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Food Intolerance Symptoms Chart
Published Feb 12, 2021 Intolerances to food are a major source of everyday misery for many. Although the exact percentage of the population to suffer from food intolerance is disputed, there’s no doubt that the problem is widespread, and growing. First, a note...
A complete guide to a lactose-free diet
Published Feb 12, 2021 Just what is lactose and why is avoiding this natural milk sugar sometimes the best thing you can do for your health? When most people think of milk they picture a white liquid in bottles and cartons, ready to pour onto their breakfast cereal or...
Eating and healthy living for good bone health whilst we’re still young
Published Feb 9, 2021 When we think about eating for our health, we might immediately think of eating to keep our hearts healthy, or our brains or immune system. But we might not think of our bone health. After all, our bones are made of strong stuff, we don’t really...
Power greens super smoothie
Published Feb 6, 2021 Leafy greens are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals – spinach is believed to be one of the ‘superfoods’. With a vegetable smoothie, you still need a little sweetness, and this is provided by the kiwi and pineapple. You can substitute the milk...
Does Vitamin D Help Muscle Growth?
Published Feb 5, 2021 Vitamin D’s important role in maintaining health includes the promotion of muscle growth according to a recent study. Learn more in this post. There are 13 vitamins in total, each with an important role to play in keeping us healthy. But vitamin...
How to supercharge your diet with superfoods!
Published Feb 2, 2021 If healthy living and an active lifestyle is important to you, then you’ll know that diet also plays an important role. Whether you’re working out for weight loss, or to stay or get fit, or you’re simply living your healthiest life, then you need...
Super Leafy Green Mac & Cheese
Published Jan 30, 2021 Mac ‘n Cheese doesn’t have to be just that! If you add some luscious leafy greens to the pasta mix, you not only get more flavour, but also a sumptuous bundle of health! Try it with a spinach mix, or a kale mix or both and add a luxurious...
7 of the best muscle-building foods
Published Jan 29, 2021 Food plays a crucial role in building lean muscle. Discover 7 of the best muscle-building food to support those hours in the gym If you are already fit and like the idea of going that extra mile and building muscle, you will need to plan...
Demystifying detox diets
Published Jan 26, 2021 Many of us have considered embarking on a detox diet or a ‘cleanse’. We might decide to do one after a holiday full of indulgent treats or after Christmas when biscuits for breakfast becomes our norm. Or it might be because we simply want to...
The Best Winter Smoothie
Published Jan 24, 2021 You must have heard a million times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In fear of repeating ourselves – it really is. If you want to get through your day with energy and feel in tip top condition, then a power breakfast full...
What are the best vitamins for muscle repair
Published Jan 22, 2021 What are the best nutrients & vitamins for muscle repair so you can get back in the gym and keep seeing gains? Discover exactly that in this article. Getting fit and staying fit takes dedication and effort, but the reward for those vigorous...
Reducing food waste saves money and the planet!
Published Jan 19, 2021 How often have you made too much food and had the excess go to waste? Or been enticed by an ‘unbeatable’ supermarket three for two deal that you don’t need? In the UK alone, 8.4 million people are struggling to afford to eat, yet we throw away...
Mediterranean Linguine
Published Jan 18, 2021 Pasta is always a great store cupboard item to have – you can make almost any dish with it, by varying the vegetables, any meat products (including leftovers such as chicken). Tinned goods from beans and pulses, vegetables and extras such as...
Gluten free chocolate and salted caramel muffins
Published Jan 13, 2021 What can you say about muffins, other than most people love them! These muffins can be eaten at any time of the day, are gluten free and suitable for vegetarians. If you have a ‘small’ muffin tray, you can double the quantity that you can store...
What is Clean Eating?
Published Jan 12, 2021 The definition of clean eating is variable. Both the British Heart Foundation and the NHS in the UK concur on the subject, but unfortunately, like most dietary advice, some nutritional gurus have taken it to the extreme. Around 10 years ago, if...
Savoury Potato Stew
Published Jan 8, 2021 Potatoes do not need to be boring! This is a very economical meal that you can make from your store cupboard and a few potatoes added in. If you want, you could use sweet potatoes, or squash as an alternative, without changing the nutritional...
