The festive season has arrived yet again, and boy do I have some ridiculously good sustainable ideas and recipes to grace your table this Christmas!

This celebratory season is all about love, connection and gratitude centred around the best food you'll cook all year. My latest book Supercharge Your Life features lots of festive recipes from decadent grazing platter morsels to gorgeous roasts and pot luck favourites to share with family and friends over the Christmas break.

Supercharge Your Life centres around food as the catalyst for pleasure, enjoyment, love and connection. To ramp up the love even further, I’ve put a huge focus on how our food and entertaining choices can be a gift to heal our planet.

The Australian Retailers Association predicts that Aussies will spend approximately $48 billion over Christmas, which results in a massive increase in the waste we produce. The average western country is estimated to throw away around 300,000 tonnes of card packaging, 8000 tonnes/approximately 50,000 trees worth of wrapping paper, 125,000 tonnes of plastic, and 200,000 tonnes of meat!

This doesn’t sit well with me.

So here are some tips straight from my own personal Christmas plans that will hopefully inspire you and your family this year. Why not curate a Christmas experience that will help to save the environment and your wallet, whilst savouring a wholesome feast to delight the senses and warm the hearts of everyone.

Full Tummy, empty bins: Meal plan, meal plan, meal plan! To cut down on waste, be sure to carefully plan your Christmas day spread, being mindful not to over cater. Ask your guests to bring along some containers so that they can take leftovers home for boxing day lunch rather than tossing all that beautiful food in the bin. Compost or worm farm all your food scraps; it’s good for the garden and the planet!.

Use brown paper bags and newspaper: Instead of using wrapping paper, opt for leftover newspaper to wrap your gifts. Tie with ribbons or twine (tip- I always save these from gifts and keep them in a special box. This saves me money too!) and poke some foraged flowers, foliage or herbs into the bow. Brown paper bags can be used to bag up cutlery- just tie the top with twine and again pop in some rosemary. Brown paper can also be used to write up menu cards or to gift wrap fresh herbs for your guests.

Forage baby forage! Real plants and foliage offer a free way to decorate your table or create Christmas decorations. Walk through your garden or search for overhanging plants on your street on Christmas morning with a basket and scissors. Snip flowers and/or greenery and place in jars of water. Herbs like rosemary can be tied with string around cutlery or bunched up and given as gifts. Natives like eucalyptus can be woven into a wreath for your front door, or laid out across the middle of the table for a rustic tablescape. Dry eucalyptus leaves can also be used as name tags for your gifts. Simply hole punch them, thread ribbon on twine through them and write the persons name on the leaf for a unique and thoughtful touch.

Ditch the plastic tableware: Straws, cups, plates, and other plastic tableware are simply terrible for our environment and find their way into our oceans; destroying our marine life. Stick to your regular ceramic ware and metal cutlery or invest into some bamboo eco tableware that is more durable and biodegradable. Metal straws and beeswax wraps are widely available now and significantly cut down on single use plastics.

Make a mason jar snow globe: Skip on the plastic Christmas ornaments and make your own out of mason jars and desiccated coconut! Simply glue small ornaments or beautiful small items already available to you into the inside of the mason jar lid. Place a handful of the coconut into the jar, screw the lid on and place upside down for your very own DIY snow globes. Your guests will love the creativity!

Make a herb garland: Herbs are the perfect Chrissy decoration because they reflect the theme of greenery that we all love at Christmas, but they’re also an edible decoration! Weave together herbs like rosemary, oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf branches, mint, or any others you like. Add red chillies, cherries or garlic bulbs for hits of other festive colours. Give sections of it away as gifts or use them to flavour your meals.

Explore the beach: Hit the seaside with kids and collect beautiful pieces of driftwood, stones, shells and feathers to express a beachy vibe for your Christmas table. Driftwood can be collected in different lengths to be glued together in the shape of a Christmas tree. Sand can also be placed in small jars and topped with a tea light candle.

Buy second hand or recycled: Buy a bundle of unique clothes, accessories, books or retro ceramics from your local thrift store as gifts and invest into the circular economy. Chances are that if they’ve survived one person’s ownership, they’ll be of the quality that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Give thoughtful gifts: Common Christmas gifts like i-pads, phones, clothing and fashion accessories are encased in layers of styrofoam and plastic packaging. To eliminate waste, opt for experiences such as tickets to a concert or shout them a cooking lesson. If the kids are into video games, get them off their screens and into a real life experience like a go-karting class rather than giving them more “stuff”.

Use old magazines as place mats: For Christmas last year I used decorating magazines as place mats. They were the talking point of the table and everyone wanted to take them home afterwards! Simple, creative thoughts like this can be a great way to upcycle things you already have in your home that would simply go straight to land fill.

