I’m sure that like me you have realized that winter was not kind on the hips, and that there are a few more kilograms hanging around the belly, butt and thighs than would allow you to proudly parade in your bikini? Line up ladies and gents, we’re all in the same boat and there’s nothing wrong with shedding the ‘winter coat’, all it really takes is embracing this gorgeous weather we are having and getting your fridge and freezer and pantry stocked with healthy food. Sounds simple and we all know this is true but it’s just waking up one morning and taking the plunge. A healthy kick sounds easy but if you don’t plan your meals you will get caught out rushing into a high-calorie solution if you are hungry and on the run! I have designed some gorgeous recipes that you can make up and then eat on for the next three days. This will not only save you time but also money as cooking in bulk in very cost effective. I have found that making a list with the staples such as your proteins (chicken breast, lean steaks, pork fillets loin chops, eggs, fish) and some flavor enhancers such as mustard, herbs, chillies, ginger, garlic and pepper and then shopping by look and feel for the fresh stuff, is probably the way to go! I prefer to shop for fresh produce depending on what looks really fresh and perhaps even pick up a few sale items that can be eaten that day. For this recipe you will need: Smoked Chicken, Mayo and mint gourmet stacks 200g smoked chicken breast fillets, sliced thinly 50ml -100ml fat free yogurt, light ricotta or light sour cream 2 tablespoons freshly chopped mint and/or basil 1 granny smith apple, cored and finely sliced 1 cup fennel or cabbage, finely sliced and then chopped 1 cup finely chopped broccoli Lots of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon grainy mustard/horseradish/wasabi To garnish… Snow peas, rocket, lettuce YOU CHOOSE! 1 cucumber, made into ribbons using your peeler (or slightly roast zucchini ribbons instead) Slices of roasted sweet potato, lightly coated in your favourite spice…be creative Method You can either just place the lovely chicken salad on a base of the sweet potato and greens OR Place the sweet potato on a large white platter or individual dinner plates. Mix the chicken, yogurt, mint and apple together and mix. Place a large tablespoon of this in the center of the sweet potato. Now use a cucumber ribbon to wrap around the filling to create a neat little stack….easy! And so gorgeous! Now garnish with lots of ground black pepper and fresh rocket or mustard cress and serve! Drizzle with a herbed oil if you’re feeling daring! You could also season this with wasabi paste, horseradish or grainy mustard!