Not Pasta Again

In this reflective episode, I look back on a year of podcasting, sharing insights from various guests on topics such as nutrition, children's eating habits, and the importance of real food. Plus I make an announcement. 

Silly season is upon us and hungry mouths still need feeding.  In this episode I share a few ideas on how to get through the busy days ahead at mealtime and to ease the pressure we put ourselves under in December.  I hope it helps! Here is the link to the episode recorded last year about preparing for Christmas. https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/d69c1c49-e003-4f70-90c4-f019ccb33d91/Episode-5-FINAL.mp3If you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me at myfoodforthought.co.uk

I have a guest joining me this week - Milly Fyfe, a passionate advocate for food education and sustainability. Milly shares her journey as a farmer's wife and social entrepreneur and the work she does in connecting families with locally sourced, whole foods. Through her community interest company, she runs workshops that educate children and families about the farm-to-fork journey and seasonal produce. Milly discusses the challenges we  face in meal preparation and the convenience of frozen vegetables, while also highlighting the positive impact her workshops have on participants' understanding of food. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mily Fyfe and Her Mission02:51 The Importance of Connecting with Food06:07 Challenges of Modern Parenting and Food Choices08:47 The Role of Convenience in Food Preparation14:51 Workshops at The Countryside Kitchen17:58 Engaging Children with Food Education20:46 Seasonality and Sustainability in Food24:08 The Impact of Workshops on Participants29:48 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts

Overwhelm in the kitchen is a common experience.  I revisit the theme of kitchen overwhelm and how to manage it effectively. I feel it is important to recognise pressure points in meal prep so this episode offers practical solutions to ease the cooking process. By reframing success in the kitchen and utilising available tools, we can reduce stress and create a more enjoyable cooking experience.If you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me at myfoodforthought.co.ukChapters00:00 Understanding Kitchen Overwhelm03:48 Identifying Pressure Points05:33 Easing Decision Fatigue06:41 Navigating Meal Prep Pressure08:59 Easing Mealtime Overwhelm11:06 The Reset Routine: Closing the Kitchen

Let’s try and be adventurous and brave in the kitchen.  I share a few ideas to encourage you to give things a try without worrying about failure and shifting your mindset towards trying something new.  If you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me at myfoodforthought.co.uk

No more sadness, it's time to reintroduce joy into the kitchen. I share practical tips for making cooking fun again, such as playing music, trying new recipes, and involving others in the cooking process. Thank you also for sharing your comments on how you find joy in the kitchen which I have also shared in this episode.  Let’s keep flourishing with a little bit more fun in our kitchen! If you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me at myfoodforthought.co.uk

An update on the ups and downs of my current eating habits, reflecting on the importance of community support, and the gradual shift towards nourishing myself again. Remember it's about flourishing and not floundering with food and I feel like I am just starting to turn a corner with this again.  Thanks for bearing with me through this tricky time.  If you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_

Its an emotional one this one…. I recently was thrown a curveball which knocked the wind from my sails. This episode is about cooking through the hard times, the lack of desire for food but still a need to provide a meal for the family and how this podcast community has supported me to take small steps towards better nourishment.Dominique Ludwig Nutritionist Dominique Ludwig Nutritionist MScIf you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group Let’s Thermomix with Sam | FacebookFollowing me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me myfoodforthought.co.ukChapters00:00 Introduction to Nourishing Through Tough Times02:34 Facing Life's Curveballs: The Emotional Impact on Food05:27 Finding Comfort in Routine and Community Support07:06 Simple Strategies for Nourishment During Hard Times

This is the Q&A episode! I’m joined by my producer Ellie and I answer your questions.  It seems you wanted to know more about the Thermomix so this episode is pretty Thermomix heavy but if that’s what you wanted to know then here are your answers. We discuss the ease of guided cooking, the adaptability of recipes, and the joy of cooking with children and share personal anecdotes of how Thermomix has made a difference in people’s lives for the better.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Q&A Episode02:52 The Journey into Thermomix05:53 Understanding Thermomix Functions09:00 Guided Cooking and Recipe Adaptability11:56 Cost Efficiency of a Thermomix15:03 Cooking with Kids18:06 Transformative Experiences with Thermomix21:04 Favourite Recipes and Cooking Habits

