We’re thrilled to share an exclusive conversation with Natasha Corrett, a renowned UK vegetarian chef, author, and advocate for healthy eating. As the founder of Honestly Healthy, she’s kindly shared her expertise on wedding food ideas, healthy eating tips, and culinary wisdom. Get ready for some valuable insights! As you know, we don’t promote crash diets or restrictive eating habits before your special day. Instead, we focus on nourishing your body with wholesome foods, especially during stressful times when you want to look and feel your best. When it comes to the big day itself, serving fresh, sustainable, and personalized food that reflects your style is key – whether that’s a family-style feast or a food truck extravaganza.In our chat with Natasha, we’ll dive into what to eat for breakfast on your wedding morning, tips for catering to vegetarians at your reception, and even get a glimpse of the amazing food served at her own stunning wedding celebration. So, keep reading to learn from this foodie expert and take inspiration for your own big day!
What are your tips for couples who are trying to eat healthily in the lead up to their weddings?
To be truthful, I struggled to find a program that aligned with my lifestyle, including my diet and exercise routine. Despite searching extensively, nothing seemed tailored to my needs. My goal was to radiate from the inside out on my wedding day, but a high-protein diet wouldn’t achieve that. Collaborating with my personal trainer, we developed ‘Green and Lean’ – a comprehensive three-month program designed for at-home implementation. This plan aims to facilitate weight loss, toning, glowing skin, improved sleep quality, hormone balance, and has yielded remarkable success stories! I was thrilled with the outcome, feeling fantastic on my special day.
Are there certain foods you can eat to help reduce stress or boost energy ahead of a wedding?
When it comes to preparing for your wedding, it’s essential to fuel your body with foods that promote digestive comfort and reduce inflammation. Certain staples in our diets, such as wheat, gluten, dairy products from cows, and sugar, can have a detrimental impact on our overall well-being. As you count down the months until the big day, make a conscious effort to limit or avoid these inflammatory foods.
On the other hand, incorporating energy-boosting whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, and oats into your diet can have a profoundly positive effect. These slow-releasing carbohydrates not only provide sustained energy but also contain nutrients that promote a restful night’s sleep. For instance, brown rice is an excellent source of magnesium, which is essential for regulating your body’s natural rhythms and ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized.
What’s your advice for brides and grooms on striking a balance between healthy eating and enjoying fun occasions in the lead up to their wedding?
I’m not a fan of extreme lifestyle overhauls, as they often lead to unnecessary stress. Instead, I prioritize balance in my philosophy, allocating 70% of my efforts towards maintaining healthy habits and 30% towards enjoying life’s pleasures. This harmonious approach has allowed me to cultivate a way of living that’s sustainable and enjoyable.
One key aspect of achieving this balance is meal prep. By dedicating one night a week – typically Sunday evening – to cooking a week’s worth of meals, I ensure that healthy options are always readily available in my fridge. This simple habit has significantly reduced my inclination to reach for takeout or order pizza on impulse.
The Green and Lean plan is centered around this philosophy of balance, emphasizing the importance of efficient time management, cost-effective meal planning, and cooking from scratch. By adopting a balanced approach, you’ll be able to simplify your life, save time and money, and enjoy the benefits of home-cooked meals without sacrificing your sanity.
What’s the best breakfast you can have on your wedding day?
As I prepared for my big day, hunger wasn’t at the forefront of my mind. In fact, I opted for a refreshing green smoothie with protein powder to ensure I was consuming something nutritious. Given my lack of enthusiasm for breakfast in general, it seemed like the perfect solution. An omelette would have been an excellent way to start the day as well, offering a balanced meal that’s easy to digest. And if hunger pangs struck later on, I knew I could rely on another green smoothie with protein powder – a light and refreshing option that wouldn’t compromise my wedding dress fit. The culinary expertise of Peardrop London and the beautiful photography by Honestly Healthy perfectly captured the essence of our special day.
What did you serve at your wedding?
A memorable dinner consisted of a variety of sharing plates, each one bursting with flavor and texture. The menu featured a delightful mix of sweet and savory options, including Roast Sweet Potato Salad, elevated by the tanginess of Sheep’s Yoghurt Dressing and the freshness of Coriander. For those looking for something more hearty, Boards of Wild Mushroom Polenta were served alongside a sprinkle of Fresh Tarragon and a drizzle of Truffle oil. Meanwhile, the Summer Superfood Salad provided a refreshing respite from the rich flavors, its medley of greens, peas, and herbs perfectly balanced by Charred Asparagus, Wild Garlic, Peas, Roasted Radishes, Chia Seeds, Goats Cheese, and Lemon Dressing. Lastly, Miso Roasted Aubergines were paired with the pungency of Spring Onions and the nutty essence of Sesame.
Did you have a cocktail hour, what food and drinks did you plan for that part of the day?
As the evening unfolded, we indulged in a delightful array of libations, featuring coconut mojitos, refreshing whole coconuts and Prosecco infused with the subtle sweetness of rose syrup. The accompanying canapés offered an innovative selection of flavors and textures, showcasing my tomato dhal on crispy buckwheat beelines, savory quinoa burgers paired with vibrant pesto, delicate nori cups filled with succulent quails eggs, and a raw pad Thai that left us craving more. The culinary creations were courtesy of Peardrop London, while the stunning photography was provided by Honestly Healthy.
How did your wedding catering reflect your personal ethos on food?
