Eating well is important for everyone. But when it comes to living a happy, active and fulfilling life for those of us with MS, maintaining a healthy diet is crucial. Day to day, making the right choices in the kitchen along with the other steps of the OVercoming MS program can allow us to live well with MS. 

At Overcoming MS we are committed to helping you live life to the full with MS, so we’re always thinking of inspiring new ways to make healthy living easier. The OMS Diet isn’t just about avoiding certain ingredients – although long-term studies have shown that saturated fats play a significant role in the progression of MS symptoms. It’s about finding truly exciting, easy and enjoyable recipes that don’t break the bank and help you get enthusiastic about cooking. 

Easy recipes to help you manage MS

Our OMS recipes are designed not only to be delicious, but to do four things that will help you manage MS symptoms:

1. Reduce your saturated fat intake

2. Help you avoid processed foods containing harmful oils

3. Increase your omega-3 intake

4. Help you eat more fresh fruits and vegetables

With the global coronavirus lockdown set to continue for weeks and even months to come, it’s more important than ever to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With resources limited, and if you’re working from home and spending whole days indoors, it’s especially tempting to slip into snacking habits or opt for convenience foods. With this selection of recipes from Overcoming MS, you’ll find irresistible and creative new ways to make use of the ingredients you’ve got in the back of the cupboard – and stay positive through the lockdown and beyond.

Easy Potato Curry

Thinking of reaching for that takeaway menu? You won’t believe how easy and delicious this authentic vegan potato curry recipe is. It’ll transport your taste buds to the incredible sights and sounds of the subcontinent, and the best thing is it uses up some of those long-forgotten spices that have been lingering in the back of your cupboard. If you’ve not got the spices listed, you can always use a trusty curry powder as a substitute. 

Sicilian Aubergine Stew

Lazy evenings on a Mediterranean sun terrace might not be an option at the moment, but there’s no reason you can’t bring a traditional taste of the Italian island into your kitchen. This quick and easy side dish just requires a few everyday vegetables – and you can always double up and make it into a main course. Don’t worry if you’re missing a few of the ingredients on the list. You can swap in dry herbs for fresh ones and missing olives or capers won’t take away the delicious flavour. 

Mushroom and Walnut Bolognese 

There are few things more comforting than a hearty dollop of bolognese piled on top of steaming spaghetti. At times like these, a dish that combines comfort with healthy ingredients is a real winner, so look no further than our mushroom bolognese. There’s real depth of flavour in the sauce, and the longer you can cook it for, the tastier it will be. Don’t be put off by the long list of ingredients – you can use whatever type of mushrooms you’ve got in, and the herbs and tinned tomatoes will provide the key to flavour.

Pea and Pesto Risotto

There’s something about risotto rice that makes you leave it in the back of the cupboard for months, promising yourself you’ll make the effort next time. Give it a go with this quick and simple risotto that’s packed with flavour using only a few ingredients, topped with a pesto that’s equally easy to make. Peas are full of nutrients – so not only is this irresistibly green risotto a bowl of goodness but you’ll make much-needed freezer space by putting your frozen peas to good use. 

We also get some fantastic community submissions - for example Rowan sent this fantastic chilli recipe. If you have a great recipe you'd like to share - send to us at digital@overcomingms.org.

Mexican Veggie Chilli

Speaking of comforting dishes, there’s barely a week goes by when we don’t crave a warming chilli. This veggie version will use up loads of whatever leftover vegetables are in the fridge – so feel free to make swaps depending on what you’ve got to hand. Don’t be put off if heat isn’t your thing, as you can add as much or as little spice as you want depending on your preference. Whatever you choose to throw into the pot and whether you opt for mild or fiery, you’re in for an irresistible Mexican feast.