Some experts say it’s easy to eat healthy - plan ahead, eat whole foods, keep it balanced. Simple, right? You want to know what I think as a food scientist and seasoned home cook? Well, I think it can be really hard at this time of year. Darker evenings roll in, energy dips, and all I want is comfort food. And I wouldn’t blame you if you feel the same.
Wagyu Beef Meatballs with Fresh Bay Leaves from my garden
So this week I wanted to share realistic ideas - the kind that don’t require superhuman discipline, a 6am smoothie routine, or giving up pasta. Just good food that still takes care of you.
A comforting Curried Chicken Pasta 🍝 Here’s comfort food with a little lift, protein and fibre taken care of. This pasta is creamy and cosy but also has layers of spice, garlic and garam masala - great for flavor, great for your gut. I use cream cheese for creaminess, but you can use sour cream or a bit of yogurt (instead of a heavy sauce), Cavolo Nero for fibre (any greens work), and leftover chicken to save time. Fast, flexible, no need to think.
Curried Pasta with Leftover Cooked Chicken and Cavolo Nero
Bring Back the Basics 🍚 A lot of cozy cooking starts with one simple rule: build meals from base ingredients you actually enjoy eating. For me, that means rice, pasta, beans, potatoes, roasted veg, and things I can grab fast like yogurt, olives, and pickles. If you’re aiming for better gut health this autumn, you don’t need fancy powders - you need more plants, more texture, and a little planning that doesn’t feel like a chore.
Meal Prep That Isn’t Miserable 🍲 If you want practical help, my meal-prep video is now up on YouTube. It isn’t extreme, it isn’t beige, and it definitely isn’t eating chicken breast and broccoli every night. It’s just my honest way of staying sane during the week and still eating food that makes me feel good. No tiny boxes or sad salads - just five mix-and-match meals built around plants and flavor.
Sneak Peek: Something Juicy Is Coming 👀 🔥 I can't wait to share with you my juicy Portuguese-inspired chicken and rice - the kind of dish you eat straight from the casserole with a big spoon. It’s lusciously garlicky, lemony and slow-cooked in the oven. I’ve been making versions of it most Sundays, a huge batch that lasts us a few dinners and work lunches too. And if you’re in a stew mood already, try this cozy Romanian classic chicken stew
