5 things you can do to inspire yourself in the kitchen

If you can’t decide what to have for dinner tonight, here are 5 things you can do to inspire yourself in the kitchen…and cook up a storm!

I make no secret of the fact that my number-one passion in life is food. I love everything about it: how it looks, how it tastes and how it makes us feel. I experiment with a huge variety of ingredients. Having said that, I think even the most die-hard foodies among us could be accused of a little complacency from time to time, and I always find it’s good to stay inspired and in turn to keep inspiring fresh ideas. But how?

Look at recipe books

This is perhaps the most obvious place to begin. You don’t always have to copy recipes to the

letter. Get creative and adapt. My journey through Thailand last month inspired a bunch of delicious soups and noodle dishes. The traditional, simple, healthy, Thai lifestyle is wonderful and I bought the most beautifully inspiring street-food cookery book as soon as I got home.

Go travelling

Aside from food, my other favourite passion in life is travel. I believe in investing in experiences rather than possessions. Seeing new places, connecting with people, learning about local cuisine… it’s inspiring, relaxing, exciting and thought-provoking all rolled in to one. It can completely change my perspective on things and often inspires me to create a whole new range of exciting recipes. I’m in Portugal this month, where they grow tons of beautiful fresh fruit and veg. Surrounded by citrus groves, everything smells of orange blossom And while I don’t eat oranges (my skin hates them), I am taking full advantage of fresh lemons – squeezing them, drinking them and adding them to everything.

I’m also without my juicer, blender, spiraliser and the ton of other kitchen gadgets I have at the cottage back home. The little place I’m staying in here only has one sharp knife and no chopping board or grater, so it’s all about improvisation But sometimes that restriction is a good thing; it encourages us to explore other options and I always look forward to discovering and demonstrating what’s achievable with a little renewed inspiration and creativity.

Join the social network

The health food community is full of such beautiful, inspiring people. Connect on Instagram and Twitter, where you’ll not only find the most mouthwatering recipe pics but lots of links to food blogger sites, which offer tons of free recipes.

Eat out

Not sure where to begin? Be guided by the experts. Local restaurants and cafes are a great source of inspiration. If you’re keen to try a new style of eating, whether that’s vegan, Asian, raw or any of the other countless options open to you, find a local place with a good reputation, enjoy the menu and then try recreating those dishes at home.

Shop somewhere new

Don’t be afraid to try new foods! Your local organic or Asian shop, for example, should have a fantastic variety of weird, wonderful and unfamiliar ingredients. I discovered candy-striped beets and jackfruit at my local store. If the food looks a little alien to you, don’t panic. The staff are usually only too happy to help.