Nutritionist Lily Soutter shares her personal journey into the world of nutrition, stemming from her own health challenges. We chat the importance of nutrition in overall wellbeing and she explains about her Summer Mealtime Survival Guide, which offers practical strategies for maintaining healthy eating habits during these busy summer months. Lily reinforces what I often say, the need for simplicity and flexibility in meal planning and try to focus on nourishing foods and consistent habits rather than perfection. If you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me myfoodforthought.co.uk

In this conversation, Penny Taylor discusses her role as head of Newark College and her commitment to improving the lives of young people through education and community engagement. She shares innovative approaches to addressing food insecurity among students, the impact of food and energy drinks on learning and wellbeing, and the importance of creating a supportive environment. Penny also highlights the significance of cooking education and the long-term effects of these initiatives on students' lives. If you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me myfoodforthought.co.ukChapters00:00 Introduction to Penny Taylor and Her Role02:09 Impact of Food on Learning and Wellbeing05:05 Innovative Approaches to Student Support08:08 Changing Food Culture in Education11:08 The Role of Community and Partnerships14:15 Long-term Impact on Students' Lives24:07 Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits in Children26:26 Community Engagement and Local Initiatives30:33 The Importance of a Well-Rounded Education32:26 Understanding the Thermomix

Here is the promised episode of what to make with all your home grown produce! My allotment has produced an abundance of crop including raspberries, potatoes, herbs, beans etc and I have lots of recipe ideas to share.  Thanks also for sharing all the great items you have grown and I share your recipes in this episode. Stay tuned to the end as I have something exciting to  announce for future episodes. Here are the two recipe suggestionsRaspberry Whip - https://cookidoo.co.uk/recipes/recipe/en-GB/r769414 Basil Pesto - https://cookidoo.co.uk/recipes/recipe/en-GB/r151857Chapters00:00 Introduction to Homegrown Produce02:30 Harvesting Berries and Their Uses05:27 Exploring Other Homegrown Vegetables07:45 Reflections on Allotment Gardening10:59 The Benefits of Growing Your Own Produce13:25 Listener Recipes and Ideas16:06 Conclusion and Upcoming Series on Processed Foods

I have a guest joining me for this episode.  If you are looking for tips on how to stretch your meals further then Sam Croom is a pro! We chat about meal planning, shopping strategies, and how to creatively stretch ingredients to reduce waste. Sam explains that healthy eating doesn't have to be expensive and provides practical tips for making cost-effective meals as well as being creative in the kitchen to keep meals interesting. If you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me myfoodforthought.co.ukChapters00:00 Frugal Cooking: A Creative Approach12:57 The Importance of Budget Cooking18:03 Planning and Shopping Smart24:57 Stretching Ingredients and Reducing Waste30:54 The Thermomix Advantage34:55 Conclusion and Future Conversations

I chat about the pressures of entertaining and how to simplify the process to make it enjoyable for both hosts and guests. It’s all about keeping things simple, prepping ahead, and involving children in the process.  If you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me myfoodforthought.co.ukChapters00:00 Welcome to Summer Entertaining00:36 Reframing the Pressure of Entertaining02:33 Preparation is Key05:46 Keeping It Simple08:01 Catering to Dietary Needs08:50 Engaging Kids During Gatherings10:17 Letting Go of Perfection11:16 The Essence of Enjoyable Gatherings

Dr. Gillian Jackson joins me to discuss the importance of gut health in children and how early dietary habits can shape their future health. She explains the connection between gut health and overall well-being and provides practical tips for us on how to foster healthy eating habits. We touch on the impact of processed foods, and the benefits of involving children in meal prep. I found this conversation really encourages us to keep nutrition simple and focus on whole foods to support our children's health. You can find out more about Gillian on Instagram @drgillianjackson and the womens health clinic https://lincolnshirewomensclinic.co.uk/ If you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me myfoodforthought.co.ukChapters00:00 Introduction to Gut Health in Children02:55 Understanding Gut Health and Its Importance05:53 The Connection Between Gut Health and Overall Well-being08:56 Recognising Signs of Poor Gut Health11:57 Nutritional Strategies for Healthy Gut Development18:09 Managing Processed Foods and Sugar Intake21:03 Practical Tips for Parents23:56 Long-term Benefits of Good Gut Health27:00 The Thermomix Experience and Cooking Tips30:04 Final Thoughts

