Firstly, let me apologies for the lateness of this post. Unfortunately blogging and eating food, or blogging about eating food, is not my job (as much as I wish it were) and so when work comes knocking my hobbies, unfortunately, have to pay the price in the time squeeze.
Ok, enough about me, lets talk about health, feel free to read the Wikipedia link and alllll the citations… or just read on and we’ll try and uncover it focusing on the more important questions, such as ‘can I eat chocolate and still be healthy?’ and ‘How much chocolate can I eat and still be ok-ish on the health scale?’
My guide through this complicated land is Kate Bradley, a Nutritionalist (who just so happens to be one of my good friends from school).
The first thing I found interesting was that ‘Health’ don’t just mean that you aren’t sick, but that it’s about all elements in your life, like happiness and your social life. Kate recommended reading the World Health Organisation’s definition of health for a full guide.
But I’m going to cut to the point, and to the biggest thing I learnt (which may seem life common sense to most people) which is that health is different for everyone and it’s just a case of everything in moderation, becoming aware of what you eat, how much you exercise and how your body responds to it.
Literally, that is it. Thats how you start your journey into healthy-ness. Which means Yes, chocolate is a go-go, just not too much.
So, what’s next?
You’ve realised some of the things you eat aren’t that great, and yes, maybe putting on trainers and walking to the local tesco isn’t really ‘jogging’… but what’s the next step? What tweaks can you make to start the transition to healthy you? Luckily Kate gave me some tips to share with you.
Food Portions
As a general rule, the amount of food you can fit into your cupped hands is a portion. It literally blew my mind when I was told this, trying to be clever I asked Kate, ‘well everyones hands are different sizes so how do you know whose hand is a portion?’ BUT THAT’S THE POINT! (sorry for the caps locks, I’m very excited by this fact). Everyone is different and needs different amounts of food, and what better guide to how much food you need than your own hands? (Obviously this rule isn’t set in stone, two cupped handfuls of skittles is not a good portion guide).
Fruit and Veg
Fruits and veggies are great, they give you energy and are especially great when you’re tired, or hungover. Did you know, however, that you actually get more goodness from vegetables than fruit? Me either. Also as fruit generally has more sugars in it it can be kind of bad for your teeth. Kate suggests steaming vegetables as it is a great healthy way to cook the veg and keep in the most nutrients, it’s also quicker.
Little and often
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard this, but it seems little and often is the way to go to keep a healthy metabolism and stop fluctuations in your blood sugar (the thing that makes you super grouchy). I definitely need to think about this, an hour before lunch? Don’t even bother trying to get any sense out of me!
*Kate’s Tip* If you want a great breakfast, try unrefined porridge oats with milk or water, honey, and some berries for a healthy, filling and low G.I. breakfast. The low G.I. helps to keep your blood sugar (and mood) even.
Colour
This is my favourite (as someone with a graphic design degree). The more (natural) colours on your plate the better! Each colour has different nutrients that we need in our diets. So the more colours, the more nutrients; the better!
Food Miles
Basically in an ideal world you’d eat seasonally. We have so much access to food from all over the world but it isn’t necessarily bad for you because it’s come so far. It’s just your opinion on the impact this has on the environment.
Spices
Now, I am not good with hot, spicy food, but Kate assures me that spice doesn’t have to blow your brains out. They are actually really good for your cardiovascular system.
*Kate’s Tip* Turmeric is going to be the new Hot Thing (I’m sorry, I can’t resist) because it is full of great health properties. She suggests mixing 1/2 cup of turmeric, 1/2 cup water and simmer for about 8 mins until it’s a thick paste. Then grind in pepper and stir in a thumb of coconut oil.
You can keep this in the fridge and add to foods to up the health, colour and taste factor. Why not add it to your porridge in the morning?
Kate also gave me a recipe for a healthy recipe for sausages, which I will be blogging about soon.
If all this has got you thinking about healthy eating and you want some more help on your journey drop Kate a message at kb.enquire@hotmail.com
Cornish Food Baby 