Natasha is the founder and creator of Honestly Healthy. Daughter of designer and Dragons’ Den star Kelly Hoppen, she is the author of two books and contributes to the Huffington Post, Positive Luxury, Woman’s Health & Harpers Bazaar online.
At what age did you become vegetarian?
I have never really eaten that much meat, but after some travelling and discovering the alkaline way around 5 years ago I have gradually completely cut it out. I could not imagine eating meat again.
What made you become vegetarian?
It was all part of my discovery of the alkaline way. I was very stressed at the time and part of my recovery included a very holistic approach. With this comes a request to really think about the way that you live and the things that you eat. When my ayurvedic doctor told me that my body was very acidic and I discovered the alkaline way, one of the first things I had to do was to cut out meat completely. Along with gluten, refined sugar and dairy products, meat is one of the most acid forming things that you can eat.
What is your favourite vegetarian meal?
I absolutely love tahini and lemony flavours so I think it would have to be a Lebanese feast of sorts. Roast sweet potatoes, tabbouleh, gluten free flat breads and a lovely green salad.
Which is the best vegetarian restaurant you have been to?
There is a great new raw and vegetarian place that has opened up by my office called Nama Foods. It is really good, I also love The Wild Food Café in Covent Garden.
Where is the most vegetarian-friendly place?
I did a lot of travelling in India a few years ago. A huge percentage of the population is obviously vegetarian so it is such an easy place for a veggie – plus I completely love all of their food and the diversity. London is becoming more and more veggie-friendly I think. There are new restaurants and cafés popping up all over the shop and the trend for big salad bowls and platters in the likes of Ottolenghi means that people are so much more inspired to eat veggie food.
What has been your worst experience as a vegetarian?
I think it is when people know you are a vegetarian so when you go for dinner they either don’t make any effort to cater for you so you just end up eating bread and salad – or they go the other way and try to make you something which is usually quite unappetising. To be honest though I hate it when people make a fuss. I am much happier just making the most of what is there rather than feeling embarrassed to be a vegetarian.
Can you recommend any good vegetarian resources?
There is so much inspiration out there now. I love a blog called My New Roots and also a new cookbook by a guy called Brendan Brazier – it is all about plant-based food for those who like to exercise and be active. It is called Thrive Energy Cookbook.
What is your signature dish?
I am always making and experimenting with new dishes so it is hard to say. I suppose it would be a delicious salad based dish with loads of herbs and lemon zest through it and a delicious dressing to go with it – something a bit like my Pomegranate and Puy Lentil Salad recipe – you can find the recipe on my website while it is also in my second cookbook Honestly Healthy For Life.
Click here to see Natasha’s ‘Aubergine with Cashew Pesto & Sweet Tomato Tabouleh’ recipe