Happy Food

Happy National Garlic Day everyone, the one day of the year when food lovers across the nation celebrate the pungent herb (or vegetable) with garlic feasts, fetes and festivals. Ok, we might have embellished that slightly, but National Garlic Day is a real day of observance when we’re all encouraged to eat more of the ‘stinking rose’.

Thought garlic was only good for seasoning and keeping vampires from your door? Known as nature’s wonder drug, garlic is rich in protein, vitamins A, B-1 and C, calcium, magnesium and iron. The smelly cloves are also recognised across the world for their medicinal qualities, and have been since the Middle Ages when Europeans ate cloves to prevent the plague. These days garlic is believed to prevent certain cancers, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, boost...

Happy Easter everyone. We hope you’re enjoying your long weekend. We assume you’ve all been taking advantage of the Bank Holidays and using them to kick start your spring/summer health and fitness routine - you know, eating lots of leaves and fitting in as much exercise as possible. What’s that? You’ve been lying around eating mini eggs since 5pm Thursday?

Well it’s hardly ideal but we don’t judge – it’s hard with a mouthful of chocolate. But if any of you are getting a bit sick of sweet stuff we’ve got just the thing. Thanks to Liz Earle, beauty expert, farm owner and all round good egg, we’ve found a way to celebrate Easter without the calories or sugar rush: eggs. Seasonal, delicious and oh-so good for you, eggs are flavour of the month. Serve them on toast, put them in a salad or even...

After years of providing us with (among many things) lovingly home-made birthday cakes, what could be a better way to return the favour this Mother’s Day than a little bit of baking? We know cake isn’t one of the major food groups we’re usually encouraging you to eat, but here at Wahanda we’re all about health beauty and happiness – and we believe nothing makes you happier than a little bit of what you fancy. Besides, baking is incredibly therapeutic, especially if you’re following one of these simple recipes for elegant, delicious treats worthy of a place at the finest Afternoon Tea…

White Chocolate and Pistachio Cupcakes from www.thecakehunter.co.uk (pictured)

Makes 8

You will need

120g plain flour
140 caster sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
pinch of salt
40g unsalted...

Christmas dinner has been and gone and despite a valiant effort from all the family, you’ve still got more left overs than you know what to do with and you’re beginning to feel very full. While many of us are happy to tuck into turkey sandwiches and Christmas pud over the next few days there are always a few sorry ingredients that get wasted – sprouts sandwich anyone?

This year we’ve decided not to let anything go to waste and to begin our healthy eating new years resolution a few days early by finding some low fat, delicious recipes for Christmas left overs. Bon appetite!

Dr Murad’s Roasted Greens

A few months ago we told you all about Dr Murad’s fantastic book The Water Secret. Full of advice on how to use water to clear skin, prevent wrinkles, boost energy and promote better...

When Andy Williams sang ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’ we’re pretty sure he was looking around his office marvelling at all the tubs of sweets, boxes of chocolates and packets of mince pies. When it comes to food, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year – which explains why so many of us begin each January with a resolution to eat healthily and shed a few pounds.

This year we’ve decided to make January a little easier on ourselves by curbing our indulgence slightly and trying out a few healthy (but delicious) versions of our favourite Christmas recipes. If you’re worried about overdoing it this year get some nutritious and delicious inspiration from this Honestly Healthy recipe for mince pies.

Honestly Healthy Mince Pies

Serves 6 – 8

You will need


1/2...

You might have heard a lot about vitamin D recently. Recent data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) indicates that intakes of vitamin D are worse than ever and falling. Currently a quarter of adults in the UK have blood levels of vitamin D too low to sustain normal bone health, putting us at risk of health issues like fractures. Fortunately for us all, yoghurt manufacturers Yoplait reckon they’ve found a solution.

Calin+, the new yoghurt from Yoplait, contains 100% of our recommended daily amount of vitamin D and 50% of calcium, and has been proven to have a positive effect on our vitamin D levels.

Before launching the yoghurt, a study was conducted to investigate the potential for Calin+ on bone health on 60 elderly women living in care homes. Half ate two 125g pots of...

Scary as it may be, we love Halloween here at Wahanda. But now that we're too old for trick or treating and have officially outgrown our favourite witch’s costume, we're wondering how else we can celebrate the big day? Playing ghost - sorry, host at your own spooky yet sophisticated dinner party of course. And what looks more sophisticated on a menu than snails?

Snails not really your thing? Don’t worry, these are no ordinary ‘escargots’. This ‘slimy snails’ recipe from the Vegetarian Society uses pasta, cheese and a little bit of creative flair for a result that is both spooky and delicious. Best of all it's super easy leaving you with plenty of time to work on your costume and perfect your ghoulish laugh...
Slimy Snails

Makes 12 snails

You will need

For the snails:

12 large...

Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble. That’s right everyone, Halloween is upon us and we’ve got our cauldron out here at Wahanda HQ and are preparing to conjure up something spooky.

With cold weather upon us we’ve been looking for a potion to warm us up, boost our immunity and give us lots of energy and hey presto, we think we’ve found something really magic. Baxters beetroot soup is nutritious, anti-oxidising and delicious. Best of all, it’s blood red - making it the perfect, spooky way to get one of your five a day this Halloween.

Baxters Halloween beetroot soup

Serves four

You will need:

1 x 540g jar of Baxters sliced beetroot
1 onion, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
1 tablespoon rapeseed oil
600ml hot vegetable stock
Crème...

In an ideal world we’d all dine on three balanced meals a day, snack on fruit and seeds and never get cravings for ‘junk food’. In the real world, most of us do our best but eating healthily is not always that easy. Busy lives have us eating whatever and whenever is convenient. We might check the nutritional information on what we put in our trolley, but all those grams and percentages can be complicated and we end up eating things without knowing what’s in them or whether they’re good for us.

Thankfully, last week the government announced that all major supermarkets in the UK have agreed to adopt a version of "traffic-light labelling" to help make clear which foods are healthiest and which are unhealthiest.

The ‘traffic-light labelling’ system will combine colour coding (green for...

Have dark October mornings left you struggling to get up and go recently? Join the club. When that alarm goes off and we look outside and see dark skies, getting up and going to work seems like an awful lot of effort. Perhaps it is, but unfortunately staying wrapped up in bed is not an option – tempting though.

You need something to get you going. To boost your mood, fill you with energy and keep you awake and alert until lunch time. What you need is a good, hearty, winter breakfast. Something that will fill you with slow release energy, keep you alert with omega-3s and omega-6s and boost strength and stamina with phytonutrients. Something like this gorgeous granola from Bristol delicatessen Papadeli, perhaps...

Papadeli Granola

Makes roughly two large kilner jars

You will need...

Feeling a bit run down? It’s hardly surprising, the weather’s getting colder, the nights are getting longer and it seems everywhere you turn you come face to face with a cough or a sneeze. After a long day the last thing you feel like doing is spending hours preparing a healthy meal, and before you know it you're popping a ready meal in the microwave.

Unfortunately, with all their high levels of salt and preservatives, fast food like this will only make you feel worse. You need something super healthy to boost your immune system and get you back to your best. Try this gorgeous salad from www.hateitchangeit.co.uk. It's fast, simple and - best of all - jam-packed full of healthy and delicious ingredients.

You will need:

A bag of mixed salad
Asparagus (a great source of zinc which plays...

Have you found yourself with a bad case of the sniffles this autumn? It’s official, there’s something going around. We’ve had it at Wahanda HQ and you could be next. Luckily we’ve taken time out from all our sniffing and sneezing and had a look into immune-boosting super foods to tuck into this cough and cold season.

So far, nothing beats the nutritional and health benefits of the beetroot. Bursting with iron, vitamin A, C, and antioxidants like beta-carotene and betacyanin (the pigment that gives beetroot its colour) the humble beetroot has been shown to improve stamina, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and combat tiredness. Told you it was super. Take a look at this gorgeous Beetroot Risotto recipe from gourmet dip specialists G'NOSH.

G’NOSH beetroot risotto

Serves: 4-6

You...

They say ‘you are what you eat’, and while this may not be literally true (although we spent a good part of our childhood believing runner beans would indeed make us run faster) we get the idea. Eat well and feel well, and, as it happens, look well too.

In an ideal world we’d all be eating the perfect balance of vitamins, protein and carbohydrates (they’re not all evil) and buzzing around full of beans – literally this time - enjoying clear skin, a girlish figure and swishing our super shiny hair. In reality, it’s just not always the case. No matter how healthy our intentions, busy lifestyles often mean eating away from your veg-stocked kitchen and choosing foods out of convenience rather than nutritional value.

Eating out and socialising are a big part of this, so to make healthy...

The baobab is a fruit after our own heart. Brimming with ten times more antioxidants than an orange and six times more vitamin C, the little known wonder contains more iron than red meat and twice as much calcium as milk.

In our eyes, the baobab can do no wrong so it’s no wonder its been dubbed the superfruit of 2012 – and rightly so. Traditionally grown in Africa, the 100% natural, phytonutrient-rich baobab has been used for thousands of years by villagers, taken from its tree which is known as ‘the upside down tree’ due to its unusual shape.

Thankfully, the clever people at Minvita have brought the delicious and nutritious treat to our shores in the form of a powder, making it even more versatile for fitting into your lifestyle – sprinkle into cakes, yoghurts or even on top of ice...

If 'you are what you eat' then eating well can leave your skin sparkling from top to toe. A good balanced diet packed with fruits, veggies and minimal processed foods can have a large effect on the way your skin looks, so whether you're prone to acne or have stubborn dry patches - adapting your diet may become your number one skin saviour.

Boosting the elasticity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, eating a diet full of omega 3 fats can help encourage the body to produce anti-inflammatory compounds which help to slow and even reverse signs of ageing in the skin, and a dish containing salmon is perfect for helping you look your best. This delicious salmon recipe is part of the SkinTrition range of recipes from the experts at Simple skincare and is both quick and easy enough to...

We love a twist on a traditional recipe here at Wahanda, so we're very pleased that Ali Silk, founder of Tea Horse, has sent us over this tea-inspired treat. Following her post on the health benefits of tea, here's her recipe for a delightfully light summer dessert, with the floral flavours of Jasmine green tea and elderflower.

Ingredients (serves two):


2 teaspoons of Jasmine Pearls tea
265ml water
4 leaves of gelatine
55ml elderflower cordial
A good squeeze of lemon
A sprig of mint for garnish


Method:

1. Soak the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water for five minutes to soften. Remove and gently squeeze out the excess water. Add to a bowl or jug.

2. Boil the water and let it cool for around four minutes, to reach 75ºC. The cooler water helps the gelatine set and ensures...

Ali Silk, founder of Tea Horse, the fabulous tea subscription company brings you reasons for why tea is beneficial to your health...

As a big tea lover, I'm always keen to encourage people to try the amazing variety of delicious flavours that loose tea has to offer - it's so rewarding when someone takes just one taste of a really great loose tea and says 'Wow, I never knew tea could taste so good!'

