Winter Warmers with Millie
Join our dietitian, Millie, as she shares tips on incorporating our products into your favourite winter recipes, keeping your meals diverse and nutritious even during the colder months.
"When the cooler weather rears its freezing head, it’s a pretty normal response for us to push the salad dressings, BBQ rubs and summer-inspired ingredients to the back of the pantry to make way for comforting staples.
Whilst we know how tempting it can be to ditch variety in your diet in search of satisfying meals that are quick and cosy - you might be surprised to hear that failing to incorporate these foods could actually be doing your health a disservice.
Hear me out…
Our bodies thrive off eating a range of different foods. Why? Doing so helps to guarantee diversity in the diet which gives us the best chance of consuming all of the essential nutrients our bodies need to function at their best.
Come winter, a lack of dietary diversity can significantly impact our immune system, gut health, sleep and mood. The simple addition of sauces, rubs and dressings assists in adding a whole new element to your rotational favourites and encourages you to experiment with different ingredients.
My point? Take this as an unofficial official call out to bring back your summer staples - before you gag at the thought of another one-pot meal or turn into a casserole, thank me later!
Here are 3 simple ways you can incorporate your favourite dressings and rubs into your most loved winter warmer recipes.
Marinate your favourite proteins
Protein sources such as meat, chicken and fish form the perfect foundational ingredients for a nutritious meal - however bland and boring bakes can be enough to put you off entirely. Before throwing a piece of meat or fish into the oven, airfryer or slow cooker, lightly marinate it in a concoction of herbs, spices and oils to add depth and desirability to the dish!
My favourite marinades include:
Use flavoured oils as a recipe base instead of heavy packaged sauces
If you’re making pastas, risottos, stir fries and dishes alike - and tend to reach for heavy sauces as the base of your recipe, try an infused extra virgin olive from Rich Glen Olives as a substitute. Extra virgin olive oil is abundant in heart healthy fats, antioxidants and polyphenols to support your immune and gut health this winter. They also pack in a punch of flavour, taking your meals to that next level every time!
My favourite infused oils include:
Top curries and slow cooked meals with dukkah
Dukkah is not just for dipping, take my word for it! Adding a generous sprinkle of dukkah as a finishing touch to family favourite curries and slow cooker creations adds a unique texture and flavour to your meals. The unique combination of nuts, seeds, herbs and spices adds additional protein, fibre, polyphenols and healthy fats to assist in keeping you healthy this winter."
My favourite dukkahs include:
Millie Padula | Dietitian Edition
Image by Mel, Thrive Wholesome Nutrition.