The joy of growing your own produce! In this episode I talk about my personal journey with allotment gardening and the joy it has brought to all the family. You don’t need rows of beds, raised veg boxes and a full blown allotment to enjoy doing this either.  I share ideas on how to involve the children in the process, and the satisfaction that comes from harvesting homegrown produce. Plus practical tips of what to grow even in a small window box and what to make with your crop!  As always I love to hear from you so please do share any tips, photos or memories of growing your own in the facebook group or drop me an email.notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me myfoodforthought.co.ukChapters00:00 Introduction to Growing Your Own Food03:11 Benefits of Homegrown Produce04:42 Personal Allotment Journey08:05 Family Involvement in Gardening11:26 Involving Children in the Growing Your Own Produce15:44 Practical Tips for Growing20:11 Conclusion and Future Plans

I chat kitchen design and organisation with expert Rebecca Driver. Following on from the Your Kitchen Space episode we talk more about decluttering, common mistakes in kitchen layouts, and the impact of lighting and colour in the kitchen. Rebecca shares loads of great ideas on maximising storage and timeless design choices. Plus explains the term ‘kitchen triangle’.   If you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me myfoodforthought.co.uk

In this episode I learn more about Coeliac disease from my guest China.  She discusses the challenges of navigating a gluten-free diet and her experience in adapting to a new way of eating. China now runs a highly successful gluten-free bakery and café and we discuss practical cooking tips, the gluten-free substitutes available and why eating gluten-free doesn’t mean compromise on quality and taste. China highlights the importance of resilience and finding joy in cooking and baking, even with dietary limitations. If you would like to know more about Robin Rose Bakes follow here Gluten + Dairy Free Cakes | Robin Rose Bakesou have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me myfoodforthought.co.ukChapters00:00 Introduction and Kitchen Reflections03:08 Exploring Gluten-Free Cooking05:54 China's Journey with Coeliac Disease08:49 Navigating Food Labels and Hidden Gluten12:08 Cooking and Baking Gluten-Free14:56 Building a Gluten-Free Business18:05 The Importance of Community and Support20:53 Mental Health and Gluten-Free Living24:08 Thermomix Experience and Cooking Innovations26:56 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

What does convenience mean to you?  In this episode I take a deep dive into what we believe convenient food is, how we use it day to day and explore new ways for convenience to not always be a ready meal or a snack from a packet. Recipes for Banana and Oatmeal Energy Bars - Banana and Oatmeal Energy Bars - Cookidoo® – the official Thermomix® recipe platformPizza Dough - Pizza Dough - Cookidoo® – the official Thermomix® recipe platformHomemade pesto - Basil Pesto - Cookidoo® – the official Thermomix® recipe platformChunky Bolognese - https://cookidoo.co.uk/recipes/recipe/en-GB/r540251ou have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me myfoodforthought.co.uk

Does your kitchen bring you joy?  Is the lack of space the issue?  In this episode I chat more about making better use of the space we have, the gadgets we probably don’t need and I set us all a challenge to help improve our kitchen space,  Plus I have some great tips from an expert on organising your kitchen and creating a space that fosters joy and efficiency in meal prep.  If you have a question or tips to share you can send them through to notpastaagain@hotmail.comConnect through my social channels The facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsthermomix/Following me on Instagram my_food_for_thought_Find out about me myfoodforthought.co.uk00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:36 The Importance of the Kitchen02:50 Personal Reflections on Kitchen Design06:16 Embracing the Kitchen You Have10:13 Decluttering for a Functional Kitchen10:13 The Thermomix: A Game Changer12:46 The Role of Thermomix in Small Spaces15:00 Final Thoughts on Kitchen Efficiency