As many of you will know, I am a qualified medical doctor, and I'm currently doing a one year full-time Masters in Public Health and Nutrition. I spent five years training to become a physician, and I completed 3 years of clinical training (intern and senior house officer years) last July before diving back into … Continue reading Doctors, Diet and Disease – Balancing the Basics, Busting the Myths, Questioning the Context and Cultivating Collaboration
Fresh & Fruity Breakfast Smoothie
It's officially Spring now right? I know it's March, so we've technically cleared winter for a few weeks now, but with the daffodils popping up everywhere and slightly warmer weather recently (except some freakish snow in Dublin last weekend!) I've been keen to change up my breakfast game recently. I was also delighted to be part of … Continue reading Fresh & Fruity Breakfast Smoothie
International Women’s Day 2019 – 5 Facets of Female Health
This week, I found myself reflecting on how awesome it is that we have an annual day to celebrate us ladies. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for gender equality and power to the dudes out there too, but every year International Women's Day makes me smile ear to ear. I also have several gal … Continue reading International Women’s Day 2019 – 5 Facets of Female Health
Moroccan Spiced Chickpea Soup
I. Love. Chickpeas. In case you didn't know, chickpeas are one of my all-time favourite ingredients! You can use them for almost any recipe - hummus, curries, dahls, roasted as a crunchy snack, chickpea bars (check out my Chickpea Blondies recipe here!) - you name it, I've probably tried it! But a Chickpea SOUP was one … Continue reading Moroccan Spiced Chickpea Soup
What Does Evidence-Based Mean? 5 Things To Know When Reading Research
Truth and honesty time. Until I started my Masters this year (in Public Health & Nutrition at University College Dublin), I would definitely say my skills in interpreting and critiquing research, particularly medical research, were lacking. Big time. Largely because it wasn't taught much during my years at medical school. Now, this post isn't about … Continue reading What Does Evidence-Based Mean? 5 Things To Know When Reading Research
Pearl Barley and Butter Bean Salad
This spring salad recipe is super quick and easy to make, and very tasty too! I highly recommend pairing it with my creamy cashew dressing for a super lunch you can pack up and bring on the go wherever! Recipe (Serves 6 as a lunch dish) Ingredients 1 400g tin of butter beans 300g of pearl barley/spelt … Continue reading Pearl Barley and Butter Bean Salad
Tangy Turmeric Cashew Dressing
This recipe cannot be described - it must be tried to experience it's pure deliciousness! I definitely recommend adding it to one of my salad recipes - especially the latest Pearl Barley and Butter Bean Salad!! Recipe (Makes 1 jar of creamy dressing) Ingredients 1 garlic clove, peeled and diced 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar Juice … Continue reading Tangy Turmeric Cashew Dressing
Coconut Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
A tasty twist on a classic - I hope you guys love this one as much as me! Here is my Carrot Cake recipe if you want to check it out too! Recipe (Serves 1) Ingredients 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg 1 tbsp dessicated coconut 250ml milk of choice 50g oats 1/2 small carrot, peeled and … Continue reading Coconut Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Creamy Chickpea Curry
As many of you will know already, chickpeas are in my top 3 favourite ingredients. EVER. So this latest creation is a super simple but super tasty vegetarian curry with chickpeas playing the leading role! It provides you with lots of servings of veggies and takes very little time to whip together, ideal for a … Continue reading Creamy Chickpea Curry
Healthy Eating On The Go – Fuelling Your Commute
Below is an article I wrote last year as a guest post for the Healthy UCD website (my college campus!) all about healthy eating when you have to commute for work or college. I got lots of great feedback on this one, so I decided to share it on my site too! Commuting to and … Continue reading Healthy Eating On The Go – Fuelling Your Commute
Nutty Miso Butter Beans
I. Love. Butter. Beans. And I adore miso. And you all know I'm obsessed with nut butter! This tasty, simple and quick recipe combines all three - a match made in foodie heaven! Recipe (Serves 3) Ingredients 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove 1 red onion 1 red bell pepper 1 medium … Continue reading Nutty Miso Butter Beans
Working Around The Shift Work Clock – Healthy Habits for Day and Night
When I started working as a junior doctor, we had two weeks of induction before being officially 'let loose' on the wards, so to speak. We learnt about the common medications we would prescribe, heard the stories of the outgoing interns, did our hand hygiene training, and got a much-needed copy of our 'Intern Handbook', … Continue reading Working Around The Shift Work Clock – Healthy Habits for Day and Night
Mexican-Style Chicken & Bean Stew
This Mexican-spiced stew is a tasty and comforting one-pot wonder, packed full of colour with peppers and tomatoes, plus a punchy protein kick from the chicken and kidney beans! It's a speedy one to make too, so a great call for those mid-week meals! Let's get cooking! Recipe (Serves 6) Ingredients 1 tbsp extra virgin … Continue reading Mexican-Style Chicken & Bean Stew
