Get the bikini body ready for the summer

Now that the holiday season is fast approaching, like most people in the world, you may already be dreading the thought of getting into your bikini. It’s therefore time to start thinking about losing weight for your summer holidays and to shed those extra pounds. 

FutureShapeTM - the smart and easy way to lose weight

If you’ve tried and failed to lose weight before, you may believe that it’s just too difficult or that diets don’t work for you. And in one sense, you may be right: traditional, extreme diets that leave us cranky and starving don’t work—at least not in the long-term as they are hard to sustain.

Launch of innovative product range that lets you shape up the smart way

The weight loss industry as a whole is huge with many quick-fix solutions and others which are rather difficult to maintain, demanding a strong will and determination. In response to consumers’ needs for an innovative product that isn’t too restrictive to one’s lifestyle, FutureShape™ has just been launched.

Dieting Using Natural Slimming Aids

Many people find dieting tough, as most diets are too restrictive on the types of foods that can be eaten or the amount of calories that can be consumed each day. Some diets can be so unappetizing, it is inevitable that people will fall victim to their cravings and fail to stick to their diets.

There are several ways that slimming products might be able to help you lose weight. 

Burn Fat Without Cutting Calories

If you're like many, losing weight can be a very difficult and disheartening experience. Eating the right foods can be a minefield, and following strict diets can leave you feeling hungry and cause harmful side effects. You can also find that when having to be so strict with yourself as to what foods you can and cannot eat,

Adding Some Exercise to your Daily Routine

Many people are initially shocked when they step on those scales for the first time after a few years. When they discover that they are heavier than they thought they were some peoples natural inclination is to diet quickly which mainly means that they just start to eat less food.

Why diets don’t work…

An alien from Mars armed with a basic grounding of English could easily assume that dieting is very popular. It’s all the rage- people do it all the time and everyone is talking about it. Dieting is so popular that in the past 10 years it’s estimated around 70% of the adult female population and 30% of males have been on one.

UK on fat alert…

Almost half of British men and 4 in 10 women could be obese within 20 years, according to a study published in the Lancet Journal earlier this year.  That’s 26 million of us obese by 2030. A pretty scary thought. The NHS currently spends a whopping 8% of its entire medicine bill treating diabetes caused by obesity in the UK.  And by 2030,

The Sport Scoop

Here’s your challenge, should you choose to accept it….

Whilst we are all adjusting to the idea of getting back into shape by leading a healthy lifestyle in the first month of the year; we came up with a few sports activities for you to consider and pit your skills against!  By taking on new exercise activities you will be more likely to increase mood satisfaction which will in turn help with efficacy levels which if maintained will reduce hunger & and aid weight loss.   So here are some ideas for you to consider…

The Little Black Dress dilemma

It’s that time of year – the Christmas party’s been booked and your LBD is eagerly waiting to make an appearance.  Now all you need do is shift a few extra pounds to squeeze into it…

Coco Chanel published an illustration of a simple black dress in Vogue in 1926, and since then the Little Black Dress has been the key to success- a good old faithful, knock ‘em dead, sexy, sassy, and sultry number to be whipped out of the wardrobe at a moment’s notice and guaranteed to turn heads.

Superfoods to keep us healthy & youthful…

In an attempt to keep our skin looking youthful, we often focus on enhancing our complexion using a host of topical creams, serums, lotions and potions. More and more people are looking to injectable treatments such as botox and fillers to ’turn back the clock’.

Staying on track…

Keeping that New Year resolution in check – 5 top tips to stay on track

We all have the best intentions when the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve but how can we stay true to our promises?  Once we get back to work our busy lives take over & it can be hard to stay on track with our New Year’s resolutions.  Statistically this week is the time when most people fall off the New Year’s dieting wagon.  

Spray the weight away.

For years, millions of us have taken pills. To supplement nutritional needs, ease a cold or flu, or even banish a hangover! We have an accompanying ritual of gulping them down with a glass of water that leaves a chalky taste in our mouths, and sometimes they get caught in our throats. They can be a hassle. They can be difficult to swallow.

Setting the right goals

Changing the way you approach weight loss can help you be more successful at weight management, and setting the right goals is an important first step. Most people trying to lose weight focus on just that one goal- weight loss. However, the most productive areas to focus on are actually the dietary and physical activity changes that will lead to long-term weight change.

