Make time to bring family together around meal times, living in the now and how food can help do this.

As a mother, nutritionist and absolute foodie, food is a high priority, especially when it comes to connection and bonding with loved ones.

The improvements in both emotional and physical health from socialising around food cannot be underestimated. Cultures who base their dining around bonding with family and close community through shared leisurely meals have been studied for longevity and reduced incidence of chronic disease. Eating in this fashion on a regular basis with the mindset of food being there to be enjoyed and shared, is a way to promote greater physical wellbeing and acts to serve our emotional wellbeing.

Children learn from and mimic the behaviour of parents/caregivers, so it’s been a goal of mine to instil a positive attitude to food and family connection in my daughter.

Growing up, I was always a good eater and I believe, one of the reasons for this is because we always ate at the dinner table together. This is a daily practice that I have been conscious of following with my own family. During dinner, we play a game called ‘high, low and gruffalo’ – whereby my husband, daughter and I, each share the high of our day, the low and the Gruffalo, ie surprise! This is a lovely way to not only share and reflect upon our day but also to build a deeper connection and find new ways to support each other.

In addition to this, from a young age, I have involved my daughter in cooking because I know that this exercise helps children to develop an interest and curiosity in food, which can help them to be more adventurous with food. Aside from the help, I also get to learn a thing or two from her creative mind! One of her most favourite recipes to cook as a family is Smoked Paprika, Coconut and Ginger Crumbed Chicken with Shaved Cos Lettuce Salad, enjoy this recipe shared below!

If you have children who aren’t at the age to help prep, you can still include them in the cooking process by looking through cookbooks together and going to the markets or green grocer to select produce. When at the store let your children smell and touch the produce that you have selected and speak to them about what it tastes like and how you will be cooking it.

Having the right cookware is another impactful way to be inspired to cook more and make the effort to gather with loved ones to slow down, cook with love and enjoy life. 

Coconut and Ginger Crumbed Chicken with Shaved Cos Lettuce Salad

Serves: 4

Prep: 15 minutes

Cooking: 10-15 minutes 

Ingredients:

4 x 150g chicken breast

1 cup wholemeal breadcrumbs

½ cup shredded coconut

2 tbsp. fresh grated ginger

1 tsp. smoked paprika

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 tbsp. coconut milk

½ lime, zested

2 tbsp. coconut oil, for cooking

Lime wedges, to serve

Salad

2 cups cos lettuce, shaved

½ punnet cherry tomatoes, halved

½ bunch coriander, washed and finely chopped

½ lime juiced

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. In a bowl mix the dry ingredients - breadcrumbs, shredded coconut, ginger, lime zest and smoked paprika. In another bowl, mix the eggs and coconut milk.

2. Dip each fillet in the beaten egg mixture to coat all over then transfer to the coconut- breadcrumb bowl and cover with the breadcrumb mixture, patting gently to help the crumbs stick firmly.

3. In a large frying pan add the coconut oil, place the crumbed fillets on it. And cook for approximately 5 minutes, depending on their thickness, turning once. Serve, drizzled with the juice of the limes and salad.

To make the salad, gently mix all ingredients in a bowl.