If you really want to create a show stopper meal this Christmas, get organised, roll up your sleeves and throw yourself into the joy of creating and devouring this gorgeous recipe from my new book Supercharge Your Life:

I hope you have a lovely Christmas filled with good cheer, friendship, family and the kind of food that shares love and brings people together!

Xx Lee

Christmas stuffing balls

{ makes 12 }

These can be made the day before and warmed in the oven while the turkey rests – 10 minutes at 150°C (300°C) should do the trick.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) pork
• 1 tablespoon dried mixed herbs (e.g. sage, rosemary, thyme)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, plus extra to serve
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 110 g (3³₄ oz/¹₂ cup) cooked quinoa or 95 g (3¹₄ oz/¹₂ cup) cooked brown rice
• 115 g (4 oz/³₄ cup) pine nuts or crushed nuts
• 100 g (3¹₂ oz/1 cup) almond meal
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

METHOD

• Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a baking tray.
• Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then sauté the onion, garlic and celery for 3–4 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add the pork, mixed herbs, parsley and lemon zest, then cook until the pork is no longer pink. Add the quinoa and allow to cool.
• Once cool, add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
• Roll 60 g (2¹₄ oz/¹₄ cup) portions of the mixture into balls, sit them on the prepared baking tray, then bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Cranberry sauce

{ makes about 500 ml [17 fl oz/2 cups] }

INGREDIENTS

• 310 g (11 oz/2¹₂ cups) fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained, or frozen cranberries
• 180 g (6¹₄ oz/¹₂ cup) rice malt syrup, plus extra as needed
• 125 ml (4 fl oz/¹₂ cup) filtered water
• grated zest of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ¹₂ teaspoon ground cinnamon

METHOD

• Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium–low and simmer, stirring, for about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
• Taste for sweetness, add more rice malt syrup if necessary, then cool and seal in a sterilised jar until ready to use.

Roasted whole turkey

{ serves 10–12 }

INGREDIENTS

• 1 × 6 kg (13 lb 4 oz) turkey, giblets removed
• large handful flat-leaf (Italian) parsley
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 170 g (6 oz) butter, softened
• grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
• large handful thyme
• small handful sage
• 3 bay leaves (optional)
• 2 brown onions, peeled and halved
• 2 leeks, pale part only, halved lengthways
• 4 baby carrots, halved
• 2 celery stalks, halved lengthways
• 2 garlic bulbs
• 1 litre (35 fl oz/4 cups) chicken stock

METHOD

• Preheat the oven to 210°C (410°F).
• Pat the turkey dry with paper towel. Place the parsley in the cavity. Season the turkey with salt and pepper, and place in a large roasting tin. Spread the butter all over the bird. Drizzle over the lemon juice, sprinkle over the zest, and tuck the remaining herbs under the bird.
• Arrange the onion, leek, carrot, celery and whole garlic bulbs around the turkey, then pour in the stock. Cover the tin with foil and roast for 45 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 170°C (325°F) and roast for a further 3–4 hours. About 10 minutes before the end of cooking, remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) and roast until the turkey skin is golden brown and crisp, and the juices from the thickest part of the leg run clear.
• Remove from the oven and set aside to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.

Enjoy your Christmas and let me know what you think of the recipe in the comments section below.

If you’ve been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), you’re not alone. Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, form part of a group of digestive diseases under the umbrella term IBD, and are common and chronic conditions of the small and/or large intestine. Whilst some people can be genetically predisposed to IBD, it can also be linked to a traumatic experience, inflammation and poor immunity.

The goal of inflammatory bowel disease treatment is to help to lower the inflammation that can trigger your signs and symptoms. By lowering inflammation this can lead to relief from symptoms and also help you to get into long-term remission and reduce flare ups. 

Let’s talk about some of the main things you can do to keep on top of your IBD and reduce flare-ups. First of all, it’s vital to look after your gut health and stay hydrated, as your gut is central to your overall health and energy levels.

When it comes to eating, one of the easiest places to start to show your gut some love is by reducing foods that can contribute to inflammation.  These foods can be anything from processed foods and additives to heavily refined foods like bread and pasta. Also when having a flare up, be mindful of raw seeds, excessive fibre, nuts, vegetable and fruit skins, artificial ingredients and coffee and alcohol. 

Spring loving, had me a blast.

Spring loving, happened so fast.

I met a girl, crazy for me.

Met a boy, cute as can ah… ahh... ahh… ahchoo!

Spring fever got you down?

While Spring brings with it a sense of lightness, florals and warmth for so many, for others, the only thing that comes to mind when I say spring is suffering with sneezes and sniffles – bless you!

