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Beef & Lentil Soup:

7/15/2025

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Author: Jeannine Stokes-Waller

Registered Dietitian (SA). Dedicated to helping you live healthier — one simple, sustainable step at a time.

The Ultimate Winter Warmer for Fullness, Immunity, and Craving Control

When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing more comforting—or nourishing—than a hearty bowl of soup. But not all soups are created equal when it comes to satiety and nutrition. If you're looking for a meal that truly satisfies and supports your health, this Beef & Lentil Soup is your go-to.

👉 Want the full recipe? Click here to download your printable winter Beef & Lentil Soup 
​
Packed with fiber-rich lentils, this soup helps keep your digestive system happy and supports blood sugar control—great for curbing those cold-weather cravings. The addition of lean beef not only boosts the protein content but helps you feel fuller for longer, making it ideal as a complete, balanced winter meal.

A generous mix of immune-boosting vegetables like carrots, celery, tomatoes, and spinach adds important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your body’s defenses during flu season.

Why it works as a meal:
Soups should always be fiber and protein packed to qualify as a main course. While veggie-only soups can be delicious and nourishing, if they don’t contain legumes, pulses, or protein—enjoy them as a starter, not the main event.

Tip: Batch-cook this recipe and freeze portions for busy weeknights. It’s warming, grounding, and keeps your nutrition on track when you need it most.

👉 Want the full recipe? Click here to download your printable winter Beef & Lentil Soup 
Hearty Beef & Lentil Vegetable Soup

Ingredients
  • 2 ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric
  • ⅛ tsp ground cardamom
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp mixed spice
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 500g lean beef mince
  • 2 x 400g tins lentils, drained (see chef’s tip)
  • 2 carrots, diced into 1cm cubes
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced into 1cm chunks
  • 2 small (or 1 large) zucchini, diced into 1cm pieces
  • 100g green beans, trimmed and chopped into 1.5cm lengths
  • 2 x 400g tins crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups (1 litre) beef stock
  • 3 cups water
To serve:
  • Dollop of plain or Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves


Method
  1. Combine spices: In a small bowl, stir together all the spices and salt to create your seasoning blend.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened and just golden.
  3. Cook beef with spices: Increase heat to high. Add the minced beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the spice mix and continue cooking for another 2 minutes—your kitchen will smell incredible!
  4. Add hearty vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots and celery. Sauté for 1 minute to coat them in flavour. (If using different vegetables, add those that can withstand a 25-minute simmer here.)
  5. Build the soup: Pour in water, beef stock, crushed tomatoes, lentils, and the remaining spice mix. Stir well. Bring to a simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently.
  6. Add quick-cooking veg: After 15 minutes of simmering, add the zucchini and green beans.
  7. Final simmer: Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until the lentils are tender (about 25 minutes total).
  8. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, topping each with a spoonful of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh coriander.

Chef’s Tips:
  • If using canned lentils, wait until 15 minutes into the simmer before adding them. They only need about 10–15 minutes to heat through—any longer and they may turn mushy.
  • The Moroccan-inspired spice mix can be swapped with a good quality Indian curry powder or Cajun seasoning for a fun twist on flavour.
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Grab & Go Meals

7/14/2025

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Author: ​Chantelle van der Merwe

Registered Dietitian (SA) . PG Dip Diabetes Management (UK). All about Real nutrition for Real, every-day life 

 How to Stay on Track with Your Health Goals When You're Always on the Move 

Busy day? It’s easy to end up at the drive-through or grabbing a soda and chocolate bar from the garage shop. But those quick fixes can leave you crashing hard — hello sugar spike, goodbye focus.

The good news? You can fuel your body on the go without derailing your goals.
The secret? Protein + fiber-packed meals. These nutrients work together to keep you full for longer, prevent energy dips, support blood sugar balance, and help you stay sharp all day long.


What to look for
 in a grab-and-go meal:
  • At least 20g of protein to fuel your muscles and keep hunger at bay
  • At least 5g of fiber to support your gut, curb cravings, and regulate blood sugar

On-the-Go spots to find goal-friendly meals on the go:
  • Woolworths at Engen One Stop
  • Checkers Simple Truth ready meals
  • Pick n Pay Lean Living range
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Click here to download a sample of our 350 kcal Grab-and-Go meal options from Woolworths
Smart hacks:
  • Add veggie snacks like baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, or mini cucumbers for extra fiber and crunch without the calories
  • Be careful of the “healthy” wrap or sandwich options. Although ingredients can be packed with wholegrains, vegetables, and proteins. These options can also be packed with mayonnaise, extra cheese, portions may be too large and protein options could be fried such as "crumbed chicken" 
  • Check your food labels!  — even good ingredients can push you over your target if you're not careful. 

Don’t forget to hydrate: Water should be your go-to. Watch out for "healthy" flavoured waters — unless they say sugar-free, they can pack just as much sugar as a regular soda.

