I've always known what the words 'grateful' and 'gratitude' mean, but only what the dictionary tells you. Understanding the true concept of gratitude, I have learnt, really comes from the experiences and challenges life throws at you. This year, I found that gratitude played the leading role in forming the foundation of my resilience as … Continue reading Mindfulness & Gratitude – My Game-Changers of 2018
Recently, after a pilates workshop, I had the most DELICIOUS slice of sourdough toast lathered with hazelnut butter and jam. Yes, I know how notional that opening statement sounds. But it was AMAZING. For those of you who don't know, I was born and raised (for the first 5 years of my life!) in Boston, … Continue reading Notions on Toast – Three Ways
Recently, I spotted an ad for a Brain Health and Brain Disease conference at University College Dublin, organised by the Dementia and Neurodegeneration Network Ireland, directed at both healthcare professionals and the general population. I decided to go, as I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to learning in medicine. I also have seen the … Continue reading Let’s Talk About Brain Health – Making Brain Gains Throughout Your Life
September has landed gang, and with kids and teens (and me!) returning to school and college, and the arrival of Autumn, I've been full of recipe inspiration for fuss free recipes for every time of day. I don't know about you guys, but I definitely have 1-2 snacks pretty much everyday - usually between breakfast … Continue reading Fuss Free Blueberry & Oat Flapjacks
Passion is a funny thing. It means something different to everyone, and you can be passionate about many aspects of your life – family, friends significant other, a hobby or sport, your job – the many things that make you tick. Recently, I read a book about a Japanese word called ‘Ikigai’, which, loosely translated, … Continue reading Find Your Why – Find Your Ikigai
I love butter beans. One of my favourite recipes on my blog is my Smoky Baked Beans, which is made with chickpeas, but I'm a big fan of subbing butter beans in there. You guys know I'm a big hummus addict, making a batch every weekend (which never lasts the full week!) A brand I'm a … Continue reading Spicy Peanut Butter Bean Hummus
I use my lovely (usually willing) family as my taste-testers for many of my recipes. Because I don't really have a sweet tooth (truth!), I like to get their opinion to see if my lightened up versions of baked recipe classics like brownies, banana bread, etc., live up to a taste standard with the originals … Continue reading A Date with Avocado Brownies
I was very excited to write this Friday Focus article guys. I realise that this is an online article, and by asking you to read it, I'm encouraging you to use technology. But trust me, this is for a good reason. Recently, I took on a 'Switch Off Sixty' challenge and shared it with you … Continue reading Step Back From The Screen -Taking A Digital Break For Your Brain
So gang, September is coming. We all know what that means - back to school, back to college, and a change in season towards Autumn and Winter! I've been feeling inspired by these vibes to mix up my recipe treasure trove of ideas - and a black bean burger has been on my list for … Continue reading Mexican Style Black Bean Burgers
Being a 'Yes' woman, as I feel I have become since starting my blog, has many benefits. True, at times it can make life a little crazy, and I did have to learn when to say no to make sure I don't give up time for myself or family! But being open to new experiences, … Continue reading The Health Blogger’s Bake Off – My Challenge Experience
How we talk to ourselves is an extraordinary thing. I say that from personal experience and reflection, on many occasions. One of my favourite quotes is 'Talk To Yourself Like Someone You Love' and I think it's something we don't do enough. This post is a little bit different to my usual Friday Focus on … Continue reading Let’s Talk Self-Talk – Keeping That Inner Voice Kind
Ah, peanut butter. A very simple foodie pleasure in life. Although, that's true for ALL nut butters really. I'm a self-confessed nuts, seeds and all related butters addict - so delicious, to easy to make and so many recipe ideas stem from using them as key ingredients! Not to mention nuts are nutritional powerhouses, packed … Continue reading Peanut Butter Chicken & Broccoli Curry
‘Something to do, someone to love, something to give, something to look forward to.’ What a wonderful quote to begin with. This blog post is a Part 2 of this week's Friday Focus on The Blue Zones - Part 1 was a fantastic guest post by a role model of mine, Dr. Concept Merry (medical consultant, write, blogger The … Continue reading The Blue Zones Part 2: The Happiness Project
(Myself and Dr. Merry, write of this article, at the Wellness For Doctor Events!) This week's Friday Focus is probably the most exciting to date. I actually ended up being able to share the Friday Focus on The Blue Zones in TWO parts at the last minute, thanks to the fantastic writer of this article … Continue reading Guest Post: The Blue Zones Part 1 – Eat, Pray, Love, Move and Belong
Time for ingredient number TWO in the Plant Slant series guys, brought to you by myself and my gal pal and trainee dietitian Cliodhna (@fuelingthefitlife on Instagram), and this month we're talking about EGGS! While not technically a 'plant-based' food, eggs are an absolute favourite of ours, a regular feature in our week, and importantly, can … Continue reading The Plant Slant Series: Clio’s Egg White Oats
Ladies and gents, I have finally done it. I have created my own version of a classic - the humble (and highly notional) energy ball. This recipe exploded all over the health and wellness scene a couple of years ago now, and initially I definitely shied away from working on my own for the blog … Continue reading Ciara’s Cacao Protein Energy Balls