If the very thought of seasonal change makes your nose itch and eyes water, you’re not alone. While you can plough through the anti-histamines, decongestants, tablets and sprays or even wear a mask to protect you from days with a high pollen count, there are easier ways to clear out seasonal allergies. And it all starts in one of my favorite places - the gut.

Today at Supercharged Food HQ, we’re talking about seasonal allergies and how looking after your gut can actually help you reduce your seasonal sniffles!  If you don’t believe me, let it be known that about 70-80% of your immune tissues actually live in the gut. This means that by looking after your gut you’re also caring for your immune system.

On the other hand (or other side of the soggy tissue), if you have problems with your gut, it can trigger immune-related conditions such as seasonal allergies.

So, if your gut health is compromised by, for example, consuming seven chocolate mud cakes and three bottles of wine for several weeks in a row, you can increase the inflammation in your body and worsen your reactions.  

Today I'm sharing my Supercharged Seasonal Food Guide.

If you've been following me on the gram, you'll know that I've just been working back home in the beautiful UK, one of my favourite places in the world. I was doing in-stores over at Planet Organic and sampling the Love Your Gut powder and Golden Gut Blend.

Whilst I was home, I also managed to squeeze in a short sailing trip to The Isle of Wight, which is a quaint island off the coast of England and home to wonderful wildlife, natural beauty, absolutely delicious food (I had one of the best soups of my life- the one I'm sharing today) and little nooks and crannies to explore.

This cute island is situated just off England’s South coast and is only a few hours away from London. Most people travel to it by ferry, or if you're like me and enjoy sailing and get the chance, you can sail over there too.  

The best part is that it's an island that's protected from the busy mainland, offering more of a calm and peaceful environment.  In true English fashion, the Isle of Wight was home to many famous poets and Queen Victoria (who knew?). She built her summer residence and final home there - and we all know I’m a sucker for a good Royals story!

Not only is the Isle of Wight home to the Queen, it's also home to the most
beautiful, fresh and absolutely delicious produce you can find. Many restaurants and pubs offer delicious menus based on locally grown produce.

If you talk to anyone in town and even mention the g-word (garlic), you won’t hear the end of it! Garlic is practically the national treasure of the Isle of Wight. It’s been successfully grown there for many years and is even exported to France – so be sure to send them a 'thank you' postcard next time you go to France and enjoy a croissant with garlic butter…

Are you looking for recipes to supercharge your gut?

Or, are you thinking to yourself: “why on earth do I need to look after this irrelevant part of my body?”

Whether you’re one extreme or the other, help is on the way!

Looking after the gut is your gateway to the health of your overall body. Inside you there are trillions of living microorganisms and the majority of them live very happily in the gut.  It's not just the area where you digest food, it also has important connections to your brain and immune system, as well as influencing the interplay of hormones in your body.  Can you believe that your gut health can even affect the length and quality of your sleep?

When your tum's a little disgruntled and out of whack, it makes your body more susceptible to a multitude of  conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation, obesity, and anxiety and depression, as well as insulin resistance.

If you’re keen to improve your health and maintain energy levels one way to do it is through nutrition and by eating high-quality, wholesome food, just like this lovely Greened up Shakshuka recipe from my book, Supercharge Your Gut. 

That sounds great and all, but surely, it’s easier said than done. Who has time to slave over a stove every day?!

That’s where you’re wrong!

Much of your gut health is in your own hands. When looking to supercharge your gut, it’s so ok to be simple with it. By taking one easy step at a time, and not stressing about being perfect, you can be on your way to looking after your body’s most influential part for good. If you want to find out more about just how to supercharge your gut, be sure to check out my latest book or my two-day Supercharge Your Gut Program.

Do you know what ingredient needs more recognition?

Lime.

While we all praise lemon like the holy grail – drinking it in the morning, squeezing it onto salads and making lemonade with it, it’s poor little sidekick, lime, always gets left behind. He’s literally the middle child of the citrus family.

Lime is so much more than just zest to add to a drink; it can boost your overall complexion, immunity and help cleanse the body.

So, what do you do when life gives you lemons?  Push them to the side and ask for limes instead.

Limes are an extremely good source of Vitamin C, as well as dietary fibre, calcium, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium and phosphorus. They can be consumed orally or used topically to protect the skin from infections. Similar to lemon, limes can even aid the digestion process and relieve constipation.

What’s the best way to celebrate mother nature’s beautiful limey gift?

Lime Tarts.

There’s something about lime tarts that make me really happy. They’re equally creamy and tarty, tangy and sweet, satisfying and crisp with a crumbly texture.