It’s wonderful to share that my husband was incredibly understanding and allowed me to focus on planning without any interruptions! With the help of a friend who is also a talented caterer, I collaborated with them to brainstorm menu ideas. We drew inspiration from my books and created some original dishes from scratch.
Tell us about the desserts and the sweet stuff at your wedding?
As a creative touch, I crafted delectable sticky toffee pudding pots with a dairy-free twist, pairing them with a rich toffee sauce and a side of creamy custard. Additionally, my coconut-based nut oil chocolate cake was the star of the show, topped with a velvety cashew icing – all presented as a stunning naked wedding cake. The culinary delights were courtesy of Peardrop London, while the captivating visuals were provided by Honestly Healthy.
How can couples reduce food waste at their wedding?
The advantages of plated food when it comes to catering events become particularly apparent when compared to buffets. By serving each guest a personalized meal, you’re able to accurately gauge their consumption patterns and avoid over-preparing or wasting food. This approach not only helps reduce waste but also keeps costs down for the caterer, as they can better anticipate demand and plan accordingly.
Is it okay to serve an entire vegetarian menu at wedding, or should you cater for meat eaters too?
As I reflect on the decision not to serve meat during a dinner party, I realize that it’s all about setting expectations with your guests. In my case, I didn’t anticipate any of them expecting a traditional meat-based menu. Ultimately, it’s your special day and you should prioritize what matters most to you. After all, it’s your celebration, and you should surround yourself with the people and food that bring you joy.
Have you any tips for making vegans, vegetarians or those with food intolerances feel more included and special at your wedding meal?
When catering for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions, it’s easy to fall into the trap of serving uninspired options, like a mushroom risotto. However, this approach not only lacks creativity but also fails to consider the individual’s preferences and needs. A more effective approach is to take cues from renowned vegetarian chefs, scouring their websites for recipe inspiration that you can bring to your caterer. By doing so, you’ll ensure that the vegetarian option is just as thoughtfully considered as any other. For instance, I recently had the pleasure of attending a wedding where the catering team surprised me with an innovative black rice and pearl barley risotto infused with Marmite – a truly unique and delectable creation. To elevate your game, bring along tear-out recipes or Pinterest images to your catering meeting for inspiration. After all, food is not just about taste but also about presentation, making visual appeal an essential aspect of the overall experience.
How can you work with a caterer to plan a unique wedding menu?
When planning a memorable wedding, it’s essential to consider the culinary experience for your guests. Food can be one of the most expensive and impactful aspects of the celebration, making it crucial to get it right. For large-scale catering, I recommend opting for less fussy, shareable options that encourage socializing. Platters placed in the middle of the table are a great way to facilitate this, fostering a sense of community among your guests. To guarantee an unforgettable culinary experience, I suggest gathering inspiration from menus and dishes you love, then sharing them with your caterer. A skilled chef can recreate the desired flavors, just as a mood board helps visualize the overall aesthetic of the wedding. In fact, food photography can be so tantalizing that it’s almost like tasting the dish itself!
What are the biggest food trends couples should consider for their wedding menu?
The trendiness of sharing platters is undeniable at the moment. Moreover, Middle Eastern cuisine has gained immense popularity for its ease of recreation and mouthwatering flavors. When it comes to cooking meat, a slow-roasted lamb on a spit accompanied by delectable sharing salads would make for an impressive centerpiece.
Are there certain foods or trends couples should avoid?
On what’s meant to be the most unforgettable day of your life, it’s essential to prioritize what truly brings you joy. While societal trends and expectations may try to dictate your choices, I firmly believe that your wedding should be a celebration of your unique love story and personal passions. Don’t be swayed by fleeting fads – instead, create a day that authentically reflects who you are and what makes you happy. After all, it’s the culmination of years of dreaming and planning, so why not make it a reality?
How can couples keep food costs down for their wedding, while still serving sustainably sourced food?
When it comes to planning your event menu, consider the proximity of your food sources to the venue. One effective approach is to collaborate with your caterer to identify local farmers and suppliers who can provide fresh ingredients. For instance, if you’re serving meat, fish, or vegetarian options, look for nearby farms that offer direct sales. By supporting local agriculture, not only will you contribute to the local economy, but you’ll also be able to offer a unique and authentic culinary experience to your guests.
Have you any tips for serving your food in unique and beautiful ways?
My eclectic taste is akin to a whimsical tea party, where everything is unexpected but harmonious. This unconventional approach extends to my personal celebrations as well. For instance, my country wedding was a perfect blend of vintage charm and rustic elegance, featuring beautiful antique glassware and table settings. To add a playful touch, I used carrots and luggage tags for the place cards, which brought a delightful sense of whimsy to the proceedings.
Vintage china and platters always exude a timeless allure when paired with fresh flowers. Not only do they make for stunning table decor, but they can also be treasured keepsakes for years to come, simply by visiting a local flea market or antique shop.
Food courtesy of Peardrop London; photo via Honestly Healthy.
The advice shared here is truly invaluable. As fans of edible decorations, we thoroughly enjoy the creative approach taken by Natasha, who seamlessly integrated her personal philosophy on eating into every aspect of her special day – including the wedding cake – while still delivering a delectable and memorable culinary experience.
For further guidance, recipes, and insights into Natasha’s Green & Lean Plan, please visit Honestly Healthy.
Looking for ways to unwind before your big day? Our Bride’s Guide to Meditation is here to help alleviate pre-wedding stress.