It is that time of year again, New Year, New Me! Luckily, we have some fantastic top tips and tricks, as well as a selection of delicious and easy recipes from Aldi’s Brand Ambassador Trisha Lewis.
“I think most people have the perception that the January mindset is all or nothing. You are groggy from all the delicious food in December, you have overindulged, and so it is very easy to tumble into the trap of a crazy detox and restriction. Just stop, take a moment, and think about it – life is for enjoying, for the living.”
“Moderation and variety are key to a balanced lifestyle! Throughout my journey, I have learned that eating healthily is a lifestyle choice not a chore! So here, I have included my top tips and some healthy recipes from Aldi to help you RESET in January and get your 2022 off to a healthy bang!”
Trisha’s Top Tips;
Don’t be too strict & avoid fad diets
Any diet that has a crazily low-calorie intake, and only a short-term target, is a short-term solution. You need to think long term changes if you want to make a real difference!
You always have time!
Our health is our wealthiest asset, so remove the age-old excuse that you don’t have the time. Make room for your health now so you don’t have to make time for your illness later.
Keep your recipes simple and get some help!
Don’t overcomplicate your dishes – this isn’t sustainable. Ask for some help with the chopping and batch cook! The more time you save in the kitchen the more time you have for yourself.
Focus on small changes that will become big results
Simple things like creating a habit of a 20-minute walk in the fresh air, reducing your screen time, increasing your water intake, and cleaning up your sleep hygiene will make all the difference when trying to reach those goals.
Create a menu for the week ahead
Whether you batch cook or have different meals every day, it doesn’t matter, the key is to just plan, plan, plan.
Write a shopping list and stick to it!
You will find yourself less motivated and more tempted to pick up items that are not suited to your end goal of a happier, healthier you if you go shopping without a list- it is like going on a hike with no map. Luckily, the huge variety of fresh and healthy produce at Aldi will be able to give you so much choice.
Get an exercise plan you can stick to
Whether it is a walk, run, swim, home workout or PT session in the gym, it doesn’t matter! Do what you enjoy and only commit to what you know you can 100% do.
Don’t make unrealistic targets
Last year I vowed to lose 4 stone in one year and that pressure was on my mind 24/7. Now, I am hoping that by the end of the year I will have just over one stone gone. When you set an unrealistic target, your focus will always be on the negative!
Enjoy your life!
Although making healthier decisions is better for your all-round wellbeing, we still need to be able to enjoy ourselves.
If you want the treat, have the treat. Life is all about balance, just remind yourself you can have anything that you want but just not all at the same time. Manage the portions!
Healthy Recipes from Aldi
Broccoli Chips
Crunchy broccoli crisps baked with paprika, cheese and chilli flakes.
Recipe Information
Serves: 4 people
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 300g Broccoli
- 1 Egg
- 100g Cheddar, grated
- 2 tbsp Plain Flour
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Dried Chilli Flakes
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
To serve
- 200g Tomato Salsa Dip
- 2 Baking Trays, lined
Method
- Pre-heat the oven to 200°C Fan/Gas Mark 7.
- Place the broccoli florets into a blender and pulse until fully broken down.
- Pour into a bowl with all the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Place heaped teaspoons of the mixture onto a lined baking tray (should make about 18) and press down to make disks, you will need 2 trays.
- Bake for 15 minutes until golden on one side, then flip over and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until crisp.
- Serve warm with tomato salsa as a dip.
Spicy Corn Ribs
Crispy cut corn baked and served with a spicy yoghurt sauce.
Recipe Information
Serves: 4 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 x Corn on the Cob
- 1 x tsp each Smoked Paprika, Garlic Granules, Chilli Powder, Dried Oregano and Ground Cumin
- 60ml Garlic Infused Olive Oil
- 5g Demerara Sugar
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper
For the dip
- 200g Vegan Yogurt
- 6g Tomato Purée
- 1 x tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Chilli Flakes
- 6g fresh Coriander, chopped
Method
- Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/Gas Mark 6.
- In a large bowl, mix together all the spices and herbs with the olive oil and sugar – season with salt and pepper.
- Cut the cobs in half lengthways. Put the corn on one of its cut sides and cut down the length of the cob – it will be tough to cut, so be careful. Putting the raw cobs in a microwave for 30 seconds will help you cut through. Then cut each half into 3 lengths, again cutting from the top.
- Put the ribs in the bowl and rub with the oil. Put them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes until crispy.
- Mix the yogurt with the paprika, chilli flakes and tomato purée. Serve the ribs alongside the dish, sprinkled with some chopped coriander.
Grape, Walnut and Stilton Salad
Tasty salad with red grapes, stilton and walnuts. Topped with a mustard vinegar dressing.
Recipe Information
Serves: 2 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 2 minutes
Ingredients
- 100g Red Grapes
- 50g Walnuts
- 80g Stilton
- 200g Mixed Salad Leaves (washed)
Dressing
- 3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
- Pinch Salt and Pepper
Method
- Halve the grapes and crumble the Stilton.
- Toast the walnuts in a hot frying pan for 2-3 minutes.
- Place the salad leaves in a serving bowl along with the Stilton, grapes and walnuts.
- Place all of the salad dressing ingredients into a small bowl and whisk to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until combined then serve.
Carrot, Parsnip and Apple Soup
Smooth, creamy and wholesome soup packed with vegetables
Recipe Information
Serves: 4 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 350g Carrots 300g parsnips
- 1 x large onion
- 1 x large baking apple
- 2 x vegetable stock cubes
- 2 x tsp paprika
- 25ml olive oil
- 1x litre boiling water
- 100ml double cream
- 6g fresh parsley
- Sea salt and black pepper
Method
- Gently sauté the onion in the olive oil in a saucepan until softened, but not browned.
- Add the parsnips and carrots.
- Pour in the boiling water, crumble in the stock cubes and add the paprika.
- Bring back to the boil, cover and simmer.
- Peel and core the apple, chop the flesh finely and add to the soup.
- Cook for 40 minutes until tender.
- Liquidise, season with some salt and pepper, then stir in the cream.
- Prior to serving, scatter some chopped parsley.
For more tasty recipes, visit www.aldi.ie/recipes
Aldi’s 149 stores nationwide have everything you could need and more to help you start January off right this year!