This is my first blog post for some time! I’ve decided to kick start with a foodie related series. If you ask anyone who knows me they will vouch for the fact that where ever I go I usually have some nuts & seeds on me!

Reason being they are easy to transport, packed full of nutrition & help to keep my hunger at bay between meals. People often comment that they would eat more nuts & seeds if they knew how to use them in their meals & snacks.

My Favourite Nuts & Seeds

• Golden or Brown Linseeds /Flaxseeds
• Chia Seeds
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Sunflower Seeds
• Sesame Seeds
• Walnuts
• Hazelnuts
• Cashew Nuts
• Almonds Flaked or Whole
• Peanuts (technically not a nut but a legume/pulse!)

Nuts & Seeds are rich in fat especially the healthy monunsaturated fat and a small portion packs in a lot of calories! They are an excellent source of plant based protein & fibre ..& also a good source of B vitamins & vitamin E.

I’m always looking for easy ways that I can include them in my day to day meals.

Here are my favourite ways to use nuts & seeds…….

Homemade Bread with added Linseeds & Chia Seeds  

I was bought a bread machine by my mum about 7 years ago and it is still going strong! I used to buy & weigh everything out but now for speed I buy a ready mix.

I literally pour the mix into the machine, add a generous handful of linseeds & chia seeds along with 1/2 pint of water

Three hours later the bread is ready & the smell that fills the house is AMAZING!!!! Breakfast is often made with the seeded loaf topped with mum’s homemade marmalade!

Porridge with Linseeds & Raspberries

I don’t know about you but I often struggle for time in the mornings and need something that is quick to throw together.

For speed I use the packets of single plain porridge oat sachets, fill the milk to the line on the sachet & pop into the microwave for 2 mins! I then add fresh raspberries, flaked or whole almonds, linseeds & a sprinkle of cinnamon!

Quick, easy to prepare, delicious & perfect for keeping me full till lunchtime!

Wholegrain Pitta with Peanut Butter & Sliced  Banana

I love the combination of these 3 together! This lunch is packed full of energy, healthy fats, slow release carbs, protein, fibre, vitamins & minerals. A healthy fast food!

A Handful of Almonds

 I picked up this little almond tin at last year’s Nutrition & Health Conference and I’ve carried it around with me ever since! It holds the perfect number of almonds for a snack….

You can easily pick up little tins like this in shops why not have a look the next time you are out and about!

I’d love to hear how you use nuts & seeds in your meals & snacks

Emma x

.