Secrets from the Exercise Guru of Hollywood celebrities…

Have you ever wondered how the Hollywood glitterati stay in such good shape?  How do they seem to get all that post pregnancy weight off so fast!

Well the secret of their success is now at hand.  Exercise guru, Ramona Braganza, whose celebrity clients include Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johannson,

New Year’s Resolutions. Why weight?

Autumn and winter are times when polar bears (and some of us with fewer legs), invariably seem to put on weight. We know it’s going to happen and almost resign ourselves to the fact. We cover ourselves up with more clothes, don’t care as much about what our bodies look like, and then make New Year’s resolutions to get back on track with health and weight loss goals.

Mission Slimpossible?

To a large extent, the weight loss battle is one fought in the mind. That’s not to say it’s a simple case of mind over matter, because we all know it’s harder than that, but the most successful dieters will be those who think about what they are doing, as well as why they are doing it.

If only money really did grow on trees…

Its now the middle of January and pay day at the end of the month still seems a long way off!  All our moods can easily be affected by depressing cash flow issues, but don’t despair its time to stay positive & motivated.   If saving money wasn’t part of your New Year’s resolution list, then you haven’t failed or given up yet, so add it to the fridge as it is now!

Greenwich meany-time

Commuting in daylight and effective weight loss. Not obvious bedfellows, but if you’re struggling to spot the link between British Summer Time and FULLfast appetite control spray, read on…!

Clocks have been zipping back and forth in the UK since 1916. It’s all to do with saving hours of daylight, and was initiated by a man named William Willett, a London builder who lived in Petts Wood in Kent.

FULLfast hits the silver screen with a new celebrity face – Binky, star of the show, ‘Made in Chelsea’

Too often nowadays celebrities jump on the bandwagon to endorse products & brands half heartedly without the necessary commitment required.  That’s why we are pleased to announce that FULLfast has been taken on by a celebrity to be part of her serious January detox programme.

From Cupid with love…

Its here again folks, everyone’s favourite romantic day.  Whether you are with someone already or looking for that perfect soulmate, Valentine’s Day can certainly be testing on one’s creative ideas & romantic skills.  So we thought that you might like  a few ideas & surprising facts that you can use to your advantage on the 14th of Feb!

Facts for your figure…

Calories are a measure of the amount of energy in food. Knowing how many calories are in our food can help us to balance the energy we put in with the energy we take out. And that’s the key to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. The recommended daily calorie intake varies from person to person, but the new UK Department of Health Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) are based on a daily calorie intake of 2079 calories per day for women and 2605 calories per day for men.

Enjoy Valentine’s Day without sabotaging your diet!

Valentine’s day is looming and with it comes the prospect of being wined and dined by your loved one… But what and where should you eat if you don’t want to destroy your diet in the process?

Here are some top tips for enjoying a healthy Valentine’s meal out that won’t sabotage your weight loss goal in the process.

Don’t believe the hype…Beware of Online bargainers!

We all know that the internet is now the cheapest way to shop and also the most convenient.  Whilst this is a good thing for all retailers and shoppers alike it is also far too easy for rogue merchants to market products at misleading prices.

Don’t be scared of hunger

After months or years of never really feeling hungry, it’s easy to forget what that gnawing, empty sensation in our stomach feels like. It’s no wonder then that when we initially change our eating habits, hunger pangs make us feel uneasy and uncomfortable – and leave us reaching for the biscuit tin! While many diets claim you’ll never feel hungry, this is often an unrealistic promise.

‘Beat the Bloat’

Would you like a flatter, more toned stomach? I think we all would, but its never that easy, it take hard work & true dedication.  But don’t worry that’s why our resident food Nutritionist, Kim Pearson,  is close at hand to help us achieve those weight loss goals that we all crave to succeed with.

Banish your beer belly!

Abdominal weight gain, otherwise known as the beer belly, is not only unsightly it can have serious health implications. Beer bellies are commonly associated with one too many pints down the pub and it’s true that alcohol has the potential to seriously hamper your weight loss efforts.

Are you an emotional eater? Avoiding bad habits…

Experts estimate that a staggering 75% of overeating is caused by emotions. As you will know if you’ve ever reached for a reassuring slab of chocolate, food does a lot more than fill our stomachs. It satisfies feelings, and when you quench those feelings with comfort food, that’s known as emotional eating- consumption in response to feelings, rather than physical hunger.

