The Naturalist
Three Spring-Worthy Dishes to Make This Week
March 20, 2024
Photos by: Bliss Braoudakis
How would you generally approach everyday nutrition and nourishment?
I like to live my life by the 80/20 rule. Balance is key. I eat super clean the majority of the time, especially after my treatment for breast cancer. I start my day with a green juice. I incorporate plant-based foods throughout the week, and stay clear of dairy and inflammatory foods. I eat lots of wild salmon, organic white meat, lots of fresh organic seasonal fruit and veggies from the farmers market, and no refined sugars. On the weekend, I like to enjoy myself and have a pizza with friends or a sushi date night with my husband. Try to enjoy life too and don’t let yourself get too stressed about it all, as stress is one of the primary causes of health issues.
Do you find that your approach changes with the seasons?
I’m eternally inspired by what I find at the local farmers markets in Los Angeles. I’ve always eaten seasonally having grown up in the English countryside. During the summer I’m looking for bright, fresh ingredients for salads, grilled vegetable side dishes, and crave lots of fish/seafood, all with a mediterranean flare. I want to take a bite and be transported to the Greek Islands or the Amalfi Coast. But in the winter, I tend to opt more for a comforting soup, a bean chili over a baked sweet potato, a vegan curry and lots of roasted root vegetables with roasted chicken or a turkey bolognese over some roasted spaghetti squash. For breakfast, I tend to gravitate more towards oatmeal with seasonal fruit and warming cinnamon flavors. Whereas in summer I love to eat a chia pudding or coconut yogurt with granola and berries. Year round I make sure to stick to the microhabits I created through my treatment, like my daily green juice.
Tell us more about these particular recipes? What was the inspiration?
These recipes are my go to veggie dishes that I love to make for my clients’ dinner parties. I love playing with flavors and experimenting. The blood orange with the roasted carrots is perfect for spring. The asparagus with peas is a favorite to eat with a beautiful piece of roasted salmon. And I love the sweet tangy pop of pomegranate on the cauliflower with the anti-inflammatory turmeric flavors. I grew up being vegetarian and listening to what my body craves in the moment.
Are there any ingredients you’re most likely to lean on as winter turns to spring?
As winter transitions into spring, it's a great time to incorporate fresh, vibrant ingredients while still enjoying some hearty flavors reminiscent of the colder months. Citrus is always a go to in these transitional months. It brightens any dish. Other ingredients I’m loving right now: Leafy greens, asparagus, peas, cauliflower, radishes, beets, radicchio, carrots, apples, berries.
Any tips for hesitant home cooks?
Begin with simple recipes that have minimal ingredients and basic instructions. One pot or sheet pan recipes are a great way to start out. Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, making the cooking process smoother and less stressful. Clean as you go to minimize mess and make cleanup easier. Watch cooking tutorials, read cookbooks, or take a cooking class to learn new techniques. Always use a sharp knife! Blunt knives cause cut fingers. Follow recipes closely, especially when you're just starting out. As you become more comfortable, you can start to experiment and make adjustments. Cooking is a creative process, so have fun with it!
What’s one habit you’re letting go of this season?
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach! Also, making sure I never skip breakfast even when I’m rushing off to cook for clients because I find if I do, my blood sugar is off for the whole day and I reach a slump that’s hard to overcome. So keeping myself fed and my blood sugar regulated is so important.
And one you’re most excited to dive into?
I’m so excited to get back into pilates. I used to go all the time before I was diagnosed and then lost confidence since my surgery as I lost some muscle strength in my left side. Doing a workout I love feels so empowering.
Recipes