Eat Yourself Happy

Have you ever met someone and thought they were lucky to have been to born with good genes? I know I have, but the truth is genes aren't everything.

In fact, genes are flexible entities that can be switched on or off—a process known as epigenetics.

Biologists Richard Dawkins says it best: “Genetics is not just about the genes we inherit, but how we use them.”

This is good news because it means we’re not simply at the mercy of our genetics.

Yogis have used food to influence mood and health for thousands of years through the ancient Indian science of Aryuveda which emphasises balance in the body, mind, and spirit.

Western science has also come to discover how Certain dietary compounds can influence these genetic "switches," impacting a wide range of health issues including:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Autoimmune diseases

• Reproductive and neurological disorders

• Cancer

Foods That Keep Your Genes Happy:

• Turmeric (curcumin): This golden spice is a powerful anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s.

• Green Tea (epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG): Packed with antioxidants, it supports brain health and fat metabolism.

• Grapes & Berries (resveratrol): These sweet bites help slow aging and improve heart health.

• Broccoli & Kale (isothiocyanates): Detoxifying powerhouses that protect against cancer and boost immune function.

These foods don’t just feed your body—they actually help reprogram your DNA to function at its best. rich in polyphenols and antioxidants which help suppress cancer growth and promote longevity.

What to Avoid:

• High sugar and processed foods: These negatively affect genes linked to heart health and memory.

• Trans fats: These can switch off the gene for leptin, the hormone that regulates appetite—making you feel hungrier and leading to overeating.

So your dietary choices matter. Good choices can lead to “happy genes” or what some are terming as “happygenetics.”

When I trained as a naturopathic chef a few years ago, I learnt the healing power of many foods and how to blend them into tasty meals.

Here I am preparing some happy foods. 🍇🥦🍵

🥗 Recipes for Happy Genes

Here are a few delicious, feel-good recipes that feed your body and flip those positive switches:

Golden Glow Smoothie

✅ Turmeric | ✅ Green Tea | ✅ Berries

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed green tea (cooled)

• ½ banana

• ½ cup blueberries

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

• Handful of spinach (bonus greens!)

Blend until smooth. It’s sunshine in a glass—packed with anti-inflammatory power and gene-loving nutrients.

2. Happy Kale & Broccoli Stir-Fry

✅ Broccoli | ✅ Kale | ✅ Garlic (bonus antioxidant!)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 cup kale, chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

How to:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.

2. Sauté garlic, then add broccoli and kale.

3. Stir-fry for 5–6 mins. Add soy sauce and chili flakes.

4. Serve with brown rice or quinoa.

3. Berry Bliss Chia Pudding

✅ Berries | ✅ Omega-3s | ✅ Resveratrol

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk

• 3 tbsp chia seeds

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)

• Optional: drizzle of honey or maple syrup

How to:

1. Mix milk, chia seeds, and vanilla.

2. Let sit in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours).

3. Top with berries before serving.

A perfect breakfast or dessert that’s as satisfying as it is smart.

You Have the Power

Eating well isn’t just about calories—it’s about chemistry. The choices you make at each meal can shape your health, boost your brain, and even improve your mood. Now that’s something to smile about.

So go ahead—eat yourself happy. Your genes are listening.

You will not want to miss Breath by Breath next week as I will be writing about breath practices and how to improve your lung capacity. You will not want to miss this!

Did you know that studies show people who live the longest have the largest and healthiest lung function?

This is what yogis attempt each time we step on the mat, to improve our breathing capacity through pranayama.

Have a great week and see you on the mat friends!

Healing foods

Celeriac: the knobbly, ugly tuber with the slender, sleek twin

 By Julia M. Thompson

Ever looked at the knobbly, dirty and ugly tuber that is celeriac and wondered how on earth it’s related to cool, crisp celery ?

Well, they are one and the same plant. With split personality and very different textures. It comes to nurture over nature.

 Though similar in taste, celeriac is subtler, with earthy notes that remind me of potato and truffle.

Speaking of potatoes, celeriac is not related.

But yes, family members are: fennel, carrots, anise, dill, caraway, coriander, dill, and parsley root.

Celery and celeriac, though, are like chalk and tofu when it comes to texture. Celery crunchy and cool, celeriac cumbersome when raw; but rich when pureed.

They are low in calories but high in vitamins and fibre. Celery and celeriac root contain antioxidants, vitamin B, C and K. Celeriac boasts extra phosphorous, iron, calcium, copper and manganese.

This soup is a nod to celeriac and carrots, and the anti-inflammatory that is turmeric.

While turmeric retains more nutrients raw, celery and carrots improve their antioxidant delivery when cooked.

This raw celeriac soup is a wink to my yoga-teaching friends who have asked for speedy, nourishing recipes they can prep for lunch.

This is that: a chop, whizz and pour job!

 I like to sprinkle sunflower seeds or roasted nuts, and drizzle with truffle oil, and fresh herbs to serve.

 Raw celeriac soup

Serves 2

Ingredients

 +1/2 a celeriac (thoroughly washed, peeled and cubed)

+1 carrot (scrubbed/peeled and cubed)

+2 spring onions (washed, sliced)

+1 garlic clove (peeled, sliced)

+25 g fresh turmeric (peeled)

+handful pre-soaked (boiling water/10 minutes) cashew nuts

+Pinch cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper (sprinkle to taste)

+1.5 cup warm water or more depending on consistency

 Seeds, nuts, truffle oil and fresh herbs to serve

 Directions

You’ll love them!

1.     Wash and peel all the veg

2.     Cube and chop

3.     Place the water in a powerful blender (I like the Vitamix)

4.     Add all the ingredients and blend. You might have to do this in two stages and then mix all the soup ingredients with the seasoning.

5.     Sprinkle with seeds

6.     Drizzle of oil and herbs

Enjoy!