Discovering Quick Wins in Healthy Eating with Ella Mills

In the whirlwind of daily life, many of us find ourselves desperately short on time, leaving our health and well-being on the back burner. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, grocery shopping, and caring for our pets, it’s no wonder that nutritional needs often get overlooked. If your meals have devolved into hastily prepared fish finger sandwiches or pre-packaged dinners, there’s good news: it doesn’t have to be this way.

Ella Mills, known as Deliciously Ella, steps into this gap with her latest cookbook, Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives. This book offers practical solutions for those of us struggling to balance the demands of our schedules while still prioritizing our health. Ella shares her journey, acknowledging the fatigue and overload many feel when faced with the age-old question of “What’s for dinner?”

Context: A Busy Life

Mills understands the struggle all too well. Her own experience became a catalyst for change when she found herself overwhelmed by a busy lifestyle, juggling family and work commitments. She realized that although it wasn’t a matter of not having time to cook, the mental load of decision-making often left her opting for quick fixes like toast. This prompted her to create a framework that allows for efficient, nutritious meals without compromising on quality.

By gently mapping out what’s for dinner at the start of the week and embarking on some Sunday batch cooking, Mills revolutionized her approach to meals. This simple change led to increased variety in her family’s diet and made evenings significantly easier. Suddenly, cooking became a joy rather than a chore.

Practical Solutions in Quick Wins

Mills’ cookbook doesn’t provide a rigid meal planner. Instead, Quick Wins is designed to be a flexible guide that encourages a variety of meals without overwhelming the cook. You’ll find one-pan dinners, meals that utilize pantry staples, and dishes perfectly suited for batch cooking. These recipes are crafted to require minimal time and effort while still delivering nutritional benefits.

For example, consider a one-pan tray bake filled with seasoned tofu and vegetables, all marinated together for an explosion of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, these meals allow for flexibility in both planning and preparation.

A Shift in Perspective on Healthy Eating

Mills has often spoken about her approach to health and nutrition, especially given her history of chronic health issues. Initially launching her blog in 2012 to improve her well-being, she became a pioneer of the clean eating movement. However, she acknowledges that this approach has its challenges, particularly with its sometimes restrictive nature. Her perspective has shifted to embrace a more inclusive and balanced view of food.

She highlights a crucial point: while there is more awareness today regarding nutrition, the consumption of ultra-processed food is alarmingly high. Mills mentions that in Britain, people are consuming fewer vegetables than ever before, even as the wellness industry grows exponentially. This paradox underscores the importance of focusing on what can be done day-to-day to cultivate a healthier lifestyle.

Small Changes Lead to Big Results

One of the main tenets of Quick Wins is that it’s okay to start small. Mills encourages readers to simply increase their intake of plant-based foods at a comfortable pace. Whether it’s sprinkling a handful of mixed seeds on your morning porridge or cream soups made from batch-cooked stews, these small changes can lead to significant improvements over time.

The book emphasizes the goal of getting to about 30 different plant varieties per week, suggesting that even adding a few into your diet is a step in the right direction. In today’s hectic world, moving just 1% closer to your goal each day is a sustainable way to change.

A Balanced Approach to a Busy Life

Mills acknowledges the hectic lifestyles we lead and reminds us that it is not simply a question of willpower. Factors like sleep deprivation can impact our food choices, often leading us to favor sugary snacks. Rather than imposing strict rules, she advocates for gentle guidelines that are adaptable, allowing individuals to gracefully navigate the ups and downs of life.

These insights not only motivate those seeking to enhance their culinary habits but also foster a sense of ease, helping people reconnect with the joy of cooking and nourishing themselves consciously.

Book Recommendation

Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives by Ella Mills is published by Yellow Kite and priced at £25. Author photography is provided by Sophia Spring, while the food photography is by Clare Winfield. The book is currently available for those ready to reclaim their time and prioritize their health in a way that fits into even the busiest of lives.

With practical recipes and a flexible framework, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to bring vitality back into their meals without the stress.

With Ella Mills at the helm guiding you, reclaiming your health amidst the turmoil of a busy life has never seemed more achievable. Dive into a world of efficient cooking and nourishing meals that promise to make every dinner a delightful experience.