The Royal Society for Public Health has called for the introduction of ‘activity equivalent’ calorie labelling and have suggested packaging containing information on how much physical activity it takes to burn off the calories. Many of the public health interventions are focused on the individual taking full responsibility for their health, however it must be noted that the environment around us has a huge impact on the decisions we make.
Read MoreHealthwashing harnesses dubious claims such as ‘natural’ or ‘clean’ and turns them into extremely powerful marketing terms, selling you a lifestyle or a vision of who you could be if you bought their products. The words chosen are deliberately misleading and even meaningless, used because they are unregulated - it’s worth remembering that the front of a product’s packaging is pure marketing only.
Read MoreIn age of ever-growing discontent, the ‘isms’ and ‘phobics’ lists keep growing and it’s becoming fashionable to acknowledge your personal privilege every chance you get. For those of us who don’t spend all day online, the current cultural revolution is tedious, constantly shifting and difficult to keep up with; however there’s a new privilege on the horizon, and one that will affect those of us currently untouched by the raging gender and race wars.
Read MoreThis South Korean coffee has gained huge popularity on social media as people unable to get their fancy-pants-coffee are forced to look closer to home to replicate their caffeine fix.
Read MoreIt’s that time of the week again when we inhale, take a breath and go out into the world to queue. The only consolation is that this spring is out doing itself with sunshine, so queueing does serve the added benefit of a nice dose of Vitamin D.
Read MoreThe 1920s had prohibition and Speakeasy’s, with many of classic cocktails created during this period in an effort to cover up the harsh taste of illicitly distilled alcohol. The 2020s equivalent may well be the Quarantini, a loose term based on whatever happens to be lurking at the back of your cupboard during a period of self-isolation when you are unwilling or unable to leave the house.
Read MoreIt’s that time of the week again where, even though it feels as though time has continued to stand still, it is, in fact Easter weekend. On my walks, I’ve noticed the bluebells and daffodils have emerged and blossom is making way for the leaves on the trees. There’s a definite shift into spring. I haven’t been craving as many comfort foods now the weather is hotter, so enjoy this weeks selection.
Read MoreHere in the UK we are entering week 2 of ‘self-isolation’. The fight-or-flight adrenaline rushes are now subsiding and we are facing the freeze. You may feel this as a lack of energy, lack of motivation and wanting to sleep a lot.
I’ve made another shopping list for the week; again it’s comfort food heavy because that’s what I’ve been wanting. And I have eaten cake for breakfast more than once this week.
Read MoreI’ve made a weekly shopping list you can print it out if you're new to cooking, stuck for ideas or overwhelmed. Some things may be out of stock so you might have to substitute here and there. I’ve chosen recipes that are simple, don’t use too many ingredients and are nourishing.
Read MorePopcorn has been reborn as a gourmet food in recent years. I, however, grew up eating the unholy sugar-laden Butterkist popcorn which stuck to my teeth. As I munched on another huge bag it occurred to me that I really should just start making my own as it is ridiculously easy and satisfying. I don’t own a microwave, so it’s stove-top popcorn every time for me.
Read MoreWhen I was 18, I had a friend who was a lot older than me and when I visited her the only furniture in the house was a rocking chair (reserved for her partner) and a futon mattress that was used as her sofa. It never occurred to me to ask her why she’d chosen this living arrangement; I guess I chalked it up to her being ‘alternative’. Fast-forward a good many years later and here I am, in my own furniture-less abode.
Read MoreI consider Aldi a barometer of the times. Last week I was perusing the mythical middle aisle and came across organic, Japanese matcha powder. I’ve been in the health and wellness world for coming up to 20 years and remember a time when it was a struggle to find many ‘superfoods’ in health foods shops, let alone a small supermaket. Then you see it on a Starbucks menu and know it’s reached the big time.
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