The Healthy Chef – Teresa Cutter

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese

One of my favourite one-pot meals is spaghetti bolognese. I love it because it’s nourishing and comforting, easy to prepare and budget friendly.Iit keeps for a a few days in the fridge or freezes well into portions if you’re a little time poor. This recipe is also in my 80/20 book. My secret to the perfect bolognese starts with choosing lovely ingredients. My meat comes from grass fed beef because I love the greater depth of flavour it gives to the overall dish, plus... Read More

Salmon Burgers

The salmon burger is probably one of my favourite meals I love to make at home. Mainly because they are simple to prepare and can accompany a quick salad or steamed or roasted vegetables very quickly after I finish work.  I often serve them with oven roasted sweet potato or a salad made from shaved fennel, rocket, lemon and cold pressed olive oil. This purely delicious recipe is also featured in my 80/20 book. What’s great about them: Salmon is a great source of omega... Read More

Australian Certified Organic

The Healthy Chef now certified Australian Certified Organic. We are pleased to announce an official alignment with Australian Certified Organic (ACO), the national organic regulatory body. Healthy Chef Organic Pea Protein and Organic Superfood Antioxidant are now Australian Certified Organic (ACO) and will feature the ACO ‘bud’ logo on the packaging. The use of organic and natural whole-foods is at the heart of our philosophy at the Healthy Chef. We pride urselves on developing... Read More

Sweet Chili Sauce

Here’s the perfect recipe if you feel like adding a boost of flavour and a touch of warmth to your meals. A purely delicious and healthy sweet chilli sauce that you can make in about 5 minutes. The sauce adds a little punch to tomato soup, your next chilli con carne, pan roasted salmon or organic poached chicken. It also marries perfectly with my earth burgers and cinnamon roasted sweet potato and a side of thick natural yoghurt. I often like to vary my chili sauce and... Read More

IMMUNE BOOSTING SUPER FOODS

When I was little, my Great Aunt used to make this amazing Polish chicken soup called Rosół to help fight my cold or flu.  I remember having pneumonia several times when I was growing up and my immune system was very weak.  My Aunty used to infused the soup with loads of garlic and freshly chopped garden herbs and her soup was extremely delicious. I could instantly feel it’s healing effects with every mouthful and enjoying this soup made me feel better straight away. Food... Read More

Join the Vitamix 7@7 GO-for-GREEN Breakfast Challenge

Re-claim breakfast and your health.  Take the 7@7 challenge and have a green smoothie with 7 fruit + veg for 7 days. Our busy lifestyles mean that breakfast is increasingly rushed.  According to the Vitamix 7@7 Breakfast Research 2013, almost 1 in 2 Australians get two or less serves of fruits and vegetables every day.  The answer? Re-claim breakfast, and our health, with the Vitamix 7@7 Go-for-Green Breakfast Challenge: at 7am every day, have a green smoothie with at least... Read More

Cauliflower + Leek Soup with Parsley Oil

One of my favourite quick soup recipes of the moment is my delicious cauliflower and leek soup. There is something magical when you combine cauliflower and leek and you instantly feel satisfied and nourished after eating it. The most important thing to remember when making this magnificent soup is not to cook it for too long. A brief 5 – 10 minutes is all you need otherwise the freshness is lost. The parsley oil is my little finishing touch to this soup. It marries and... Read More

Healthy Hot Chocolate (awesome recipe using my healthy chef chocolate WPI)

This time of year I start craving hot chocolate.  Something warm, sweet and nourishing that’s healthy and not going to start turning me into a marshmallow during winter. I thought I’d share a new hot chocolate recipe I developed for myself so that I could warm and nourish my body in front of a good DVD or episode of Revenge. For the original healthy hot chocolate recipe please click HERE as this recipe is only suitable for my healthy chef chocolate WPI or vanilla WPI... Read More

WINTER WELLNESS COMPETITION

There is something magical about training outdoors during the chilly months. The air’s a littler crisper, the water a little cooler and the sun a little lazier to rise…what a perfect recipe for invigoration! There’s a stillness that transcends as the colder months creep in, providing a wonderful platform for reflection and admiration of the beautiful world we share. Winter is the ideal time of year to focus on your personal goals and realign yourself with the ebbs and flows... Read More