Weight Loss Resistance
Published Jan 4, 2020 Many of us have wanted to or even been advised to lose weight at one time or another. It’s perhaps the most frequently cited slice of lifestyle advice and that’s no real surprise. It’s alarmingly easy to pile on the pounds these days: our...
What is Veganuary?
Published Jan 1st, 2021 Veganuary started as a campaign back in 2014, with the aim of supporting veganism throughout the world. Since then, over 1 million people have converted to a vegan lifestyle for the campaign whilst supporting this ever-growing mission. ...
Six vitamins to boost your immune system
Published Dec 28, 2020 Every day we come into contact with things that would make us ill if they got into our bodies - from toxic particles to the multitude of viruses and bacteria that swarm through the natural world. Our immune system is the body’s front line of...
Festive gingerbread and carrot cake with overnight oats
Published Dec 22, 2020 Another power breakfast that hits the spot in terms of nutritional content. Oats are heart-healthy, and even though this breakfast is a little on the sweet side, it is a complete powerhouse of nutrients that will energise you for the whole day....
Does detox tea work? The dangers of teatoxing
Published Dec 21, 2020 So-called ‘detox’ teas have become popular in recent decades among health-conscious consumers. They are sold as ways to balance the body and ‘fix’ any damage that may have been done by overindulgence. Often promoted by influencers and...
Our favourite Vegan Goulash Soup
Published Dec 14, 2020 This recipe is an autumn and winter winner! Rich in vegetables as well as a spicy, warming flavour, if you make it in batches with any ‘leftover’ veggies and freeze it, you have a quick and wholesome lunch or supper dish to bring back the heat...
Common deficiencies and symptoms in vegan diets
Published Dec 14, 2020 Veganism has become increasingly popular in recent decades. While vegetarians avoid meat but often allow themselves eggs and dairy products, dedicated vegans refuse all foods derived from animal sources and even non-food products - for example,...
Winter berry and coconut smoothie
Published Dec 10, 2020 With the availability of berries throughout the year, either fresh or frozen, this delicious smoothie can be made at any time. You can vary the fruit, choose raspberries or blueberries, and even blackberries (which would normally be frozen...
Key vitamins to help ease IBS symptoms
Published Dec 5, 2020 Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a chronic - and surprisingly common - disorder of the digestive system. Fifteen per cent or more of the developed world may have some form of IBS. The symptoms differ from person to person and vary in intensity....
zucchini noodle salad
Published Dec 2, 2020 This healthy noodle salad uses vegetables as the base, as opposed to pasta-style noodles. This reduces the carbohydrate level by at least 50%, without detracting from the overall taste. This dish has a crisp and slightly crunchy texture as...
The importance of getting your elimination diet right
Published Dec 2, 2020 An elimination diet is a diet that severely restricts or avoids certain foods or ingredients, before slowly reintroducing them to monitor any change in symptoms. The aim is to avoid these foods for a few weeks to see if doing so makes any...
Chickpea and Sesame Burgers
Published Nov 25, 2020 Very healthy vegetarian burger, with plenty of flavour! You can make a vegetarian and a vegan version of this burger, just check any labels on your products. Accompanied by a tahini dip, you have everything you want in a burger. It is easy to...
Eating plants to protect our health as well as the planet
Published Nov 25, 2020 Sadly, we’re now living in a world where climate change is a very real threat to the planet we all live on. Increasing global temperatures, rising sea levels, melting polar ice caps, droughts, deforestation, species extinction and food shortages...
Diet friendly orange and poppy seed pound cake
Published Nov 19, 2020 Everyone loves cake, don’t they? This one is comparatively low in calories and just as tasty as well as being low sugar and low fat. Serves: 12 slices Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 - 50 minutes Rest Time: 60 - 120 minutes Dietary:...
The benefits of knowing your food sensitivities
Published Nov 19, 2020 A food sensitivity describes a reaction to a certain food soon after eating it. They’re caused by our body having difficulty digesting this certain food (or ingredient within a food), causing uncomfortable, unpleasant and sometimes embarrassing...