Giving Your Gut Bugs Some Love – Let’s Talk Gut Health
The topic of this article is one I've been keen to write for quite a while, but wanted to wait until I really felt that I have done sufficient background reading into the area to distill the science down a bit for you guys. Before Christmas, I joined an excellent webinar organised by Nutriwebinar all … Continue reading Giving Your Gut Bugs Some Love – Let’s Talk Gut Health
Cashew Black Bean Vegetarian Stir Fry
Well gang, here is another SUCCESS for the vegetarian recipe collection! I'm so excited to share this latest creation - one I was really keen to make as tasty as possible! I've worked a spicy little black bean sauce into this veggie stir fry for a plant protein punch, and I hope you enjoy it … Continue reading Cashew Black Bean Vegetarian Stir Fry
My Podcasts Guide Part 4 – Learning While Listening
As you'll see from the title of this guide (Part 4!), I'm no stranger to Podcasts. I absolutely love them, and probably listen to one nearly everyday. I've shared several other Podcast guides on my blog, which you'll find here! I find Podcasts such an awesome way to learn while listening in on my walks and commute … Continue reading My Podcasts Guide Part 4 – Learning While Listening
Lentil & Vegetable Bolognaise
I am so excited to bring you guys this latest recipe! It's a plant-based twist on one of my favourite home-cooked dinners - Spaghetti Bolognaise. I've packed 5 of your 'five a day' into this dish, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds! Let's get cooking! I'm such a fan of lentils - … Continue reading Lentil & Vegetable Bolognaise
Guest Post: Is Your Phone Addictive? The Impact For Mental Well-being
Introduction from Joe O'Brien - Creator of @headfirst0: Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! My name is Joe O Brien, I work in mental health and have experience in clinical and research settings in the UK and Ireland. I’ll be posting more on this topic in the near future on my Instagram … Continue reading Guest Post: Is Your Phone Addictive? The Impact For Mental Well-being
My Masters in Public Health & Nutrition – Lessons Learnt From Semester 1
This post has been one I've been excited to write for quite a while, and now that the festive season is behind us and my brain has had a little bit of post-exams chill time, I was finally able to sit down and write it. The end of the year always makes me quite reflective, … Continue reading My Masters in Public Health & Nutrition – Lessons Learnt From Semester 1
Sweet & Smoky Double Bean Chili
Helloooo new recipe! And a quick, delicious, fully plant-based dinner recipe at that! So, one of my New Year's intentions for 2019 is to ensure I have at least one (and ideally 2) fully meat-free/animal protein free dinners per week. As you guys know, I keep my lunches and breakfasts veggie, and do consider myself … Continue reading Sweet & Smoky Double Bean Chili
Why You Need to Ditch the Detox – And Make Sustainable Swaps Instead
Oh HEY JANUARY. Have you come across an article in the newspapers or online promoting 'The January Detox' yet? I hope not, but the likelihood is that you have, whether in broadsheet or social media. SIGH. As you can tell, I'm not a fan. Detox is not a word I use as a doctor, unless … Continue reading Why You Need to Ditch the Detox – And Make Sustainable Swaps Instead
3 Reasons I’m Plant-Based – And Shifting the Focus to Sustainability
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) defines a plant-based diet as one which 'is based on foods derived from plants, including vegetables, whole-grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and fruits, with few or no animal products.' You'll notice that it does include the mention of animal products, which may surprise some of you. I've seen MANY definitions of 'plant-based', … Continue reading 3 Reasons I’m Plant-Based – And Shifting the Focus to Sustainability
Escaping the City to the Rainforest – My First Spa Experience
At the end of Semester 1 of my Masters, I had six Christmas exams to power through. This whole process, including revision weeks and handing in final assignments, was spread out over about 3 weeks. 3 weeks where I gave it my all, my 110%, and worked my brain and butt off. I finished up … Continue reading Escaping the City to the Rainforest – My First Spa Experience
Banana, Date & Nut Squares
Oh HELLO new recipe! So, recently I've kinda fallen back in love with bananas. I've been adding them to my Overnight Oats, freezing them for smoothies, and when I wanted to bake my Banana Bread with them last week, I decided to try something new. Because I'll be kicking off Semester 2 of my Masters pretty soon, … Continue reading Banana, Date & Nut Squares
Goal Setting for 2019 – Are You Being SMART About It?
Now that 2019 is officially here, I wanted to share an article to help YOU achieve those New Year's resolutions. Goal-setting is THE starting point if you want to cultivate a lifestyle change, and there are some key things to consider when setting your goals. These are applicable to any and all areas of your … Continue reading Goal Setting for 2019 – Are You Being SMART About It?
