Last week I had the pleasure of advising pro freestyle football player, Lisa Zimouche on what to eat a few hours before playing on the pitch. Of course these meals are suitable for anyone that wants to have a healthy balanced diet which includes – high complex carbs, moderate protein and low fats. If you are active or train, generally you want to make sure that your body’s store of glycogen is topped. Here are a few delicious meals that I personally go to when I’m pressed for time and cover all the nutrients you need. Beetroot, Chicken and Potato Salad 1 chicken Breast 70ml sweet Soy Sauce 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds 1 tsb grated ginger 1 cooked beetroot 100g peeled baby potatoes 50g green beans 2g freshly chopped mint leaves 1 tbsp toasted almonds 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
Chop chicken breast into cubes and mix soy sauce, sesame and ginger.
Slice beetroot into thin matchsticks. Place in a large bowl.
Cook the potatoes in salted boiled water for 10mins until tender.
Refresh under cold water. Drain
Cook the beans for 2 mins, draw and add to beetroot and potatoes, mint and almonds. Mentally toss until all mixed properly. Mix the mustard and lemon with salt and pepper for the dressing and pour over.
Drain the chicken and fry for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
Herby Salmon and Crushed New Potatoes 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, parsley and thyme) The rind of one lime 2tbsp virgin olive oil 1 salmon fillet 200g salad potatoes 1 garlic clove crushed 2 spring onions sliced 100g green beans Salt and cracked pepper
Mix together half the herbs with the lime and 1 tbsp olive oil and use to coat the fish.
Place the potatoes of lightly salted water to boil for 10 mins until tender. Then add the beans to cook for a further 10 mins.
After 10 mins heat 1tbsp of the oil in a frying pan, add the fish and fry for 2-3 mins on each side.
Drain the potatoes and coarsely crush with remaining oil and herbs with the garlic and seasoning.
Pile the potatoes and veg on a plate and serve immediately topped with the fish.