As a junior doctor, my passion lies in the area of preventive medicine – by this I mean looking at how our lifestyles (in particular our diet, physical activity, stress management and sleep) affect our health. Most importantly, it means learning about and researching how we can optimise these lifestyle factors to optimise our health … Continue reading Exercise For Independence: A Guest Post with Siel Bleu
The trend towards health and wellness has been growing for the past few years - and it's been quite interesting to see the nutrition side of things evolve. From fads to 'quick fixes' it's been a bit of a rollercoaster of various diets promoted within social and broader media - 'Paleo', 'Low-Carb', 'Keto' - and … Continue reading Let’s Focus on Fibre – With Delicious Recipes To Get You Started
One to warm the heart on a chilly day - who doesn't love a big bowl of comforting soup! My lovely friend, registered dietitian and 'twinnie' Catherine Downey (@the.sporty.dietitian on Instagram) has given me this lovely recipe to share with you all, and I think it's perfect timing with the coming Autumn months! This recipe is … Continue reading Guest Recipe: Spiced Red Lentil & Butternut Squash Soup
Making your own nut butter at home really is as easy as 123 ABC! Cheesy, but true! Recently, I was trying out a peanut butter curry recipe for a family dinner night, and decided I would make my own nut butter to put in it! Peanuts are very easy to find in most supermarkets, and … Continue reading Easy Peasy Homemade Peanut Butter
This trail mix recipe is just a beauty - super simple, SO quick to make, and tastes absolutely like more everytime. Nuts (all kinds!) are absolute powerhouses of nutritional benefits - packed full of heart healthy mono- and poly-unsaturated fats, fibre and protein, as well as vital vitamins and minerals. For example, almonds are a … Continue reading ‘Mix n Match’ Homemade Trail Mix
This recipe has come to you as part of a great little Friday Focus on my blog - a post to help you 'plant-focus' your diet! I would call myself a 'plant-based ' eater, if I was pushed to label the way I structure my meals, but to me that DOESN'T mean I'm full vegetarian … Continue reading Spicy Turmeric Tofu Scramble
Okay. I've outdone myself. I think I've said that before, but you know what? It's 100% true this time. Well, it was true every other time I said it as well, but this granola literally wins all round. In a burst of recipe inspiration recently, I was having a bit of a bake off with … Continue reading Ciara’s Cashew Date Granola
Oh yes. This is not a drill people. Finally, FINALLY, we have FALAFEL on the blog! As part of fantastic 'Plant Slant' series my gal Cliona (@fuelingthefitlife and creator of the Wellbeings blog) and I are collaborating on for you, today we bring the SECOND and SAVOURY chickpea-inspired recipe of our chickpea combo! You'll remember earlier this month … Continue reading The Plant Slant Series: Clio’s Baked Falafel
If you've been following this blog, or me on social media for a while, you'll know I have a few favourite things. Podcasts are one, and strength training is another. This year, I discovered a new Podcast called The Empowered Body Podcast, by Adam Willis, strength and conditioning coach and co-founder of Lean Body Performance. … Continue reading My Empow (Her) Trial – The Program, The Community and The Growth
Sometimes, I get so passionate about the area of preventive medicine that I just want to be given a microphone that reaches the entire country, and use it to share my message. That’s the best way I can put that feeling into words. I’m constantly learning (via self-education mostly) about the pillars of health we … Continue reading Strength and Balance for Independence – Maximising Healthy Ageing
Recently, I was asked to create more simple, easy to throw together mid-week meals, and I do love a challenge! So this Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a great place to start, in my book! I often cook for my family if I have a bit more time in the evening, and my family are … Continue reading 5 A Day Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
Oh holy moly. I feel like this recipe should come with a (jokey) warning - you WILL want to eat your way through the entire tray. In fact, it will take ALL of your willpower not to. Recently, on Instagram stories, I got a request to make a 'Healthy Millionaire Squares' recipe - and you … Continue reading Dark Chocolate Tahini Caramel Squares
I get asked a LOT about my favourite protein powders - in particular, the vegan ones I like the most. I've posted about it and messaged people replies, but generally speaking, my favourite vegan blends so far (for shakes/smoothies/oats) are Form, Nutristrength (used in this recipe), Pulsin, and Nuzest. I really like using That Protein … Continue reading Chia Protein Pudding
Oh HEY. This photo is me in one of my favourite places - the egg chairs at Nut Butter, a cheeky little Dublin cafe! I LOVE egg chairs. Anyway. This little article is one that was requested on my Instagram stories recently when I asked you guys what sort of content you would like to … Continue reading My Four Tips To Stay On Track – Even When Life Happens
Chicken fajitas are a crowd favourite in my house, often the Friday feed of choice that we sit down together to have after a busy week! So recently, when it was my turn to cook, I decided to turn a classic on its head a little and make use of a boatload of sweet potatoes … Continue reading Chicken Fajita Sweet Potatoes
For the month of June, I was excited to be part of the CocoaVia Blogger Project with Thrive Magazine. Many of you who follow me on social media and my blog http://www.theirishbalance.com will know by now that I love fitness, and that I am a massive advocate for the power of food in health. This 30 … Continue reading The CocoaVia Trial – My Training Experience
