Healthy habits // Energy-booster recipes for a great start to the year

Hello there,

It’s Blandine over from Food Moods. I was delighted when Marta contacted me to ask if I’d like to guest post again on Surfragette. 

First and foremost, I wish you all a happy, abundant and joyful New Year!

After the holiday season, January is the perfect time to take on new healthy habits, look after yourself and get into shape for the surf season ahead.

To boost your immune system for winter, make sure you get enough sleep, exposure to sun light, gentle exercise (walking, swimming and yoga are all good), and the right type of food for this time of year. A sufficient intake of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables (kiwis, citrus fruits, cabbage, onions and garlic), antioxidant-rich vitamin E (found in nuts, seeds and oil), zinc (wheat germ, spinach, mushrooms) and probiotics will help you get through winter on top form. 

I like the idea of making small changes everyday to lead a healthier life, so I’ve come up with two easy recipes to get you started on this journey.

Root Soup

Whether you’re a cold water surfer or simply like to enjoy the outdoors year-round, my top tip is to always take with you a thermos bottle filled with a hot drink or a warming soup such as this one. There’s nothing more comforting after a surf session in cold weather than going back to the car/home to get changed and delight in drinking a bowl of warming soup.

Serves 4 to 6

• 1tbsp coconut oil

• 1 large onion, peeled and chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

• 3 parsnips, peeled and cut into cubes

• 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes

• 1 root celeriac, peeled and cut into cubes

• 1L vegetable stock

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large pan. Add the onion and fry on a gentle heat for 5-10min until soft. Add the garlic and fry for another minute.

2. Add the parsnips, potatoes, celeriac and vegetable stock. Bring to the boil, cover and leave to simmer on a gentle heat for about 25min until the vegetables are tender.

3. Season with salt and pepper and blend with a stick blender.

4. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil.

Winter Sunshine Smoothie

This smoothie makes a great mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack. It is packed with vitamin C, fibres, zinc and potassium, making it a perfect combo for winter energy. Also, pineapple contains an enzyme called Bromelain, said to help with muscle recovery, making it ideal to enjoy after a surf or other physical activity. 

Feel free to add any superfood of your choice to the drink to give it an extra boost such as maca powder, baobab powder, lucuma or acai powder.

Serves 2

• 250ml almond milk

• ½ small pineapple, peeled and cut into cubes

• Juice of 4 clementines

• 1 banana, peeled 

• 1tbsp goji berries

• A knob of fresh turmeric, peeled and minced

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

2. Poor into glasses and enjoy straight away.

Thank you so much Blandine! Guys, let me know if you like these recipes. Don't forget to check her amazing blog out and stay cozy and healthy this winter :)
xo