Post Lockdown Blues

Since lockdown in the UK has relaxed a bit, I have been feeling really unmotivated and have noticed a lot of days in the week I am feeling low.

I thought it was just me, but after asking on my stories on Instagram I found that 99% of us are feeling the same.

So my question is have you been feeling low and unmotivated?

Realistically it is going to take time to readjust to getting back to life how it was before. It has been an incredibly stressful 14 months since Covid started and it’s unreasonable to be expected to just fit into your life as before.

We need to be kind to ourselves and acknowledge what we have all been through. It will take time….it will….and that is ok.

Spiritual cards

I made a Yoga Print for my Mam and she liked it that much I thought I would turn it into a greeting card.

I love anything spiritual like this so I have designed some more cards like this. I’m hoping to make up some stick to sell at a market stall soon.

Here are some more of my cards. They are all available at www.etsy.com/shop/incollectionuk

I can customise each card to include a name or a message and I offer many different colours too.

Steph x

Top 10 Gluten Free foods for a vegetarian

Struggling as a Gluten Free Vegetarian? Look no further! Try my top 10 GF Veggie convenience foods.

When I first became GF I really struggled to find food out there that were both veggie and GF and that I could buy rather than make from scratch. I do tend to make most food from scratch but I also like to have things in the fridge or freezer that I can stick in the oven every now and then.

These alternative to meatballs are absolutely delicious with GF spaghetti and a homemade tomato sauce. They have quite a smoky flavour and are really tasty and filling. You’ll find them in the frozen aisle in Asda.
https://groceries.asda.com/product/12-vegan-tomato-halloumi-alternative-balls/asda-plant-based-12-vegan-tomato-halloumi-alternative-balls/1000185650158
I used to eat a lot of quorn by unfortunately a lot of it contains wheat so I’m limited.
I really love these Quorn peppered steaks. They are a lovely texture, I tend to overcook the
as I prefer them a bit crispier! They are great if you are looking for a high protein meal replacement and are great in the frying pan or on a bbq. You can find these in most supermarkets.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.quern.co.uk/amp/products/peppered-steaks
If you haven’t tried Gluten Free Pieminister pies, then you absolutely must! Honestly, they are gorgeous! The pastry is nicer than any I have ever tried.
I think you can only buy these in Sainsbury’s, I’ve not seen them anywhere else yet.
https://pieminister.co.uk/pies/gluten-free-olivia/
When I first became GF I was obsessed with these cheese and onion bakes! They were one of the only foods that I could find that was vegetarian too. They are lush with a salad and new potatoes, or even as a replacement burger in a GF bun. The breadcrumbs do not taste GF and the filling is super moorish. https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/285027095

I’ve just recently discovered this Courgette, feta and spinach pie from Sainsbury’s. I had it with some mashed potato and some veggies, but it would be lovely with a salad or if you were having a picnic. The pastry is a lovely texture and the filling is very fresh and light. https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/ready-meals-272761-44/b-freefrom-courgette–feta—spinach-pie-170g
Another Sainsbury’s product! These Mexican bean burgers are a great accompaniment with a salad, as a burger in a bread roll or you could even have it as part of a Mexican night! It would be lovely chopped up with some rice, gluten free wraps and some refried beans. Also if you were having a Nando’s takeaway, this is very similar to the Nando’s Spicy Bean Burger. https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/gluten-free-frozen/sainsburys-deliciously-free-from-spiced-mexican-bean-burgers-x2-227g
Amy’s kitchen have a fab range of Gluten Free convenience foods. They are all natural ingredients and taste absolutely lush! Give them a try.
This vegetable lasagne is so tasty and perfect if you are in a rush and you can just pop it in the microwave. I really enjoy this with wedges or jacket potato and salad.
You can find Amy’a kitchen in most supermarkets like Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda and Morrison’s.
https://www.amyskitchen.co.uk/our-foods/vegetable-lasagne-gluten-free-dairy-free
If you’re missing Greggs try these M&S Without Wheat Cheese and Onion rolls…..they are delicious and if you’re like me and missing cheese pastys, then they are a good substitute!! You will not be disappointed! https://www.ocado.com/products/m-s-made-without-cheese-onion-rolls-515433011
The co-op normally have some lush GF frozen party food in at Christmas time! They are perfect if you are entertaining or even for a Saturday night in! The pasty is absolutely devine and I’d highly recommend you go and try them! They also do the most amazing GF Mince Pies!!! Save some for me though! https://www.coop.co.uk/products/co-op-indian-style-sharing-selection-220g-gluten-free
Being GF you will know how bad GF pizzas normally are. Cardboard springs to mind!! Well, I have found some hidden gems for you. These Schar pizzas are really lovely. The base is nice and crispy and I normally add some extra topping to jazz it up a bit! Really worth a try. They are also lacto free too. https://groceries.asda.com/product/free-from-frozen-food/schar-gluten-free-pizza-margherita/1000228556278

Do let me know what you think of my top 10 and if you have foods that you can recommend , please leave me a comment below.

Stephanie XOX

Gluten free/plant based coconut porridge

I made this stunning recipe from the Wagamama feed your soul book. The recipe is plant based and I bought some gluten free oats to use.

It is so delicious I had to share!

Really beautiful fresh flavours.

Ingriedients

50g rolled oats (make sure they are gf if you are gf)

300g coconut yogurt

For the fruit syrup

3 tablespoons maple syrup

Juice of 1/2 lime

50g fresh or frozen mango diced

1 passion fruit flesh scooped

Pinch of chilli flakes

2.5 cm piece of ginger (I didn’t put this in as I don’t like it)

Method

Add the maple syrup, 3 tablespoons of water and the lime juice to a small saucepan over a medium/low heat. Add the mango, passion fruit flesh ginger and chilli flakes. Stir and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce turns into more of a syrupy consistency. You can add more maple syrup and water here if you like. I didn’t think it needed anymore.

To make the porridge, add 200ml of water into a small non stick pan with the rolled oats. Cook over a low heat until it bubbles and thickens. It won’t take long just a few minutes.

Take off the heat and mix through the coconut yogurt and top with the fruit syrup and fruit.

Enjoy! It really is delicious and you could add in any fruit you have in your fridge.