As we approach the New Year, and as a chef I often get asked about healthy recipes. January is the prime month for people to start their new healthy diets and I think that it is very important when designing Arbutus menus and attending Arbutus outside catering events, this should be kept in mind.  

This got me thinking and here is a few healthy meals and snacks to get you well on your way and start on the right foot. 

Pitta Pocket  

A low-fat, healthy snack with chicken, tomatoes and cucumber, and it takes just minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

• ½ wholemeal pitta bread
• 25g cooked skinless chicken breast
• ¼ cucumber, cut into chunks
• 4 cherry tomatoes, halved

Method

• Fill the pitta half with the chicken breast, cucumber and cherry tomatoes.

Egg & soldiers

We love this spin on the traditional using asparagus soldiers for your dippy egg - a great low-fat, gluten-free snack or light lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 soft boiled egg 
• 7 spears of steamed asparagus 

Method

• Cut the soft-boiled egg in half and serve with the steamed asparagus for dipping.

Instant frozen berry yogurt

Three ingredients and two minutes is all you need to whip up this low-fat, low-calorie yogurt, which is ideal for eating after exercise. 

Ingredients

• 250g frozen mixed berry
• 250g 0%-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey

Method

• Blend berries, yogurt and honey or agave syrup in a food processor for 20 seconds, until it comes together to a smooth ice-cream texture. Scoop into bowls and serve.

There we have it. These are simple recipes and very easy to make. Perfect for busy routines when working or hitting the gym.

Team Arbutus