It’s officially time of the year for stews, pho, dessert (or maybe that’s just me?), and of course, we can’t forget soups.

If you’re a meal-planner like me, this soup is a kitchen staple; you need to get it into that plan ASAP. It’s my secret new recipe and it may or may not change your life.

That’s right – I said secret. Consider yourself part of the Supercharged Food Secret Soup Community!

Welcome one and all!

I’ve created this roasted cauliflower, fennel and ginger soup to provide a super simple, delicious and healthy soup that's brimming with robust flavours and prebiotic rich vegetables to boost your gut health and immunity this winter.

It’s the perfect soup for when you feel a sniffle coming on or you feel like something a little zestier than your run-of-the-mill vegetable soup. But to be totally honest, you don’t need a special occasion to whip up this magic – it’s the kind of soup you could have every single day. It’s my everyday kind of soup.

Seeing as you’ve now officially joined the Supercharged Food Secret Soup Community, you’re probably wanting to know the "perks of being a cauliflower" oops member. Well, the main administrators for this soup are fennel, ginger and cauliflower. So, I’ll do the introduction – everybody, meet fennel, ginger and cauliflower.

Fennel loves looking after your bones and can even improve your skin health. If you’re feeling a little bit sluggish, it can help aid digestion and improve your mood and that's always a bonus.

Ginger is a bit of a zesty character but not one to be missed in this mighty trio! Single-handedly helping to fight off inflammation, whilst ginger can be very zesty, it'll always be there to pick up the pieces if you’re feeling nauseous or experiencing muscle soreness.

Finally, cauliflower is the head-honcho in this bowl of goodness. Full of vitamins and minerals to improve your overall health and  high in anti-inflammatory properties to keep you fighting winter bugs all pretty much year long, cauliflower is a long standing ingredient in the SCF soup community!

Add these three together and you’ve got quite the combination.

I've included my anti-inflammatory Golden Gut Blend in this recipe because it loves your gut. Containing diatomaceous earth, along with turmeric and other deliciously healing spices, it works to aid digestion and reduce inflammation to keep your insides glowing and happy. No soup is complete without it. Trust me on this one!

So there you have it - a new recipe for your weekly meal plans.  I hope you feel welcomed into our soupercharged community and feel ready to take on simple soup-making, one veggie at a time!

Roasted cauliflower, fennel and ginger soup 

Ingredients:

• 1 red onion quartered
• 4 garlic cloves
• ½ head large cauliflower (cut into florets)
• 2 fennel bulbs chopped and cored
• 500 gms stock of choice
• 3 tbs hummus (optional, I had this in the fridge)
•  1 TBS Golden Gut Blend   (or use 1 tsp tumeric and pinch cinnamon and black pepper)
• 1 tsp sage leaves
• pinch fennel seeds
• 2 tbs wheat free tamari
• 2 tbs lemon
• 1 knob ginger (peeled) 

Method: 

• Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius 
• On a baking tray place red onion, garlic cloves, cauliflower and the fennel. 
• Bake for 30-35 minutes until crispy. 
• Remove from the oven and place in a blender with remaining ingredients. 
• Blend until creamy. 
• Pour into heavy bottomed saucepan and place on stovetop. 
• Heat through on low to allow flavours to meld. 
• Season to taste. 
• Let cool slightly and serve warm. 
• Decorate with fennel fronds.

Happy cooking,

Lee x 

There are some moments that completely melt you.

Maybe it’s the time you first fell in love, the tantalising aroma of your mother's home cooking, the look your puppy gives you when you’re giving them a belly scratch, the way you feel when you watch the best scene in your favourite movie, or in my case an upcoming Royal Wedding!

Being from the UK, I love anything royal and to celebrate the union of Meghan and Harry, I've concocted a beautiful biscuit recipe that is absolutely delicious and based on a classic. Might I add, this biscuit pairs perfectly with a jolly good cup of tea and creates a moment of bliss when devouring.

Whatever your melting moment is, that feeling of pure enjoyment and ecstasy is something we all should feel more of; and a lot more often. Wouldn't you agree?

If you’re looking to feel that melty feel even when the person you love annoys you, your dog starts to bark, or the baby starts to cry, these are the cookies you need to transport you to a calm and happy place!

Whatever it is, it’s time to take a melting moment cookie out the jar and re-live those happy feels. Better still, make them for someone you love and watch them melt away to a place of pure pleasure and bliss.  They're even the perfect wedding gift! Speaking of wedding gifts, you may just find the perfect one here.

