Foodie Friday: Connie Chapman

Posted June 8, 2012

Today’s Foodie Friday is the lovely Connie Chapman, who is a life coach and the creator of the blog, A Life Of Perfect Days. Every post on Connie’s blog is like a warm hug from a best friend and a pep talk for your soul. She includes a perfect mix of life inspiration and insights peppered with health and wellness. Connie’s mission is to help us make every day the best it can be.

Everyone, meet Connie …

What was the catalyst that turned you into a healthy foodie?

People never believe me when I tell them, but I used to actually be quite unhealthy! I lived on refined carbohydrates, loads of dairy, chocolate, sugary breakfast cereals and not much else! As a result, I experienced a lot of health problems as I was growing up – constant digestive issues, migraines, foggy headiness and lethargy, skin complaints and chronic stomach pains. It was not until I was 18 that my mum took me along to a naturopath, who explained to me the correlation between what I was eating, and how I was feeling. Under his direction, I cut out wheat, gluten, dairy, sugar (except fruit), and I also began taking a lot of natural supplements to heal my digestive system. Within a few weeks, I felt amazing! I decided that from then on that I was going to only eat foods that nourished and supported my body.

What are your non-negotiables when it comes to your diet?

I have to eat some form of greens everyday, and where possible I aim to a have a serve of greens with every meal. I may have a green juice in the morning, throw some baby spinach in to my omelette, eat a big salad at lunch or make a big hearty vegetable-filled soup for dinner. I also cannot eat anything that is highly processed. Wherever possible I eat food in it’s whole form, and anything packaged must contain wholefood ingredients. I meticulously scan ingredient labels to ensure I can recognise everything that is listed, and to ensure that everything in the product is actually ‘food’.

If you were trying to convert someone to your dietary philosophy, what would you make for them?

I would make them a delicious super food smoothie, which would probably include almond milk, maca, chia seeds, goji berries, raw cacao, banana, coconut and a scoop of vegan protein powder.

How do you stay healthy while travelling?

I drink lots and lots of water to keep my energy levels up. I find when I get tired and dehydrated I crave unhealthy foods. I also ensure I am always prepared with raw healthy snacks on hand, such as almonds, fruit, carrot and celery sticks, so that I can nibble on them when I get peckish.

What are your go-to meals and snacks when you are super busy?

I am currently rather addicted to buckwheat toast with avocado and Himalayan pink salt. I will often have a couple of pieces of that if I am in a rush. I also always have a jar of almonds lying around or I will eat a couple of squares of good quality raw chocolate.

Juices or smoothies: Which do you prefer? What’s your favourite combination?

I love smoothies, but I have to admit I am slightly addicted to green juice. I literally go in to withdrawals when I can’t have it for a few days. At the moment I make a daily juice which is a very simple combination of kale, cucumber and lemon. It is amazingly refreshing and gives me so much energy.

What’s the biggest nutrition misconception you are always having to clear up for people?

There are so many misconceptions! I feel like I am continuously re-educating people about food and nutrition when I talk to them. One I often encounter is that the only way to get calcium is by eating dairy. There are so many other amazing vegetable and plant based sources of calcium, and many people do not even realise it. Great sources include; almonds, kale (and other leafy greens), sesame seeds, tofu, beans such as navy beans, lima beans and chickpeas, and sea vegetables.

If you could prepare a meal for anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and what would you make?

I would love to meet Gabrielle Bernstein, and I would be quite happy to make anything she would like! I would probably whip her up a raw chocolate slice (made primarily with dates, avocado and raw cacao on an almond and coconut crust) along with a fresh green juice.

What does being a Wellness Warrior mean to you?

To me, it is about being empowered about your health and your body, and loving yourself enough that you will take pride and care in what you put in to your body. Being a Wellness Warrior also involves living consciously and being aware that you have the power to take control of your health in each moment with the decisions you make.

 

 

A Recipe From Connie:

 

Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Quinoa Patties, Served With salad, Tahini Dressing and Lime Wedges

 

 

What you’ll need:

Patties:

400gm sweet potato coarsely chopped
400gm chickpeas (cooked and rinsed)
200gm quinoa
¼ cup arrowroot (look for arrowroot that is preservative free and organic)
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup fresh podded peas
1 ½ tsp cumin
1 ½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp cardamom
Handful of fresh coriander
Sea salt, to taste
Coconut oil, for cooking

Tahini Dressing

2 tablespoon of tahini (hulled or unhulled is fine)
Juice of half a lemon
1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil
Salt to taste

 

What to do:

1. Boil sweet potato in some water until soft. Drain off all water and mash until smooth.
2. Boil quinoa in water until cooked (soft and translucent). Drain off excess water.
3. In a bowl, add sweet potato, quinoa, chickpeas, arrowroot, spices, peas, corn and coriander and mix together with a spatula or your hands.
4. Season with sea salt to taste.
5. Use your hands to mould the patties in to balls.
6. Lightly fry in a pan with coconut oil, until they are warmed through and brown.
7. To make the dressing, whisk together lemon, salt, tahini and flaxseed oil in a bowl until well combined and smooth.
8. Serve patties on a bed of salad, with a side serve of tahini dressing, and a couple of lime wedges

 

Connect with Connie:

On her blog: alifeofperfectdays.blogspot.com.au
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/alifeofperfectdays
On Twitter: @perfectdayblog

 

Positive affirmation for the day: I trust that I am being looked after.

 

 

 

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