You’ve been rushing around all day looking after children, cleaning the house and running errands. 5:00 creeps up and the children are screaming for food. You just remembered that you skipped lunch and are desperate for dinner too, but when you open the fridge, there is NOTHING to eat. Nothing in the pantry and nothing in the freezer.

As a health coach, I talk about weight issues and weight loss a lot. Before that I lived a life of yo-yo dieting and food obsession. I’ve tried every diet on the market, lost weight with most and always gained it back.

Today, after years of experimentation and cold, hard research I’ve learned one crucial fact: Do the things that make you feel happy, the rest will follow.

Meal Prep Sunday is a must in our family. We get everyone involved in the process and incorporate as much laughter as possible. Sometimes the preparation is more fun than the dinner, but it’s all about creating a positive experience in the kitchen. Today, I’d like to share a great family recipe: Black Bean & Sweet Potato Burritos.

These can be prepped ahead, stored in the freezer and enjoyed as a breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack. They can be defrosted in minutes in the microwave, or made crispy by reheating them in the oven. They are also affordable, nutritious and incredibly delicious.

Family life can dominate your headspace and overwhelm you if you don’t take steps to refresh and recharge. Making small changes to the way we live our lives can cause great benefits. Below are some of the simple ways I like to create harmony in my family’s life. Focusing on one area at a time will give you the guidance and support you may need.

At mealtime, discuss one area with the family and brainstorm ways to appreciate and enjoy that area of your life. Children love the challenge of coming up with their own suggestions and telling you how they have implemented those goals in their day. It’s a wonderful way to start your morning and finish your evening.

Who doesn't like a bit of chocolate from time to time?

The good news is that it's high in magnesium and is considered a superfood. So go on, tuck in, just make sure it contains a high percentage of cocoa (at least 60%)

Surprise! These energy boosting foods will get you through your afternoon slump.

Many people succumb to the afternoon slump, affecting their daily activities and productivity. This usually results in binging on high sugar foods that give you an immediate high. Instead of resorting to the vicious cycle, try adding these foods to your diet.

When I began eating more plant based foods I remember feeling bloated all the time! This is super common because your digestion system isn’t used to the increase in legume and veggie consumption and needs time to adjust to the extra fibre and new strains of bacteria.

Blueberries are a deliciously juicy berry that my whole family enjoys. Every morning I give my boys a small bowl to munch through while I’m packing lunches and preparing breakfast. In the winter I started to notice that they aren’t as juicy and they go off after two days, so I decided to buy them frozen. This was my a-ha moment! Not only did they taste delicious, they lasted for ages and they saved me money - win-win!

What does an anti-inflammatory diet look like and why is it essential to good health?

Inflammation occurs when your body reacts to something it recognizes as foreign or from an injury. Common conditions, especially allergies (skin rashes, headaches, sinus pressure, gastrointestinal distress) and autoimmune diseases (Celiac disease, Psoriasis, arthritis, Type 1 diabetes), may begin with inflammation in the gut.