Mr.Cookfulness: bedridden to cook book writing
by Brian Woods
Ill health forced Ian Tavener to step away from his work and his family. The simple, profund act of cooking began an inspiring new journey.
Ian was diagnosed with a functional neurological disorder, depression, anxiety and arthritis, ending a successful career in finance and life as he knew it.
Daily life became a struggle and Ian recluded from his friends and family.
Enough was enough. Ian poured his experiences from a life of professional challenges and hard work into finding purpose and getting back out there.
Ian developed differently abled solutions to cooking and food preparation.
And simple and delicious recipes for home cooks of every ability.
Ian released a cookbook and now travels the world with cooking and talk shows on a mission to get everybody in the kitchen, cooking in their own way, enjoying every minute and every mouthful.
Ian spoke with volunteer and nutritionist-to-be, Destinee, about his story, accessible cooking solutions and leads a step by step tutorial for a delicious, healthy and simple snack.
Simple, delicious and healthy recipe: Coconut + Lime + Cranberry Powerball
On this page you’ll find the full interview with Ian, including:
- Some of the barriers to cooking Ian has faced
- Top tips to make cooking less of a chores
- Some useful accessibility gadgets
And:
- A quick, easy and delicious gut-friendly snack recipe
Coconut + Lime + Cranberry Powerball
Mr.Cookfulness’ Powerball recipe is packed with gut-friendly ingredients, high in fibre and plant-based proteins. These components support digestion and help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
This snack is sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly, making it perfect for people who want a nutritious, energising bite without refined sugars.
It’s a great option for those looking to boost gut health and maintain steady energy levels.
And ESPECIALLY good if you’re like us and always reaching for snacks…
Head over to our instagram, facebook or Youtube to see more videos of Ian, including a condensed look at his cheap and amazon-available kitchen accessibility tools, personal mental health mantras and kitchen tips.
To follow along, you’ll need:
- 1 Cup of Porridge Oats
- 1 Cup of Desiccated Coconut
(can be swapped for ground almonds, or any other nut. If you have any issues with nuts, swap nuts out for 1 more cup of porridge oats) - ¾ Cup of Cranberry
(can be swapped for most other dried fruits) - 1 Lime – the Zest & Juice will be used
- 1 Spoon of Honey / Syrup
- A grater or zester
- Food processor (optional, strong hands will work just fine)
- Juicer (optional, strong hands will work just fine)
- Measuring cup or any large cup
This simple recipe will keep in the fridge, it can be frozen and used on demand and the flavours can easily be swapped in & out – Ian loves to add a little stem ginger.
“[My] cookbook is crammed full of accessibility hints and tips, designed specifically for people with chronic pain and mental health conditions, by me, a fellow sufferer.
All to help you WANT to cook, not have to!”
–Ian Taverner
If you want to learn more about gut health, its role within mental health, energy and whole-body health, head over to our blog.