It's not just the taste benefits that makes tea so great, or the comfort we get from a cuppa when we're cold, feeling down or in need of a pick-up, but the numerous health benefits it has to offer. Here are just a few great reasons why drinking tea is beneficial:

1. For a happy heart - black teas help reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol. Drinking three cups of tea a day can help to...

We’re big onion fans over at Wahanda. It's not just their scrumptious complimentary taste we love; health-wise the mighty onion is something to be awed at. Britain’s most-used vegetable is filled with quercetin and sulphur compounds – adored by the body.

Even though it creates questionable breath, the understated onion encourages good oral health, fighting bacteria that can cause tooth decay. The flavonoid, quercetin, found in its flesh help to boost the immune system as well as acting as a preventive for colon cancer. Its antibacterial properties prevent illnesses such as E. coli and salmonella. Encouraging cardiovascular function, the onion controls glucose and offers sinus relief to even the stuffiest of systems. This extremely valuable veg is a health staple.

If you’re tired of...

NuMe, pronounced ‘new me’ is Morrisons' brand-spanking new healthy food line. Without compromising on quality or pricing, Morrisons have coaxed years of expertise from nutrition specialists and Michelin chefs to create a tongue-tingling line of delicious products, all at their usual good value pricing.

The initial 300-product line contains frozen, chilled and snack items jam-packed with vitamins, nutrients and plenty of taste. We know one of the biggest contributors to weight gain is snacking, so their beetroot crisps and nut mix is perfect for mid-morning nibbles or the post-lunch slump. At 70p, it costs the same as a normal packet of crisps, so we’ll never be out of pocket for choosing the healthier option – music to our ears.

Neil Nugent, Executive Chef and Head of Innovation at the...

Hands up who’s seen the word ‘superfood’ used within the confines of a supermarket, café or a foodie website? Is it just a gimmicky PR term used to announce a healthier option or are we eating superfoods all the time and just don’t know it? We decided to find out what is really so super about the foods that carry the label…

A superfood is used to describe a food with a high nutrient or phytochemical content (a chemical compound found in plants) with loads of health benefits and few negative properties. As the name suggests, superfoods are the heroes of healthy eating, the crème de la crème of the crop. What’s more, they’re all around us – apples, blueberries, baked beans, garlic, chilli; the list goes on.

Superfoods are brimming with positive health properties but as with most foods,...

Former Masterchef runner-up Dean Edwards says: "I love this dish! Baked British Asparagus teamed up with the smoky flavours of pancetta and black pudding; add into the mix a perfect poached egg with a runny yolk, what more could you ask for?"

With asparagus season in full swing now thanks to a slight delay due to the great British weather, this is an easy way to eat a delicious meal that's both heartwarming and healthy, and perfect for eating out in the garden on a hot summer's day.

If you're not a fan of black pudding, swap with a slice of ham or smoked fish, or for a vegetarian option replace the meat for some halved new potatoes or crusty bread to mop up the runny egg yolk.

For more mouth-watering asparagus recipes, visit British Asparagus for a full range of meals using these...

Welcome to asparagus central. Believe it or not, May was National Asparagus Month but due to the bad weather, these green stems are now at the peak of their season mid-June. Better late than never, it's the perfect time to celebrate our beloved vegetable by eating lots of delicious meals containing these great British spears. Full of potassium, vitamin B6 and folic acid which is vital for healthy blood cell formation, this low-sodium and low calorie vegetable is a super tasty way to eat up all your greens.

These young shoots are picked before they turn woody and blossom with flowers and berries - which are in fact poisonous to humans. Eaten and used in medicines by the Egyptians since around 3000 BC, this seasonal vegetable was loved by most of the ancient civilisations and now over 5,000...

Unless you’ve been in hiding for the past year, the Diamond Jubilee is finally here. Not only will we be raising millions of glasses across the UK to toast our Queen in celebration of her 60 years as our sovereign, but it’s a great reason to rejoice in all things British and dig out our pretty Union Jack flags that we’d saved from last year’s Royal Wedding.

With the sun out and a long weekend ahead, we think there’s nothing better than sitting outside with our friends with a crisp, refreshing tipple in hand. Forget Pimms - the great British drink for this Jubilee year includes our ma’am’s favourite spirit - Hendrick’s Gin. Sip these sweet British mojito’s from London’s Le Metro Wine Bar, tucked between Knightsbridge's top spots of Harrods and Harvey Nichols, for a regal treat worthy of...

To celebrate National Vegetarian Week this year, how about swapping that meaty meal for some tasty and extra-healthy dishes packed with vegetables? With more and more warnings against the high levels of meat the UK currently consumes as well as some meats being high in saturated fats such as sausages and chorizo, swapping meat for antioxidant-rich veg is becoming more popular. A wise choice it is too, as veggie meals are likely to boost energy levels and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Turning vegetarian isn’t just about cutting out the meat - why not use it as inspiration to seek out some new ingredients to add to your culinary repertoire? Try quinoa or pea shoots in your salads, and pack lots of skin-loving avocados into your meals. Our mouths are watering just thinking about...

Wouldn't it be nice if eating cake was a little less guilt-ridden? Would you feel better about your sweet treats if they combined two incredible superfood ingredients?We have a recipe for some delicious cupcakes contain Manuka Honey, a special antibacterial honey used for centuries by the native New Zealanders for better digestion and also bee pollen for a nutty natural vitamin boost.

Comvita UMF Manuka Honey

Laboratory tests have shown that Manuka Honey is effective against a wide range of bacteria including strains present in the gut and even wounds. It can relieve stomach complaints, is a natural pre-biotic and honey fans everywhere swear by its energy-boosting properties. (from £10.49 for 250g )

Comvita Bee Pollen

Comvita Bee Pollen is known as a ‘natural multi-vitamin’ as it...

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Or is it a pear? If you’ve ever fancied the refreshing sweet taste of a pear but prefer the crispness of an apple, then the ‘papple’ is for you.

The ‘papple’, a cross between European and Asian pears, has the appearance and taste of an apple yet is a fully-fledged member of the pear family. The current name T109 is sticking until a suitable name is found for the strange new produce that combines two of our favourite tree-growing fruits.

Packed with vitamins, potassium and fibre, pears and apples are a top snacking choice if you’re feeling a little peckish. Whether we eat them as they are, slice and add to make a crisp salad, or use to make delicious desserts, pears and apples are the perfect choice for a summer nibble.

As Marks and Spencer plans to...

Summer’s finally here and it’s time to pack away our winter coats and swap boots for flip flops- hooray! We’re loving the prospect of sitting out after work in the garden to soak up the last of the rays with a delicious meal and a refreshing glass of wine. We’re done with craving hot dinners and it’s time to embrace crisp, fresh salads and healthy meals to get us in shape for our holiday beach bodies.

This is a lighter version of your usual mayonnaise covered coleslaw from the team at British Onions that can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. You can serve this crunchy coleslaw with salads, steaks, grilled salmon, jacket potatoes, in fact you can add this to the side of any meal...

Super healthy coleslaw with lamb chops

Serves 4

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 10...

This is a perfect vegetarian dish packed with flavour and super-healthy with plenty of onions, tomatoes and potatoes. A delicious midweek meal for vegetarians or those looking to eat less meat, this spicy curry from the team at British Onions is perfect to include as part of an Indian banquet or for a yummy lunchtime treat.

Add warm naan bread on the side to soak up all the juices, and add any leftover vegetables, diced chicken or beef, peppers, butternut squash or even a handful of extra chillies for a healthy curry to warm you up and leaving you wanting seconds, and thirds....

Onion and Potato Curry

Serves 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

You will need:


1 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1 tbsp sunflower oil
2 sticks...

Another delicious dish using our great British onions - this time as a sticky yet sweet tart tatin. This tatin looks impressive but is deceptively easy to make and makes a perfect midweek meal or a nice summery addition to a romantic dinner in the garden.

Serve with a sprinkling of goat’s cheese and rocket for a starter or add warm, crusty bread and a tasty salad for a meal that's sure to impress. You could even make this in two separate tart tins for individual portions if preferred - all we know is that you might not be able to resist reaching for second helpings...

Onion Tart Tatin

Serves 2

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

You will need:


2 British brown onions
1 British red onion
50g butter
2 tbsp clear honey
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
A few thyme...

We can’t resist a delicious spicy and healthy dinner here at Wahanda, and we’ve got another lovely recipe from the team at British Onions to share with you. These stuffed onions are delicious with a crisp, green salad for a dinnertime treat, and the lamb mince can be swapped with beef mince if preferred. For a tasty vegetarian dinner, swap the meat for rice, couscous, or finely diced Mediterranean vegetables for a super-healthy option.

With a quick preparation time, these stuffed onions are perfect for when time is not on your side. As they roast in the oven, kick back and have a chill-out. Go on, we insist...

Spicy Filled Roasted Onions

Serves 2-4

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour

You will need:


4 large British red onions, peeled
1 tbsp oil
225g lean lamb...

Treat someone you love to a quick and tasty meal that uses the best of British food - our onions. Often overlooked, onions make up the base of most meals and they even provide health benefits. Onions contain quercetin which has anti-inflammatory properties - perfect for hay fever sufferers, as well as hormone balancing chromium and heart helping flavonoids. What better way to eat these little wonders than pairing them with potatoes and eggs...

This is an ideal mid-week dish that’s great to add all those unused leftovers you might have in the fridge too. You could add bacon, peas, chicken or cheese, to whip up a delicious and filling meal. Quick, easy and cheap too, this dish from British Onions is a sure-fire winner at Wahanda HQ.

British Onion and Potato Tortillas

Serves...

Put the crisps away because there’s a new addiction in town - snacking. The problem of so-called ‘snackoholism’ is slowly emerging, with 4% of Brits admitting to being unable to give up the habit of eating between meals.

A survey by Diet Chef has uncovered that 61% of adults admit to eating at least one packet of crisps per day - that’s a staggering 48 million packets of our favourite potato slices being consumed by the adult population of the UK. Add to this the 45 million+ chocolate bars and the 78 million biscuits and cakes we eat every day, and it’s no wonder we have an obesity crisis on our hands…

Worryingly, 10% of those surveyed admitted to having a burger, a pizza or a portion of chips as a snack per day. In fact, we’re such snack lovers that the survey revealed 12% of us would...

We’ve nearly finished off all our Easter eggs and are now back to eating healthily in order to get that bikini body in time for summer.

With it being the unlucky-for-some Friday 13th today, we thought we’d run a competition for you lovely lot over on Pinterest. Simply comment on our flower-shaped egg pin with your favourite healthy snack for a chance to be picked at 5pm today and win a £50 Wahanda voucher – you never know, your luck might just be in…

We’ve been so impressed with the ideas coming from our healthy bunch of followers that we thought we’d round up a few and give you some ideas. Here’s a sneak peek at some of your inspiring answers so far:

“I just adore blueberries, redcurrents, raspberries and strawberries all together with low fat crème fraiche.”

“To curb those Easter...

Veg out. When most people think of homemade smoothies and juices, they automatically think of fruits (and with good reason – who doesn’t love a good strawberry and banana smoothie?). However, some of the best nutritious drinks are actually made by blending fresh vegetables – causing a large number of experts to abandon the fruit bowl in favour of the veggie patch.

