In today's blog post, we have a special treat for you as we dive into the fascinating journey of Fidan, popularly known as Green Junkie. Fidan is a certified nutritionist, health coach, and the owner of Green Junkie branches, a chain of cafes serving healthy and delicious food.

In this interview-style post, we'll get to know Fidan better, learn about her background, her passion for healthy food, and how she turned her blog into a successful business.

Jamila: Hi Fidan, thank you for joining us today. Let's start by talking about how you and the host of this channel became friends. Can you share the story with us?

Fidan: Of course! It's an interesting story. We actually connected on Instagram. I came across the host's page and was intrigued by the content. I bought one of her books and coincidentally, we ended up on the same flight to Milan. I made a post about the book, tagged her, and she responded with gratitude. From there, we started following each other's blogs and eventually decided to meet up. We instantly connected and have been friends for about three years now.

Jamila: That's a wonderful story of how social media can bring people together. Now, Fidan, could you share a bit about your background and how you developed a passion for nutrition and healthy food?

Fidan: Certainly! My journey into nutrition and healthy food started during my pregnancy. I wanted to provide the best nourishment for myself and my baby. Being in Dubai at the time, I was exposed to numerous cafes and markets offering healthy options like smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and superfoods. It motivated me to explore this further. I then pursued education in nutrition and became a certified nutritionist and health coach.

Jamila: That's impressive, Fidan. Now, let's talk about your transition from a blog to a thriving business. How did your passion for healthy food evolve into what it is today?

Fidan: My love for food goes beyond just taste; it also encompasses the visual aspect. I started sharing photos of my beautifully prepared bowls, toasts, and breakfasts on Instagram, which attracted more followers. Through Instagram, I met Rosa, who became my business partner. She owned the Bridge Lab, where I initially had a corner.

Over time, our collaboration grew, and the corner transformed into a full-fledged cafe called Green Junkie, serving a variety of healthy options like smoothies, juices, avocado toast, and vegetable-based dishes. We focus on gluten-free, sugar-free, and additive-free alternatives to cater to various dietary needs.

Jamila: It's incredible how your artistic approach to food presentation played a significant role in building your business. Speaking of which, how do you express yourself as an artist through your food?

Fidan: Art has always held great meaning for me, and I believe food is a form of art. I express my artistic side by carefully crafting visually appealing meals. When you visit Green Junkie, you'll notice the attention to detail in how we decorate our dishes. It's not just about taste; it's about creating a beautiful and holistic experience for our customers.

Jamila: That's wonderful! Let's dive into the first recipe. What do you have for us?

Fidan: Our first recipe is the ever-popular Chia Pudding. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Jamila: Excellent! Walk us through the process of making the Chia Pudding.

Fidan: Sure! Start by filling a glass halfway with chia seeds. Then, pour in your choice of milk. I personally love using coconut milk for its creaminess, but feel free to use any milk you prefer. Give it a good mix and let it sit for about five minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and become fluffy.

Jamila: Sounds simple enough. And what about the toppings?

Fidan: For the base, we'll use frozen mango. Layer it on top of the soaked chia seeds, and you can add as much mango as you like. Finally, sprinkle some coconut flakes and hemp seeds as toppings to add extra flavour and nutritional benefits.

Jamila: Delicious! Now, let's move on to the next recipe. What's in store for us?

Fidan: Get ready for my ultimate favourite, Avocado Toast with Shrimp. It's a delightful combination of flavours and textures.

Jamila: Avocado toast with shrimp sounds amazing! Can you guide us through the process?

Fidan: Certainly! To make this dish, you'll need avocado, shrimp, olive oil, whole grain bread, lemon, and a pinch of salt. Start by stir-frying the shrimp in olive oil until they're cooked to perfection. While that's happening, slice the avocado and spread it onto toasted whole grain bread. Squeeze some lemon juice over the avocado, and then add the cooked shrimp on top. Finish it off with a sprinkle of salt, and your delectable avocado toast with shrimp is ready to be savoured.

Jamila: That sounds absolutely mouthwatering! Now, on to the final recipe. What's on the menu?

Fidan: We'll be creating a refreshing Green Smoothie, packed with nutrients and vibrant flavours.

Jamila: Green smoothies are always a hit. Could you share the details of this particular recipe?

Fidan: Absolutely! For our Green Smoothie, you'll need spinach, banana, cucumber, almond milk, and ice cubes. Add a handful of spinach leaves to the blender, followed by a sliced banana and chopped cucumber. Pour in some almond milk and add a handful of ice cubes for a refreshing chill. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more almond milk if desired. And there you have it – a vibrant and nutritious green smoothie ready to be enjoyed.

Jamila: Fantastic! Thank you, Fidan, for sharing these incredible recipes with us. Before we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts or tips for our readers?

Fidan: You're most welcome! It was my pleasure to share these recipes. My final tip would be to have fun in the kitchen and experiment with different flavours and ingredients. Don't be afraid to personalise these recipes to suit your taste buds. Healthy eating can be delicious and enjoyable. So, grab those aprons, head to the kitchen, and embark on your own culinary adventure!

Check out the YouTube video on this interview to learn more on how to prepare easy and healthy recipes from the comfort of your home kitchen.