In knots over nutrition? We have news,
know-how and meals in minutes…
Blitz it in the blender
Beetroot and pepper smoothie
Don’t be put off by beetroot, it’s in
season now and packed full of antioxidants and iron, which help fight free
radicals and is a welcome boost if you’re menstruating.
- 2 carrots (peeled, unless organic)
- 1 beetroot
- 1 celery stick
- ½ yellow pepper
- ½ red pepper
Put all the ingredients in a blender, whizz
until smooth and serve immediately. You can even add some Tabasco if you fancy
a spin on a virgin Bloody Mary.
Meals in minutes: Healthy fajitas
Beat the munchies
Hungry about an hour or so before lunch, or
craving a particular food in the afternoon? Brew a cup of fennel tea – it’s a
natural appetite suppressant. Either buy it in tea bag form or make your own by
steeping fennel seeds in a strainer.
Chocs away!
Chocolate is my weakness. What’s a healthier
alternative?
It’s really not that bad to have a little
bit of chocolate every now and then, but try to go for the dark stuff rather
than milk or white. Choose a bar that has a minimum of 70 per cent cocoa and
you’ll find you eat smaller amounts, as it’s quite bitter.
Priced out
I can’t afford to eat organic, but I’m
worried about the pesticides found in non-organic fruit and vegetables. Is
there anything I can try instead?
If the fruit or veg can be peeled or
skinned before being eaten, then do so. Otherwise, rinse them with clean, cold
water while scrubbing gently with a natural bristle vegetable brush. This can
often help to remove some of the pesticide residues.
Myth:
‘Low-fat foods are better for you’
Fact: Not
always true, unfortunately. They may have a lower fat content, but they’re
probably just as high – if not higher – in sugar, which is added for flavor.
Sugar turns to fat unless you burn it off effectively, so always check the
label.