One such expert is nutritionist and blogger Laura, who recommended juicing vegetables instead of fruit in her recent post on detoxing for spring. According to Laura, using fresh veg in place of your favourite berries and exotic fruits will help to keep your blood sugar levels nice and stable – working wonders for your energy levels.

And Laura’s not the only one. Fellow nutritionist and superfood guru Nadia Brydon has developed...

Forget Indian summer – we’re hoping for an Indian spring. Created by celebrity chef Simon Rimmer on behalf of The One Brand, this tasty tikka dish has everything it takes to get those taste buds tingling. And as if that wasn’t enough, it also contains a variety of different spices, in addition to garlic and ginger to boost the immune system and improve digestion. With this recipe stuck to our fridge we’ll be able to say goodbye to fattening takeaways for good…

You will need:

For the curried cauliflower pancakes


1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets - blanched
4 salted anchovies, finely chopped
8 beaten One Good Eggs
100g dry breadcrumbs
50-75g plain flour
75g grated pecorino
1 tbs curry powder
100g ricotta


For the lamb tikka


800g cubed lamb loin (large cubes)
100ml...

As the weather gets warmer, we’re all for relaxing with a cocktail in the sunshine – and we may well mix one up for our mums this Mother’s Day. However, we’re also aware that there are plenty of mums out there who prefer something soft – not to mention all those mums-to-be who are patiently awaiting the pitter patter of tiny feet. Luckily, we’ve got just the thing to quench their thirst...

The team at CIRIO, Italy’s leading producers of tomatoes, have come up with a tasty recipe for a Virgin Mary – the soft equivalent of breakfast time favourite the Bloody Mary. Quick to make, this beverage will leave mums everywhere beaming and designated drivers sighing in relief.

You will need:


300ml of CIRIO Passata Rustica
2 Limes
¾ tsp Tabasco Sauce
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch of...

Time to go for a dip – Tex Mex style. No, we’re not talking about swimming somewhere nice and sunny (we wish!) – we’re actually referring to a delicious recipe for guacamole from health heroes Organic Burst (www.organicburst.com).

A twist on traditional guacamole recipes, this detox-friendly version contains Organic Burst Wheatgrass powder to help purify and cleanse the body. Not only is this dip rather moreish, but it’ll also go down much more easily than those dreaded wheatgrass shots. We think you'll agree that that’s definitely something worth celebrating...

Ready to impress your friends when they come over for drinks? Make up a dish of this and you'll find yourself pretty popular in no time:

Superfood guacamole

You will need:


2 mashed avocados
1 tsp Organic Burst Wheatgrass
1...

Treat your mum to a feast this Mother’s Day. No, we don’t mean by loading up on ready meals or ordering in takeaway – we’re talking the real deal. Put that apron on, chain yourself to the hob and let your culinary skills do the talking...

If you’re looking for a simple but delicious meal to impress Mum with, we think we might have the answer. You can’t go wrong with a good traditional roast chicken, particularly if you serve it with lots of tasty vegetables and a good homemade stuffing. Try your hand at this moreish stuffing recipe from Genius Foods and you’ll leave your mum thanking her lucky stars she managed to raise such a talented chef...

Not only is this recipe completely gluten free, but it also includes garlic and lemon to help aid digestion and boost the immune system – so you...

After putting in an early appearance last week, the sun seems to have completely disappeared again – but we’re not going to let that bother us. We’re taking advantage of the drop in temperature to indulge in a comforting afternoon drink, the recipe for which was sent over to us last week by the friendly folk at the Kenyan Tea Board. Cups and saucers at the ready...

As we mentioned in our recent post on tea blending, Kenyan tea is not only full of flavour – it’s also much higher in antioxidants than most other teas. Combine it with spices such as cinnamon for a good immune system and black pepper to aid digestion, and you’ve got a delicious chai that will also help to keep you in good nick. What’s not to like?

Kenyan Chai tea blend


½ cup Kenyan black tea leaves
3 crushed cinnamon...

Most people associate tea leaves with India and China – but did you know that some of the world’s most distinctive teas are actually grown in Kenya? Rich in flavour, Kenyan tea also happens to contain higher levels of antioxidants than teas produced in most other parts of the globe – making it the perfect choice for health-conscious tea drinkers.

Already looking forward to your next tea break? The lovely people at the Kenyan Tea Board (www.teaboard.or.ke/) believe that there’s more to a good cuppa than just a splash of milk and a bit of sugar. They’ve got lots of ideas on how to combine different teas to make your own unique blend – a welcome change from just another supermarket tea bag. We gave the process a go and were pretty impressed with the result, so we thought we’d share the Tea...

Although we’re hankering after spring, we’re not going to deny that it’s still pretty nippy out there. We’ve therefore developed a bit of a knack for cooking up healthy comfort food dishes – and this delicious winter warmer from COOKS & CO is our latest favourite.

The nutritious recipe makes use of COOKS&CO Grapeseed Oil – a versatile cooking oil with a delicate flavour that’s perfect for stir fries, fondues and sauces. Combine with pumpkin for anti-ageing alpha-carotene and garlic for an immune system boost and you’ve got a tasty but healthy supper. The best part? It's nice and easy - so it won't be too hard to rustle up after a long day at work.

Pumpkin soup

Serves: 4

You will need:


1kg pumpkin chopped into large roasting chunks
1 sliced onion
4 cloves of garlic
50ml...

On Wednesday, we brought you a recipe for moreish gluten free bruschetta, as part of Food Intolerance Week. As we’re going to be donning our aprons this weekend, we thought we might as well follow it up with another tasty idea from Genius Foods – fish cakes with spicy tomato sauce. Not only is this tempting dish entirely free from gluten, but it’s bursting with healthy ingredients – from haddock and tomatoes to garlic and chill flakes. We can’t wait to dig in...

Fancy making your own fish cakes? You can find more information about Genius bread and where to purchase it at www.geniusglutenfree.com. Enjoy!

Smoked haddock fish cakes with spicy tomato sauce

You will need:


400g/14oz peeled potatoes, diced
450g/1lb smoked haddock fillet, skin left on
570ml/1pint milk
1 bay leaf
2 slices...

As we mentioned in Monday’s blog on YorkTest, this week is Food Intolerance Week – and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a tasty recipe from our gluten free favourites, Genius (www.geniusglutenfree.com). Providing a wide range of breads, baked goods and frozen products, Genius is a dream come true for those who can’t eat wheat – as Wahanda content writer and gluten free eater Angharad will happily attest.

If you thought that cutting gluten out meant a life spent eating food that resembled cardboard, think again. With great products such as those from Genius and delicious recipes like this one for bruschetta to try out, we see no reason why food intolerance should stop you having fun...

Roasted peppers, fennel & courgette bruschetta

When it comes to bruschetta,...

Happy Chinese New Year everyone! We don’t know about you, but we’re definitely planning on celebrating in style this evening with some delicious home-cooked food. After all, the Year of the Dragon doesn’t roll around all that often...

This delicious recipe has been created by TV chef and cookery author Ching-He Huang, and is a great way to combine the health benefits of lean haddock with metabolism-boosting chilli and healing ginger. Ok, so it does contain a bit of beer – but what a great way to indulge without breaking your January no-drinking resolution!

Tsingtao Beer poached haddock with a zesty spicy dressing served on gem lettuce

Serves: 4 as an appetiser

This makes a light and delicious appetiser. Tsingtao Beer is used as a poaching base for the fish, which absorbs the bitter...

Forget faddy diets like the Atkins or Dukan – seriously, who wants to spend one day a week for the rest of their life just eating chicken? Not us. In order to achieve and maintain weight loss, we think it’s important to take a sensible approach. After all, restrict yourself too much now and you’ll be cramming in those Creme Eggs come Easter...

As it happens, the Creme Eggs are the least of your worries. Embarking on an extreme diet doesn’t just reduce your chance of reaching your weight loss target – it can also have alarming implications for your general health and wellbeing. Not only will you miss out on crucial vitamins and nutrients whilst you are on the diet, but you’ll also find you are lacking in energy and unable to concentrate. Now, we don’t know about you, but we think that...

We don’t know about you, but it’s often in the mornings that we’re most tempted to ditch our detox. When you feel low on energy and have a busy day ahead, a coffee can seem a bit too irresistible. If only there was a healthier alternative…

Dedicated detoxers, it’s time to rejoice – the team at TotalNutrition has come up with two great smoothies to help start your day, the healthy way. Not only are they a great way to include fruit and even some veg in your diet, but both smoothies also contain TotalNutrition Superfood – an organic formula including all the nutrients you need to look after your body.

Perfect for busy bees and those who are dieting or detoxing, TotalNutrition Superfood makes sure you don’t miss out on any essential vitamins or minerals. Containing nothing artificial, the...

Eaten a bit too much over Christmas? Yes, us too. We’ve even had to undo the button on our jeans…

Of course, being the health and wellbeing fanatics that we are, we’re not going to let it stay that way for long. In order to give our systems a bit of a break, we’re plunging headlong into our January detox. Time to say goodbye to the rest of the Baileys and that leftover Christmas pudding…

If you’re finding it hard to know where to begin with healthy eating, don’t panic – we’ve got some great tips from nutritionist Ilona Wesle, who is co-founder of MyDetoxDiet. Print off her advice, stick it to your fridge door and follow it for seven days for increased energy, clear skin and a trim tum.

1. Avoid black tea, coffee and alcohol. Instead, drink herbal tea - for example, nettle is great at...

Sun, sea and tasty cuisine – what’s not to love? Unfortunately, our jobs, homes and families mean that most of us can’t just uproot and take off for Greece – however much we might daydream about it. Looks like we’re stuck with this British weather, then...

There’s nothing, however, stopping us from taking advantage of the benefits of a Mediterranean diet. A recent study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg has revealed that the high fibre, low fat diet eaten in Southern European countries such as Italy and Greece can help to increase life expectancy by as much as three years. We reckon this one’s a bit of a no-brainer - pass the pesto, please...

With plenty of fresh fish and vegetables on their tables, our Southern European neighbours are less likely to develop heart disease,...

Get into gear for the New Year. Many of us have already planned to drink more water and get our 5-a-day fruit and veg, but, unfortunately, we may still be overlooking important dietary requirements.

According to Dr Paul Clayton, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Boards of Itogha, not enough people pay attention to the fatty acids they consume – a fact which could be contributing to chronic disease. Sounds like it's time to give more thought to the saying 'you are what you eat'...

Dr Clayton says: ‘People should be more aware of the fatty acids in their diet, as these largely determine whether the environment in the body is pro- or anti-inflammatory. All chronic diseases have inflammation at their core, and the huge increases we have seen in cardiovascular disease and cancer over the...

When the Wahanda Tasters don their aprons, it’s not just health that’s important – it’s also taste. We love to experiment with different flavours, and are always excited to discover new recipes from around the world. It’s no surprise, then, that we’re smitten with this delicious dish from Masterchef winner Tom Anderson. Part of the Malaysia Kitchen campaign (www.malaysiakitchen.co.uk), the recipe is bursting with ingredients that are both tasty and good for you – which is exactly what we like to hear.

