After months of recurring ailments, I realized that my eating habits were tipping the scale of unhealthy! This included skipping breakfast, not consuming enough essential nutrients, eating quick fix foods and high GI foods (more in ignorance than anything else) and sugar seemed to appear in every meal in some form or another! It was causing daily havoc to my health and general well-being. This prompted me to make some fundamental changes to my lifestyle.
I came across the alkaline lifestyle and that made immediate sense – no processed foods or sugar and introducing more vegetables and fruits. I was also deeply concerned about the rising rate in obesity, particularly in children – I have a young son who is serious about becoming a professional tennis player. I needed to take the lead and instill healthy eating habits to last a lifetime for my family and myself. I liked the idea of eating lots of vegetables and discovered how versatile cooking with them could be. I discovered new foods such as pomegranates, coconuts, quinoa, millet and a wide range of leafy vegetables. Looking back at our old diet, it really was quite dull and uninspiring! I really liked that our new diet was about the ‘what we grow’ way of thinking as opposed to anything processed or factory produced. I liked that I was in control of every ingredient that went into a meal.
At this very same time, I had a Body Mass Index carried out. I was horrified to find out that I scored a fat count bordering obesity and my muscle count was below average. I was confused, as I’ve managed to maintain a decent weight and physique since becoming an adult! But it all made sense, skipping breakfast had added more hours to a night time’s fasting period which resulted in my body storing fat especially when I was doing lots of cardio work. I was officially a skinny fat which presented long term health problems including osteoporosis, sluggish metabolism and risk factors linked to heart disease.
I set to work with a Personal Trainer on a grueling fitness program. This involved weight training including compound exercises, high intensity bursts of cardio, and plyometric drills. I’ve never worked so hard but I loved it! The results in three months were staggering – my fat measure was in line with where it needed to be and my muscle was creeping upwards – my body was tighter and leaner. As a family we understand that combining physical exercise with better eating habits makes you feel good. That feeling makes you want to do MORE!
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It is extremely simple to make your own ricotta at home and the great thing is that there are no chemicals, preservatives or weird ingredients involved. It's high in protein and is fantastic in sweet and savory dishes or all on its own as a snack! I hope you enjoy it! 
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