Roasted Pumpkin + Carrot Soup with Green Goddess Pesto

Over the next few months I’ll be posting some of my favourite winter warming recipes to nourish and heal over the cooler months. A soup that I regularly make is my roasted pumpkin and carrot soup. The roasting intensifies the delicious flavour, allowing a delicate sweetness that comes through the finished dish. I vary how I serve my soup depending on what I feel like at the time or what I have in the fridge.  One of my favourite toppings is a green goddess pesto made from... Read More

Immune Boosting Green Smoothie

This time of year, when the weather get’s a little colder outside I make a conscious effort to up my intake of fresh fruit and vegetables that helps nourish my immue system and give my body the best chance to heal.  Over 70% of your immune system is in your gut and what you eat forms forms the foundation to your health. When I’m feeling run down my first plan of attack starts in the kitchen. I start to juice and blend fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs that provide me... Read More

Bubble + Squeak

I remember mum cooking bubble + squeak for all of us when we were kids. It was basically all the leftover veggies from the night before cooked up in a hot cast iron pan until lovely and golden with lots of crispy bits that tasted amazing.  Well I love to follow a little family tradition and often make bubble + squeak at home when I want some warm and healthy comfort food.  It’s not leftovers by any means, I make it from scratch 15 minutes from beginning to end,  cooked... Read More

WHITE SAUCE – 10 Ways

I remember making bucket loads of béchamel (white sauce) when I was working as a chef for a variety of dishes such as lasagne, vegetable bakes, fish pie, moussaka, cheese sauces and soufflé.  Typically the sauce was made by making a white roux (equal quantities of butter + flour gently cooked in a pot to a sandy texture) then pouring in hot milk whilst stirring to achieve a wonderful silky smooth white sauce.  The milk was often scented with aromatics such onion, clove and... Read More

Macadamia Nut Milk

Macadamia nut milk is a purely delicious creamy milk that requires no straining and takes about 30 seconds to make.  It’s a staple in the healthy chef househould and I love making mine scented with vanilla bean and a touch of cinnamon. Soak for easier blending and more bio-availability, which is great for sensitive digestive systems. Use as you would regular milk such as in your next power porridge, smoothie, custard or hot chocolate. What’s great about it: There... Read More

Anzac Biscuits

Anzac biscuits are a favourite of mine to bake in my kitchen and they are traditionally made with rolled oats, butter, sugar, golden syrup, white flour and coconut.  I’ve adjusted the original recipe to create a few different versions of this fabulous cookie so that you’ll hopefully find the creation that works for you. The first is my favourite and based on traditional rolled oats combined with coconut, almond and heart healthy / anti-inflammatory  macadamia... Read More

Superfood Smoothie

Today I thought I’d post a favourite smoothie recipe of mine that I’ll be mixing up on the Healthy Eating Stage.  I basically designed this recipe for myself to enjoy as a nourishing quick breakfast if I’m pushed for time and it makes me feel full and energised all morning. I love making up my own healthy meal replacement shakes as I know exactly what’s in them and what I’m putting into my body.  Most store bought shakes are filled with fillers... Read More

AUSTRALIAN FITNESS + HEALTH EXPO

Healthy Chef will be at this year’s Australian Fitness Expo April 19 th – 21 st. We invite you to pop past, have a chat and try out our new protein range on STAND R 57.  I’ll also be cooking up some yummy recipes at the event such as my healthy chocolate cake, pumpkin bread and Superfood smoothies so make sure you pop past the healthy eating stage from 12 -1 pm every day of the expo. CLICK HERE to Check out this time table from the expo:  Read More

Apple + Cinnamon Bread

My favourite fruit this time of year is the fuji apple. What I love about them is that they are wonderfully sweet and juicy to eat so they are the perfect ingredient to make my purely delicious apple + cinnamon bread.  This is the sort of no fuss – one bowl style of bread that can easily be whipped up in around 10 minutes. Your whole kitchen will smell amazing when it’s being baked as the cinnamon apple spice floats through the air.  There is no need to add any... Read More

Power Porridge

  This is my all time favourite porridge that I enjoy most mornings when the weather is a little cold outside. It’s made from vanilla,  flaxseed, chia, fresh apple and a good dose of cinnamon that makes this morning ritual taste exactly like apple strudel.  Adding a little cinnamon has the power to help your body metabolize sugar and reduce insulin levels,  eating as little as 1/2  -  1 teaspoon of cinnamon a day is all you need to feel the benefits. Apple adds... Read More

NATURAL PROTEIN – Why Healthy Chef Pure Protein is so good !