An apple a day…

…to keep your hunger at bay.

Did you know- dieting can make you feel hungry?! I know- shock horror! But not exactly an exclusive- just a simple reality about weight loss. You will feel hungry from time to time. There is no way round it. Many strategies can help reduce hunger- incorporating plenty of fibre in your diet, avoiding refined carbohydrates, getting plenty of natural sunlight.

A simple bite to eat…that’s healthy & seasonal!

Warm Mackerel Nicoise Salad

This is the first of a series of healthy recipes, supplied by our in house nutritional expert, helping to provide you with practical strategies for achieving your weight loss goals, as well as enjoying the food you eat!

10 ways to avoid Christmas weight gain

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but unfortunately the Christmas turkey is not usually the only thing that gets stuffed over the holidays! To help you beat the Christmas bulge, here are 10 tips to think about in the run-up to Christmas. And which will hopefully allow you to enjoy the festivities without piling on too many extra pounds…

3 Weapons of Mass Reduction!

It’s Christmas week, and the alluring rustle of Quality Street can be heard up and down the length of the UK. Packets of mince pies proudly adorn desks, and touts are selling Heston Blumenthal’s orange-filled Christmas puddings on eBay for £250. Seriously. Our collective sweet tooth would appear to be on full alert for the onslaught of confectionary-based temptation to follow.

Cayenne Pepper

Dr. Patrick Quillin  "Cayenne pepper - prized for thousands of years for its healing power.  Folklore from around the world recounts amazing results using cayenne pepper in simple healing and in baffling health problems. But cayenne pepper is not just a healer from ancient history.  

The History Of The Capsicum Frutescens

Other Common Names: Aji Dulce, Cayenne, Cayenne Pepper, Chili Pepper, Chabai Achong, Filfil, Hungarian Pepper, Kirmizi Biber, La Chiao, Mexican Chili, Paprika, Peppers, Piment Doux, Pimiento, Red Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Capsicum frutescens

Range: Probably native of the Tropics, but the original habitat is obscure. China; Dominican Republic; Europe; Gabon; Haiti; Hawaii; India; Iraq; Malagasy; Malaya; Mexico; Mongolia; Panama; Philippines; Samoa; Spain; Tonga; Trinidad; Turkey; USA

Pork and capsicum hotpot with Saffron Twist

INGREDIENTS

• 40g (1/4 cup) plain flour
• 1.4kg piece pork scotch fillet, cut into eight 2cm-thick slices
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 3 chorizo sausages, cut into 1.5cm-thick slices
• 2 red capsicums, halved, deseeded, cut into 2cm pieces
• 1 green capsicum, halved, deseeded, cut into 2cm pieces

Tips for making a healthy pizza at home

INGREDIENTS (for the ‘whole wheat’ dough)

• 2 cups (250g) Whole Wheat Flour
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) Yeast*
• 3/4 tsp Salt
• 3/4 cup Warm Water
• 1 Tbsp Honey
• 2 3/4 tsp Vital Wheat Gluten
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Capsicum, tomato and chilli soup

 INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 medium (800g) red capsicum, chopped
4 medium (520g) tomatoes, chopped
1 medium (350g) leek, sliced

What is Bioperine?

You may have heard of the weight loss supplement Bioperine but do you know what it is?? Lets go back to basics and explain what Bioperine is and what it can do.

Simply put, bioperine is an extract of pepper. Bioperine comes from black pepper and special long peppers harvested in the southeast of Asia. Bioperine is more potent in its extracted form.  

How to boost your metabolism

There are various myths, theories and old wife’s tales about how to boost our metabolisms and get them working faster and more effective, but not all of them are true. Lets firstly understand what a “metabolism” is.

How mood affects appetite – how to help control it

Our appetites all suffer at some point throughout our week depending on our moods. This can be good, or it can be bad. Take a second and think about the amount of different moods your body goes through every day, you could be stressed at work, you could be exhausted from a long work out at the gym, if you’re a woman it could be that time of the month or it could be a Saturday morning and you are hung over from the night before.

Fat burning superfoods

Many of us enjoy eating and we all have our favorite foods, some of which are hard to let go of when we are trying to lose weight. However it is important to remember that there are also foods out there that help us to burn fat more effectively resulting in us hitting those weight loss goals easier and quicker than we thought.