Melting Moments are one of my favourite cookies ever. Whether you like them super soft and delicate or crumbly and crispy, they’re definitely a crowd-favourite. I’ve recreated these cookies with a delicious lemon filling, because while they’re delectable on their own, there’s something extra special about the lemon filling. I know you’ll just love this royal partnership.

So, how do we go about getting that perfectly nostalgic, melty consistency?

Cashew butter is key here! Cashews are packed with vitamins and minerals including Vitamin E, K and B6. They contain high levels of antioxidants which when consumed regularly, can actually protect the eyes from light damage. Cashews in moderation can also be effective when trying to lose weight as they're high in monounsaturated fats. If you're not a fan of nuts, you can swap out the cashew butter for tahini or another seed butter of your choice!

I’ve also included vanilla powder in these cookies because it takes the flavour to the next level. Seriously. Vanilla is another ingredient that is high in antioxidants and just boosts the flavour of just about anything. I know ½ a teaspoon doesn’t seem like a lot but a little goes a long way when it comes to vanilla. 

To make these cookies extra Supercharged, I’ve added some Love Your Gut Powder. Love Your Gut Powder gently cleanses and sweeps away plaque built-up in your gut over time. It’s a gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan powder made of diatomaceous earth, a raw whole-food which helps to cleanse the gut, allowing you to absorb your nutrients more effectively. This magical powder makes a remarkable improvement in digestion, nutrient absorption and waste removal. Who says you can't have your gut-boosting cookie and eat them too? 

In the lead up to the royal nuptials I'd love you to be ready for these melt-in-your-mouth cookies. They are perfection and super easy to make.

If tea is not your bag, these Melting Moments are the perfect accompaniment to a Golden Latte! All you need to do is place 1 cup of milk of your choice, 1 tablespoon of Golden Gut Blend, 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger, 1 teaspoon of cardamom, 1 star anise and rice malt syrup or stevia to a small sauce pan, heat gently over a medium heat until steaming, let it infuse and whisk briskly until frothy. Strain the spices and pour it into a mug to enjoy! 

If you’re looking a delicious treat to enjoy this royal wedding weekend, why not try out my delicious Melting Moments? 

Melting Moments

Makes: 8 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup cashew butter
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla powder
• 1 tablespoon rice malt syrup (optional) or raw honey

Lemon filling:

• ¼ cup coconut cream
• 2 tablespoons cacao butter
• Zest of one lemon
• ½ tbsp Love Your Gut Powder
• 8 drops liquid stevia

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 160℃ and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl and using a wooden spoon, combine cashew butter, egg, vanilla and rice malt syrup if using. You may wish to use your hands if it is not combining properly.
3. Using your hands, carefully shape into 16 cookies and place on the prepared tray. Use a fork to imprint the cookie.
4. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Leave to cool completely before assembling the cookies.
5. To make the lemon filling, gently heat the coconut cream and cacao butter in a small saucepan over a low heat until no lumps remain. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the lemon zest, powder and stevia. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to let it thicken.
6. To assemble, carefully spread the filling on the base of half the cookies and sandwich another cookie on top. These cookies are crumbly so work delicately!

Vegan and vegetarian friends – this post comes with a warning!

Even if you’re seriously dedicated to your plant-loving life, I suggest you look away. This recipe could convert even the hippiest of vegans. It’s absolutely, positively delicious.

Now that we’ve got that in order, It’s time to talk business. If you’re looking for a seriously good fiesta that won’t make you feel like you’re in need of a siesta, do I have the perfect recipe stewing for you.

I don’t know what it is about Mexican food, but I absolutely adore it. Maybe it’s the fact that they love their chilli's hot or that they share my deep love for avocados. Whatever it is, Mexican food and I go together like avocado and… well… everything.

My Taco Beef Stew with Guacamole from Supercharge your Gut is life-changing. If you’re a fan of Mexican food, like myself, but always feel sluggish after eating it, this stew is for you. You’ve guac to try it!

If you don't believe me, I cooked it this morning on Channel 10's Studio 10 and everybody loved it! Watch how to make it here.

Before you give me strange looks, telling me that Mexican food can’t possibly be good for you, keep reading! Cooking your own home-made Mexican stew is a great way to supercharge your gut as the stewing process enables the cell wall of our foods to be broken down, releasing maximum nutrition in an easy-to-digest  and oh-so-delicious form. 

If you’re ready to fulfil your Mexican dreams, while still feeling like you’re ready to take over the world, just like that dancing lady in the red dress emoji, you’ve got to keep your gut in mind!  

