In an effort to shift some of our festive flab, I went a-Googling to find some really low calorie foods thinking that I would use them as the basis of my January recipes. I discovered that radishes are only 1 calorie each – that’s my crunchy canapes sorted then. A kiwi is 46 cals – and, more interestingly, it is actually a giant berry which packs at least a day’s worth of Vitamin C – that, teamed with a handful of antioxidant-rich blueberries and a dollop of fat free Greek yoghurt can be pudding. So, what to serve in the middle of my healthy supper ‘sandwich’?

When you feel like something more substantial, like we always do, then it is tricky to find a main course that will have everyone salivating and be slimming. These TV chefs have it easy – I watch with dismay as they chuck in sugar, salt and fat with gay abandon (probably why there are so few programmes that feature really low fat cooking). So, with a deep sigh, I settle down at my computer and continue trawling the internet for a decent low fat recipe that will satisfy the tummy rumblings of my 6’4″ husband without boring him to death with its blandness (he already comes home bored from his ‘orribly long and repetitive commute). I was  about to give up when I came across Mustard-stuffed Chicken which is a respectable 367 calories per serving. If you give potatoes a miss and serve lots of steamed green vegetables with this, I think we can safely say it is a super healthy, super tasty meal.

We’ve all got families to feed and sometimes a bit of inspiration goes a long way. Definitely puts a spark of interest and a smile on my lot’s faces if I try something new. So long as I don’t burn it of course. There have been some of my forays into baking that have scared the heck out of them. Which is why I recommend you check out our What’s Cooking section because all the recipes have been ‘tried-and-tested-by-the-CountryWives’. And, if you have a particular favourite that you regularly magic up in your kitchen, please let us in on your secret by giving us your recipe. We cooks need to stick together!