Protein is considered by many to be the most important macronutrient for humans because of the numerous roles protein plays in the body. Whenever the body is growing, repairing or replacing tissue, proteins are involved. They are found in your skin, bones, muscle and all your organ tissue. In addition, they are used to produce hormones, enzymes and haemoglobin that carries oxygen in the blood. The main function of protein is to build and repair, as well as sustain muscle. Good... Read More

Vegetable Stock

The secret to a making a good soup comes down to using a good stock. I love making my own vegetable stocks at home as they are much healthier than store bought versions that are normally reconsituted powders loaded with salt, MSG, flavours and dextrines.  Making your own stock is also a great way of using up left fresh vegetables you may have lying around in the fridge.  My basic stock recipe consists of onion, carrot, celery, mushroom, peppercorn,garlic and herbs such as parsley... Read More

Favourite Fish Recipes

Here are a few of my favourite fish recipes that I love to cook. Whether you’ve just caught your catch or selecting from the market, it’s important to handle your fish with care. Look for full bright eyes and red gills, the fish itself should smell fresh and clean.  When preparing, it’s important to avoid overcooking. Poaching is one of my favourite ways to cook fish. I love it because it’s such a clean and unadulterated way of cooking.  The integrity is not lost when... Read More

THE FAST + FURIOUS

Barely got time to open the fridge ? Well here are some of my favourite FAST + FURIOUS recipes that are in this months issue of Women’s Fitness magazine that take less then 15 minutes to make. I’ll also be creating these yummy delights and more at the April Fitness + Health Expo (fitnessexpo.com.au), from April 19th – 21 in Sydney.  Click on the image to take you to my recipes.  Stay Heatlhy  T:) x  Read More

Chocolate Mousse

Here’s a velvety smooth chocolate mousse from my 80/20 book –  just in time for Easter.   A chocolate mousse that’s guilt free and loaded with antioxidants. This purely delicious chocolate mousse is made from ripe avocado that is blended with raw cacao powder and scented with a little + vanilla and spice.  The addition of a banana or a little coconut water will make the texture a little lighter. If you are choosing to spread this magnificent mousse onto cakes... Read More

Walnut Milk

I’m in love with walnuts at the moment and  love to blend them with filtered water and vanilla bean to make the most delicious omega 3 rich walnut milk. Nut and seed milks are a delicious lactose free alternative to traditional dairy. They can be incorporated into cholesterol lowering diets and provide your body with essential minerals and healthy fats to nourish the body. I’m not really into buying store bought nut milks as most of the time they are loaded up with... Read More

Natural Health Society of Australia – one day seminar !

I’m delighted to be cooking at the Natural Health Society of Australia – one day seminar this Sunday 24 March.  The event will be held in Sydney at the North Ryde Gold Club and  I’ll be presenting a practical recipe demonstration called FRESH + FAST.  There will also be some wonderful speakers at the event such as Jo Thompson who will be speaking about Gerson Therapy – Leslie Embersits (founding director of Mindd) speaking about intergrative healthcare... Read More

Hot Cross Buns

Now is the perfect time for making these delicious hot cross buns made from wholemeal spelt, oats, muscatel, honey, cinnamon and vanilla. This is not the light fluff style of hot cross bun you may be used to in the supermarkets made from white flour and refined sugar. My version is full of fibre and the oats give it a wonderful chewy density that marries perfectly with the cinnamon and vanilla.  I’ve used large muscatel raisins in this recipe, but they are also delicious... Read More