Whilst the exotic flavours of Mexico are delicious, typical Mexican food filled with creams, refined carbohydrates and those chemically-filled packet mixes and sauces (seriously… would you like some meat with that oil?!) which can harm the gut, leaving us tired, lethargic, bloated and running to the bathroom. Instead, this recipe will take you on a journey of authentic Mexican food, loaded with delicious flavours and plenty of vitamins and minerals like vitamin B3, B6 and B12, as well as zinc, selenium and iron. Let’s dive a little deeper in, shall we?

We wouldn’t have a Taco Beef Stew without beef. Beef is an excellent source of muscle-nourishing protein. It’s extremely high in Vitamin B5 which helps produce energy in the body by breaking down the carbohydrates in our body into fuel for us to use, known as glucose. Vitamin B5, part of the energy-providing B-vitamins, also assist our bodies in utilising fat and protein properly. Beef is full of protein which we need to build and maintain lean muscle mass. After all, you can’t hit that Sombrero-shaped piñata without your biceps! Eating an adequate amount of protein can help discourage food cravings too.

Another ingredient which totally supercharges this recipe is garlic. Did you know that garlic was originally thought of as medicinal, not as a food source? While some people absolutely love garlic and put it with everything (hellooooo garlic bread), some people can be a bit hesitant because of the smell. If you’re a hater, be ready to be converted. Garlic is anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-fungal, helping fight infection and disease. Yay for the garlic fan-club… just no kissing or use parsley for fresh breath!

Another supercharged ingredient in this recipe is coconut oil! Similar to garlic, coconut oil is anti-fungal and anti-microbial, helping boost our immune system and show our guts some much-needed TLC.

No Mexican recipe is complete without guacamole. Seriously, it’s about time we give thanks to the holy avocado. Avocado is surprisingly high in prebiotic-rich fibre, helping move things along in the gut and acting as a natural detoxifier. Avo's are also known to help reduce our likelihood of developing heart disease and obesity!

This recipe is seriously Mexican food: The Supercharged edition! If you’re ready to put a supercharged spin on your next fiesta, you’ve got to try it out for yourself. I love to serve it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to add some bulk without the refined carbohydrates, but you do you!

Live that Mexican fantasy.

Taco Beef Stew with Guacomole

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 tbs coconut oil
• 2 red onions
• 1 red capsicum
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground chili
• 700 gms stewing beef (chuck/rump /shin)
• 1 tbs tomato paste
• 1 x 400gm tin chopped tomatoes
• 2 cups beef or chicken stock
  
  Guacamole
• 2 avocados ripe
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 garlic clove crushed
• 2 tomatoes diced
• 1 tbs lime juice

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 160°C (315°F).
  Melt the coconut oil in a large flameproof casserole dish over medium–high
  heat.
• Sauté the onion, capsicum and garlic for 3–4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the spices and beef and cook, stirring, for 5–7 minutes, or until the beef is browned on the outside and thoroughly coated in the spices.
• Stir in the tomato paste, tomatoes and stock.
• Put the lid on, transfer to the oven and cook for 1 1/2 hours, or until the beef
  is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork. The time will vary depending on the cut of meat you’re using.
• To make the guacamole, scoop the flesh from the avocados into a large bowl. Sprinkle with the cumin, add the remaining ingredients and roughly mash together using a fork. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Serve the stew topped with the guacamole and your choice of accompaniment.

After an amazing trip to the UK I've hit the ground running and fallen straight into the arms of my trusted soup pot. Today I'm back into the kitchen and whipping up one of my favourite soups.  There’s something about chicken soup that feels like coming home. Chicken soup has a way of bringing comfort and warmth to even the coolest of autumn nights. I’m convinced that chicken soup has the power to heal anything - from the worst colds and flus to the winter blues and even jet lag. 

Not only is soup extremely nourishing, it's also the perfect way to sneak in a few extra veggies, increase your fibre and water intake! Soups are an extremely popular choice for cooler nights but they’re equally as delicious, and sometimes even better, the next day for lunch. This Chicken and Vegetable Anti-Inflammatory Soup is super satisfying and is extra special because it's home-made. Seriously. There’s nothing better. It can cure anything; it’s your new autumn staple. Please give it a try.

One supercharged feature of this soup, which deserves a lot more credit than I am giving it, is my favourite ingredient garlic. There’s a lot more to garlic than being a great flavour booster and toast companion. Garlic is a strong detoxifier which reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system. The compound within garlic known as Allicin is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, fighting off infections as the seasons change! It fights off colds, flus and first kisses (you’re welcome, parents)! I love garlic so much. In fact, I’d say it’s an essential ingredient in a Supercharged Kitchen.

Zucchini may be low in calories but it's extremely high in nutrients. This antioxidant-rich veg is rich in Vitamin C, lowering inflammation and oxidative stress. It's also high in the mineral potassium, which improves heart health and may naturally lower blood pressure. I've added it to the soup to up the green quota. 

