Embracing Healthy Eating with Ella Mills’ “Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking For Busy Lives”

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to let healthy eating slip through the cracks. With work deadlines looming, family commitments, and the daily hustle, many of us find ourselves opting for the easy-to-make meals that often lack nutrition. Thankfully, food entrepreneur Ella Mills, known as Deliciously Ella, has come to the rescue with her latest cookbook, Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking For Busy Lives. This book is designed with the busy individual in mind, offering swift, nutritious meals without the chaos of elaborate preparation.

Why Choose Quick Wins?

In her new cookbook, Mills addresses a common problem: the mental load of cooking amidst a packed schedule. She candidly shares her own experiences of feeling overwhelmed while juggling family life and a thriving career. “I really found myself in that pattern,” she recalls, lamenting how the excitement of the day can leave little energy for dinner planning. This cookbook serves as a guide, transforming that tedious question, “What’s for dinner?” into an easy, stress-free decision.

Flexible Framework for Meal Planning

Rather than prescribing a strict meal plan, Mills offers a flexible framework that encourages creativity in the kitchen. Quick Wins introduces one-pan dinners, store-cupboard meals requiring just one fresh ingredient, and batch-cooking strategies. The goal is to steer away from the monotony of repetitive meals while embracing variety, all within a manageable time frame. Mills emphasizes that having a handful of planned dinners makes a world of difference. She states, “It was just one thing I didn’t need to worry about,” highlighting how planning can ease daily stress.

A New Perspective on Healthy Eating

While Ella’s earlier approach to food advocacy often garnered attention, she recognizes the evolution of the food landscape and the ongoing challenges we face today. She points out that ultra-processed foods dominate our diets, with shocking statistics revealing that half of the average person’s caloric intake comes from processed options. Mills advocates for accessible changes, stressing that small steps—like increasing plant intake by a few varieties each week—can have a significant impact on our health.

Cooking Made Simple

The recipes in Quick Wins are tailored for those who lack the luxury of time but still wish to eat healthily. For instance, Mills shares the recipe for a Chunky Chickpea and Lentil Soup with Tahini and Tomatoes—a perfect remedy for exhausting evenings. “This one-pan soup is such a lifesaver—hearty, comforting, and packed with protein,” she explains. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; throw everything into a pan, let it simmer, and you have a nourishing meal ready in no time.

Recipe Highlight: Chunky Chickpea and Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 tin of chickpeas, drained
• 1 tin of cherry tomatoes
• 750ml hot vegetable stock
• 60g red lentils, rinsed
• 2 tbsp tahini
• Fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
2. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, stock, and lentils; bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, simmer for 20-25 minutes.
4. Stir in tahini and parsley, season, and serve with a drizzle of olive oil.

Creative Solutions for Leftovers

Another clever element of Mills’ philosophy is the reimagining of leftovers. The Pulling Misos Aubergine Ragu serves as a base for several meals throughout the week. With this versatile dish, you can create exciting variations, such as Pulled Aubergine Tortillas with Crispy Roasted Cabbage. Mills suggests, “Using leftovers creatively keeps the week interesting and helps avoid meal fatigue.” This strategy not only maximizes efficiency but also allows for flavors to marry together, creating satisfying, complex dishes.

Recipe Highlight: Pulled Aubergine Tortillas

Ingredients

• 4 aubergines
• Olive oil
• Lentils
• Pasta or grains for serving
• Wholemeal tortillas
• Sliced avocado and coriander

Method

1. Roast aubergines until soft, then combine with lentils and spices for the ragu.
2. Serve on tortillas with crispy cabbage, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

Plant-Based Progress

Mills’ advocacy is not just about quick recipes; it’s also about the greater impact of eating more plants. The shift toward a plant-based diet doesn’t have to feel daunting. By incorporating even a few more plants into our daily meals, we can witness significant changes in our overall health. According to Mills, “Every little step counts. Moving 1 percent closer to your goal every day will get you miles closer.”

A Win for Families

Whether you’re a busy parent or an individual striving to maintain a balanced diet amidst chaos, Quick Wins provides the necessary tools to create nutritious meals without sacrificing time or flavor. The recipes offer simplicity while retaining the excitement of cooking, proving that healthy eating can be both enjoyable and manageable. As Mills succinctly puts it, “We need gentle foundations that can ebb and flow.” Her approach encourages us to reclaim our mealtimes, setting the stage for healthier choices and a happier kitchen experience.