Bioperine and appetite control

When carrying out your research on the various weight loss supplements on the market, you may have noticed some supplements contain some form or another of a pepper extract. Peppers have been found to support the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals into our blood streams which really help in any weight loss diet and help us get a speedy start to reaching our weight loss goal.

Are sleep and dieting related?

If you had to choose one favourite thing your body has to do in order to stay alive, many would say either sleeping or eating. That is because the majority of us get enjoyment out of our food whilst many of us also love a good relaxing session and being taken to another world with our dreams. Imagine if sleeping and dieting were related and sleeping could in actual fact help you lose weight.

5htp and carbohydrate control

Carbohydrates… it’s definitely a word we have all heard before and usually one we associate with foods that we eat to give us energy. Carbohydrate rich foods can usually be converted easily into glucose, which is the form of sugar that is used by our bodies to give it energy and keep us going throughout the day. However as many are also aware, a diet with too many carbohydrates can result in us gaining weightquicker than we might like.

5 HTP and appetite control

You may have heard of the weight loss supplement 5 HTP but do you know what it is?? Lets go back to basics and explain what 5-HTP is and what it can do.

Foods like meat, peanuts and sesame seeds all contain an amino acid called  Tryptophan which our brains use to convert into 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan). Our brains then use the 5-HTP and turn it into serotonin, which is one of the 'happy' chemicals that helps control our appetite, mood and sleep patterns.

The truth about energy drinks

In the past six years, sales of energy drinks and sports drinks almost doubled. In 2010, Britain guzzled 600 million litres of them . Gone are the days when the only sports drink option was fizzy Lucozade or diluted juice. Now the supermarket shelves are bursting at the seams with drinks that claim to enhance your performance, and you can’t even go to the petrol station without being offered an energy boost at the counter.

Circuits

Jo gives circuit training a go

Stressed out? Gaining weight? Find out how your adrenal glands could be to blame
Like most women, I joined my local gym in a frantic, post Christmas ‘fatty’ freak out. I signed up to a discount fitness centre (less buff, ‘gym bunny’ types) close to my flat (less walking involved).

After last year’s ‘no carbs’ fiasco in which I almost lost my boyfriend, all of my friends and my job due to a hunger induced, uncontrollable fury,

Active summer challenges for everybody

Feel the burn this summer – with or without the sunshine!

Summer is supposed to be all about flashing the flesh, so what better way to ensure you get your body bikini-ready than to set yourself a fitness challenge over the coming months? Whether you fancy teaming up with a mate or two to raise some money for your favourite charity or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to smash your current personal best, there’s plenty going on across the UK between now and September. From bike rides to fun runs, half-marathons to mountain hikes and triathlons to full marathons, there’s something for everyone, whatever your fitness level.

15 tips for being active

Just a few of these will get you on track to a healthier and happier life!

1. Book yourself in to a body assessment at your local gym – they’ll help you know where you are and what options you have.

2. Walk everywhere instead of taking the car or the lift.

3. Go swimming – even a few lengths help – especially 1-2 times a week.

4. Watch less telly – or do some squats and stretches whilst you are watching it!

The 16 minute lunch

Make it easy on yourself

 

One of the main challenges with lunch is the time we have to eat it. A recent poll suggested that many of us take just 16 minutes off for lunch, a fact that explains the quick-fix success of the sandwich. So, how can you make healthier choices without a fundamental shake up of your day? A little planning (and I mean minutes, not hours) can make lunch work for you. Leftovers, soups, healthier sandwiches and eating out options can all be suited to your menu planner.

Summer joys

Juli finds pleasure in fresh fruit, shopping and hiking

Although there is no sign of summer outside my window, the calendar reveals that that time of year is getting closer... I did not find it easy to stick to the plan 100% last week as I wasn't feeling good. However I felt a real craving for vitamins and fresh fruit so found myself tucking in to plums, apricots, melon, apples, bananas, oranges etc and it's so nice to taste what nature is providing for us. Sometimes I am surprised by how lovely it is to have fresh fruit – especially if you haven't had it in a while.

Salad Nicoise

A healthy summer salad from Kathryn

Although this famous dish is labelled as a salad, I see it much more as a meal, especially if you use tuna steaks as opposed to tinned tuna. It is wonderfully filling, and you have little bursts of flavour coming from the many exquisite ingredients which this recipe calls for.

