With a rise in dairy intolerances and allergies as well as increased awareness around environment and ethics, many people are opting to follow a dairy-free diet or perhaps one with lower dairy consumption.
dairy free
Banana, Date & Walnut Muffins
Now that we are transitioning into cooler temperatures, I am finding that I am naturally craving more warming and nourishing wholefoods. Hence, I have since whipped up these most delicious yet nourishing banana muffins on multiple occasions now. They are divine served warm with spread of butter, nut butter and/or honey or are a treat […]
Eggplant Pizza
This is such a easy and simple recipe that is perfect for the kiddies – big and small. It is a great way to boost one’s veggie intake and can be adapted to suit your dietary preferences and what is in your fridge. Give it a whirl and let me know if you make it! Tag […]
Broccolini, Cannellini Bean & Mango Salad
With the hot weather over this festive season, I wanted a salad that was light yet summery for my Christmas spread. So I created this broccolini, cannellini bean and mango bowl. Give it a whirl and let me know if you make it! Tag #optimahealth with all your creations. Served 14 of us as a […]
Immune Boosting Chicken & Veggie Soup
This is my nutrient dense chicken soup for the soul. Aside from chicken and a good lot of legumes, it is chock full of vegetables meaning it’s high in fibre, full of many different nutrients and is entirely satiating. A head cold has been lingering the past few days so have been dosing up on […]
Minty Salsa Verde
This minty salsa verde is so delicious and is such a timely reminder that spring is on its way. I have made this more than once and have it enjoyed it with everything from lamb to salmon to roast vegetables. It is extremely versatile. Not to mention it is full of wholefood ingredients and gives […]
Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad
Pumpkin is the best orange vegetable. There, I said it! I truly think it is. I mean, I LOVE sweet potato and I LOVE carrots, but I ESPECIALLY LOVE pumpkin. Hence, why this salad, to me, is the ultimate warming autumnal feed. Complete with warm grains, slow roasted pumpkin goodness and crunch and texture from […]
The Foundation Series – Calcium: The 411
Calcium is the latest edition to The Foundation Series. Calcium plays a vital role in many processes in the body as well as playing part in its structural integrity. Read on for more. What is calcium? Calcium is chemical element identified by the symbol ‘Ca’. It is an essential mineral for humans and is required […]
Broccoli & Quinoa Salad
I’ve touched on the nutritional benefits of quinoa before and this week it was a feature in the first ever edition of the Optima Health quiz on Instagram. Hence, I thought it timely to post a salad featuring this most brilliant grain. This is my broccoli and quinoa salad. Its nutty, its fruity, its plain […]
Roast Cinnamon Pumpkin Salad with a Creamy Dreamy Dressing
I love pumpkin. Its orange, its so incredibly versatile, and it tastes amazing. It’s also full of so many health benefits – such as its high in fibre, zinc, sulfur, vitamin A, phytosterols, protein and tryptophan. Being rich in these nutrients means that pumpkin gives us better immunity, better digestion, clearer skin, reduced cholesterol, stronger […]