The star of this meal is marvellous mackerel – an oily fish which is rich in important vitamins and minerals. Helping to improve brain function and to stimulate blood circulation, mackerel can also help to reduce blood pressure. We know what we’ll be cooking up this evening...

Nasi goreng...

At Wahanda HQ, when it comes to the occasional bag of Haribo, we’re afraid we’re guilty as charged. However, most of the time we try to be good – and it looks as though we’re right to be careful...

A recent survey has shown that British women are more likely to be obese than those who live elsewhere in the EU. With 23.9% of women categorised as obese according to their BMI, as a nation we are even bigger than the food loving French and Italians – a pretty worrying phenomenon.

So why do Brits struggle to stay trim? Reena Sharma, a company nutritionist at North West health consultants Health@Work (www.healthatworkcentre.org.uk), reckons the way we eat at work is significantly to blame.

She says, ‘From our point of view at Health@Work, we know people spend most of their time in the...

When the weather outside is cold and gloomy, there’s nothing the Wahanda Tasters love more than a bowl of warming soup. So when the team at Canderel sent over this spicy recipe, we knew instantly what our new favourite meal was going to be…

A nourishing lunch as well as a delicious dinner, this soup can be made in a big batch and then frozen – making it a convenient way to eat healthily this winter. Containing only 225 calories per serving, it’s also a great way to keep that waistline in check. Just as well, when there’s so much party food around…

Spiced red lentil and tomato soup

Serves: 4

You will need:


1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, roughly chopped
1-2 tsp dried chilli flakes
1 garlic clove, crushed
175g split red lentils, rinsed well
1 tsp tomato purée
1 tbsp...

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, there’s no denying that it just wouldn’t be Christmas without some good old Brussels sprouts. Deep breath, everyone...

The Wahanda Tasters are actually quite fond of our greens – but we know not everybody is. We’ve been looking into the health benefits of this festive vegetable, and we think that what we've discovered will be enough to tempt even the fussiest of eaters. So go on, give sprouts a chance – who knows, you may even find that you like them...

Vitamin C

Forget orange juice – did you know that one cup of Brussels sprouts contains your entire recommended daily allowance of vitamin C? Helping to lower blood pressure and prevent cataracts, this important vitamin also protects the body against heart disease, strokes and cancer. We think we’ll help ourselves...

Ladies and gentlemen, the answer to your prayers has finally arrived. The food community has been buzzing about new sweetener Truvia – and it’s easy to see why. Calorie-free and natural, this alternative to sugar is perfect for those with diabetes or those who are watching their weight this festive season. We predict it’ll fly off the shelves...

Although it has the same texture as sugar, Truvia is in fact derived from the stevia plant - a natural sweetener used for centuries by Native Americans. Containing extracts from the stevia leaf, Truvia has a crisp, clean taste that makes it ideal for sprinkling over fruit or cereal, stirring into a hot cuppa or using to bake a delicious cake. We don’t know about you, but we’re starting to feel a bit peckish...

Mark Brooks, Global Product Line...

There’s no denying that a real Christmas tree looks great and smells fantastic – but did you know that it could also have benefits for your health? The bark of certain pine trees contains an antioxidant rich extract called Pycnogenol (try saying that after a couple of festive drinks). Helping to ease a number of different complaints, this natural wonder is just the thing to keep you feeling in tip top condition this Christmas...

Of course, most of us don’t go round gnawing on the branches of our Christmas tree – meaning that we have to find another way to source this potent extract. Harvested from the bark of French maritime pines, Pycnogenol is available in tablet form from www.healthspan.co.uk. Intrigued, we asked the lovely people at Healthspan to tell us more...

Put on your dancing...

Last month, we wrote about how an increased fibre intake could reduce the risk of developing cancer – so when we learned that the One brand was launching two new high-in-fibre loaves, the Wahanda Tasters couldn’t help but take notice. Naturally, we were eager to find out more...

Available in two varieties (Malted Wheatgrain with Seeds and High Fibre White), One Clever Loaf has been designed to be tasty and nutritious – a combination that’s not always easy to find. As well as being a good source of dietary fibre, this brilliant bread meets the Food Standard Agency’s 2012 salt targets, with just 1g of salt per 100g. We reckon it might be the best thing since...well, sliced bread.

The Malted Wheatgrain loaf contains poppy, millet and golden linseed for a deep, nutty flavour, whilst the High...

It’s the same every year – once the festive season arrives, we abandon all our good habits and dive headlong into a month of OTT indulgence. From mince pies and marzipan to stuffing and stollen, we’re faced with an abundance of food that’s just a bit too hard to resist – meaning that second helpings become an all too common occurrence.

Unfortunately, our bodies aren’t prepared for this sudden binge. Unable to cope with so many rich foods, our digestive systems often start to play up – leaving us feeling uncomfortable at the least opportune moment.

Worried about experiencing digestive problems this Christmas? No one’s saying you have to stick to salad – but nutritionist Amanda Hamilton and the team at Imodium do have some have some helpful advice. Remember these tips and you won’t be...

Are you including enough fish in your diet? According to a recent study, many of us do not eat enough fish and seafood – meaning that we miss out on nutrients which could improve our brain’s cognitive abilities. Looks like it could be time to crack open a can of tuna...

Previous research has shown that increased levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) can benefit those suffering from cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease - and now it looks like this nourishing nutrient could be helpful to us all. An omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, DHA can help to increase the speed of working memory by up to 15% - as well as increasing the speed of episodic memory by up to 7%. Make ours a mackerel sandwich...

The study, which was conducted at Massey University, New Zealand, compared the...

Now that December is finally here, we’re starting to plan our January detox more seriously. After all, time flies when you’re enjoying yourself, and unfortunately, so does willpower – right out of the window.

Luckily, working at Wahanda, we know exactly where to look for all the best fitness deals, detox programmes and expert tips. Of course, we always like to share our finds – so when we learned of ethical company Life Water, we couldn’t wait to tell you the good news.

A British brand, Life Water encourages people to look after their own health and the health of the planet by only drinking tap water or locally sourced bottled water. Forget brands that have notched up thousands of air miles – reduce your carbon footprint this New Year and you’ll be doing your bit for the planet as well...

It’s no secret that the Wahanda team are a little obsessed with tea. From indulgent afternoon tea and pampering experiences to a warming cuppa from Yumchaa or Pukka, we don’t think we’d last very long without our favourite beverage. It’s no surprise, then, that Plants4Presents's clever tea plant has jumped straight to the top of our Christmas wish list...

Plants4Presents offer a variety of ‘grow your own’ gifts, from chilli plants to grape vines – but our favourite has to be the green tea plant. Able to survive inside or out, the tea plant’s leaves can be harvested to make a delicious brew. The plant also flowers in the winter – making it a great addition to the kitchen window sill and a fun way to brighten up the office tea break.

Full of antioxidants, green tea has a variety of health...

Give us a flash of those pearly whites. Our teeth regularly come under fire from bad habits such as smoking, drinking and eating too many sweets – so it’s about time we showed them some TLC. The latest article in our ‘Eat your way to healthy...’ series focuses on the foods you need to preserve that mega watt smile. Hollywood, here we come...

Celery

It’s not everyone’s snack of choice – but chewing on a celery stick could help to keep your teeth in tip top condition. The extra chewing it takes to eat celery encourages your body to produce more saliva – helping to neutralise cavity-causing bacteria. That’s enough to convince us – we’ll never reach for those chocolate biscuits again...

Nuts

Time to go nuts. Forget being seasonal - we’ve got an even better reason to invest in a...

The Wahanda team are huge fans of Vietnamese restaurant Pho – so there was much rejoicing in the office when their chefs agreed to share some recipes with us. Offering tasty and nutritious street food, Pho allows busy Londoners to eat healthily, without compromising on flavour. It’s really no wonder we’re a bit addicted...

Never know what to do with your leftover Christmas turkey? The clever people at Pho have come up with a great solution in the form of this recipe for aromatic stock. Incorporating garlic to boost the immune system and anti-inflammatory ginger, this warming dish is just the thing to fight off any post-Christmas lurgies. We know what we’ll be cooking up on Boxing Day...

Leftover Christmas Pho

You will need:


Chicken/turkey bones (carcass)
2 pieces Cinnamon
3...

Had a bit too much of a good time last night? You’re not the only one. According to a recent survey by Bupa, Brits are 41% more likely to drink alcohol than the international average. Bottoms up...

The survey reveals that it’s not just the tendency of the British to drink alcohol which is above average - it’s the regularity with which we do so, too. The British are almost twice as likely to describe themselves as ‘regular drinkers’ than their international friends - with 9% admitting to drinking every day. Sounds like it could be time for a bit of a detox...

Whilst many of us already have some post-Christmas abstinence planned, others just aren’t interested in giving up the booze. The survey reveals that 1 in 3 Brits who drink don’t want to change their behaviour. Again, this figure is...

It might not immediately spring to mind as a sleep aid, but sales of cherry juice have been rocketing lately as a result of the product’s beneficial properties. Move over, Horlicks – there’s a new kid on the block...

A recent study at Northumbria University has shown that drinking the juice of tart Montmorency cherries can increase total sleep time by up to 25 minutes – good news for those who tend to find it difficult to get enough kip.

Unfortunately, squeezing the juice out of fresh cherries is no easy task – which is why we’re pretty relieved that the lovely people at Cherrygood will do it for us. Producing the UK’s only ready to drink cherry juice, Cherrygood is working hard to keep up with the new found demand for this health-boosting beverage.

John Heseltine, the company’s founder...

You may have noticed that the Wahanda community is a noisy bunch. From writing reviews and articles to asking health and beauty questions, we like to express what’s on our mind. We were therefore excited to learn that Genius Foods will soon be hosting a Twitter Q&A session – a fantastic opportunity to learn new things whilst having a bit of a natter. We don’t know about you, but we’ll definitely be logging on...

When: Thursday 1st December, 12-2pm.

Where: On Twitter!

How: Follow @geniusfoods for updates, and make sure to tweet any burning questions that you’d like to see answered.

We’ve long been fans of Genius Foods and their brilliant range of gluten-free products. From bread to teacakes and even pies, Genius provides the perfect solution for those who are unable to eat food...

It’s every woman’s nightmare - you rummage in your wardrobe and dust off that little black dress, only to discover that you’ve put on a few pounds since you last wore it. Sound familiar? Don’t leave yourself with a fashion dilemma this festive season – follow our top tips and you’ll be the belle of the ball...

We recently shared some fantastic fitness advice from Justin Way at Pure Gym Edinburgh – and now we’ve got some brilliant nutrition tips for you to follow, too. Kate Butler is a nutritionist for Holland & Barrett, and certainly knows a thing or two about how to get a fabulous figure...

Don’t skip breakfast

Eating a healthy breakfast means you are much more likely to avoid the mid-morning munchies. Putting off breakfast in the hope of saving some calories is bad news. It can...

No, we’re not propositioning you inappropriately – we’re recommending our new favourite healthy snack. Made from 100% natural ingredients and free from added sugar, NAKD fruit and nut bars make a great guilt-free alternative to biscuits, cake and chocolate. The really good news? They taste so good that you’ll never look back...