I am a die-hard fan of anchovies! If you are not, I urge you to to try out the fresh white anchovies which are available from the deli or olive counters at most good supermarkets. They are a world apart from the overly salty grainy types you get in a jar and the flavour is intrinsically sweeter, not to mention more delicate. In honor of the summertime being upon us, I have opted for some particularly colourful leaves, in the form of chard, with it’s almost luminous yellow and pink stalks. The flavour is reminiscent of a very delicate beetroot which adds another dimension to this dish. Instead of cherry tomatoes, I have chosen some deliciously juicy sun blushed tomatoes, which burst into sweet, electric tomatoey flavour when bitten. The eggs delectably oozy yolk acts almost as a light sauce for this dish. Cooking tuna steaks couldn't be easier. People have a fear of overcooking them, but rest assured in the knowledge that you cook them for 1.5 to 2 minutes on each side. They are better on the rare side, so enjoy the fact that these beauties take little to no time to prepare. If you are opting for tinned tuna, go for a good quality variety. As always, if you are catering for a group of people, and unsure of a recipe to cook, this is another great option. Scale it up, prepare it all beforehand and display on a beautiful big plate. Your guests will be wowed, and you don't have to worry about breaking any rules! Ingredients (serves 1) 100g piece of fresh tuna steak 4-5 sun blush tomatoes 100g of small baby potatoes, cooked until soft 50g of fine beans 5-7 olives (of your choice) 1 egg Handful of chard*, washed and sliced into thick shreds. *if you can’t get your hands on chard, iceberg or cos lettuce would be lovely, or even a mix of all different leaves Dressing: 1 1/2 tbsp of olive oil. Juice of half a lemon. Pinch of salt, pepper and sugar. Small bunch of finely chopped parsley. Method 1.      Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft, set aside. 2.      Steam the fine beans for 5-7 minutes, set aside. 3.      Place the egg into some already boiling water and boil for 5 minutes. After five minutes transfer directly into cold water. 4.      Make your dressing: Put all ingredients in a jar and shake well. 5.      Put a chargrill on a high heat. Drizzle some olive oil on your tuna steak. When the pan is very hot, cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes on each side. Remove completely from the heat when ready. 6.      Slice the potatoes in half. 7.      With the back of a spoon, gently crack the egg shell, and remove from the egg. Slice the egg into 4. 8.      Put the sliced potatoes, olives and chard in a bowl and thoroughly coat with the dressing. 9.      Present on a plate, adding the tomatoes, anchovies, eggs and tuna steak. Enjoy!

Chicken, Leek and Thyme Stew

This family-friendly stew is a filling, tasty way to include some extra veg in your day

Serves 1 100g lean chicken breast 1/2 medium carrot 40g potatoes 1/2 clove garlic 1 medium leek 1/4 medium onion 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 bay leaf 2 sprigs thyme 1/2 chicken stock cube (low salt) 150ml boiling water

