choose natural, whole foods over artificial, processed foods
eat what's in season and grow some herbs & veg at home
try to make everything yourself at home when possible!
reduce your meat consumption
when buying meat and dairy, buy from organic, local farmers

Green Drinks

Green juices and green smoothies are such an act of self-love first thing in the morning! And MY GOD the energy they deliver is just awesome!
I use frozen berries with 1 cup of coconut milk (or any seed/nut milk),1 tb of maca powder, 1 tb of ground flaxseed, 1 tb of quinoa flakes, 1 tb of barleygrass or wheatgrass powder, 1 tb of hemp protein powder, a handful of spinach or kale, and half an avocado works well too for extra creaminess, 1-2 medjool dates or dried figs for sweetness and a teaspoon of frozen ginger for a fiery kick to wake you up.
SUPER TIP: Add some hot water whilst blending (especially when using frozen fruit) for those winter months when drinking icy liquids in morning just doesn't seem natural!

Colourful Food

is both visually attractive and a good indication of a balanced meal full of vitamins and minerals. One colour that must always be present: GREEN!

Regardless what I'm eating in the savoury department, I ALWAYS find some sort of greens to sprinkle on top of all the food I eat. Think fresh parsley on any pasta/risotto, fresh coriander on any Asian dish, and I'm experiencing a rekindled love affair with fresh tarragon at the moment! Even chopped fresh spinach is a lovely splash of colour (and vitamins) on any dish. Last but not least, the eternal and oh-so-versatile spring onion and chive, just goes on anything and everything for that dash of fresh green goodness and awesome flavour!

The Spice of Life

For those of you who know me, you know just how much I love spice! Every birthday or Christmas I always end up with all sorts of unusual spice-related gifts. Chilli above all is my joie de vivre. What I would do without these divine, little red and green fiery explosions, I really don't know... I put it on everything. This is the Malaysian-Chinese in me coming out in full colour. I just love spices! They make food FUN!

Just be careful with powdered spices though, as most of these contain anti-caking agents and other sorts of nasty stuff. As always, you are best using the whole, unadulterated version of the spice and grinding it into a powder yourself.

Nuts about Nuts

Until recently, I was not nuts about nuts, I just didn't get what all the fuss was about, I often felt that they were unwelcome, unrelenting obsctructions to, for example, the smooth deliciousness of a brownie. But recently, this has all changed. From dried fruit dipped in cashew butter to freshly homemade almond milk to toasted pine nuts in salads... They are a lovely addition to the repertoire of texture in food.

Not to mention, their nutritional benefits. Did you know that almonds are a great source of protein, with a quarter of a cup providing 8 grams – 2 grams more than the protein found in a typical egg!?

Oh Coconuts!

and everything coconut-related are very close to my heart... It is the most unbelievable fruit-nut-seed that gives life to many of our kitchen staples: coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut water, coconut sugar, coconut flour, coconut butter... I <3 you coconut!

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. It also has amazing applications for external use, I use it everyday on my face and body as a moisturiser, leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. It's also great as a gentle but effective eye makeup remover. GOODBYE STORE-BOUGHT COSMETICS!