National Hummus Day

After refusing to eat the stuff for years, I've slowly become a Hummus addict. Dealing with an injury, which doesn't allow you to impact - gives you a lot more free time, in between gruelling cross training sessions and being home completely alone for the last fortnight, has given me full reigns of the kitchen!

I have never been an athlete to focus much on their diet but over the last few months - I've tried really hard to make a few, minor changes and become a little bit healthier! My first aim was to have some healthy home-made snacks, ready for me to grab, as soon as I finish training - rather than heading to the supermarket in a hungry rampage. 

Last week, I made normal hummus but after buying beetroot for my lunch and having no idea what to do with the leftovers, I found a recipe online for Beetroot Hummus. It gives it a fantastic pink colour and was extremely easy to make...

-Half a tin of chickpeas

-One small beetroot

-Small clove of garlic

-Half of a small red pepper

-Table spoon of Tahini 

-Tea spoon of cumin

-Sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Berry Smoothie

I have become addicted to fruit smoothies especially as a recovery shake after my training runs. Since i've been doing it, i've definitely picked up less illnesses than previously – perhaps it's a complete coincidence but they're also great tasting so it's not exactly a chore to keep up with!

You can pick and choose anything you want to throw in really – that's the beauty of it! At the moment – I just use a general hand blender as I haven't had the time to go out and buy a proper blender!! 

This is one of my favourites. A banana, a splash of apple juice (or any fruit juice), frozen berries, 4 tablespoons of Natural Greek (not greek style) yoghurt bought from Tesco Finest (I'm sure other yoghurts with high protein would also be fine..)

I am not a nutritionist by any means so don't take this as bible.. but we were advised by a nutritionist that it was a good way of getting in some vitamins and micronutrients alongside some protein and carbs for after running. For me, I definitely feel the benefits.

Athlete Pizza

Another food favourite of mine – 5 Minute Athlete Pizza. Being a busy athlete, sometimes the last thing I want to do is cook and prepare food. As a quick 5minute fix for my lunch – this has been ideal.

It sounds a little weird but I love it as a quick snack. I use any wrap, usually wholemeal as they are a little thicker, spread some tomato passata on the base, add peppers, salami, fennel seeds, basil leaves and then cover with some grated cheese – usually mozzarella or cheddar. 

The base is a little strange to get used to and perhaps doesn't quite qualify as a standard 'pizza' but it still tastes good! The 'pizza' is then placed under the grill at the highest heat for a minute or so.