This sweet treat isn’t just ideal for those looking to live a healthier lifestyle – it’s a dream come true for those suffering from food intolerances. Free from gluten, wheat and dairy, these bars will brighten up your morning tea break or help beat the afternoon slump – always good to hear.

Made from raw fruits, nuts and spices, the NAKD bars are a quick and easy way to make sure that you eat healthily, whether you’re in the office or on the go. Just shove a...

At Wahanda, we love a bit of Xmas pud – but we know not everyone does. If you fancy doing something a bit different this year, why not try this tasty treat? The last of our gluten and dairy-free recipes, this moreish bread and butter pudding is a great alternative to traditional Christmas fare. Serve after your turkey to get people’s mouths watering, or keep it for Boxing Day as an indulgent snack.

Aunt Libby’s Genius bread and butter pudding

Serves: 6

You will need:


3 tbsp raisins
1 tbsp mixed peel
100ml/3 fl oz rum or brandy
55g/2 oz dairy free butter substitute, softened
7-8 slices of Genius White Gluten Free Bread, thinly sliced and crusts removed
300ml/10 fl oz Lactofree milk
300ml/10 fl oz Lactofree cream
Vanilla pod, split down the middle with a sharp knife
3 large...

Get a good gut feeling. A recent study published by the British Medical Journal has shown that for every 10 gram increase in dietary fibre, the risk of developing colorectal cancer is reduced by 10%. Race you to the cereal aisle...

The study, which was conducted by researchers from Imperial College London and the Danish Cancer Society, is the first to quantify the positive effect that fibre can have on bowel health. After analysing the diets of nearly two million participants, the researchers concluded that a high intake of dietary fibre is associated with a reduced risk of bowel cancer. Currently, bowel cancer claims more victims in Britain than breast cancer – but the numbers could become lower if people alter their approach to eating. Sounds like it’s time to start including more whole...

Turn your skincare routine inside out. Most of us have cupboards of products designed to help fight wrinkles and leave our complexions looking ravishingly radiant – but unfortunately, lotions and potions aren’t always enough to keep those blemishes at bay. For truly time-defying skin, we reckon the best place to start is on the inside. After all, they do say you are what you eat...

Thanks to their antioxidant properties, pomegranates have long been recognised as a superfood. Eaten regularly, the jewel-like seeds of these fruits can help to protect the heart, fight osteoarthritis, lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. As if that wasn’t enough, scientists are now also hailing this fabulous fruit as the next big thing in anti-ageing. Sounds like it could be time to stock up.....

Hang on in there folks, the weekend’s nearly here. To celebrate, we’ve got some great recipes for tasty tipples with a festive flair. The best part? None of them contain any added sugar. Might as well help yourself to a few, then...

We all know the saying ‘A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips’. Sadly, most of our favourite treats aren’t figure-friendly – meaning that indulgent times of the year such as Christmas can be a bit of a minefield.

Luckily, the smart people over at Simply Nectar have solved our cocktail quandary by coming up with a range of suggestions that contain no refined sugar or chemical nasties. They've teamed up with organic wine specialist Vintage Roots and organic food company What On Earth to make sure our festive cup runneth over. Now all we have to do is...

Yesterday we shared a tasty recipe for gluten and lactose-free bread sauce – and today we’ve got another tempting treat to tickle your taste buds. We reckon that no festive dinner is complete without stuffing – and this delicious apricot, orange and chestnut version from Genius Foods is a real (Christmas) cracker. Time to tell that turkey to get stuffed...

Apricot, orange and chestnut stuffing

This gluten-free recipe is for a 5.53kg/12lb oven ready turkey and can be made a day in
advance.

You will need:


1½ onions, very finely diced
2 sticks of celery, finely diced
2 tbsp of oil
2 level tsp salt and eight generous grinds or 1 level tsp of black pepper
4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
450g/1lb minced pork belly
400g/14oz tinned unsweetened chestnut puree
4 medium slices of...

Christmas is definitely a time for indulgence. You’ve worked hard all year, been to the gym and heeded all of the advice on our food blog – so now’s the time to reward yourself. Of course, if food intolerances leave you following a gluten-free or lactose-free diet, then treating yourself can be easier said than done...

If we’ve learned one thing from Tiny Tim, it’s that nobody should be miserable at Christmas. With a few alterations, lots of recipes can be adapted to remove gluten or lactose – making Christmas dinner a feast everyone can look forward to.

Thanks to the team at Genius Foods, we’ve got a series of great gluten and lactose-free recipes lined up – kicking off with this one for bread sauce. Let the countdown to Christmas begin...

Bread Sauce

Bread sauce provides an aromatic...

It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but don’t worry - this mega sandwich isn’t about to develop intelligence and take over the world. In fact, it’s just here to provide the nutrients and antioxidants our bodies need to stay fighting fit – so that we can concentrate on our own everyday battles. Sounds like a pretty super sarnie to us...

Scientists at Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University were set a challenge by Genius Foods (www.geniusglutenfree.com) to come up with the ultimate tasty yet nutritional sandwich – and we have to say, they’ve excelled themselves. After testing a number of different varieties of bread and fillings (we want their jobs!) the food scientists settled on turkey and cherry in gluten-free bread – a pretty festive result.

Want to have a go at making your...

When asked to think of a typically English dish, the first thing that springs to mind is often fish and chips – not a particularly healthy option. However, recent research has shown that the English actually have the healthiest diets in the UK. Looks like we must be doing something right, then...

Elsewhere in the UK, the Scottish were found to have the unhealthiest diet, followed by Northern Ireland and Wales. Researchers at Oxford University, who carried out the study, concluded that getting the whole of the UK to eat as healthily as the English could prevent 3,700 deaths a year. That’s a pretty large number...

Before any readers start to feel too smug, it’s worth pointing out that the English diet still leaves a lot to be desired. Although diets south of the border tend to be lower in...

Tuck in to a hearty meal. Our hearts work constantly to keep our circulatory systems in good order, pump blood around our bodies and ensure our other organs are delivered the oxygen and nutrients that they need. We think the least we can do is reward them with a healthy meal...

According to the British Heart Foundation, a healthy diet can help to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and preventing weight gain. Want to make sure you heart is in tip top condition? It’s time to cut down on fatty foods and stock up on some of these...

Olive oil

This Mediterranean favourite contains monosaturated fats, which help to keep your arteries clear and your heart pumping. When mixing up your salad dressing or making some homemade pesto, make sure you opt for...

At Wahanda, we’ve been looking forward to Christmas treats and snacks since...well, since last Christmas finished. We love turkey and all the trimmings, Christmas pudding, mince pies and all the other goodies that the festive season brings with it – but sadly, our bodies aren’t always so keen.

Already dreading the 1st of January and the double whammy of trying to detox and readjust to life back in the office? There’s no need to make life harder than it needs to be – which is why we love the sound of Atone’s Detox/Anti-fatigue supplement. Containing a potent combination of plant extracts and enzymes, Detox/Anti-fatigue provides support during that January health kick – helping to leave you feeling your best. Now all you have to do is look forward to next December...

So what exactly is...

With the organic market growing larger every day, it’s no longer a challenge to eat healthily and protect the environment at the same time. Whether you’re peckish or parched, there’s an organic product out there to suit you – good news if chemical nasties are your nemesis.

Familiar with eco-friendly, healthy foods but not aware of any good organic drinks to quench your thirst? The trusty Wahanda Tasters have rounded up a few of our favourites. Here’s what we like to turn to when water just won’t do:

Pukka Three Tulsi Tea

We’ve been fans of natural brand Pukka for a while now, so we were excited to be introduced to a blend that they refer to as ‘calm in a teacup’. Combining three different kinds of the herb tulsi (green, purple and lemon), this warming tea relaxes the body and lifts...

Continuing our series of winter dishes from British Onions, we’ve got a great recipe for a mouthwatering goat’s cheese tart. We can’t wait to plate this up with a fresh green salad, but if goat’s cheese isn’t your thing there’s no need to despair – why not check out these tasty recipes for onion gravy and dahl with spiced onions instead.

Like your dinner to be healthy as well as delicious? So do we. This tempting tart contains antioxidant tomatoes, anti-inflammatory onions and calcium-rich goat’s cheese. Aprons at the ready....

Caramelised onion, cherry tomato and goat’s cheese tart

Serves: 4

You will need:


1 Packet of puff pastry
1 large British Onion, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 dsp sugar
2 tbsp green pesto
250g/10oz cherry tomatoes, halved
100g/4oz soft goat's...

Looking to lose weight, banish bloating and gain more energy? A slimmer, trimmer new you could be just 14 days away with the ‘Try Rye’ challenge from Village Bakery. Easy to follow and full of health benefits, the challenge includes some great meal ideas to stop you getting bored and keep you full all day long. Sounds pretty good to us...

Lots of people are looking to lose weight, especially in the run up to Christmas – but it can be tricky finding a way to shift those extra pounds without compromising your health. Crash or fad dieting is likely to leave you short of energy, lacking nutrients and struggling to concentrate – not ideal when you’ve got a busy life to lead.

Looking for a healthier way to slim down? That’s where ‘Try Rye’ comes in...

If you’re anything like us, you hate...

With November nearly here, we’re starting to look forward to one of our favourite times of the year – Bonfire Night. Our mouths are already watering at the thought of some tasty bangers and mash – and we can’t wait to try out our new recipe for onion gravy, courtesy of the lovely people at British Onions. Now all we need are some sparklers...

Why go for onions? These versatile vegetables are full of flavonoids which help to protect against heart disease, as well as containing chromium – a molecule that helps cells respond to insulin and can ease the symptoms of PMT. Adding onions to your sausage and mash won’t only add extra taste to this winter warmer – it could also help to keep you nice and healthy. We’ll definitely be helping ourselves to seconds...

Onion gravy

You will need...

As you might expect from an office full of wellbeing enthusiasts, the Wahanda HQ cupboards are bursting with healthy snacks and treats. We love food, and we’re also dedicated to making sure our bodies get the right nutrients – so we’re always eager to try out anything new. When Holland and Barrett recently gave us a parcel of delicious goodies to taste, it was as if Christmas had come early...

Tend to turn to comforting junk food as soon as the colder weather sets in? Overhauling your diet can help to keep your digestive system in tip top condition, as well as protecting you against those pesky colds. Get it right and you might even be able to shift some of those extra pounds in time to squeeze into that festive dress – always a bonus.

Want to put together a feel good hamper for yourself...

Pop the kettle on – we’ve got a new sweet treat for you to try. Full of spices to warm you up this winter, Pukka’s tasty vanilla chai is organic, Fairtrade and caffeine-free. Tea time doesn’t get more guilt free than that...

A blend of six organic and Fairtrade herbs and spices, this soothing chai is sweetened using cinnamon and cardamom – so there’s no danger of it playing havoc with your blood sugar levels. It also contains ginger, fennel, liquorice and vanilla - which help to keep your body nice and healthy.

Ready to be transported to a world of Eastern promise? As with most of Pukka’s tasty teas, there’s no need to add milk to the vanilla chai – great news if you’re lactose intolerant.