Roasted Beetroot Salad with Fig + Smashed Raspberry Dressing

I want to share one of my favourite salads of the moment made form roasted beetroot, ripe autumn figs, baby spinach and smashed raspberry dressing scented with pomegranate.  I love roasting large bunches of beetroot over a weekend, it provides a lovely base for salads during the week when I’m pressed for time. Roasted beetroot lasts about 4 days in the fridge and I love it with my smashed raspberry dressing that allows all the flavours to dance on your taste buds. The... Read More

DASH to health

Two of the most important lessons I was taught as a chef was to always taste my food and season with salt before I served it.  A pinch of salt in cooking can enhance the flavour of your food and in small quantities, it’s essential for health. Sodium facilitates the movement of muscles (one of the main reasons it comes out in sweat), balancing body fluids and transmitting information to the nervous system; however like most things, if we add too much, it’s not good for... Read More

Blueberry Pie Smoothie

  I make my blueberry pie smoothie as a quick breakfast or at times blend it up as a night time snack to help satisfy my sweet tooth.  My freezer is always full with frozen blueberries and at times I’ll add a chopped frozen banana for extra creaminess and sustenance. What’s good about it: This smoothie is high in protein, antioxidants, folate, minerals and fibre to support a healthy metabolism. Studies show the blueberries contain antioxidants called polyphenols... Read More

ORGANIC SUPERFOOD

” I’m pleased to announce the launch of my NEW Organic Superfood. It’s loaded with anti-oxidants and has a purely delicious taste of wild berry that will nourish your body with vitality. If you give your body the right environment and adopt healthy habits, you have the power to change your health in the future”.  Teresa Cutter WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT HEALTHY CHEF ORGANIC SUPERFOOD 100% plant-based and suitable for vegans + vegetarians. Rich with naturally occurring... Read More

WIN A HEALTH SPA HOLIDAY TO KAMALAYA – Winner Announced !

Congratulations to KERRIE MORKHAM from Bokarina in Queensland.  You have just won the prize of a lifetime ! Thanks to every one who entered this fabulous competition and stay tuned for more exciting competitions at the healthy chef. Stay Healthy Teresa Cutter xx Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa in Koh Samui Thailand is a haven for people who want to optimise their health and rejuvenate their body. This sanctuary offers a holistic and sensible approach to healthy... Read More

MEN’S FITNESS 7 DAY MENU PLAN

Take a look at my cool 7 Day menu plan in this month’s issue of Men’s Fitness Magazine. If your goal this year is to lose kilos and eat more healthily, this 7-day meal plan from Teresa Cutter — “the healthy chef” — is a winning start.    Read More

WHY I DIDN’T WANT THESE INGREDIENTS IN MY PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT

Everything I tried was full of junk and cheap fillers that caused bloating and weight gain, the total opposite of what I wanted, so I was compelled to create a protein supplement that really was good for me and provided the perfect nutritional support I needed. Healthy Chef Protein is specifically designed to be the purest, bio-available source of protein that does not cause bloating or gastro-intestinal issues. It is low in fat, low in carbohydrates, high in protein and... Read More

Refried Black beans

Our lifestyle can be pretty hectic these days and the oft-delivered excuse for people not cooking or eating right is a lack of time. Well, that won’t wash anymore. The healthiest recipes are often the quickest to make.  When I’m time poor nothing goes past my version of refried black beans scented with a little chilli, cumin, coriander and smokey paprika then topped with tender chunks of avocado and a squeeze of lime. What’s good about it: This is healthy fast... Read More

Ricotta Pancakes

I remember making my first pancake when I was 10 years old.  It was a Richard Simmons recipe from his TV show at the time and was made from rolled oats, egg whites, milk and vanilla.  I’ve been making pancakes ever since – using different flours, seeds and nut meals to create the most amazing flavour combinations. I love folding in pillows of soft creamy ricotta or other variants like smashed banana that add another dimension of flavour and texture. A touch of cinnamon... Read More

Chocolate Truffles

Feel like a healthy chocolate fix ?  Well you just can’t go past these delicious chocolate truffles.  They take around 10 minutes and make a great healthy and sustaining snack.  Perfect for outdoor activities such as long bike rides, hiking, sailing, picnics, long walks on the beach or a healthy dessert to have with coffee. What it’s good for: Walnuts are a great source of anti-inflamatory omega 3 that is great for heart and brain health. Chocolate is associated... Read More

