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.

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! 

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.

                                  

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!

                                  

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.