This fast fat-burning flu-fighting winter warmer is so easy, you just chuck everything in the pot and forget about it!

By now you’re probably aware that I’m a huge fan of fast easy meals that require very little effort ☺️ My personal training clients and Boot camp attendees are always on the hunt for simple fast meals that are flexible for both lunches and dinners.

It’s so important at this time of year to fill up on easily-digestible foods, when there are so many cold and flu viruses to fight off (nationwide that is, not just in Southampton!) The body could really do without expending the extra energy required to break down animal protein, and I have personally found eating more plant-based dishes has massively boosted my immune system (so far so good!)

Southampton personal trainer Gen Preece Boot camp

This one-pot-wonder lentil based dish is not only all of the above, but the enzyme-rich vegetables it contains (particularly the vitamin A rich carrots and vitamin C rich broccoli) also act as pretty effective flu-fighters!

And lets not forget the superstars that are the lentils – did you know that not only are they extremely rich in dietary fibre, but one cup also contains an incredible 18 grams of easily digestible plant protein? (We absorb this far easier than animal protein – just sayin!!)

We often eat this with my Mushroom Pilau rice dish, as it’s so filling and warming. It keeps for about three days in the fridge, and any leftover stew can also be frozen and eaten, following an intensive Boot camp class (for a huge post-workout protein hit!) or taken into work for lunch the following day.

And if you are feeling under the weather, don’t forget my no1 cold-remedy smoothie that works as a preventer and reliever. Another great remedy for a sore throat (that I’d previously learned from a holistic health practitioner) is the mighty apple cider vinegar.

Southampton personal trainer Gen Preece Boot camp

Mix two tablespoons in 6-8oz warm water and gargle a little bit at a time until all gone. As it breaks up the phlegm so effectively, you may feel a lot of phlegm loosening all at once when you have finished but afterwards you will be amazed at the relief! Repeat this throughout the day as many times as you can. And as always, let me know how you get on 🙂 

Easy Winter One Pot Wonder
Serves 4
A fast, easy flu-fighting winter warming stew that's 100% vegan and gluten free
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil,
  2. 1 large organic chopped onion
  3. 2 crushed organic garlic cloves
  4. 1 tsp cumin seeds
  5. ¼ tsp pink Himalayan sea salt
  6. ¼ tsp black pepper
  7. ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (more to taste)
  8. 3 cups organic vegetable stock (I use Kallo stock cubes)
  9. 2 cups water
  10. 1 cup organic red lentils (soaked overnight or for minimum of 4 hours)
  11. 1 organic chopped leeks
  12. 1 large organic chopped carrot
  13. 1 cup chopped broccoli
  14. 2 handfuls organic spinach
  15. Juice of ½ lime (more to taste)
  16. 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
  1. Add the lentils, water and stock to a large pan or rice cooker. Start cooking on a medium heat.
  2. Heat the 2 coconut oil in a separate saucepan over high heat until melted.
  3. Add onion and garlic, sauté until golden.
  4. Stir in cumin seeds, salt, black pepper and cayenne, and sauté for 2 minutes longer.
  5. Transfer to the lentil pot and add the carrots, leaks and broccoli.
  6. Simmer until lentils and vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes.
  7. Add salt to taste if necessary, stir in the spinach until wilted.
  8. Turn the heat off and add the lime juice and parsley.
  9. It will resemble a thick soup/stew so serve in a soup bowl. Enjoy!
Notes
  1. You can vary the vegetables you choose to include, depending on what you prefer. I like this combination best but feel free to play around!
PT Gen | Personal Trainer Southampton https://ptgen.co.uk/