top 5 filling foods

Inspired by a post that Lucy did the other day, I thought I'd share my top 5 filling foods - or rather, foods that completely satisfy me, both with taste and the fill-factor.

1. Haloumi cheese on 9 grain bread









I absolutely love haloumi cheese, flash fried in a non-stick pan with sprigs of fresh mint or basil wilted over the top as it sears, served on soft, fresh 9-grain bread fresh from the oven (or breadmaker, in my case!). It's salty and savoury, and a delight to eat (I love the squeak it makes) and if the sun is shining, I could be fooled into thinking I was sitting by the Aegean. Sometimes I pile some sauteed spinach and roasted red peppers on the bread as well. So, so, so good. And takes about 60 seconds to make. Seriously. When it comes to fast food, you don't get much faster (or delicious) than this.

2. Root vegetable curry with basmati rice











I find anything with rice is a great filler - and rice leaves me feeling comfortably full, rather than pasta which I find a lot heavier these days. This curry is so sweet and fragrant, and the rice acts as a sponge for the incredible sauce.....it's just so delicious, and I only need a small bowl to feel like I've eaten like a queen.

3. Hot chocolate










There's a face in it, I swear!!

Well, this is strictly a drink rather than a food, but it always satisfies a chocolate craving. I heat soy milk in a saucepan on the stove, and then whisk in four or so tablespoons of Green and Blacks hot chocolate powder, and whisk it to a velvety chocolate sheen. If I've been good, or it's late at night, I might add a slurp of chocolate liqueur from Bruges! But otherwise, it's soothing and salving, sweet and luscious without being cloying. I never used to feel satisfied with low-fat hot chocolate powders or anything like that, I'd have the mug half filled with powder and it still wouldn't feel special enough, which feeds my theory that it is far better to have good quality stuff and have it occasionally, than low-calorie unsatisfying alternatives every single day. It's such a waste, when you think about it.

4. Homemade muesli with yoghurt










There is simply something so moreish about this homemade muesli. Maybe it's the spices. Maybe it's the crunch of the nuts, or the fudginess of the dried fruit. Maybe it's because I know it's so darn good for me! But this stuff is seriously hard to beat for a healthy breakfast, or a pre-run snack. I especially love it over thick, creamy, flaky coconut yoghurt. Mmmm. It also makes an awesome breakfast bar.

5. Anything with chickpeas in it













Hummous, chickpea salad, felafel, or even just a scoop out of the can - I don't know what it is, but these little critters of nutty goodness just keep me so full and satisfied, and they taste so darn good!!


Other contenders for the top 5:

• Porridge
• Baked beans, either on their own with a bit of baby spinach wilted on top, or on toast
  
• Any really good cheese, served on slivers of fresh pear or on oatcakes
• 9 Grain toast with organic peanut butter and a thick, fruity jam
  

It's all about feeling satisfied at the end of the day. When you concentrate on feeding your hunger and your tastes (ie: eating the food you really enjoy, rather than what you think you should be enjoying) instead of using food as a comfort or an escape, then your relationship with it dramatically changes. There's no more guilt. No more tension. No more feeling out of control. It's a wonderful feeling.

And your tastes really do change. Once I couldn't imagine a life without icecream. Now there's a tub in my freezer that's been there since......January? I can't remember the last time I had some!

These days, my idea of a treat is having white rice instead of brown.

Please share - what's in your top 5?