Don’t fancy a winter warmer? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other Pukka teas available to suit...

You may remember that a while back we blogged some tasty summer recipes from British Onions. Since then, the weather has got colder, the days have got shorter and even with the best will in the world and a good spray tan we can’t pretend it’s summer anymore. We were therefore excited to receive some winter-themed onion recipes for warming our cockles on those chilly evenings. Time to get stuck into some cooking...

First up is a tasty dahl recipe, made with lentils (great for keeping cholesterol levels down), turmeric (an anti-inflammatory) and of course onions (packed full with illness-fighting antioxidants). Who knew nature had such a well-stocked pharmacy?

Lentil dahl with spiced onions

Serves: 4

You will need:


1 litre water
1 large white British Onion roughly chopped
2.5cm/1...

We all know that certain fruits boast antioxidant properties that can help to keep our bodies nice and healthy –but sometimes it can be hard to eat enough of them to reap the benefits. Feel like you’re about to turn into a blueberry, Violet Beauregarde style? There is another way...

For the first time, UK residents now have access to Hiorac – a powerful antioxidant supplement designed to fight free radicals and reduce your chance of suffering from heart disease, cancer and dementia. Just 5ml of this clever formula is equivalent in antioxidant power to seven apricots, apples and bananas, 280g red grapes, pumpkin, broccoli and pineapple, and 70g blueberries. That’s a pretty potent product...

Surrey-based alternative health company RB Enterprises has become the first UK business to stock...

We all know what it’s like – you decide to eat healthily and stock up your fridge with lots of fresh fruit and veg, only to be defeated by takeaway. Lying in wait for you at the end of the week, pizza and curry creep up unexpectedly – and before you know it, you’ve slipped right back into your old eating habits.

Not on our watch. We’ve just discovered MY Food, a fantastic site offering a variety of weekly menus to help you lose weight and get into shape. We’re particularly impressed by MY Food’s Eat In range, which offers a deliciously different alternative to takeaway. Simply choose from the tasty selection of meals available, and you’ll receive dinner for two delivered straight to your doorstep. It doesn’t get much easier than that...

Wheat and dairy free, the Eat In meals are also...

Find it hard to get into gear in the mornings? Try thinking of yourself as a car (stick with us on this one). If you’ve ever put diesel in a car that’s designed to take petrol, you’ll know that it’s a recipe for disaster – but did you know that your body can suffer from the wrong fuel too?

Is your breakfast more of a brake-fast? Filling up on certain foods in the morning will leave you unable to work properly, and may even result in you grinding to a halt. Looks like it’s time to pay a bit more attention when you’re refuelling...

If you find Monday mornings a bit of a mission, you’ll be glad to know that the UK’s first natural energy breakfast cereal has been launched in the UK. Called FUEL (the name alone makes us feel like the human equivalent of a Ferrari) the tasty granola is packed...

Eat your way to a slim new you. Want to lose weight, but struggle to stay svelte? A recent study has shown that upping your protein intake could stop you from piling on the pounds. That’s caught our attention...

The study, which was carried out by researchers at Cambridge University and the University of Sydney, showed that those whose meals consisted of 10% protein became hungry more easily than those who ate 15% protein. They also consumed more calories during the course of the day – making them much more susceptible to weight gain.

Impressed by protein’s powerful properties? Weight loss isn’t all this food group is good for. Protein helps the body to build and repair tissue, bones and muscle, as well as to keep your hair and nails healthy. Good sources include fish, white meat,...

It may be a bit cold and gloomy outside, but at Wahanda HQ we’re feeling rather tropical. Never ones to shy away (geddit?) from trying new things, we were only too happy to receive the latest offering from Caribbean supplier Grace Foods. After all, Courteney Cox and Demi Moore swear by coconut juice for its health-giving properties – so who are we to turn it down?

In a (coco)nutshell, Grace Coconut Water Smooth is a great alternative to other, more artificial soft drinks. Ditching your can of Coke for some Caribbean goodness will help quench your thirst, rehydrate your body and improve energy levels. We’ve got to warn you though – the tropical taste may make you forget that it’s actually Autumn. Don’t blame us if you find yourself turning up at the office in Bermuda shorts...

Nyree...

Time to start searching for that remote. If you enjoyed Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, we think you’ll love upcoming series The Food Hospital. Due to air from early November, the series will feature expert advice from British Dietetic Association spokesperson Lucy Jones, and will encourage viewers to make healthier lifestyle choices. Probably best not to watch this one with a big bag of popcorn in your hand...

The aim of The Food Hospital is to demonstrate to viewers at home how various ailments can be treated simply by making dietary changes. Patients taking part in the series will discuss their condition with dietician Lucy Jones, GP Dr Giovanni Miletto and consultant gastrointestinal bariatric surgeon Shaw Somers. The team will then decide on the best way to help the patients manage...

Blend your way to beauty. Want to know the secret behind the perfect skin and enviable figures of celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Sadie Frost and Fergie? They’re all sipping on ‘super smoothies’ to keep them looking fabulous and feeling fighting fit. Looks like it’s time to dig out that juicer...

Packing more of a punch than your average smoothie, super smoothies are packed with vitamins and minerals and also contain special whole foods to give the body a bit of a boost. Reportedly, Victoria Beckham is a fan in particular of Japanese whole food chlorella, which she adds to her smoothies each day to help keep her in tip top condition. Well, if it’s good enough for Posh, then it’s good enough for us...

Want to try this nourishing super food for yourself? Sun Chlorella® ‘A’ has teamed...

Ho ho ho...It may be October, but as far as we’re concerned it’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas. At Wahanda HQ, we’re excited about the festive season already – and particularly about the food. Turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding with brandy butter, a cheeky glass of Baileys – December wouldn’t be the same without a bit of indulgence. Or November, for that matter...

Unfortunately, Christmas can be a frustrating time of year for those who suffer from food intolerances. It’s no fun watching those around you tuck in when you can’t – which is why gluten-free food manufacturer Genius (www.geniusglutenfree.com) is adding a tasty mince pie to its bakery range. Forget leaving one out for Santa – we want these babies all to ourselves...

The Wahanda Tasters, always...

We can think of three bears and one little fair-haired girl who will probably be very excited to learn that the 10th October is World Porridge Day. Established by Scottish-based charity Mary’s Meals (www.marysmeals.org.uk), the day celebrates Scotland’s traditional national dish, as well as raising awareness about the importance of school meals in poor countries. Sounds like a fantastic idea to us...

Mary’s Meals works in 16 of the world’s poorest countries, providing thousands of hungry children with nutritious school meals. A bowl of porridge - which for us is just a tasty breakfast - represents much more for these children, giving them the nutrients they need to grow, play and study. Unbelievably, a donation of just £6.15 can feed a child in Malawi for a year – meaning that you don’t...

Feel like you could do with a boost, but not keen on all the artificial nasties that many energy drinks seem to contain? At Wahanda, we like our food and drink to be as natural as possible – which is why we aren’t fans of products that taste like they’ve never even seen a plant. We were therefore excited to learn of the launch of Scheckter’s Organic Energy Drink – a tasty pick-me-up made with 100% natural ingredients. Bye bye afternoon slump...

The Organic Energy Drink was born when Toby Scheckter decided something needed to be done about the lack of healthy energy boosters on the market. Having grown up on an organic farm, Toby wanted his product to be free from artificial colours and preservatives, as well as being FairTrade. He spent two years developing the world’s first ever natural,...

Experiencing symptoms of bad health but not sure what’s causing them? If you’re feeling a bit under the weather, it could be down to your diet. While many of us make a conscious effort to eat healthily, we often overlook certain vitamins and minerals – leaving us with unpleasant symptoms that we just can’t seem to get rid of.

Fed up with feeling less than 100%? Don’t despair - help is at hand. Head of nutrition at supplement specialists BioCare, Chris Newbold, has some great advice on how to identify vitamin deficiencies. Over to Chris...

Zinc deficiency

Symptoms: Itchy skin, poor wound healing, white marks on nails.

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a key role in normal function of the immune system, DNA synthesis, healthy bones, cognitive function, fertility and reproduction...

Do you really know what your child is eating at school? Unfortunately, whilst you might prefer your kids to spend their lunch money on healthy options, they’re more likely to be drawn to crisps and chocolate. Even if you do your best to pack a nutritious lunch for your little angels, you can’t guarantee that they aren’t swapping their carrot sticks for chips on the sly.

The question is, how worried do you need to be about your child’s eating habits? The odd doughnut or cake never hurt anyone – but regular poor nutrition can have severe repercussions. Shockingly, three in ten children in Britain are overweight or obese - putting them at greater risk of developing health problems.

Specialist Dr Knut Schroeder says: ‘Children who are overweight in childhood are more likely to become...

The Wahanda Tasters are often to be found forming an orderly queue at nearby healthy restaurant Leon. We can’t get enough of their tasty lunches – and the fantastic news is that they’re packed full with nutritious ingredients, too. Guilt-free eating has never been so delicious...

Even if you manage to successfully follow a balanced diet at home, it can be hard to keep up a healthy eating routine at work. Time constraints, poor canteen food and a lack of nutritious options in the shops mean many of us end up grabbing chocolate, crisps and uninspiring sandwiches on our lunch break. The result? A lack of essential nutrients and a grumpy set of tastebuds. Thankfully, the lovely people at Leon are here to turn everything around...

Leon (www.leonrestaurants.co.uk) was established to provide...

Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a good, spicy curry. Fancy turning up the heat and getting those taste buds tingling? We’ve got a great recipe from Plants4Presents.co.uk that is guaranteed to warm things up a bit...

Thai green curry is a firm favourite with many due to its fantastic flavours, but did you know that it can also benefit you health-wise? This recipe contains chilli to boost the immune system, cumin to assist digestion and coriander to help lower cholesterol. Looks like it’s time to fire up that wok...

Thai green curry

Serves: 4

For the curry paste, you will need:


1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp each shrimp paste and salt
4 garlic cloves, chopped
5cm piece fresh galangal, chopped (or fresh ginger)
1 tbsp sugar
1 lemongrass stalk, outer...

We’re often so busy concentrating on our hair, nails, skin and teeth that we forget about what’s inside. Many of us only give consideration to skeletons when Halloween rolls around – and even then the bones we’re interested in tend to be glow-in-the-dark spooky ones rather than our own.

Why not stop concentrating on that shiny barnet and those beautiful nails for a second and have a think about how to strengthen your skeleton? We’ve got some great healthy eating tips to help you build up bones that even Skeletor would be proud of...

Sardines

Most of us spend a proportion of the day feeling like sardines during our commute - but are you making sure that you get enough of the real deal? Surprisingly, 3 ounces of canned sardines contain more calcium than a glass of milk. Don’t worry...

There was great celebration at Wahanda HQ when we discovered that chocolate could help to keep us healthy. We love a sweet treat every now and again – so we were even happier when we were introduced to Bristol-based chocolate company Feeding Your Imagination and their innovative Fairtrade chocolate bars. An indulgent snack that’s delicious and therapeutic? Sounds right up our street...

