• Recipe broccoli pea and spinach soup
    Lunch,  Recipes,  Soup

    Recipe: Broccoli, Pea and Mint Soup with Lemon Greek Yoghurt

    This green soup really packs in the veggies, as well as flavour. The mint and lemon really compliment each other. It’s also simple to make and economical. I used frozen peas and fresh broccoli and spinach, but you could easily use frozen broccoli and spinach too. If using frozen spinach, just add it to the pan at the same time as the peas. To find out about just some of the nutritional benefits of this soup, see my post on The Health Benefits of Peas. I recommend you enjoy this soup with your favourite bread. Mmm, I love bread.

  • The health benefits of peas
    Food in the Spotlight

    The Health Benefits of Peas

    In celebration of Great British Pea Week 2020 I have a post today about the health benefits of peas! See here for my newest recipe – a delicious Pea, Broccoli and Mint Soup. What are the benefits of eating peas? Peas are rich in protein, carbohydrate and fibre and are low in fat and sodium. As well as providing a great source of micronutrients, including: Vitamin A – important for vision and normal functioning of the immune system. Vitamin C – important for helping to protect cells and maintain healthy skin, bones, tendons and cartilage. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – important for the break down and release of energy from food…

  • Chocolate Orange Bites
    Recipes,  Snacks

    Recipe: Chocolate Orange Bites

    Happy World Chocolate Day! It doesn’t take much to encourage me to celebrate all things chocolate. I’m definitely more of a sweet rather than savoury person. Throughout history, cocoa has long been considered as having medicinal properties. It was even reportedly named “food of the gods” by scientist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 (1). I think I’d have to agree with him there! It’s the cocoa in chocolate that is the beneficial ingredient, due to the cocoa being rich in plant chemicals called flavanols. Therefore, choosing a high quality, dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content is best. There is moderate evidence that flavanol-rich chocolate and cocoa products may slightly…

  • Food in the Spotlight

    The Health Benefits of Oats

    Oats are a very nutrient-dense food. They are a wholegrain cereal which provide a good source of: fibre protein B vitamins, particularly vitamin B1 (thiamine) minerals including selenium, copper and magnesium phytochemicals What are the different types of oats? Depending on how they are processed, oats are known by different names which can sometimes be confusing. Briefly, these are the types of oats available: Whole oat groats – these are the least processed and also take the longest to cook. They have just been cleaned and the hull has been removed. Steel cut oats – also known as Irish oats or pinhead oats, these are oat groats that have been…

  • Breakfast,  Recipes,  Sauces

    Recipe: Mixed Berry Compote

    This sauce is the ideal accompaniment to my Banana and Oat Pancakes, making the perfect weekend breakfast or brunch. The compote is also delicious added to yoghurt, porridge or on toast. To make things even better, it’s so simple to make and is a great way of getting your dose of healthy berries.

  • The health benefits of bananas
    Food in the Spotlight

    The Health Benefits of Bananas

    The humble banana. It doesn’t really get the same airtime as other fruit. However, it’s great as a tasty, portable snack and can be used in a variety of meals. Why are bananas good for me? They are a source of many important micronutrients, as well as fibre and carbohydrates, that our bodies need to function normally. Here are a few of the reasons why they can be a good food to include in our diet. Potassium Bananas are rich in this electrolyte which helps regulate the balance of fluids in the body and function of the muscles. Research suggests it can play a role in lowering blood pressure (1)…

  • Breakfast,  Recipes

    Recipe: Banana and Oat Pancakes

    I’ve been making these pancakes for years now. They’re extremely easy to make and, in my (and my husband’s) opinion, are fluffier and tastier than the original American-style pancakes made with white flour. These pancakes are high in dietary fibre which is good for digestive health. As well as a host of other possible health benefits from the oats, flaxseeds and banana. See my articles on bananas and oats. My favourite pancake topping is my mixed berry compote and a little bit of maple syrup. What do you like to eat with your pancakes? Here is the recipe. I hope you enjoy it.