​Being busy doesn’t have to mean being off track. With smart, protein and fiber-rich meals, you can fuel your day, stay focused, and smash your health goals — no kitchen required.
Click here to download a sample of our 350 kcal Grab-and-Go meal options from Woolworths
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How to Stay on Track with Your Weight Goals While Traveling for Work or on Holiday

7/10/2025

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Author: Chantelle van der Merwe

Registered Dietitian (SA) . PG Dip Diabetes Management (UK). All about Real nutrition for Real, every-day life ​

Whether you’re away on a work trip or enjoying a well-earned break, travel can easily throw your healthy habits off course. Between buffets, restaurant meals, long hours in transit, and social occasions that often involve alcohol, it’s easy to feel like all your hard work is about to unravel. But it doesn’t have to. Being prepared and mindful will help you return home feeling proud, not frustrated.

With a few smart strategies, you can enjoy your time away without derailing your weight-loss efforts. Here are simple, practical, and realistic tips to help you stay in control—without missing out.
1. MASTER YOUR MEAL CHOICES

Choosing lower-carb meals can help control hunger, energy dips, and overeating later in the day.
Opt for meals like:
  • Grilled meats with salad or vegetables
If you're having carbs, portion and type matter:
  • Limit carb-fat combos like cheesy pasta, buttery rice, or creamy mashed potatoes

Skip:
  • Extra sides such as large portion chips and onions rings (or rather share) 
  • Extra cheese and sauces
  • Sugary sodas and juices with each meal (rather opt for a sugar-free option if you're really craving something)

Quick tip: If you're eating at a buffet or restaurant, fill half your plate with vegetables, add a lean protein, and keep your carb portion small.
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2. CONTROL YOUR SNACKS

Snacking often leads to mindless eating, especially when you’re on the go.
Better snack options for travel include:
  • Lean biltong (watch portion size)
  • Air popped popcorn (about 1 and a half cups popped) 
  • Nuts (small handful)
  • Low-sugar protein bars
  • Low calorie dips - Click here 
  • Low calorie chip options - Click here 
​
Quick tip: Top up snack plates with vegetables such as baby carrots, cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices for low calorie, nutritious snack bites in-between 

​3. 
DRINK SMART: ALOCHOL WITHOUT THE SETBACKS 

Alcohol is a common part of socializing during travel, but it can add up fast in kilojoules and impair your decision-making around food. The trick? Be selective and stay hydrated.

Tips for damage control:
  • Alternate every alcoholic drink with at least 250 ml of water, sparkling or still
  • Carry small water bottles so you stay consistent—even while socializing
  • Choose lighter alcohol options:
    • A beer shandy made with Lite Beer and sugar free lemonade such as Sprite Zero (50:50 mix)
    • A single spirit (vodka, gin, whisky) with sugar-free mix like soda water or Coke Zero

Avoid: Sugary cocktails, creamy drinks, double or triple spirits 
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4. RETHINK YOUR COFFEE HABIT

That morning cappuccino or mid-afternoon latte might be comforting, but multiple milky coffees a day can add hundreds of calories without you realizing it.

Better options:
  • Black coffee
  • Coffee with a small splash of almond milk or low-fat dairy milk 
  • Unsweetened rooibos or herbal teas
Avoid:
  • Full-cream cappuccinos, sugar-laden mochas, or more than 2 milky coffees daily
5. PACK YOUR OWN EMERGENCY OPTIONS 

If you're frequently at the mercy of hotel meals or client catering, take along a few back-ups:
  • Meal replacement shakes like options that come in sachets for easy travel eg. Optifast sachets – lightweight, easy to mix with water, and a great option for a quick meal. In winter, you can mix them with hot water for a hot chocolate-style drink.
  • Protein bars or portable snacks like nuts – especially useful between meetings or long drives
6. AVOID THE EXTRAS: STARTERS, DESSERTS & SECONDS 

When eating out or at a buffet, it's easy to feel tempted to "get your money’s worth" by ordering starters or indulging in dessert.
​
Best practice:
  • Limit 3 course options with starters and desserts—stick to one main meal with portion control
  • Choose lean meats and steamed or grilled vegetables
  • Avoid going back for seconds (except for veggies, of course) 
Travel doesn't have to mean giving up on your health goals. With a bit of awareness, better choices, and simple planning, you can enjoy your trip and stay in control of your weight.

Remember: consistency is more important than perfection. One indulgent meal won’t undo your progress—but being prepared and mindful will help you return home feeling proud, not frustrated.
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1 Comment

    Chantelle vd Merwe RD (SA)

    Sustainable health made simple—backed by science, not trends. All about real nutrition for real life.

    Jeannine Stokes-Waller RD (SA)

    Dedicated to helping you live healthier — one simple, sustainable step at a time.

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