Has January got the better of you? Are you, like us, feeling a little sorry for yourself? Are you struggling to find the time, energy or inclination to do anything remotely active, let alone think about giving your baby a massage?
We may have the answer with this energising recipe designed to give you an extra boost. Since nutrition naturally links to baby massage and baby well-being, we have been reading up on all those foods that will give us some get up and go.
We also love this tried and tested recipe because it is nice and easy, and quick too. After all, who has time to spend hours in the kitchen working on complicated recipes when baby is crying and hungry, or older children are running around the house getting hangry?
The great thing about this recipe is you can make lots of section one, then freeze it. The second section only takes a few minutes. So why not make a batch of the tomato sauce, divide it up, and you have a quick supper whenever you are in a rush. Don’t like one of the ingredients? Easy; just replace it with something from the same food group. So, you could swap spinach with broccoli for example.
The onion and garlic are prebiotics that help your digestive system, often a root cause of feeling lethargic. If garlic upsets your baby’s tummy, simply leave this ingredient out. The anchovies provide protein and omega-3, which are perfect for energising your muscles, but you could try salmon, sardines or mackerel instead. Spinach provides iron. Add a vitamin C-rich red pepper to help your body absorb the iron easier.
If you’re going to be cooking this meal for your children as well, it’s better not to use salt, but the basil and oregano should add plenty of flavour to this dish. Bon appetite!
Tomato and Anchovy Sauce with Pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- Handful of baby spinach leaves
- Handful of basil leaves or 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- Tin of tomatoes
- Tin of anchovies
- Handful black olives
Section one
Fry the onion in a little vegetable oil until soft and translucent. Try not to brown it. Add the garlic, basil, pepper and tinned tomatoes. Fill the empty tomatoes tin with cold tap water and add to the mix and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Section two
Add the anchovies into the pan and stir until they start to break up. Then add the olives, oregano and spinach.
Serve with pasta or a baked potato for a tasty and filling lunch.
For an energy-boosting pudding (and no a chocolate bar doesn’t count), we have been enjoying a handful of walnuts with some natural yoghurt, honey and cinnamon. Apparently, vitamin B6 in walnuts works with the magnesium in yoghurt to activate enzymes which help your body get more energy from food. Tasty and clever – we love it.
Hope you enjoy!
Natalie x
Photo Credit: Heather Ford at Unsplash