Cauliflower Curry
Published Nov 12, 2020 Cauliflower never gets the praise it deserves as a vegetable. Cruciferous vegetables are important in the human diet. It’s weight loss friendly and particularly good in curries and other seasoned dishes. High in fibre and B Vitamins, it is a...
Can you REALLY reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Published Nov 12th, 2020 If you asked this question a few years ago, medical experts would have vehemently denied that this was possible. Be encouraged though, as you can get off medication for the illness if you are prepared to try. To clarify, we would rather use...
Oven baked Teriyaki Salmon fillets
Published Nov 5, 2020 Salmon is a wonderful fish, full of antioxidants and many other vitamins and minerals. Probably its best attribute is the amount of omega-3 fatty acids it contains, which promote a healthy heart. This recipe is almost Far Eastern style and...
Understanding omega fatty acids
Published Nov 5, 2020 Despite being calorific, our body needs a certain amount of fat to stay healthy. But it’s the type of fat that’s important. Good fats are generally the unsaturated fats whilst bad fats are the saturated fats. One of the good fats are the omega...
Fudgy vegan brownies
Published Oct 28, 2020 There is nothing like a super moist brownie on your tastebuds! If you have a problem with gluten, this recipe is ideal for you and the family. You can try this with a little crème fraiche or cream as a dessert – everyone will approve! Serves: 12...
Getting all the nutrients you need on a vegetarian or vegan diet
Published Oct 28, 2020 In today’s gastronomic world, we can’t help being aware of meals that are different from the traditional ‘meat and two veg’ of yesteryear. When we say different, we mean lots of things. It could mean eating a meat other than chicken, beef, lamb...
Food and Drinks that Drain your Energy
Published Oct 24, 2020 Struggle to get out of bed in the morning? Feel sluggish by lunchtime? Fighting to stay focused throughout the day or just plain exhausted? It might be time to address your diet. Low energy levels can strike at any time and their impact can be...
Multiseed Gluten-free Bread
Published October 22, 2020 Try this delicious gluten-free bread, it has so much taste and is ideal with almost any accompaniment, such as cheese, cold meats, salad or sweet toppings. This loaf freezes well, so get ahead and always keep one in the freezer! Serves: 20...
Dealing with intolerance to bread
Published October 22, 2020 It’s becoming increasingly more common to hear about the “bloating”, “gassiness” and “indigestion” which follows for many after having some bread. Whilst common, it’s certainly not “normal” to experience this kind of reaction. This is not...
Diabetes prevention: 5 ways to take control
Published Oct 17, 2020 According to Diabetes UK, 4.7 million people in the UK have diabetes. The most common form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes. The disheartening rise in obesity rates is the leading reason so many people are now living with the condition. 60% of...
Chicken, broccoli and potato bake
Published October 15, 2020 A great way to use up leftover chicken from a Sunday roast dinner, plus potatoes and broccoli. You can also use spinach or cabbage greens for the health factor, or any other vegetables at all! If they are already cooked, don’t throw them...
How your socio-economic climate can affect your health
Published October 14, 2020 It’s easy to think about what you want to eat and when you want to eat it. Making healthy, tasty choices is not always that simple, particularly if you are dependent on a low income, or if you live in a country or area of the world where...
How to get a good night’s sleep
Published Oct 10, 2020 Sleep allows our bodies to heal and rejuvenate. Too little of it, and we are not only tired, but our health suffers too. Many people either struggle to sleep or don’t get enough each night. A lack of sleep has been linked to brain fog and...
Stay Healthy During Coronavirus
Published Oct 3, 2020 The coronavirus pandemic is affecting our normal routines in all kinds of ways – from having to work from home (or not working at all) to being cut off from friends and family and pressing pause on our favourite hobbies. These disruptions to our...
Six reasons to become a plant based eater
Published Sept 26, 2020 Ethical and environmental benefits aside, the myriad of health benefits reaped by plant-based eaters are well documented. Including a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease, a protective effect against improved mood, improved digestion and...
