February Food Favourites

Since the start of the new year, I have had a bit of a lifestyle change; I go to the gym 4-5 times a week and I've completely changed my diet. Now, don't get me wrong, I still love burgers and crisps and all things sweet (as is evident from some of my recent posts), but for the most part I'm making healthier and more wholesome choices.

I've been experimenting with lots of new foods and have now got a ton of new favourites! Anyone who knows me will know that this is a massive step for me, as I was about 16 when I tried my first carrot (and promptly spat it back out). So, I wanted to share some of my new favourite foods with you partially because I just love food and also to give you some ideas for new snacks. For the sake of alliteration, let's pretend this is a slightly belated post that I intended to put up at the end of February! 

I fell in love with Yeo Valley yoghurt at Glastonbury in 2011, where they had their own stall set up from which they sold frozen 450g tubs for £1 each. Given that England was basking in one of the sweatiest heat waves I have ever experienced at the time, this cheap treat was an absolute God-send. I probably go through a tub of this every 2-3 days, dishing it up with grapes, strawberries, blueberries and banana. It's the perfect way to wake me up in the morning, and means I've had 4 of my 5-a-day before I've even got out of bed!

 Yeo Valley Strawberry Yoghurt - £1.60

Blueberries are a more recent discovery of mine, and for the last few weeks I've been snacking on them none stop. They're an antioxidant, which is apparently a really good thing, and have also been described as a super-food. These little blue balls of joy are perfect to graze on, particularly if you get them from your local fruit and veg store, where they are likely to be cheaper and tastier!

 Blueberries - £2.00

Crackers tend to be my go-to late night snack. Yes, yes, I know; I shouldn't be late night snacking at all, but I refuse to go hungry late at night whilst I'm still up doing important things... like watching Pretty Little Liars. I usually go for water biscuits (or plain crackers, as I think is a more efficient name for them) with a few thin slices of cheese. It's a tasty snack and makes me feel a little bit fancy, so it's an all round winner! 

 Water Biscuits - 75p

BAGELS. Let's all just take a minute to talk about bagels. These are 100% my greatest discovery of the past few months. I've never really been a fan of white bread, and usually stick to wholemeal or seeded loaves. So, a few weeks ago my mum decided to pick up some seeded bagels during the weekly shop and my whole world changed. I've had one for lunch every day since, toasted and topped with scrambled eggs. They're also great with jam, or sandwich fillings such as chicken or ham and salad. To conclude; bagels. 

Sesame Bagels - £1.60 

My most recent discovery (as in, I purchased it for the first time last night), is Jordans Country Crisp. Basically this is a massive box of granola with little strawberry bits in, and the only reason I haven't demolished the whole box yet is because I still have a few shreds of self control. I've literally been eating it by the handful, earning me more than a few weird looks from my friends. 

Jordans Country Crisp - £2.00 

Crisps were the one thing I knew I would really struggle to cut out my diet; Walkers, McCoys, Doritos, Kettle Chips, Hula Hoops, Wotsits, Quavers, Nik Naks... you name it, I love it. So, instead of cutting them out I've replaced them with crisps that aren't really crisps. At the moment I've been enjoying these WeightWatchers Cheese Puffs and Waitrose's Mini Pretzels. I'd also recommend Sunbites, Ryvita Minis and Special K Cracker Crisps. All of these have under 120 calories, as opposed to the 250 in a pack of McCoys or 180 in Walkers. Cracking stuff, eh?

Weightwatchers Crisps - £1.89 

Cereal bars have always been a big part of my diet, they're quick and easy to snack on and there's so much variety to choose from! I used to lean towards the chocolatey, caramel covered ones, whereas now I'm choosing the oaty, fruity ones. Nature Valley's Canadian Maple Syrup flavoured ones are just loads of oats stuck together with a nice dollop of maple syrup; you really can't go wrong with that combination. Jordans Frusli bars are packed full of oats and fruits, and these blueberry ones are my favourites.

 Nature Valley Cereal Bar - £2.39 // Jordans Frusli Bar - £1.98

If you had offered me a fishcake a year ago, I would've run a mile. After turning my nose up many a time at one of my friends who likes to end every night out with a fishcake from the local chippy (you know, the sort that just looks like a round fishfinger), I never imagined I'd be eating them for dinner on a regular basis. I had no idea that there was such a wide variety; smoked haddock with mature cheddar and mustard, cod with a melt in the middle four cheese centre... I've had them all! They're quick and easy to throw in the oven and serve up with a load of salad for a low-carb dinner. 

Smoked Haddock Fishcakes - £3.00

Let me know if you try any of these, or if you have any ideas for other healthy foods I should try!

KJ xo