Getting the right nutrients… a handy guide

Grains 6 servings per day, at least half of which should be whole-grain 1 slice of bread 30g dry cereal 1/2 cup cooked rice, pasta, or cereal (about the size of a tennis ball) Fruit and vegetables 5-7 servings per day in a variety of types and colours            1 cup of leafy vegetables, e.g. spinach […]

Soup for the soul – handy tips!

Soup is one of the most versatile and nutritious dishes when made correctly – a quick, hot meal that offers plenty of health benefits. Good soups include fresh, low-fat ingredients and a minimum of salt and extra fat. Soup can be a rich source of many vitamins, and those made with beans or lentils provide […]

12 heart-healthy superheroes

It is incredibly important to look after your heart so here is a list of foods you should be eating to benefit your hearts well-being! Avocados These fruits are full of monounsaturated fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol levels and prevent blood clotting. They also contain potassium, which helps to control blood pressure, and magnesium, […]

Under pressure

What is a pressure cooker? A pressure cooker works on the principle of steam pressure. A sealed pot with water inside builds up intense pressure as the water is converted to steam, helping food to cook faster. A Frenchman named Denis Papin invented the pressure cooker in the 1600s, but it took many years before advancements in […]

The pros and cons of stainless steel, cast iron and non-stick pans

Stainless steelThe upsides: Stainless steel pots and pans with copper or aluminium cores/bottoms conduct heat very evenly and make for a quick meal. They are also durable and long-lasting, so can be viewed as an investment. These pans are non-reactive, meaning you can cook any kind of food in them. Dishwasher-safe   The downsides: Stainless […]

Gluten 101

What is gluten? Gluten is a family of proteins found in grains like wheat, rye, spelt and barley. Of the gluten-containing grains, wheat is by far the most commonly consumed. The two main proteins in gluten are glutenin and gliadin. When flour is mixed with water, the gluten proteins form a sticky glue-like consistency. This  makes the dough elastic […]

Quick tricks for healthier cooking

Making a few little tweaks to the way you cook can add up into a healthier diet overall. Choose your cheese. Using a sharp or strongly-flavoured cheese means you can use less and get the same taste impact. Try substituting regular mild Cheddar for a more mature one, or use a little Parmesan, Grana Padano […]

Getting key nutrients on a plant-based diet

We all know eating more plant-based foods will help us to keep our body healthy, and now more of us than ever are discovering the power of adding more plants to our diets. But do we really know which nutrients are in which plants? There is so much information available it’s easy to get confused. […]

Protein Power!

What is protein? Proteins are large molecules consisting of amino acids which our bodies and the cells in our bodies need to function properly. Our body structures, functions, the regulation of the body’s cells, tissues and organs cannot exist without proteins.   Why is protein important? Protein is the body’s building block.  All of our […]

Get to know your…. table manners

Impress your hosts wherever you go with these important tips.   Russia – Keep your hands above the table and never refuse a vodka (asking for a mixer is just as rude!)   Korea – Don’t begin eating or leave the table before the oldest male has done so.   France – Keep bread on […]