Budget supermarket Aldi has teamed up with Team GB nutritionist Nigel Mitchell to champion the importance of diet on everyday life – creating low-cost recipes to suit all the family.
From breakfast and mid-day snack options to veggie dinners and desserts, the recipes aim to offer affordable and nutritional recipe inspiration.
Nigel has just returned from the Winter Olympics, where he has been busy working with Team GB’s cross-country ski team.
He said: “It’s fascinating how our bodies react to certain foods, and when our mood is low, we do tend to turn to things that give us a sense of comfort. While there’s nothing wrong with having a treat from time to time, it’s also really important that we are aware of the link between our diets and mood to ensure we incorporate foods that can have a positive impact too."
Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, said: “We are committed to providing the best possible quality and value to all our customers – which is exactly what these recipes are also designed to do.
“The recipes all include ingredients that Nigel regularly feeds into the nutrition plans of Team GB athletes and can all be found in your local Aldi store – showing we don’t have to be an Olympian to eat like one.”
Here are the Team GB expert's top nutrition tips:
Super food porridge
“Probably my number one breakfast choice for athletes is porridge. It’s warming, comforting and provides ideal slow-release carbohydrates. This helps to maintain blood glucose levels, which supports an even brain energy level to prevent drops in mood.
“I love the versatility of it and this version has become my favourite in my constant quest for packing in more nutrition with athletes."
Tuna and pistachio quinoa salad
“Combining the high-quality proteins of tuna and pistachio nuts provides a nutrient-rich, protein-packed meal. These are also great brain foods. Tuna is a strong supplier of Omega 3 fats such as DHA, which is an essential part of the brain.
“Meanwhile, the greens and purples in the pistachio nuts are high in anthocyanins (antioxidants) which have been associated with supporting a happy mind.”
Marinated chicken thigh skewers
“Skewers are great for combining meats and vegetables, with my vegetables of choice often being peppers and chestnut mushrooms.
“If you look on packets of mushrooms you will see some are labelled as containing Vitamin D, and that’s dependent on their exposure to UV light. Just like when we are exposed to sun light and produce Vitamin D, it helps to boost your immunity and low levels are associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
“Meanwhile, brightly-coloured vegetables such as peppers are high in phytonutrients, which help with blood flow around the body - including the brain.”
Mixed bean chilli
“This is one of my family’s absolute favourites - so much so that I often make a big batch to enjoy twice a week. From a nutritional perspective, the recipe is packed with brain and mood supporting ingredients.
“The peppers and tomatoes contain antioxidants that support your brain, while the beans provide slow-release energy to help fuel your thinking.”
Chocolate Berry Mess
“This simple sweet could also make a great snack or maybe even breakfast.
“The dark chocolate is full of cocoa flavonoids which are associated with improving mood and cognitive function, while the yoghurt of this recipe provides great protein.
“Brightly-coloured berries are packed with antioxidants which are said to help with numerous mood disorders, and the flax seeds provide great fats for the brain which can be mood uplifting.”
Full recipes can be obtained at www.aldi.co.uk/c/recipes/happy-recipes
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