations I came across. Yes it is January, Yes, it is a “get back to the top” mission, but it doesn’t necessarily mean staying home and feeling miserable. Therefore I decided to go on with my social life, which made things a bit more difficult...

Week 1: Welcome Healthy, Au Revoir Laziness!

I have a feeling that this first week is not going to be an easy one.. It will probably come as a shock to my body which has been recently used to a lot of treats. I have put together a meal plan and some workout routines and I will just have to stick to it.  

It takes three weeks to break an habit but the first three-four days are crucial. Alcohol will be the first thing to go, closely followed by biscuits and cakes. 

Today, my fridge would make both my mum and my trainer very proud: lean proteins, greens, more greens, some colourful vegetables, yogurts and...some greens again! 

New Year, New B!

After one very difficult year, I am welcoming 2013 with open arms...and good resolutions. First of all I want to feel great, both physically and mentally. With my knowledge in nutrition and cooking, I will create a food plan to shift the extra pounds (stones?) accumulated in the last 12 months.  

Thanks to my trainer Dmitri Tkatchev (@epochFitness) I will also focus on getting my fitness back with hard workouts. Losing weight is not the only objective of this programme, the ultimate goal is actually to feel re-energised and detoxified. 

Mens sana in corpore sano. Bring on 2013!

 

Before the New Year starts:

My Trainer asked me today if I had started eating healthier. I answered that I was waiting for January 1st (or even 2nd...) as I couldn't force myself to be good with food and alcohol during the festive period (I am very motivated, but still very human). He told me to at least start THINKING healthier from today. So let's go and plan!

                                  

Fish of the Day: Salmon and Baby Artichokes Skewers

I m a big fan of grilled skewers because they are healthy, easy to make and pretty to serve. Today, i put together two fantastic sources of nutrients: Artichoke brings anti-oxidants and fibres, is great for the liver, the digestion, brings the bad cholesterol down and is also a hangover cure. Salmon will deliver its proteins and Omega-3. This recipe is tasty and guilt-free.

                                  

Vegetable of the Day: Pumpkin and Onions Gratin

October being the beginning of the pumpkin season, it is time to put some orange colour in your plate. This gratin is a very tasty and much lighter alternative to the Potatoes Dauphinoise. Pumpkin is goodness for your body: It contains vitamin A and antioxidant carotenoids, vitamins C, K, and E, and lots of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and iron.

                                  

Tip of the Day: Cooking Times for Fish

Knowing the actual cooking time when you prepare fish is very important. Fish loses its taste and moisture if you overcook it. It becomes very hard and dry. What should have been a delicious dish can be a total mistake if you are not careful. Remember: an undercooked fish can be heated for additional time if needed, but you will not be able to save your overcooked dish. 
You can start experiencing with easy species: salmon or cod can be poached, grilled, baked or steamed!

                                  

Meat of the Day: Pineapple and Chicken Skewers

They are very easy to prepare, super tasty and healthy. They will remind you of the summer you are for sure already missing.Very good source of lean proteins, the chicken is ideal when you want to keep your calories intake low. Pineapple will give you the fibres you need and accelerate the fat burning process. You can try this recipe with lamb, although it will be a higher-calorie version!

                                  

Starter of the Day: Seafood and Avocado Verrines

Perfect presentation to impress your guests. You can choose to make it very light by serving this dish in small glasses or if you want a more consistent starter, use wine glasses, increase the proportions of ingredients and follow up with a lighter main course as avocado and taramasalata can be very filling.

                                  

Salad of the Day: Beetroot Salad with Oranges and Cinnamon

The combination of sweet beetroot, zesty oranges and warm cinnamon is very unusual but delicious. This dish can be served as a healthy light lunch or as a starter for dinner. It will bring you anti-oxidants and Vitamin C, perfect to fight the change of weather.

                                  

Starter of the Day: the 4C's soup: Crab, Coconut, Chili and Coriander

With the days getting shorter and colder, this Thai inspired soup recipe will bring a bit of Far-East comfort in your plate. Although fresh crab meat has a better flavour, you can use canned crab to keep the cost down.

                                  

Fish of the Day: Grilled Calamari and Mediterranean Salsa

Plain, uncooked, calamari is exceptionally low in calories and fat. But as it is a very tasty seafood, the good news is that you don't need to deep-fry it to enjoy it. Try this very simple way to cook it with olive oil and lemon, it will take you 10 minutes chrono.

