TRAINEE DENTIST’S SWEET TREATS WITH A HEALTHY TWIST
THIS Welsh trainee dentist is making a name for herself by creating incredible sweet treats that won’t damage your teeth (or your figure). Vee Shathur, a Cardiff University dental student with a “massive sweet tooth”, runs a fitness and nutrition blog informed by her studies and a passion for science.
But she specialises in creating classic desserts or snacks using wholesome ingredients.
She said: “I love the challenge of recreating a favourite dessert or sweet treat but using whole, natural ingredients.
“I make a few simple ingredient swaps to improve the nutritional profile of a particular food or dish.
“Mostly I love to do this to portray to people that you really can enjoy anything and everything you want – it’s just all about making smarter choices and healthier food swaps rather than cutting out or demonising food or even restricting things from your diet, because that’s not healthy mentally nor sustainable.”
Alongside her passion for food, Vee has an active lifestyle, having first joined a gym at just 14.
The student, who has degree in Biomedicine and a diploma in Sports and Clinical Nutrition, said: “My love e of science has spurred my love of nu- trition.
“I love to read and learn about nutrition and sports performance – I read every single day, consuming articles and journals, what new studies have come out.
“I’m always listening to podcasts and watching YouTube. I find it all so fascinating.”
Her ethos revolves around balance, and one of her most recent blog posts is about ditching fad diets and having a healthy relationship with food.
“It’s about really moving towards a lifestyle which makes you happy and nourishes both your body and mind.
“It’s for a lifestyle which is sustainable, that you can see yourself living 10 years from now. Everything in moderation – allow yourself what makes you happy, and don’t deprive yourself.
“I try to promote that there are no ‘good or bad’ foods and there’s no such thing as ‘clean food’ – just some foods are more nutrient dense than others, for example whole foods compared to processed foods.”
She added: “Be active, eat for health and enjoy a bit of what you love too as it’s important for the soul!”
One look at Vee’s Instagram page will show you she has a creative flair – each one of her recipes are colourfully and immaculately presented.
She thinks carefully about how best to express herself through her food.
Vee said: “I try and d stick to a theme and my identity with presentations, and largely I base my foods in heartshaped bowls and plates.
“I also try to incorporate colour and symmetry as I personally find this the most visually pleasing.
“I like to show people that even foods which traditionally people may have shied away from such as certain vegetables, can all be made tasty and appetising just as any food can!
“People always comment saying they know a dish is mine before they even read the caption!”
You can read Vee’s recipes and posts on her blog: www. veesfitnessfood.com