Chicken soup is truly nourishing for your insides, particularly your digestive system. It's what I like to call Soul Food. Even Oscar likes it! He has impeccable table manners by the way.

Another green veg featured in this supercharged soup is broccoli. Broccoli is high in antioxidants and is actually a natural liver detoxifier! Even if you're not much of a drinker, your liver health can become compromised by the chemicals you ingest and medicines you take. Consuming broccoli is a great way to help your body naturally detoxify and get your liver working at it's prime!  Broccoli is also high in fibre, soothing the gut lining and preventing bacterial overgrowth. 

Another year-long essential that features in this soup is my Golden Gut Blend. It provides a dose of gut-loving golden spice that is rich in minerals, great for anti-bloating and creating an alkaline environment within the body. It’s also high in absorbable iron, boosting energy and brain function, so you can kick those cold weather blues for good! Golden Gut Blend is also a metabolism booster and can soothe the gut after eating too. 

You can make this soup in batches and keep it in the freezer for those nights when you can't think of anything worse than yawning while standing over the stove-top waiting for the water to start bubbling... been there, done that, bought the wooly jumper. This soup will stay good for about three months in the freezer and a week in the fridge. If you’re looking for a meat-free soup, swap out the chicken stock for vegetable stock – it really is that simple. Vegetarians I've got your back!

Supercharge your health tonight with my scrumptious Chicken and Vegetable Anti-inflammatory Soup.

Chicken and Vegetable Anti-Inflammatory Soup

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 4 large garlic cloves sliced 
• 2 large carrots cubed
• 4 zucchini cubed
• 1 head broccoli chopped small 
• 500 mls chicken stock
• 1 lemon squeezed
• 3 tbs wheat free tamari
• 1 TBS golden gut blend 
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Warm 1 tbs oil in heavy based saucepan on medium heat 
2. Pan fry garlic slices then remove and set aside
3. Add 1 tbs oil and all veg and cook on medium until softened and browned 
4. Add remaining ingredients and bring to the boil stirring then turn down heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly so that you can blend all ingredients in a processor or blender
6. Season to taste

Let’s talk about stress, baby. Let's talk about you and me...

While I know stress isn’t one of the sexiest topics out there, in our modern-day world, it’s become a major issue because we've all become super busy! While we praise busy-ness and love to talk about how busy we are (seriously, it's like a competition these days!), the stress that comes with it isn't always a good thing. When I'm feeling overwhelmed, I always try to remember to listen to my own gut instinct; by that I mean to take things slower when I'm feeling like everything is becoming a little too much and I try to reduce stress as much as possible by slowing down. 

Stress plays a huge role in gut health, altering the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota and likewise, an unhealthy diversity of bacteria can impact emotional behaviour and exacerbate our stress response. While we all try to find balance by going to work, spending time with family, seeing friends, exercising, cooking healthy meals, and the list goes on, this kind of busy lifestyle can lead us down stress street! 

If an adult hasn’t inherited healthy lifestyle and eating habits from their family or community when young, it becomes increasingly harder to develop and implement them in later stages of life. We all know it’s a lot easier and more convenient to choose processed, take-away food over home-made food but really, in the long run it's not always the best choice for long term health. The thing with processed and instant foods are that they can be difficult to digest, really slow down our digestive systems and take a huge toll on the health of our gut micro biome.

If you’re looking to make ‘adulting’ at work a little more easeful, I'm sharing a few tips and tricks from my book Supercharge Your Gut to get you on the right track, because you know what - adulting is stressful enough. 

I recommend waking up early with the sun, drinking a large glass of warm filtered water with the juice of half a lemon or apple cider vinegar to kick-start that digestive system and liver into full gear. I love getting up and moving first thing in the morning. Not only does getting out into nature help start the day off on the right foot, it also resets the circadian rhythms which stimulates the pituitary gland, releasing feel-good hormones. Now you have no excuse to not be a morning person!

Once you’re home from your morning exercise, try dry body brushing with a long handled brush. Then shower and switch between bursts of hot and cold water to get the lymphatic system pumping. While you’re in the shower, try oil-pulling. Place 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth upon rising, before you’ve eaten or drunk anything. Swish the oil around your mouth for 10 minutes, then spit it out. Never swallow the oil, which will be full of bacteria.

Brush your teeth and tongue thoroughly afterwards, to remove any excess oil, or invest in a tongue scraper. Including this simple ritual in your day will offer benefits such as whiter teeth, clearer skin, healthier gums, fresher breath, clearer sinuses, an improved lymphatic system, better sleep and increased energy, and for pre-menopausal women better regulated menstrual cycles. 