The chocolate bars, which are handmade using natural essential oils and herbs, have recently been awarded four gold stars in the Great Taste Awards – marking them out as some of the best products in the food industry. And there's good news for chocolate connoisseurs who are easily bored – with fifteen different flavours to choose from, the Feeding Your Imagination range offers plenty of variety. Choose from...

Fed up with migraines affecting your life? A recent study conducted at York University has found that these unpleasant attacks may be triggered by certain everyday foods. Looks like it could be time to overhaul your diet...

The news that making some dietary changes could significantly alter sufferers’ quality of life is well worth celebrating – particularly at the moment, as it is currently Migraine Awareness Week. Don’t know much about these hellish headaches? The World Health Organisation has rated migraine amongst the top 20 most disabling lifetime conditions – a label that probably doesn’t surprise the 1 in 7 Brits who suffer from this debilitating problem.

According to the researchers at York University, eliminating certain foods over a period of just four weeks can lead to an...

The Wahanda Tasters are always looking for new things to try out - so we were excited to learn that ethical health food brand Essential has come up with five tasty new recipes for us to get stuck into. Pots and pans at the ready, ladies and gents – it’s time to get creative in the kitchen...

Essential prides itself in supplying customers with a wide range of organic, vegetarian, vegan, fair-trade and environmentally friendly products. Each year, the brand celebrates the joys of food with a dedicated Healthy Eating Fortnight – and 2011 is no exception. To mark the occasion, nutritionist Christine Bailey has come up with five tastebud-tingling recipes, all using ingredients that are readily available at health shops. We can’t wait to don our aprons and get cooking...

Designed to take you...

Grab the Galaxy and crack out the Cadbury’s – a recent study has suggested that those who eat chocolate may be less susceptible to heart disease and strokes than those who don’t. Well, that’s enough to get us sprinting to the newsagent’s...

So how can chocolate, which contains high levels of sugar and is often linked to obesity, help to keep us in good health? Although research has suggested that chocolate consumption can reduce the risk of suffering a stroke by up to 37%, scientists still remain baffled as to how. Whilst some forms of chocolate contain antioxidant flavonoids, there is speculation that it is in fact the relaxing properties of chocolate that help to protect us from disease. We reckon that’s another great reason to indulge in the sweet stuff at the end of a long, hard day.....

One of the Wahanda Tasters’ favourite places to go for a healthy lunch is Leon. We can’t get enough of their tasty hummous and flatbread, not to mention those moreish Moroccan meatballs... Naturally, we were all ears when we heard that Leon co-founder and chef Allegra McEvedy has teamed up with former England rugby star Matt Dawson for a new series on UKTV’s Good Food Channel. Remotes at the ready...

The 10 part series, which is called ‘Matt and Allegra’s Big Farm’, is due to air from 23rd October and will focus on cooking with fresh British produce – with no artificial nasties in sight. Allegra and Matt will tour the country on a specially customised bus, visiting different farms and getting stuck in to some hard manual labour. Adventures will include helping out at a lambing, as well as...

Lavender is renowned for its calming properties, but did you know that this beautiful bloom can also be used in cooking? Not many people realise that the health benefits of lavender can be gained quickly and easily through ingestion – and it tastes pretty good, too.

But hold on – before you go running to the flowerbed for a quick snack, make sure you read all of our useful culinary tips. When using dried lavender, it’s important to make sure that you have flowers sold especially for food purposes, as these will be nice and pure and safe for consumption. It’s also a good idea to remember that these fragrant flowers are pretty potent – so a little really does go a long way.

Considered a member of the mint family, lavender has been used for centuries to treat insomnia, anxiety, stress,...

We all know that being overweight or obese can lead to a variety of different health problems, but did you know that it could affect your ability to process vitamins and minerals? In a recent study, independent dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton found that many overweight people are lacking in vitamin D, vitamin B12, carotenoids, folate, vitamin C and iron. That’s an awful lot of missing nutrients...

Although Ruxton’s research indicates a clear link between weight and nutrient status, scientists are finding it harder to discover exactly how the two are connected. Health experts think that poor diet, the increased nutrient needs of larger bodies and changes to the way in which the body handles nutrients may all contribute to the low levels of vitamins and minerals found in overweight and obese...

What do Lady Gaga, Russell Crowe and Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic all have in common? No, it’s not the opening to a bad joke – these three celebrities have all recently adopted a gluten-free diet. Previously, the lack of gluten-free options on the market would have meant they couldn’t enjoy lots of the tasty snacks most people take for granted – but now Genius Gluten Free’s new range means the trio can enjoy pies, pastries, teacakes and bread. Although somehow we can’t imagine Gaga chowing down on a cheese toastie...

For some, gluten intolerance means avoiding certain foods is a must – for others, a gluten free diet is part of a healthy lifestyle choice. Whatever the reason for your decision to cut gluten, Genius Gluten Free have a variety of tasty treats to brighten up your meal...

If you are what you eat, then there are times when the Wahanda Tasters risk turning into Maltesers. Inevitably, we all have days when we slip up – after all, nobody’s perfect.

Worried about the effect your chocolate habit might be having on your complexion? Don’t let your skin suffer from your naughty eating habits – treat it to a skin-friendly detox from Raw Fairies and no one will ever know about that cheeky Kit Kat. We won’t tell if you don’t...

Luxury London-based detox delivery service Raw Fairies has been providing people with raw organic cuisine since 2007, when the Fairies first started working their magic. Now, Cordon Bleu trained chef Anya Ladra and nutrition therapist Christina Agnew (founders of Raw Fairies) have developed a special Skin Food Delivery Programme – making...

Mad about manicures and nuts about nail art? Polishing and preening your nails can be fun and rewarding – but if you don’t start off with the right canvas you’ll end up with a mess rather than a masterpiece. Luckily, we can help you change your diet so that you get plenty of the foods that your hands and cuticles love – leaving you with talons that are smooth, strong, and hard as...well...nails.

Milk

Cows, we salute you. Not only is milk good for our teeth and bones, but it can also get our nails looking strong, beautiful and free from those annoying white spots. Always thought that those spots were due to calcium deficiency? Actually, that’s a myth – the spots result from an insufficient amount of zinc in the body. And no, even though there’s a glass and a half of milk in a Cadbury’s...

Remember when your parents used to take you out blackberry picking? These days we’re all much more likely to purchase our blackberries from the supermarket than risk a forest of thorns, but luckily the health benefits are the same. Just don’t be tempted to make the berries into jam...

Move over, blueberries - according to recent research, blackberries may be one of the UK’s ultimate home-grown superfoods. These hedgerow heroes contain a variety of nutrients that can help to keep you nice and healthy, as well as improving your appearance. Did you know that:


Blackberries contain more vitamin C than blueberries
These fantastic fruits are a good source of lutein, a vital contributor to good eye health
A handful of blackberries contains nearly half your daily intake of manganese, an...

When it’s wet and gloomy outside, nothing lifts the spirits quite like a good cup of tea. A warming cuppa can alleviate stress, while green and black tea can help to improve vascular function and reduce the risk of strokes. Sound good to you? We’ll pop the kettle on, you grab the biscuits...

Sometimes, a mug of PG Tips just doesn’t cut the mustard. Earlier today we grabbed our raincoats and braved the puddles to visit Yumchaa, a little gem of a tea room on Soho’s Berwick Street. Serving a wide range of loose green, black, white and red teas, Yumchaa has a brew to suit all moods. Many of these blissful blends also contain health-boosting ingredients – giving you even more of an excuse to indulge in a tasty teatime.

Here are just some of the healthy treats that you might find in a Yumchaa...

Looking forward to your next beauty treatment? We love a good pampering session as much as anyone, but it’s important to remember that there isn’t always a quick fix. Booking yourself in for a hair conditioning mask, manicure or facial will give you an instant beauty boost - but if you don’t look after your body from the inside too then your efforts will be wasted. Well, they do say that you are what you eat...

If you’ve ever found yourself trying to eat breakfast as you run out of the door, working on the train to meet a deadline or staying late at the office to finish a project, you’ll know that stress can have a big impact on your hair, skin and nails. A busy lifestyle and lack of essential nutrients can cause hair and nails to become weak and damaged, as well as draining your skin’s...

Did you take a proper lunch break today? According to recent research by Aviva UK Health, pressure in the workplace means almost a third of employees are more likely to be found crunching numbers at lunchtime than crunching salad. Come on, guys, we know spreadsheets are important - but so are sandwiches...

The statistics revealed by Aviva are really quite alarming. Their research shows that a quarter of workers will only take a lunch break if they feel their workload allows it, while 13% skip lunch at work altogether. This is in contrast to 19% who overeat at work, due to stress or a lack of nutritious food. Over 38% of employers who offer food do not provide healthy options – placing their employees in a difficult position health-wise.

Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom. Aviva’s...

We all know the feeling – you’ve had a long day, you fancy something tasty and you just can’t be bothered to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s all too tempting to order a takeaway or turn to the microwave – but before you do, cast your eyes over this quick and easy recipe from Plants4Presents.

Containing a variety of vegetables which are packed with nutrients, this stir fry also has a bit of a chilli kick – perfect for boosting your metabolism and protecting your immune system. For a really feel good meal, why not purchase a chilli plant from Plants4Presents.co.uk and grow your own chillies? There’s nothing quite as satisfying as cooking a meal using home-grown ingredients.

We love that this delicious dinner can be whipped up in less time than it would take the pizza delivery boy to...

At Wahanda, we’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth. Snacking on carrot sticks is all well and good, but occasionally we get that overwhelming craving for something a bit more indulgent.

Luckily for us, giving in to a sweet treat no longer needs to lead to endless guilt. We’ve just discovered Goody Good Stuff, a range of all-natural sweets with no added nasties. Haribo is now a thing of the past...

This impressive range of sweets is suitable for absolutely everybody – even those who gave up trying to find sweets suitable for their diet long ago. Vegetarian? Vegan? Lactose intolerant? Following a halal or kosher diet? Allergic to nuts? Goody Good Stuff have a bag of sweets to suit you, meaning that you no longer have to look on enviously as friends chomp their way through pick ‘n’ mix at the...

When we were little, we were always told not to play with our food. Naturally, now that we’re grown up and can do what we want, we’re determined to rebel against every adult who ever told us that – which is why we’re fans of all the fun foodie treatments available on the site.

If someone had told your four year old self that it was ok to have chocolate or honey smeared on your face, you’d never have believed them. After all, that sort of behaviour gets you in trouble, doesn’t it? Not at Wahanda. We’ve got lots of fantastic treatments that harness the health and beauty giving properties of food to leave you looking and feeling better than ever. Just make sure you stick to the ones listed here – putting your face in your soup at a restaurant is really not a good look...

Chocolate

If you...

If health queen Jennifer Aniston, Victoria's Secret model Miranda Kerr and the fabulously fit England rugby team swear by a product, then you know it must be good.

Forget olive oil or vegetable oil – these fitness fiends are nuts about coconuts. Miranda even attributes her post baby bikini body to coconut oil, saying, 'I personally take four tablespoons of coconut oil per day, either on my salad, in my cooking, or in my cups of green tea.'

Want to follow Miranda's lead? We reckon it’s time to grab your sunglasses, put on some calypso music and get tropical in the kitchen...

