Katie Bulmer-Cooke: Here comes the sun

May 31, 2016

Health and fitness entrepreneur Katie Bulmer-Cooke provides some tasty, yet nutritious recipes to enjoy this summer

Summer is on its way and although the weather can’t make up its mind, one thing is for certain – temptation is all around us. Barbecues will be full of processed food, bread rolls and finger foods which are full of hidden ‘nasties’ waiting to increase our waistlines. But here are some fab ideas to ensure you don’t miss out on the tasty treats this summer.

Bruschetta bites

Mix some roughly chopped tomatoes, red onion, crushed garlic and basil, and spoon onto individual oatcakes or rice cakes.

Salsa

Avoid buying a ready-made salsa as there’s often lots of hidden added sugar! Make your own with tomatoes, peppers and lime for a super low-calorie dip.

Guacamole

Avocado contains good fat, so why not whip up your own guacamole? The main ingredients are crushed avocado, lime, garlic, onion and tomatoes all blended up.

Kale crisps

Preheat the oven to a medium heat. Empty a bag of kale onto a baking tray and add 1 tsp of sea salt, 1 tsp pepper, the juice of half a lemon, 1 tbsp of agave nectar/honey and 2 tbsp of olive or coconut oil, rubbing the ingredients together with your fingers. Bake in the oven for approximately five minutes.

Chicken kebabs

Lean diced chicken on skewers with alternate veggies look awesome all stacked up on a plate and are the perfect healthy finger foods.

Sweet potato wedge sticks

Simply skewered and grilled sweet potatoes make a perfect healthy side dish or party food. Add a little paprika to give them a kick and complement with a cooling yoghurt and mint dip.

Sweet potato skins

Potato skins are always popular! Scoop out the inside of the cooked potatoes, mix with fish and a little humus and chopped spinach, put back into the skins and bake. So filling and healthy too!

Yoghurt frozen lollies

Want something a little sweeter? Mix Greek yoghurt with chopped fruit such as strawberries, raspberries and grapes, then freeze in a lolly mould with sticks. And for those with an extra-sweet tooth, why not try adding a little honey, too?

Katie Bulmer-Cooke is an award-winning health and fitness entrepreneur, consultant and speaker
www.katiebulmer.com
www.thefitmummymanual.com
@katiebulmer1