When you’re ready and dressed, make yourself some Love Your Gut Powder in a glass with water. If you're low on time in the morning, I recommend preparing breakfast the night before. Recently, I've been loving my Golden Gut Nice Cream, Mocha and Banana Smoothie Bowl, Golden Gut Granola Clusters or Smashed Avo on Golden Gut Loaf for breakfast. They're all seriously delicious and can be prepared before-hand for ultimate convenience. 

Throughout the day, be sure to hydrate! Sip on ginger, lemongrass, fennel and fresh mint teas, and flask it. You can also stash pre-made tea mixes in your desk drawer at work to enjoy throughout the day.

And now, for lunch! If you can, use your lunch time as a break in your day. Try to enjoy lunch away from your desk, instead of doing that half-eating, half-typing or writing thing – not good! Go for a walk during your break, do some yoga poses or stretches and remember to breath!

If you've got a meeting after lunch, try warrior pose for strength and firm foundations.  It takes just a few minutes and you'll be surprised how different you feel afterwards. Find an empty meeting room or do it in the bathroom! Avoiding being sedentary can reduce stress and increase focus and productivity.

If you’re keen for an absolutely delicious lunch; one that’ll take your whole office to the streets of North Vietnam with its fragrant smell, you have to try out my Beef Pho Broth. Pho originated in the early 20^th century and was sold at dawn and dusk by roaming street vendors, shouldering mobile kitchens. Don’t be put off by the list of ingredients, as this wonderfully fragrant broth is very simple to prepare. My advice is to make the broth beforehand on a weekend and freeze it.  That way you'll have it on hand when you need it. It also works beautifully in a slow cooker. Pho is as comforting as it is delicious – it’s like a mid-day hug for your insides.

If you’re prone to snacking, you may want to pack some snacks so you’re well prepared and not munching down on the packet of stale crisps that has been sitting at the bottom of your desk drawer for three weeks too long. Try vegetable sticks with hummus, tuna dip and/or an avocado. If you're feeling extra zesty, why not pop half a lemon in your bag for a citrus squeeze? 

Once you've finished work and got home, it's usually the time to start thinking about dinner. I know how hard it can be to motivate yourself to cook something after a long day of work, but it's so worth it! For me, I like to use cooking as a time to de-stress and reconnect. After a long day, I recommend choosing a meal with protein such as my Asian Kelp Noodle Salad,  Supercharged Savoury Mince or Vegan Caesar Salad!  They're quick and easy to prepare and so Yum.

Make sure you’ve had enough to eat by indulging in a gut-soothing dessert. Try some Turmeric Fudge (which can be pre-made on the weekend and frozen) and, if you’re still hungry, finish the night with a Maca and Tahini Latte.

For ultimate stress-busting benefits, be sure to try out my beautiful broth below! I promise you won't be disappointed. To make it easy for you, don't forget to make the broth on the weekend then it's so easy to heat up for mid-week dinners and lunches, just by adding the extra ingredients.

Beef Pho Broth

Serves 4-5

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
• 1 kg (2 lb 4 oz) beef bones — shin, knuckles, marrow and gelatinous cuts are good
• 6 star anise
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 cardamom pods
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 litres (68 fl oz/8 cups) filtered water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 brown onion, thinly sliced
• 7.5 cm (3 inch) knob of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon wheat-free tamari
• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 3 zucchini (courgettes), spiralised
• 1 handful of bean sprouts
• 1 large handful of mixed fresh basil, mint and coriander (cilantro)
• 2 limes, cut into wedges or cheeks

Directions:

To make the broth...

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Melt the coconut oil in a flameproof casserole dish over medium heat. Add the bones and stir to coat.
• Put the lid on, transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the bones are browned. Place the casserole dish back on the stovetop.
• In a dry frying pan, toast the spices over medium heat for 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add them to the casserole dish with the filtered water and vinegar.
• Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, then simmer for 1 and 1/2 hours, adding a little more filtered water from time to time if necessary.
• Using tongs, carefully remove and discard the bones. Allow the broth to cool, refrigerate or freeze, then scrape off any congealed fat on top (keep it for cooking with).

To make the soup

• Add a bit of the stock fat to a frying pan and lightly sauté the onion and ginger. Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish.
• Bring back to the boil, stir in the tamari and season to taste.
• To serve, arrange the beef and zucchini in bowls. Pour in the boiling broth and top with the bean sprouts and herbs. (The boiling broth will book the meat. If you prefer the beef to be cooked longer then add it to the casserole dish when bringing to the boil). Serve with lime wedges.