Pear Power Smoothie
Published Sept 23, 2020 Recipe: 200-250ml almond milk (depending on how thick you want it) 1 organic pear, chopped 2-3 chunks of frozen spinach ½-1 medjul date (depending on how sweet you like it) 1tbsp almond or peanut butter 1tbsp chia seeds 2 brazil nuts 1 scoop...
How to keep calm during lockdown
Published Sept 19, 2020 Whether in lockdown away from loved ones, concerned for an at-risk parent or home-schooling our children, we are all dealing with our fair share of difficulties right now. It is natural to fall into the fear trap when faced with the uncertainty...
Cauliflower pizza
Published Sept 16, 2020 This cauliflower pizza crust is a healthy veggie-packed recipe that is naturally gluten-free and lower in calories than a standard dough-based pizza. It’s perfect for people who still want to eat their pizza, while staying healthy or on a lower...
Natural Ways to Support your Immune System
Published Sept 12, 2020 Your immune system helps protect you from viruses, bacteria and other invaders. But that’s not its only role. It’s involved in nearly every other bodily system – from your hormones to your nervous system. A weakened immune system has been...
Looking after your mental health whilst in lockdown
Published Aug 29, 2020 During these times of the COVID-19 pandemic meaning social distancing, missing loved ones and loneliness, many of us are understandably suffering with poor mental health. Fear and worry about catching the virus, or loved ones catching the virus,...
Keeping the little ones entertained during lockdown
Published Aug 22, 2020 If you’re struggling to keep your children entertained during this period of quarantine and social distancing, then you’re not alone. Parents and guardians up and down the country are desperately looking for ways to alleviate the kid’s boredom...
Maintaining social connections whilst socially distancing
Published Aug 15, 2020 At the moment, we’re all currently doing all we can to help “flatten the curve” of the coronavirus by self-isolating if we have symptoms of the virus, or socially distancing. This means, that aside from those on the front line, most of us are...
Supporting a healthy immune system
Published Aug 8, 2020 When we think of our health, we quite often break it down into ‘areas’ as well as our overall health. For example, we might think of our heart health, or our mental health, and what we can do to support them. But how often do we think of our...
The importance of vitamin D for the immune system
Published Aug 1, 2020 Vitamin D isn’t usually the first vitamin we think of when we think of our immune health. It’s usually vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits, berries and kiwi fruits. Vitamin C is crucial for a healthy immune system, but it’s not the only...
Simple and quick store cupboard meal ideas that are still healthy
Published July 25, 2020 With the world leaders gradually starting to discuss how we’re all going to safely emerge from the lockdown measures, there is hope on the horizon for those of us still abiding by the rules and staying at home. But as it stands, we’re still...
The importance of regular, good quality sleep
Published July 18, 2020 Quality sleep that nourishes and refreshes us is something that is so crucial, yet evades so many of us. We all know that feeling of tiredness after a late night, but the effects of a chronic lack of sleep can have far reaching consequences....
What to eat for good brain health
Published July 11, 2020 Whether you’re young and developing your fine motor skills, studying, working your way up the corporate ladder, concentrating on physical work to stay safe or wanting to stay sharp and switched on during retirement, you’re using your brain. So...
Help save me from over-snacking during lockdown!
Published July 4, 2020 Right now, we’re living in unchartered territory. Whilst the government and health agencies battle with the effects of a new virus, with as yet unknown long term consequences, we’re all battling with our own struggles. Among the worries of...
How does the immune system work?
Published June 27, 2020 When it comes to our immune system and how strong our immunity may or may not be, we’re mostly aware that we can support a healthy immune system by eating more of the right things (fruits and vegetables) and less of the not-so-right things...
The Importance of Minerals for the Body
Published June 19, 2020 Much is made of the importance of vitamins for the body, but minerals have an important part to play in maintaining a healthy life. Minerals are ‘inorganic’ substances, (unlike vitamins which are organic) and gleaned in their natural state from...
The challenge of osteoporosis and how to manage it
Published June 12, 2020 If you are unlucky enough to be diagnosed with osteoporosis, living with it and managing it can be tricky. Unfortunately, it can be a fact of life for many people as they reach their elderly years, but it does exist even in children, teenagers...
