Load shedding

The greater South African population heaves a united sigh and with trepidation, anticipates the deflating ‘click’ that renders the office/home/shop/school, as dark as chocolate. The dreaded load shedding is back.

Ooh, did someone say chocolate? Yum! Which brings me to the primary focus of this particular post: the other load shedding phenomenon (AKA weight loss, AKA comfortably fitting into that summer outfit – if the jolly rain will ever clear!) Load shedding doesn’t have to refer only to sudden and unexpected power losses; it can also refer to one’s health goals and plans to lose those last few, stubborn, holiday kilos. Below are a few things we can learn from the current state of South African electricity when we apply ourselves to getting and staying in shape.

1. Stock the cupboards with guilt-free goods to ensure no temptation when all goes dark, even if you think no one can see you snacking! Instead, have go-to staples such as canned tuna and legumes, a full fruit bowl and salad ingredients in the fridge (canned goods are especially great in case the electricity never returns and we live bunker-like, World-War One-esque in the hands of Eskom!)
2. Rally for routine – one of the easiest ways to get back into healthy habits is through sticking to a schedule. Stay on top of things, unlike our current power-provider and plan ahead by packing a lunch for work, writing a shopping list and adhering to an exercise routine.
3. Away with the mid-week alcohol! After all, how on earth are you going to jump-start a generator a couple of drinks down, let alone navigate matches and a candle. Keep exercise at hand to deal with power-less frustrations, not the booze bottle.
4. Talking of exercise, get into the groove and move! The World Health Organization recommends at least 150min/week of vigorous activity and #sorrynotsorry, but this can be done with or without power. Tie those takkies and hit the neighbourhood for a walk or jog – while you’re at it, you can inspect just how depressingly far the power outage spans, and know you are not alone.
5. Lastly, learn from the load shedding: DO NOT wait for the problem to reach insurmountable crisis before you do something about it. Set realistic, achievable goals and the issue of your growing behind or belly will be solvable in small steps.

Here are a few healthy recipes that you can whip up without power! Yes – our very own electricity-free eats…soon we’ll have you saying: no power? No problem.

Zucchini Carpaccio

4 zucchini
salt and pepper to taste
1 onion, finely slice and then minced
1 lemon 
1 Tbsp olive oil
Fresh herbs to taste
1 cup sliced rosa tomatoes
2 Tbsp pistachios 

Slice zucchini lengthwise using a vegetable peeler and arrange in a weaved pattern, alternating yellow and green slices. Sprinkle generously with minced onion, lemon juice and olive oil. Sprinkle pistachios and rosa tomatoes. Season to taste, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Three bean salad 

1 can dark kidney beans, rinsed & drained

1 can white or cannellini beans, rinsed & drained

1 can black beans, rinsed & drained

1 chopped red onion

1 chopped green pepper

3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Juice of 1 lemon

3 Tbsp. low fat smooth cottage cheese

Handful chopped parsley 

Rinse and drain beans. Place beans in large bowl with onions, peppers, lemon juice and balsamic vinegar. Toss to mix well. Garnish with cottage cheese and parsley.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

10 Rice Paper Wraps

Fresh Coriander

1 Cucumber – cut into thin matchsticks

1 Red Pepper – cut into thin matchsticks

2-3 Carrots– cut into thin matchsticks

2 Reduced Fat Feta discs

¼ cup Low sodium Soy Sauce

Grated fresh ginger

1 Tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce

Prepare a container with hot water for the rice paper. Add a wrap for about 30 seconds, or until pliable. Lay the wrap on a clean wood surface and add a little of each veggie and a crumble of feta, to the middle. Fold the sides in first and roll up from the side nearest to you to the other end. The rice paper will stick to itself. Combine the soy sauce, ginger and sweet chilli for the dip. If you can’t get your hands on rice paper, wrap in cos lettuce leaves.

Salmon Ceviche

Salmon fillet, sliced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

5 ripe plum tomatoes, finely chopped

1 Fresh chilli, seeded and finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh coriander, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lime

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a medium glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 3 hours, stirring every hour. Serve with extra coriander for garnish.