                                  

Vegetables of the Day: Tchoutchouka, a Pepper & Tomato Mix

This North-African recipe can be served at room temperature as a salad or hot as a side dish. It is full of flavours: garlic, coriander and cumin. You can use this base recipe to bake a delicious main course by adding chicken or lamb or eggs on top. You can also place the Tchoutchouka on a puff pastry and bake for 40mn in the oven. Be creative!

                                  

Fish of the Day: Honey & Sesame Prawns

I realised I have been cooking actively for one month, trying to come up with balanced and healthy meals, and totally forgot about prawns. They are a fantastic source of proteins, very low in calories and can be cooked with spices, fruits, vegetables etc.. For today’s recipe I took inspiration from Asia with a sweet and savoury combination.

                                  

Starter of the Day: Tarragon Scrambled Eggs

Contrary to general belief, the best scramble eggs do not need cream or milk. The secret is to cook for longer time at low temperature. The tarragon is a healthier alternative to the usual smoked salmon, cheese or bacon. Served in individual ramequins, this will make a perfect starter. It can also be accompanied with brown bread for breakfast, or with a salad for lunch.

                                  

Meat of the Day: Pine Nuts Sautéed Beef

This one is for the meat lovers. This is beef at its best: grilled, simple, tasty and ready in 10 minutes (preparation included). No excuse for not stocking up on iron, proteins and other vitamins. And last but not least no guiltiness as this is a lean meal, ideal for a light dinner.

                                  

Meat of the Day: Rosemary & Lemon grilled Lamb Chops

If you only have little time to prepare dinner, this recipe is for you. There is no preparation, it is very easy to make and you only have to cook it for 8 minutes maximum. Garlic possess antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal properties allowing it to stand against all infections. Lamb will bring you iron and other nutrients while rosemary is a very good anti-oxidants source.

                                  

Fish of the Day: Ginger and Soy Salmon Fillets

Here is an asian inspired fish recipe ideal for a healthy lunch. The ginger and soy brings exotism to the classic salmon fillet. On the well-being front,  ginger is one of the best thing you can give your body before winter: cold & flu prevention, cancer prevention, migraine relief etc...

                                  

Starter of the Day: Chicken Liver Parfaits

With this starter you will be guaranteed to impress your guests. You will not even have to mention to them that chicken livers will bring them all the vitamins they need: "B12" against anaemia, "A" for eyesight, Iron for immune system, selenium for Thyroid etc...You will just let them taste and enjoy this melting parfait.

                                  

Tip of the Day: Broke but Clever, 10 ideas to go food-shopping in a smart way

When you want to take care of your body by eating healthily, you will have to buy high quality products (think organic, free range etc...). Making a few basic changes to how you approach shopping for food can make a big difference in how much you spend. Try the following tips designed to simplify the process of saving money on grocerie.

                                  

Starter of the Day: Coriander and Corn Chowder

With temperature going down, I started feeling hungry for more comforting food. Who said comfort has to be unhealthy and heavy? With this flavoured soup, you will get the carbohydrates your body is sometimes craving, the V.I.A (very important antioxidants) and fibers. All these without a high level of saturated fight.

                                  

Fish of the Day: Healthy Salmon Burger

Fish cakes have always been my weakness. Unfortunately my weighting scale doesn't appreciate them as much as I do. But these Asian-style burgers are a lighter option (no potatoes). 

Also, for the burger lovers, remember, oily fish are heart-healthy so represent a good alternative to red meat.

                                  

Starter of the Day: Beetroots, Mushrooms and Walnuts Carpaccio

Fall brings us new season mushrooms, beetroots and walnuts. So why no take advantage of these? The combination of the three will help you fight anaemia, reduce blood pressure, bring you anti-oxidants, vitamins and iron. This starter is colourful, light and refreshing. It will also be a pleasure for your sight and taste.

                                  

Fish of the Day: Oriental Trout in Foil Parcels

This is Omega-3 time of the week! Trout is a very good alternative to the usual salmon fillet. It is a bit leaner but will bring you as much as proteins, vitamins and nutrients. This recipe, full of Mediterranean flavours will make a very healthy but filling main course. The presentation will also be perfect if you have guests around.  

                                  

Meat of the Day: Grilled Lamb Chops with Red Squash Quinoa

Before the cold weather settles in, make sure you eat all the vitamins and minerals your body will need to fight against winter. With this protein-packed meal, you will get iron, zinc and Vitamin B from the lamb while the quinoa (one of the superfood) brings you manganese, coper, magnesium and fiber.

Enjoy this tasty and healthy recipe.