Maintaining Heart Health While Exercise is Limited
Published June 5, 2020 Taking care of the heart is one of the fundamentals of good health. Heart disease remains the biggest killer, accounting for more untimely deaths than cancer. Thankfully, awareness of the importance of heart health is growing – and yielding...
Is Lockdown Putting The Weight Of The World On Your Shoulders (and tummy, and bum)?
Published May 29, 2020 Last month, a large chunk of the population moved out of the country’s offices and workplaces and into their homes as lockdown procedures were put into place to help curb the Coronavirus crisis. For most of us, this involved swapping pinstripes...
How Much Alcohol is Too Much?
Published May 22, 2020 Consumption of alcohol is a hot topic most of the time, but it is especially pertinent right now. In testing times, many of us are tempted to reach for a drink to aid relaxation and manage anxiety. This can be a slippery slope toward...
Foods to improve your immune system
Published May 15, 2020 Infections and viruses can wreak havoc with your immune system and cause you to feel extremely unwell. During the outbreak of COVID-19, you need to supply your immune system with as much help as it can get. Keeping a well-balanced diet is...
Does food affect your mood?
Published May 9, 2020 It is a well-known fact that ‘you are what you eat’, and certain foods will stabilise both your physical and mental health, prevent mood swings and give you much more of a sense of wellbeing. There is a strong relationship between food and mood....
Covid-19 Statement
We are all in unprecedented and challenging times, with the spread of coronavirus and we are all working out the best course of action for how to minimise risks We would like to share an update on our business continuity plans. These plans mitigate the impact on our...
Is a pescatarian diet healthy?
Most people will know what a pescatarian diet is, but for those who are not sure, it boils down to following a diet of plant-based foods but adding various fish and seafood to it.
How can we be sure about sugar?
The jargon used on labels regarding sugar can be very confusing. Labels often contain the words ‘no added sugar’, or ‘unsweetened’. However, our brains will immediately think that these products are sugar-free and healthy to purchase. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Simple ideas to help fight off yeast infections
Prevention is better than cure, so the saying goes, and in the instance of yeast infections it certainly can be the case.
Do I Have a Thyroid Problem?
Among common health complaints, issues with the thyroid can be difficult to identify. The symptoms are subtle and easily confused with other ailments. In fact, it’s easy to write off many of the warning signs as side effects of a busy life in the 21st Century.
Can Energy Levels be Affected by Food Intolerances?
Food allergies have a range of negative impacts on the human body. Some symptoms are obvious, such as struggles with the respiratory tract and outbreaks of acne and hives on the skin. Others are more subtle and nefarious, such as a drop in energy levels. These are more likely linked to a food intolerance.
Brain-boosting Meals and Snacks That Keep Your Mind Sharp
There is very little downtime in modern life. We are faced with a barrage of decisions to make daily, and this means that we need to keep our minds active and keen.
Are allergy injections a sensible solution?
Allergy jabs can be a wondrous solution to any suffering that you may incur, but results on each individual can vary.
How a Poor Diet Can Lead to Prediabetes
Most of us are aware of diabetes, but aside from knowing that it’s something to do with blood sugar levels and insulin, it can be confusing understanding the different types and what might put us at risk of developing the condition.
Red Meat: Is it Healthy or Not?
Not much divides opinion like the diet we choose to follow, especially so whether or not we choose to eat meat. Some staunch carnivores argue that we need to eat meat to survive whilst committed vegans argue that we don’t need to eat any animal products at all. Then...
Do We Really Need Nutritional Supplements?
It’s a question many of are confused by – do we really need to take a vitamin supplement or can we get all we need by eating a healthy diet? Are they all a marketing ploy or could we all do with an extra nutritional boost?
Don’t Overlook the Importance of the B Vitamins!
Here’s the lowdown on the B vitamins, why we need them and where we’ll find them.
Is Intermittent Fasting Healthy?
One diet, or way of eating, that’s become popular in recent years is intermittent fasting. But what exactly does this mean, is it healthy and could it lead to weight loss?
Can a change of diet help the menopause?
