Athlete profile: I play a sport called boccia, a precision target sport, similar to bowls. It is a Paralympic sport, which provides opportunities for people with physical disabilities to compete while also staying active, fit and healthy. I have been playing for six years, I train around five times a week and, so far, I have won seven medals!
Biggest achievement: I won a bronze medal at a Boccia England Cup qualifier in November 2022.
Fun fact: I have a rabbit called Mr Bojangles and he is full of energy and attitude, but also loves cuddles!
I think healthy eating means eating a balanced diet with as much variety and colour as possible.
Foods that provide slow-release energy are a must. This includes bananas, granola, fruit flapjacks, and yoghurt covered rice cakes. These 'fuel foods' are really handy to have available when I am training or competing. I also find protein is essential, as it helps with gaining strength and maintaining muscle function. I get most of my protein from meat such as chicken, as well as beans and pulses.
The fresh and healthy dish that I enjoy making the most would be chicken fajitas. I usually make them with chicken breast, onions, peppers, and mushrooms, topped off with salsa and a natural yoghurt-based alternative to sour cream. I enjoy making it as it’s a great way to include lots of food groups that make a balanced diet all in one meal. It's also quick and easy to make and super tasty too!
The one thing that can make eating well and cooking difficult is that it can take quite a lot of time, which can be hard to manage around my sporting commitments.
To make healthy eating easier and less challenging, I like to prepare what I can in advance (such as chopping vegetables) so that things are ready when I need them. I find batch-cooking really helpful, too.
To me, healthy sustainable food means foods that are easily accessible and nutritious, that can be used as part of a varied and active lifestyle. Above all, the most important aspect of healthy and sustainable foods is nutritious content with a great taste.
Sweet potato, mushrooms, different coloured peppers, bananas, avocado and pineapple.
Healthy eating means eating a balanced diet with as much variety and colour as possible.
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I been playing boccia for around six years and I train five times a week.
I like making fajitas with chicken breast, onions, peppers, and mushrooms, topped off with salsa and a natural yoghurt-based sour cream alternative.
Sweet potato, mushrooms, different coloured peppers, bananas, avocado and pineapple.
Foods that provide slow-release energy are a must - bananas, granola, fruit flapjacks, and yoghurt covered rice cakes.
