Healthy recipes that aren't boring

By Stéphanie Achar on 10/1/2018

The whole world is apparently in the gym, shaking its stuff and trying to tone up after the Christmas break.
We don't believe that healthy eating should be a January only thing. But for those who are looking to give their New Year's resolutions a boost, we've compiled a list of our favourite ultra-healthy recipes from our talented resident foodie, Stephanie Achar.
Whether you're looking for something vegan or gluten-free, or simply something to boost your immune system during the winter months, here are Stephanie's delicious, healthy, good-for-you recipes. They're perfect for January (obviously), but frankly we'll be eating them the whole year round.

The pick-me-up: No-Fruit Smoothie recipe

One of my New Year’s resolutions is not dieting, but trying to cut back on sugar and increase my intake of dark, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables.

Spinach, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage..…are rich in calcium, iron, magnesium and help with detoxification.They are also packed with fibre, which keeps the colon healthy and feeds your gut friendly bacteria.

This luscious, creamy avocado and mint smoothie gives me what my body needs, tastes great and makes me feel good.

Culture Whisper recipe: breakfast tartines

Worth getting out of bed for: Breakfast Tartines

I have wonderful memories of the buttered toast with “pain de campagne” my father used to prepare for me in the morning. I would dip them in the best hot chocolate. I’d like to revisit this classic with a nutritious eye.

Whether you pick the best wholegrain, sourdough or rye bread with the best butter (hopefully not “healthy margarine”) you can still boost the nutrient potential of your tartines to provide many more vitamins, minerals, fibres and protein. This will result in long lasting energy, reduced sugar cravings and better skin. It will fuel your body with the best energy possible.

When you just can't face the day: Chia & Vanilla Breakfast Bowl

Chia seeds are a great addition to breakfast recipes: they taste like tapioca yet provide longer-lasting energy due to their protein content. They are also packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre for good digestion, and anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids that are essential to your health.

Try mixing them with vanilla for breakfast, or pamper yourself and transform the recipe into an indulgent dessert with raw cacao.

Healthy midday snack: Mini Frittata Muffins

Great for breakfast, packed lunch, or a healthy snack, these mini frittatas only take 10 minutes to bake and are an easy and tasty way to add more vegetables into your diet. Have fun with your children and let them customise their own.

You can use any of favourite vegetables or simply what’s in your fridge - peppers, spinach, broccoli, courgettes, tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, red onions or kale.

Nuts and berries: sweet breakfast tartines recipe

Something scrumptious to start the day: Sweet breakfast tartines

Here are a few samples of sweet tartines, full of indulgence yet perfectly nourishing. Always try to add protein to your snack or meal to balance your blood sugars. Here I am combining the fruits with nuts and/or seeds because I am looking for long-lasting energy and not rocket fuel that will make me crash in a couple hours.

Thai Green Curry: healthy recipe by Stephanie Achar

The ideal supper recipe: Healthy Thai Green Curry recipe

This Thai green curry is warming, comfort food without the extra pounds. It feels light and healthy. I recommend adding plenty of colorful vegetables and greens to provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals. The good fats from the coconut milk and oil will keep you satiated for longer. You can also eat the curry with some unrefined carbs, such as brown rice, or cauliflower rice for an extra boost of vegetables.

The party pleaser: Healthy burrito recipe

Burritos needn't be banned by the clean eating brigade. When I lived in NYC, I was addicted to burritos. They are packed with fresh and exciting ingredients - coriander, lime, avocados, chilli… My only concern was feeling bloated.

Years later I revisited family favourite years later, thanks to Calgary Avansino, and now make a nutritious version for a quick and vegetable-packed meal.

For keeping colds at bay: Coconut Fish Curry

I have been craving warming yet healthy and nourishing food this winter. So I came up with this recipe. It looks amazing, bursts with Indian flavors and is a treat to your body. I love when comfort food is packed with nutrients and leaves you feeling energised.

The bright yellow colour comes from curcuminoids in turmeric, which have anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to your health.

Perfect pudding: Healthy Prune Mousse recipe

If you want to support and increase your digestive function using only natural ingredient try this healthy prune mousse recipe.

Although it is tricky to speak about prunes, they are a delicious, high in antioxidants and will satiate your sweet tooth without putting your blood sugar through the roof.

Remember that dietary fibre, fluids, a healthy gut flora and exercise are also important for healthy digestive functions.

Valentine's Day Recipe: Raw Bounty Bites

Guilt free treats: Raw Bounty Bites

Did someone say healthy chocolate? These bounty bites contain no refined sugar and no additives, unlike a certain store bought version (tsk tsk). Made with a soft coconut filing, coated in melted dark chocolate, and topped with the nuts of your choice, these bites make for delicious, guilt free snacking.

Something to sip on: Trendy Turmeric Latte recipe

You will love this creamy golden milk. It is an immune boosting snack that you can serve iced or hot.

Turmeric is a spice that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine for its amazing health benefits. It is a potent anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory and can benefit digestion, immunity, liver health and possible protection from cancer.