;)
Foods to boost energy this autumn
The nights are drawing in fast and it’s easy to feel a little glum at this time of year. To banish any pangs of the autumn blues, we’ve put together a collection of sustenance suggestions that will help you feel warm, energetic and full of joy as we head towards the Christmas period.
Protein balls
Protein balls are packed full of goodness and offer a tasty and healthy alternative to your traditional sugary snacks. Some of the most popular protein ball recipes are also gluten and dairy-free making them ideal for people who want a convenient light bite that won’t disagree with them.
Nuts, dried fruit, seeds and healthy little additions such as spirulina help to ensure that protein balls not only top up your energy levels, but also help you to get your fill of vital nutrients. Perfect for a mid-morning snack, an afternoon pick-me-up or even a pre-gym booster, there are no shortage of recipes out there now for anyone with a well-stocked ingredients cupboard and a food processor.
Here’s just one of our favourites for you to try.
Faux-rero Rochers
Blitz 225g of dates with 50g of hazelnut butter, 30g of brown rice protein, 10g of maca powder and 20g of maple syrup. Then stir in 30g of coconut oil before refrigerating. Once hard, roll the mixture into a dozen evenly sized balls.
Next, roast 12 hazelnuts and push them into the centre of each protein ball before coating each one in 500g of melted vegan chocolate. Finally, add a small sprinkling of crushed hazelnuts over the top.
There you have it: a snack to give you the energy for a tough workout complete with zinc and B vitamins.
Warming vegetarian pho
On a cold evening, choosing between soup and something more solid can be a tough decision. So, why not opt for a delicious vegetarian pho.
Add vegetable broth, cinnamon, ginger, cilantro stalks, garlic, sugar and fish sauce to a large pot then bring to a boil. Once the mixture is bubbling away, turn the heat down and simmer for 20 minutes before straining all of the flavourings out to leave the fragrant broth behind.
Cook a pack of rice noodles in a separate pan, according to the instructions on the packet, then add the noodles to the broth and garnish with your choice of the following:
- Bean sprouts
- Diced tofu
- Thai basil leaves
- Lime
- Hoisin sauce
If you consider yourself a certified carnivore, simply fry off your favourite meat and add to the mixture along with your other garnishes before settling down for the evening.
Superfood yoghurt
As the weather outside gets colder the temptation can often be to reach for the hearty calorific food. But keeping it light and healthy can be just as rewarding for the tastebuds. Here’s how.
A simple 170g portion of Greek yoghurt can be turned into a true treat with the addition of a handful of fresh blueberries, a scattering of flaxseeds and a sprinkling of goji berries and cacao nibs. Finish it off with a generous drizzle of honey and there you have it: a quick and healthy dish capable of protecting your heart, supporting normal brain function and even fighting cancer.
Of course, you’ll need a cosy kitchen in which to prepare your scrumptious treats this autumn. And where better than in one of the luxury new-build apartments here at Quartermile? Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s trendiest new district within easy reach of all the capital’s major attractions, why not tour the apartments now?