Rockin’ Ramen with Sadie’s Kitchen
So, I'm not gonna brag. But you know when you KNOW you've outdone yourself? Well, this recipe was one of those situations. You guys know I have been so so happy to be working with Sadie's Kitchen and their absolutely delicious Chicken Bone Broth - I've used it for stews, salads, as a cup of … Continue reading Rockin’ Ramen with Sadie’s Kitchen
Pearl Barley Mushroom & Greens Risotto with Sadie’s Kitchen
One of the most wonderful things I've experienced since I started my food blogger venture is the fantastic brands I've been lucky enough to meet - especially the Irish ones! Sadie's Kitchen are a gorgeous Irish company I've become great pals with, who sell a lovely chicken bone broth product, and over the past 18 months have … Continue reading Pearl Barley Mushroom & Greens Risotto with Sadie’s Kitchen
Turning the Page to Chapter 2019 – 3 Lessons Learnt from 2018
Writing my reflections at the end of the year is something I started formally doing on my blog last year, and I knew I wanted to do the same for the end of 2018. I always take time to look back on the year just after Christmas, when the festivities are a slightly quieter, and … Continue reading Turning the Page to Chapter 2019 – 3 Lessons Learnt from 2018
9 Resolutions for 2019 – The Importance of Simplicity and Sustainability
Have YOU made New Year's Resolutions? I prefer to call mine intentions & goals, but I do it every December. I reflect on the year just gone, what I've achieved and what I haven't, and look forward to a new beginning. I set new intentions, and source renewed motivation to continue working on those from … Continue reading 9 Resolutions for 2019 – The Importance of Simplicity and Sustainability
Pearl Barley & Butter Bean Salad
This spring salad recipe is super quick and easy to make, and very tasty too! I highly recommend pairing it with my creamy cashew dressing for a super lunch you can pack up and bring on the go wherever! Recipe (Serves 6 as a lunch dish) Ingredients 1 400g tin of butter beans 300g of pearl barley/spelt … Continue reading Pearl Barley & Butter Bean Salad
12 Days of Christmas Yoga – Namaste All The Way!
It's fair to say that discovering a real, genuine love of yoga has been one of my absolute game-changers of 2018. I had given it a go last year, as a way to 'stretch' after a serious amount of high intensity workouts at Wellfest (an Irish wellness festival many of you will be familiar with!), … Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas Yoga – Namaste All The Way!
Ciara’s Chia Berry Jam
Homemade JAM! FINALLY! I am really excited to share this one with you guys - I've been on a 'berry buzz' over the last few weeks as Autumn has turned into Winter. Recently, with a big pack of strawberries and blueberries in my fridge, and a desire to make a new recipe using chia seeds, … Continue reading Ciara’s Chia Berry Jam
Christmas Magic Mince Pie Muffins
Okay, I'm gonna admit two things here. Number one - I. LOVE. CHRISTMAS. It is, hands down, my FAVOURITE time of year. I just think it's totally magical, and I feel like I'm a little kid again for the entire Christmas holidays. So BRING IT ON! I do have some exams to get past first … Continue reading Christmas Magic Mince Pie Muffins
Wellness in Medicine: Starting A Movement For Change
When I have something on my mind that I want to write about, there's no two ways about it - I've gotta sit down and bash out my thoughts. Whether that's for sharing on my blog or just to write or type out for me to reflect on later, it's the best way for me … Continue reading Wellness in Medicine: Starting A Movement For Change
5 A Day Lentil Bolognaise
Five a day. Do you think you hit yours? 'Five a day' is probably one of the most widely communicated public health nutrition messages, and yet as a population (both here, UK, USA, and most Westernised societies) the majority of us don't consume the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Personally, I … Continue reading 5 A Day Lentil Bolognaise
Cinnamon & Honey Roast Sweet Potatoes
Time to deliver some deliciously seasonal recipes to you all! It's my favourite time of year - Autumn moving into Winter, and Christmas fast approaching (yes, I said it, embrace it!) As I am a Boston-born girl, I also always love giving Thanksgiving a little shout out too, and as the holiday was this week, … Continue reading Cinnamon & Honey Roast Sweet Potatoes
Aubergine & Chickpea Falafels
Yes, I have created ANOTHER epic recipe using chickpeas! Chickpeas are one of my favourite ingredients to cook (and bake!) using, and as I've been 'meal prepping' for college quite a bit this semester, I have tried to keep things fresh and inventive with new recipes each week. This is definitely one of my favourites … Continue reading Aubergine & Chickpea Falafels
What Is A Sustainable Diet? How and Why What We Eat Today Affects Future Generations
On my blog homepage, you'll see the sentence 'A Journey to Sustainable Healthy Living.' When I started my blog, and until very recently, my use of the word 'sustainable' referred to each of you (and myself!) at the individual level and the use of my blog to help you on your journey to a healthier, … Continue reading What Is A Sustainable Diet? How and Why What We Eat Today Affects Future Generations
Gimme That Guacamole
This recipe probably needs no introduction. I have yet to find a person who doesn't love guacamole! I adore it - maybe not quite as much as I love hummus, but nearly. In fact, I can't believe it's taken me this long to get a recipe together for you guys! But hey, summer season has … Continue reading Gimme That Guacamole
Overtraining & Female Health – An Issue Worth Talking About
Warning - honest article ahead. I've been asked to write about over-training on the blog quite a bit this year. I have written about it in the past (check that out here), and I think as we have recently rolled into a new year that it's time to chat about it again. What is over-training? Quite … Continue reading Overtraining & Female Health – An Issue Worth Talking About
