Meals and Nutrition Philosophy with Jo Dombernowsky, Nutrition Advisor for Azul

Jo is Azul's nutrition advisor and the resident chef at Villa Azul, cooking the evening meals on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights. These meals are included in your villa package (along with the healthy BBQ on Friday evening).

Using only the best ingredients, each meal is not only a chance to enjoy good food and good company, it's a chance to learn about the benefits of nutritious eating. Below is some background information on Jo's nutrition philosophy. 

 

'Through appropriate nutrition you can add years to your life and life to your years. Giving the body the right proportions of nutrients, we can gain health, energy, vitality and live longer and healthier lives. Nutrition is fundamental for physical and mental health.'

 

The aim of my Azul dinners is to cook healthy and at the same time delicious food.

The principles for my cooking are as follows:

Some meals are vegetarian and some are with fish or seafood.

Why? I believe that we eat way too much meat in the western world. On Fuerteventura it is impossible to find organic meat, another reason to avoid it. Furthermore it is a myth that vegetable protein is not good quality protein. It is true that if you eat only lentils, the quality is not good. But if you know how to combine foods, vegetable protein can be superior to animal protein.

All meals contain a balanced proportion of carbohydrates, protein and fat.

I use only whole grains.

Why? In refined grains approximately 90% of all vitamins, minerals and fibre have been removed. What remains are empty calories. The body can't cope with all the fast absorbable sugar, blood sugar becomes unstable and our energy level drops. Refined grains steal nutrients from the body. Whole grains contain many important vitamins, minerals, and also important fibres. I use a wide variety of grains and flours, including spelt, buckwheat, millet, etc.

All grains and flours are organic and all bread is homemade.

Most dinners are totally dairy free.

Why? I believe that milk is for baby cows, not for humans. I feel quite sure that many of us are allergic or intolerant to milk without knowing, and that we would be much better off avoiding milk. I strongly believe that we can avoid a series of health problems by avoiding milk.

I sweeten cakes and desserts with the most natural sweeteners such as sweet fruits (banana, papaya, etc), or dried fruits like dates, figs and apricots. If more sweetener is necessary I add a bit of honey, agave syrup or brown sugar. In cakes I use whole grain flours and vegetable oils (very rarely butter).

I use many seeds and vegetable oils (not refined) to proportion healthy fats (omega 3 and 6).

I use many ingredients and spices from Asian and Moroccan kitchen including: ginger, garlic, soy sauce, coconut milk, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, curry, chili, cilantro, mint, basil, tofu and all nuts and seeds.

I sincerely hope you will enjoy my dinners as they are prepared with a lot of thought and love. Here is to a healthier you!

Jo Dombernowsky, Nutrition Advisor

Guest reviews

“I’m fussy – and this was fabulous. Clean, fresh, nutritious... Please can we have it every day?!? Organic homemade bread, delicious dips. All food lovingly prepared by our beautiful gentle hostess. Well done Jo!” Jacynta, London

“Fabulous falafel, delicious dips, wonderful wine – highly recommended.” Susanna, London

“A great evening, lovely fresh food and plenty of it” Claire, London

“Delicious, nutritious food and fine company.” Anna, Barcelona

“Beats the places in town 100%.” John, Amsterdam

"The food was simply amazing and prepared with so much love and attention to detail. I'll miss being so well fed." Allison

"Always fresh, always delicious, always healthy! Thank you for making my week a culinary joy as well!" Suzy Fracassa

"What a joy to be served with the tastiest freshest food every time – a real revelation in terms of vegetarian meals." Lindsey

"It was wonderful to have such well-made, healthy meals to complement the Azul classes and lifestyle. Every meal was energizing, satisfying and made with love." Enid

"Amazing food, healthy and nutritious. And it has inspired me to be more creative at home." Wendy

"Thank you so much for the absolutely wonderful food, amazing tastes and flavours. I feel quite cleansed and healthy and will endeavor to continue this regimen when I return home." Morag

Sunday night example menu

Thursday night example menu