WHAT TO EAT BEFORE + AFTER EXERCISE

When I was working as a personal trainer, not a week went by when I used to see people virtually collapsing on the floor half way during their workout and not being able to complete their full session, due to not fuelling their body correctly and running out of puff.  Whether you are exercising just for general health, fat loss or an athlete in competition, the nutritional strategy you put in place before and after training can enhance performance and reduce fatigue and dehydration... Read More

Summer Muesli

This time of year my body craves fresh summer fruits to get me started for the day. I love the delicate sweet aroma of white peach that marries perfectly with summer passionfruit and raspberry.  Adding seeds and nuts such as LSA, chia and roasted almond add crunch and sustainance until lunch time, whilst creamy thick yoghurt smooths out the flavours and carries them perfectly into my mouth. Any leftovers are easily thrown into my Vitamix and blended with vanilla until thick... Read More

Banana Bread (gluten free)

  There is something magical and comforting about banana bread served lightly warm and toasted. This is my gluten free version ( a recipe from my 80/20 book also available on iTunes as an ebook).  It’s yummy on it’s own or topped with a little ricotta + honey. What’s good about it: Bananas are a terrific energy food and a great source of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.They add moisture and sweetness... Read More

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PROTEIN

Each week I receive a lot of emails asking for different ways to incorporate protein supplements into a healthy diet. A quality protein drink made from natural ingredients can replace a meal or snack. It helps curb sweet cravings and can help support the body’s metabolism. Not all protein shakes are created equal. Become a label reader and look for powders that are natural and not artificially sweetened or full of fillers.  ” See PDF “ SPORTS NUTRITION In... Read More

7 WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT

Here’s my latest article for fitness first magazine and a few weight loss tips from my new book 101 ways to lose weight. Click on the image to read all about it.  Read More

PRIMAL CLEAN LIVING

My first experience with the Palaeolithic Diet or what’s also known as the  primal or Paleo Diet was about 20 years ago when I started competing in fitness figure competitions. I was working as a chef at the time and needed to lean up and get down to about 16% body fat in order for me to compete for my first competition. My trainer told me to cut out all processed foods (basically anything in a can, jar or packet) as well as grains, which included foods such as bread, pasta,... Read More

BUILD THE PERFECT SANDWICH

The secret to preparing a healthy sandwich comes down to some basic strategic planning.  All chefs do it in restaurants when they need to prepare for service, and it’s no different when you’re preparing food for yourself or for your kids at home. Set out a basic menu plan at the start of the week, knowing pretty much what you’ll be eating for most meals is the key. Try and keep it fresh and always include quality protein and plenty of vegetables as this forms the base... Read More

HEALTHY BITES

I’m really excited to be writing for the new Peter McInnes Magazine called FLAVOUR.  Here are some of my delicious summer recipes from the summer edition. Click on the image above and enjoy…Tx  Read More

Green Garden Salad

This is one of my favourite summer salads of the moment.  I love the fact that it can be eaten both raw or lightly blanched for 15 seconds to still keep it crisp and delicious.  Another great thing about it is that it keeps really well, so perfect to pack into a lunch box if you have any leftovers at dinner.  I’ve topped mine with a little Persian feta then scented with a simple lemon vinaigrette made from cold pressed olive oil, lemon juice + black pepper.  Perfect... Read More

Fatoush

This is quite a simple and addictive salad.  Once you start eating it – you can’t stop because it’s so delicious. I love making it for my dinner and serve any leftovers for lunch the next day.  I pump up the protein by adding boosters such as Persian feta, chickpeas or roasted walnuts if i’m eating it cold or for warmer options I serve with my fish in a bag or some quality grass fed beef. What’s good about it: Basically everything !  The health... Read More

Apricot Chicken

One of my favourite meals when growing up was apricot chicken.  Mum used to make it by simmering lean chicken thighs with tinned apricot nectar and a packet of french onion soup.  I was inspired to reinvent this traditional recipe when I spotted fresh sun-ripened apricots at my local grocer. In place of the tinned apricot nectar, I’ve used fresh apricots that have been blitzed in my Vitamix. The packet soup has been swapped to my home made chicken stock. I’ve used... Read More