Many women await this transition in their lives with fear and trepidation as to what will be happening to their bodies, and even their minds. Women cannot avoid this when natural menstrual cycles are ceased, but the symptoms and effects can vary considerably.
Eating for Optimal Brain Health!
If you take a moment to think about your diet, like many of us, you probably think about foods that are heart healthy, or that support your immune system. Or maybe you consider each food in terms of its fat content and whether it will cause you to lose or gain weight. But how often do you think about foods that support a healthy brain?
What to Eat for Optimum Gut Health
In fact the impact of gut health has been linked to a variety of health concerns, ranging from digestive problems, autoimmune conditions and metabolic diseases such as obesity.
The Benefits of Reducing Your Meat Intake
In years gone by, it was thought that regularly eating a diet of meat, potatoes and vegetables was a good way of achieving this balance. But now, new research shows that eating meat, especially red or processed meat, can lead to chronic health conditions.
Looking After Your Immunity by Eating the Rainbow!
Our immune health is vitally important to the rest of our overall health. The stronger our immune system, the less likely we are to fall foul of infections and illnesses that can make us sick.
The Impact of Caffeine on the Human Body
Before consuming too much of this stimulant, however, it’s worth noting the impact that it has on the body. Like all things, caffeine can be a force for good or evil. Moderation is essential.
Give your gut a holiday
The saying ‘cast-iron stomach’, really is misleading. At some point, most of us need a tummy overhaul, usually due to over-indulgence during holiday periods.
Signs You May Have a Food Intolerance
Physical reactions to foods are common. While food allergies account for some of these reactions, the majority are caused by a food intolerance (also known as food sensitivity). The symptoms for both are similar, which can cause confusion.
Is Juice Cleansing a Safe Diet Choice?
Let’s look at the popular choice of juice cleansing. The idea behind this diet is that if you’re not consuming solids, you’re barely consuming any calories. In addition, juice cleansing floods your body with all the nutrients found in fresh vegetables. That is sound logic, on paper – but is it safe?
The Problem with Inflammatory Foods
Inflammation occurs when the body finds itself under attack. If you stub your toe, for example, messages signifying pain are sent to the brain.
What to eat Before you Workout
Whether you work out in the morning before you head off to work, or you enjoy an evening session with a class full of likeminded people, your pre workout nutrition is key.
What is a healthy diet?
Maintaining a healthy, well balanced diet will not only keep you in top physical condition but will also be an important aid to your mental health.
What to Eat Before the Daily Commute to Work
Many of us are up at the crack of dawn ready for the commute to work. Whether the kids have got us up before the alarm or we just continue the habitual routine of stomping downstairs like something out of ‘The Walking Dead’; either way, like the characters from the box office hit, we are usually in search for something to eat.
Understanding Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome, or OAS, is a condition that’s thought to affect around 10% of the nation. Sufferers experience allergic symptoms after eating certain foods that contain pollen proteins similar to the ones that cause their hayfever.
Do You Know Your Prebiotics from Your Probiotics?
For many years now, ‘probiotic’ has been a common word seen in health food stores. But now, the word prebiotic is being used, and we’ve all got confused. So, what’s the difference, why do we need them and how do we get both into our diet?
Understanding and Managing a Lactose Intolerance
A lactose intolerance is caused by not having enough of an enzyme called lactase in the body. Lactase breaks lactose down into two simple sugars; glucose and galactose.
Bowel Conditions – the difference between IBS and IBD
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can both be painful to the sufferer, but they are different conditions.
Vegetarianism – a lifestyle choice?
For some, becoming a vegetarian, or choosing to change your diet to solely plant-based foods (this is actually called veganism if you exclude all meat, fish and dairy) can be based on several factors.
How is coeliac disease different from a wheat allergy?
Coeliac disease is a fairly common complaint, yet one, which is often misunderstood, even by the people who live with it. Coeliac disease is, at its core, an autoimmune disease whereby the body reacts adversely to a food protein called gluten.
What are the advantages (and disadvantages) of ‘going organic’?
Organic farming and food production is becoming more popular and more profitable year on year, and the amount of organic food sold in the UK and in many other countries just keeps rising.