Category: Healthy Living

1. Flaxseeds - AKA Linseeds

   Posted on 8:02am Sunday 21st Feb 2016

    

    

   

   Flaxseeds - AKA Linseeds

   The super food of super foods!! Nutritious and delicious!

   Various papers of published research are proving what we believed for centuries; flaxseeds are a great aid for us to get healthier.  The Journal of Nutrition has published a promising study on the effect flaxseeds may have in weight loss.  Other studies reveal that flaxseeds being rich in so many essential nutrients are very likely to help with high cholesterol, cleanse and protect the digestive system, support the immune system and course let’s not forget it can also improve all kinds of skin conditions and make our hair stronger and healthier.

   They are the best plant source of Omega 3 Fatty acids and if this wasn’t reason enough to start adding it as part of our diet, they are also rich in fibre, protein, Selenium, Vitamins B1 and B6, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Phosphorus and Manganese.

   I buy organic golden linseeds and then grind some every week and put them in a little glass jar in my bag.  This way I always have some for when I’m out and about, I can then sprinkle them on my lunch and smoothies. Remember that its best to buy the whole seed and then grind them into a powder as you need it.  Once they are in ground form they lose their power quicker.

   Various ways to use Flaxseeds:

   In soups and stews – They act as a thickener

   Pancake mixes - Use whole for a nutty crunch or use ground up to thicken up the batter.

   Smoothies

   Sprinkle on salads and all other foods

   Sprinkle on Yogurts, porridge and desserts

2. Cookbooks I Just Could Not Live Without

   Posted on 10:28am Wednesday 21st Oct 2015

   When I visit my family we spend most of our time in the kitchen cooking, that’s how we catch up on what is going on in our lives. Our conversations are mingled with interceptions of how much sugar to pour in, how to better slice the runner beans, how many times one should soak and rinse the rice before cooking (3 times is the correct answer) and a whole load of food related comments that come up as we prepare, cook and bake.

   This is all very lovely but I find myself at a slight disadvantage... my sister is a Chef who had her own restaurant for over 15 years and my mum’s cooking is so legendary that wedding planners have asked for her recipes. Even my brother’s girlfriend Veronica is an accomplished cook, despite being a strict vegetarian she knows how to gut fish and make a good chicken soup for her daughter. I try my best to impress them but despite my best efforts I don’t quite cut the mustard!

   Instead of envying their amazing cooking skills I’m trying to learn from them, so I always take my notepad when I visit. Over the years have put together a nice selection of dishes and techniques, I usually adapt the recipes to better suit my style of eating, such as substituting flours with starch free versions and some potatoes with other root vegetables.

   Instead of relying on cook books I rather learn those who’s food I like the taste of. However there are a couple of books I just could not live with:

   

   The Art of Eating Well by Hemsley & Hemsley – My number one book for inspiration, this new way of eating has really improved my health and changed the way I look at many different kinds of foods. For example, I would never now eat nuts without pre-soaking them so that they are easily digested.

   

   Jamie Oliver – The Return of Naked Chef - I’m not a good baker at all, so when it comes to desserts for a dinner party I know I can trust Jamie’s recipes.... because they ALWAYS work!

   

   Deliciously Ella – Really cute and easy recipes... I also use this mainly for inspiration.

3. Dance Works

   Posted on 11:36am Monday 1st Jun 2015

   I attended my very first Street Dance class at DanceWorks. It was probably the most fun I had in a very long time. Although I’m not very coordinated I was able to follow the routine enough to really enjoy it. I must have burned over 1000 calories but in a really fun way, afterwards I felt a great sense of achievement...I’m going back next week! Check out Hannah & Ryan’s Class at DanceWorks.

   

   "Since 1982, Danceworks has been providing a friendly and inclusive environment for all forms of dance and fitness of the highest quality. Now one of Europe’s leading studios, we offer an incredible variety of accessible dance, fitness, yoga, Pilates, martial arts and singing classes. Whatever your style or ability we have a class for you. Our Victorian building opposite Selfridges holds seven great, multi-purpose studios, men’s and women’s changing facilities with showers, plus a snack bar and member’s lounge area with internet access. Danceworks staff are passionate about the arts and this reflects in our customer service. Our staff are always pleased to help you to find classes to suit your needs, whether you are looking for a strenuous workout, trying to develop your technique, or simply wanting to learn something new."

   http://danceworks.net