Food & Drink

AN ALTERNATIVE PANCAKE DAY RECIPE

Spread the energy with Nut Blend this Pancake Day (1st March) by trying something new: Coconut, Macadamia & Almond pancakes! Nut Blend was created with a mission to be indulgent, feel-good and mood-boosting without having to rely on sugar. The distinctive flavours are a blend of just nuts and a pinch of spices, nothing else – to naturally satisfy, brighten and boost your energy, without the sugar high. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs • 130g almond flour • 20g of Nut Blend’s • 50ml almond milk

Coconut, Macadamia • 1 tsp baking powder & Almond Butter

Method:

1. Mix the almond flour and baking powder in a bowl. 2. Mix the almond milk, nut butter and eggs in another bowl. 3. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until evenly combined. 4. Heat some oil on a large skillet on medium heat and pour a ladle of the batter into the pan. 5. Let cook for about 2-3 minutes, until little bubbles start to form on top. Then flip and cook for another minute. 6. Serve with your favourite toppings, such as blueberries, yoghurt and nut butter!

HEALTHIER TAKEAWAY OPTIONS

Swapping your usual takeaway for a healthier option may be a good way to cut down on fat, salt and sugar. Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK, has some great tips for doing just that… The prep work

Compare the menus for takeaway food outlets and try to choose one that provides some healthier options. Some takeaway food outlets list calories on their menus and this can help you to make a healthier choice.

Choose wisely

Try to avoid foods that are deep fried, such as fish in batter, chips and fried chicken. Swap large deep-pan pizzas and pizzas with stuffed crusts for smaller pizzas. Select lower fat pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, peppers, sweetcorn, chicken and ham, rather than pepperoni or extra cheese which are both high in fat.

Watch the portions

Be careful not to buy too much food when ordering your takeaway. Instead of ordering starters, mains, sides and desserts, why not just have a main course and finish off with some fruit and yoghurt? You could share a dish or freeze a portion of your takeaway for another time to avoid eating too much.

Try a ‘fakeaway’

Try making healthier versions of your favourite takeaway dishes at home by finding healthy recipes online. If you can’t live without your favourite takeaway dish, you could try swapping side dishes, such as chips, garlic bread, fried rice or naan bread for brown rice or wholemeal pitta bread that you prepare at home. Discover more healthy tips & recipes at

heartresearch.org.uk

Seasonal vegetables 15.48pm is snack time!

Here’s the nation’s favourite vegetables and their Researchers polled 2,000 adults and discovered that availability in the UK and Ireland! 15:48pm is the time we prefer to enjoy a little treat Mushrooms, potatoes, carrots and lettuce: Available 365 days ahead of dinner time. The study, commissioned by Peperami, found that there was also a divide when it came to the preferred snack, with 43% enjoying Broccoli, peppers, onions, cucumber and tomatoes: savoury and 42% preferring a sweet option. Top snacks Travel 1,119 miles min. when out of season included crisps, toast, bananas, digestives and nuts.

GUILT-FREE SNACKING

A study by Performance Lab revealed ‘cheat foods’ with the highest content of key vitamins and minerals, with some surprising health benefits… • Marzipan: High in magnesium which reduces migraines, regulates blood sugar & fights depression. • Dark chocolate: High in tryptophan, a mood-boosting amino acid proven to reduce the negative effects of stress. It’s also packed with antioxidants, magnesium and potassium to improve cognitive functions. • Halloumi fries: Packed with calcium to support bone & brain health and even prevent dementia. Cheese also contains vitamin B for energy. • Roasted Peanuts: Full of biotin, which is responsible for strong nails and shiny hair. • Sweet Potato fries: Packed with potassium, which regulates blood pressure and helps prevent strokes. • Frosted Cornflakes: Great source of iron and Vitamin D which helps against muscle weakness, low energy/ fatigue and even depression. • Crispy Bacon Rashers: High in protein, which boosts your physical performance and is essential for strong hair, nails and skin.