Pre-heat your oven to 180C/gas mark 4. In a large oven proof pot put in your rough chopped onions and crushed garlic. Cook over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Add in your roughly diced chicken and fry until lightly browned then add in your washed and sliced leeks, bay leaf, diced carrots, diced potatoes, tomato puree, chopped thyme and the stock cube disolved in the boiled water.  Bring to the boil and then place in the oven for 45 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and serve in a bowl. Fig, Nutmeg and Walnut Porridge Give your body the start it deserves With enough fuel to keep you going until lunch, plus the nutrition of walnuts and figs, and the wonderful flavours of honey and nutmeg, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Serves 1 100ml cow's milk, skimmed or semi-skimmed 40g porridge oats 10g walnuts 1tsp honey 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1 dried fig Place the porridge oats with the milk and water into a saucepan. Bring to the boil, stir in the chopped dried figs and then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve the porridge with walnuts sprinkled on top, a little nutmeg and a drizzle of honey. Sticky Chicken and Mango CousCous Light couscous, sweet mango and savoury chicken all work together to make this delectable dish one you will never forget. Serves 1 Prep time 10mins Cook time 10mins 100 g Chicken Breast Lean 1/4 Mango Medium 1 Spring Onion 1 Tomato Medium 1 handful Salad Leaves 1/4 Cucumber Medium 10 g Almonds Sliced 40 g Couscous 1 g Cumin Powder 1 tsp Honey 1 tsp Mustard - Wholegrain 1 tbsp White Wine Vinegar 50 mL Water Heat the grill to high. Peel and chop the mango, cucumber and tomatoes and toss with the cumin, vinegar and the chopped spring onions and place to one side. Pour the couscous into a large bowl, cover with boiling water cover with cling film and set aside. Fluff with a fork before using it. Combine the mustard and the honey. Place the chicken strips onto a grilling tray and brush over the mustard mixture. Grill the chicken for 5 minutes, turn over the chicken and glaze again, and grill for a further 5 minutes. Stir the mango mixture into the couscous, spoon onto a plate and place the chicken strips across the top and sprinkle the sliced almonds over. Serve with the mixed leaves.       Thai Chicken, Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup A creamy and lightly spicy creation that fills you right up while putting a little ball of warmth in your belly. Just bliss! Serves 1 Prep time 10mins Cook time 30mins 50 g Chicken Breast Lean 1/2 piece Sweet Potato Medium 1/2 cloves Garlic 1/4 piece Onion Medium Raw 2 sprigs Coriander Fresh 80 ml Coconut Milk - Low Fat 1/2 piece Vegetable Stock Cube - Low Salt 1/2 piece Juice of a Lime 1/2 tsp Chilli Flakes 180 mL Water Add the crushed garlic and chopped onion to preheated pan with a splash of oil and cook until soft. Add in the sliced chicken and fry until it turns white. Then add the chilli flakes and diced sweet potatoes, covering with the water and coconut milk, adding the stock cube and bringing to a boil. Once boiling turn down the heat and leave to simmer for 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes become soft. Add in the lime juice just before serving. Pour into a bowl, top with chopped coriander.           Salmon, endive and blood orange salad Latest video blog from Kathryn at www.tastyribbons.com Salads can be out of this world exciting. There is so much more you can do than simply arrange leaves in a bowl. This has its moments too, but trust me, there is so much more. Cooking is exciting because there is simply no end to what you can do with flavours, and how you can combine them and this is as applicable to salads as it is to any other dishes. There a few key elements which make a salad work, and which make it worthwhile as a substantial meal. Lots of flavour, being really substantial and tasty enough for you to walk away form your meal feeling satisfied and happy! If a salad achieves all of the above, it will do all the things a salad is supposed to do. Provide you with a light, healthy lunch or dinner, while also filling you up. This salad is a medley of unusual flavours, which harmonize with each other in the most unexpected and delightful way. It is also amazingly quick to prepare! When it comes to this time of year, we tend to entertain and socialize more. This recipe will double, triple or quadruple into a great easy to prepare crowd pleaser! Ingredients 100g of smoked salmon 40 g of mixed olives 1 endive, cut into quarters 1/2 a blood orange, segmented Small bunch of coriander Juice of 1/2 a lemon.                                                                 Enjoy it!

 

Roasted Herring with Rhubarb, Fennel and Dill Delicate by nature, I think fish is worthy of being married with subtle flavours. Beautiful as it is, it should be the star of whatever dish is graces, which is why I like to team it with flavours which almost whisper their presence. A bit like the feathers which allow a bird to soar. The faint hint of acidity from the rhubarb will help to cut through the oily fish, the fennel providing the base key, and the butter beans serving to turn this dish into a fully blown meal. This is a simple one pot affair which will have you at the dinner table before you know it! Recipe

Ingredients (serves 1) ·         1 small herring, butterfly filleted (your fishmonger will do this for you) ·         50g of rhubarb ·         50g of fennel, grated ·         1 tsp of honey ·         2 tsp of chopped dill ·         1 small can of butter beans ·         2 tbsp of olive oil ·         1/2 a lemon

Method: Preheat an oven to 190-200 degrees. Mix the fennel and rhubarb with the honey and dill with a drizzle of olive oil and season. Lay the stuffing along one half of the fish and fold over the other half on top. If you have a cocktail stick, pierce it through the edges of the fish to hold it together. Don’t worry if you don’t however, it is not 100% necessary. Line a small baking tray or round cake tin with baking parchment. Allow enough for you to fold it back over the fish. Put the butter beans in the tin, drizzle with a little olive oil, 1 tsp of chopped dill, salt and pepper. Lay the fish on top and, squeeze in 1/2 a lemon and place the lemon half in the tray. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the fish is firm and flaking apart. When done, transfer to a plate and you are ready to go!