No sad 'diet food' here
Whether you've cooked one of the many Pinch of Nom recipes on the internet, or not, you've likely heard of Pinch of Nom, a healthy and weight loss-focused food blog launched in 2016 by Kay Featherstone and Kate Allinson.
From humble beginnings they released their first cookbook of Pinch of Nom recipes which raked in over £2 million in sales in the first week. Boom.
Pinch of Nom recipes were born out of necessity. Both Featherstone and Allinson had tried a handful of Slimming World recipes, but wanted food that was more satisfying, yet still healthy.
Using their culinary skills (they're both chefs) the duo decided to cook up a new way of eating: food to fuel weight loss that doesn't feel punishing. And it worked - between them, they've lost 76kg eating their Pinch of Nom recipes and they're not done yet.
What can I expect from Pinch of Nom recipes?
Alongside the best-selling book containing pages on pages of Pinch of Nom recipes, Pinch of Nom is the UK's most visited food blog. So, what's their recipe for success?
Pinch of Nom recipes are simple: combining proteins, healthy fats, slow-release carbs and veg, and create comfort food that's big on flavour and low in calories.
Are Pinch of Nom recipes the same as Slimming World?
So, there are similarities between Pinch of Nom recipes and Slimming World recipes.
That's because the Pinch of Nom way of eating is based on Slimming World's strategy of eating to 'syns', meaning no food groups are banished, but viewed on a sliding scale from nutritionally dense to less nutritionally dense. This offers a balanced approach to fat loss.
34 Pinch of Nom recipes to help you hit your healthy weight goals
Interested in which Pinch of Nom recipes the WH nutrition expert Jenna Hope (@jennahopenutrition) would go for? Then keep scrolling.
From protein-packed breakfasts, to warming main meals and sweet-as-you-like snacks, we've got 30 nutritionist-approved Pinch of Nom recipes just for you. Nom Appétit
Breakfast Quiche
'This egg and tomato quiche is a great source of protein, which will keep you full throughout the morning. It’s also low in sugar - this helps avoid an energy rollercoaster and sugar crashes.'
Banana and Peanut Muffins
'Breakfast muffins? Yum! These banana and peanut muffins are a great on-the-go breakfast as you can bake the night before. You may find that you need a few to keep you full throughout the morning, but the ingredients are great: banana will provide you with a good source of carbohydrates to drive your brain function, and the peanut butter is high in healthy fats, to help with sustained energy throughout the day.'
Kedgeree
'You may think that this fish and egg combination looks a little bold for a breakfast option, but opting for a savoury breakfast is a great way to pack in more protein. In this dish, haddock is a great source of iodine, which plays an important role in supporting your metabolism. Your metabolism is the rate at which you burn energy therefore supporting this is vital when it comes to fat loss.'
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Breakfast Bakes
'Again, an interesting combo but these breakfast bakes are a very well balanced breakfast option. They contain complex carbohydrates from the beans, healthy fats from the eggs and protein from the cheese. The beans also offer a great source of fibre to help support a healthy gut profile. Research has suggested that the gut microbiome may be linked to fat loss and weight management, too.'
Sweet Potato and Carrot Rostis
'You know that sweet potato is a great source of carbohydrates, but they're good for bulking out recipes too. Plus, the beta-carotene in the sweet potato and carrots is particularly important for immune function and vision. But be cautious with this one, there is a common misconception that chilli increases the metabolism and contributes to fat burn. Unfortunately this is one of those nutrition myths."
Cous Cous Breakfast Cups
'Don't knock it till you've tried them because, as rogue as cous cous breakfast cups may sound these make a delicious breakfast or a great afternoon snack. Nutrition wise, they're low in sugar and high in protein, so could help you overcome that 4pm slump by providing a balanced snack option.'
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Corned Beef Hash
'Corned beef hash fan? This recipe is loaded with Vitamin B12, protein, iron and choline. Iron, B12 and choline are all nutrients which can be more challenging to get from your food if you're following a vegan or plant based diet. If you're someone who's reducing their intake of animal protein, then this a great option to pack a nutrient punch all in one sitting.'
Chicken Shawarma Wraps
'Chicken breasts are the leanest cut of the chicken and therefore a good option when you’re looking to lose fat as they provide a lean hit of protein. It’s also a source of B12 which contributes to maintaining energy, something that is particularly vital when you’re losing fat.'
Cajun Rice
'Pinch of Nom have lots of great 'fakeaway' recipes which offer a Deliveroo alternative for if you're trying to save on money or calories. This dish is high in carbohydrates, so will leave you feeling full of energy, low in calories and relatively low in fat. Healthy fats are essential in your diet. If you don't consume enough, you'll struggle to absorb the fat soluble vitamins.'
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Chicken and Black Bean Mini Tortillas
'If you haven't tried black beans as a meat substitute yet, what are you waiting for? Black beans and legumes more generally are a really great way to bulk out a dish. They’re low in calories but high in protein, so leave you feeling satiated.'
Creamy Tomato Pasta
'See, Pinch of Nom fat loss really is about eating real food and cooking real recipes. Wholemeal pasta is higher in B-vitamins and fibre, so mix some through, if you fancy it: the fibre will help to keep you fuller for longer, which can be particularly beneficial when you’re looking to lose fat.'
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Greek Salad
'There's nothing better than a refreshing Greek salad on a hot day. This is a great lunch option if you're looking for something lighter as it’s packed full of micronutrients. You may wish to add some chicken or tuna to it for an extra protein hit, too.'
Pea and Ham Soup
'Often soup can leave you feeling hungry an hour or so after consuming it. Not with this chunky Pinch of Nom recipe: the peas and ham in this combination are both really good sources of protein, leaving you feeling fuller for longer. Peas are also rich in vitamin C, which supports your immune function, and vitamin K, which supports healthy bones.'
Sweet Potato Pakoras
'Sweet potato pakoras? Sold. These are rich in prebiotic fibres (aka, the fibre which feeds the good bacteria in the gut), but relatively low in protein, meaning you might find your blood sugar levels dropping an hour or so later. You may wish to pair these with a protein source, like Greek yoghurt or eggs, to make a full meal. Alternatively, these would make for a lovely starter or afternoon snack to tide you over before dinner.'
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Falafel Flatbreads
'Chickpeas are another fantastic source of prebiotic fibres and protein. The spices in this Pinch of Nom recipe will help support your immune function which will allow you to keep pushing through your gym routine this winter.'
Chicken Satay Curry
'This recipe uses powdered peanut butter instead of your regular nut butter to save on calories. Nutritionally, powdered nut butters are an OK option—they contain some healthy fats although not quite as many as regular peanut butter. Nonetheless, the peanuts are still a source of vitamin E, which contributes to healthy skin.'
Beef, Ginger and Spring Onion Stir Fry
'Beef contains haem iron which is easier for the body to absorb than non-haem iron (aka iron from plant sources). Iron is important for transporting oxygen around the body, which is vital when you’re working out.'
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Garlic Mushroom Risotto
'Craving a warming, comforting supper bowl? This garlic mushroom risotto is high in carbohydrates which makes it a really good pre or post workout option to help replenish those glycogen stores. The peas in this dish will also contribute to the protein content and more sustained energy.'