We know it’s tempting to go running to the bar and order a pina colada for that coconut kick – but we’ve got a better way to include these nourishing nuts in your diet. Royal Green’s new flavoured cooking creams are...

You wouldn’t fill your car up with Pepsi and expect it to work – so why imagine your brain will be able to function properly without the right fuel? Those grey cells are constantly on the go, even when we are sleeping – so it’s important they get the right nutrients to keep them in tip top condition.

Need some ideas on how to boost your brain power? Here are some of our favourite ingredients to give you a bit of food for thought:

Eggs

We have chickens to thank for one of the best brain foods. Eggs are high in choline, which helps to improve your memory – good news if you can’t ever remember where you left your car keys. This tasty breakfast food also contains vitamin B12, which can help to fight the brain shrinkage seen in Alzheimer’s disease. Why not make yourself a boiled egg with...

We’re passionate about healthy food, but that doesn’t mean we sit here eating lettuce all day. Sometimes everyone needs a sweet treat – and we’re no exception. A little something of what you fancy won’t hurt – and if you choose carefully, it could even be healthy.

This naughty recipe for chocolate sauce has been sent to us by Plants4Presents.co.uk, and we just had to share it. Combining antioxidant dark chocolate with chilli to boost the immune system, this spicy sauce really does pack a punch...

Chilli chocolate sauce

You will need:


200g good quality dark chocolate
300ml double cream
1 chilli pepper of your choice – (pick red chillies for the richest flavours and biggest kick!)


Method:

Start by adding the finely chopped and deseeded chilli to a saucepan with the double cream...

Are you pregnant? It’s time to reach for the fish oil. Whether you are having strange cravings for seafood or not, this fishy product can help to ensure the healthy development of your baby. We reckon that’s a pretty good reason to invest in a jar...

When was the last time you tucked in to a plate of oily fish? A staggering 65% of the population fall short of the government’s recommended daily intake of essential fatty acids. It is therefore important to take supplements to address this deficiency – particularly if you are a mum-to-be.
Efalex® Mother & Baby is a new fish oil supplement designed to keep the body’s essential fatty acids at an optimum level. During pregnancy, the growing baby often uses up the mother’s natural stock of fatty acids - so it’s important to keep these vital...

For foodies like us, fabulous website Love Your Larder (www.loveyourlarder.com) is an online Aladdin’s Cave of treats. Forget emeralds, rubies, diamonds and sparkling sapphires – we’d happily settle for spicy seasonings, terrific teas and mouth-watering vinegars. Now where did we put that lamp...

Designed to be the online equivalent to a farmers’ market, Love Your Larder sells a wide range of artisan products direct from the producers. There’s no longer any need to turn to mass-produced, heavily packaged supermarket offerings – simply place an order with Love Your Larder for a kitchen that’s packed full with delicious, healthy ingredients. And don’t forget to give us a call when your shopping turns up – we’ll be inviting ourselves round for dinner...

Here’s what Love Your Larder have to...

The most important meal of the day wouldn’t be the same without the quintessentially British boiled egg. And now every time you use these ‘egg’cellent ingredients, you can donate to another brilliantly British institution - Help For Heroes.

Buy ‘Eggs For Soldiers’ Free Range eggs for the ‘poultry’ sum of £1.69 from Tescos and Morrisons and they will donate 15p to support wounded servicemen and women returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. An amazing £100,000 has been donated by Tescos alone so far and with your help aim to give another £120,000 this year to care for our fabulous forces.

Perfectly packaged by nature, eggs provide a protein filled, slow release energy hit to keep even the hungriest tummy from rumbling until lunchtime. As if that wasn’t enough, they are also a rich source...

We’d all love to be able to whip up tasty, nutritious meals from scratch every evening - but the reality is that sometimes we’re just too busy.

Do you struggle to fit in being Jamie Oliver with working, attending parents’ evening and sorting out the laundry? Help is at hand in the form of No Added Salt – a healthy range of ready meals for kids. No, using the microwave doesn’t make you a bad parent...

No Added Salt (www.noaddedsalt.co.uk) was designed by Kay Shearing, who wanted to create nutritious meals for her young granddaughters. As well as being free from added salt, artificial flavours and preservatives, each dish contains plenty of hidden vegetables and herbs – giving your child the nutrients they need, even if they’re a fussy eater.

Kay says, ‘I’ve developed an amazing parsley...

As it’s Friday, a few of the Wahanda girls thought we’d pop out and treat ourselves to something tasty for lunch. There are veggies among us, so we decided to bypass the nearby sausage shop and instead made a beeline for vegetarian café Beatroot. And boy, we’re glad that we did...

Situated on Soho’s Berwick Street, this little gem offers a mouth-watering selection of hot and cold foods, all suitable for vegetarians. There are plenty of options to choose from (which is great if you are greedy like us and want to try a bit of everything). We loaded up our takeaway boxes - you can opt for small, medium or large - with lasagne, veggie sausage rolls, Greek salad, lentils, Moroccan tagine and rice salad. Needless to say, we’re feeling pretty full now...

All the girls were very impressed with...

We’re berry excited (sorry) about What On Earth’s Organic Frozen Berry Bags. Featuring a range of different flavours, these bags are packed full with tasty fruit – perfect for a healthy snack. What on earth did we do without them?

Whether you fancy a taste of British summer or something a bit more tropical, What On Earth have a fruity treat to suit you. Choose from antioxidant cranberries and blueberries, exotic mango or pineapple pieces, raspberries, strawberries or juicy blackcurrants. Can’t make your mind up? Help is at hand for the indecisive in the form of Big Berry Boost – a mixed bag of blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. Eating healthily has never been so tempting...

We think these berries would be great eaten on their own, but if you fancy being more creative, why not try...

We’ve come to the last recipe in our series from British Onions (www.onions.org.uk), and we have to say we feel a little mournful. We don’t know about you, but we’ve really enjoyed our onion education – who knew that these fantastic vegetables were as healthy as they are flavoursome?

Over the past couple of weeks we’ve cooked up a tasty tagine, made ourselves some warming soup and prepared a healthy summer salad. And the best part? All these delicious dishes have contained antioxidants to protect our bodies and chromium to keep our energy levels up.

The fourth meal idea from British Onions is no exception. We do have to attach a warning to it, though: this recipe is so mouth-watering you may find yourself dribbling on your keyboard...

Goat’s cheese brulé with orange, red onion and...

Like the idea of a collagen boost but not nuts about needles? Don’t give yourself any more worry lines fretting about it. Pure GOLD COLLAGEN® is a collagen beauty drink that helps to fight fine lines and wrestle with wrinkles – so you can get perfect skin without any injections.

The idea of drinking collagen may seem strange to us Brits, but Japanese women have been a fan of this beauty trick for a while. Pure GOLD COLLAGEN® combines hydrolysed collagen with hyaluronic acid to deep-moisturise the skin and plump the dermis. It also improves the skin’s elasticity and prevents the formation of deep wrinkles – always good to hear.

Why drink collagen instead of using a cream? Most creams only work on the outer layer of skin. Taking ingredients orally means that they can get to work more...

You look after the windows in your house, so why not look after your body’s windows too? Good eye care doesn’t just consist of visiting the optician (although that’s not a bad place to start). We’ve got some great healthy eating tips to help keep your peepers in top condition – so you can make sure you score Brownie points next time you read that eye chart.

Carrots

No surprises there. We’ve all grown up being told that carrots are good for our eyes, and there is certainly some truth in it – although they won’t give you perfect night vision (sorry folks). These healthy roots are rich in Beta-carotene, a substance that is converted into vitamin A in the human body and helps to maintain the surface linings of the eyes. Hated the boiled carrots that you got served when you were at school?...

We’ve already posted two great recipes for tasty tagine and super soup, and now we have a third dish from British Onions for you to add to your repertoire. This recipe calls for the onions to be cut into large wedges – good news if your eyes tend to get a bit watery when chopping for too long.

Hadn’t realised that onions were health heroes? These kitchen staples are full of antioxidants that help to protect against disease. And what’s more, the dressing for this slimming salad contains immunity boosting honey and black pepper to improve digestion. Now that’s what we call guilt-free eating...

Roasted red onion and white bean salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time: 25-30 minutes

You will need:


4 small red British Onions, cut into wedges
2 red peppers, cored,...

We never cease to be amazed by the little acts of kindness that make the world go round. Vegan cupcake shop Ms Cupcake claim to sell the naughtiest vegan cupcakes in town - and as we’ve discovered, they’re really quite nice, too...

Following yesterday’s looting and rioting in South London, the Brixton-based business helped to spread the love this morning by handing out cakes for free – a breath of fresh air in the face of violence and vandalism. And what better way to cheer people up than with a batch of colourful cakes?

A treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds, these inspired creations are entirely free of animal products, making them suitable for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. They also come in more flavours than you can shake a stick at - Blueberry Cheesecake,...

Had your fill of finger painting recently? As much as you love your little treasures, there comes a point when you start counting down to the beginning of the school term. But although sending the little ones back to school means you no longer have to endure hours of Cartoon Network (phew!), it can be worrying for some parents. Find yourself fretting about your child’s diet? We’ve got some great advice from Nutri Centre to put your mind at rest. Lunch boxes at the ready...

What should I feed my child for breakfast?

We all know that a good breakfast is vital for keeping up levels of energy and concentration during the morning. According to Nutri Centre, a bowl of wholegrain sugar-free cereal is a brilliant way to give your child the best possible start to their school day. Alternatively,...

Wondering what to have for dinner? We've got another fantastic recipe from British Onions to share with you. As we mentioned at the beginning of our tagine recipe, onions are the unsung heroes of cooking. Often overlooked, these tasty vegetables can help to maintain energy and hormone levels, in addition to protecting the body against disease. We're on a mission to start including more of them in our diet...so if you see someone walking down the street with a string of onions round their neck, that's probably one of us.

Red onion and roast cherry tomato soup with pesto croutons

Serves: 4-6

You will need:


1.250kg/ 2lb 12oz cherry tomatoes



3 cloves garlic, chopped



4 red British Onions, finely sliced



10 basil leaves



4 tbsp olive oil



2 tsp red wine...

'New York City has no power, and the milk is getting sour, but to me this is not scary, 'cause I stay away from dairy...'

There may not be a power cut at the moment, but there are plenty of other good reasons to heed Friends character Phoebe Buffay's advice on dairy. Whether you have food allergies and intolerances, are watching your weight or are simply looking to follow a healthy diet, Worthenshaws-Freedom Rice and Oat drinks can provide you with a tasty non-dairy alternative to cow's milk. Move over, cows – there's a new kid on the block...

Worthenshaws-Freedom was created by young mum Kirsty Henshaw and received backing last year from Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne, two of the 'dragons' from the BBC's Dragon's Den. The launch of the new rice and oat drinks follows the success of a...

Seafood lovers - prepare to have your tastebuds tingled. The second of our recipes from salad specialists Florette combines juicy prawns with the earthy taste of ruby chard to create a great summer dish. Add to that a delicious Asian-style dressing and you’ve just found your new favourite light lunch...Make sure you save some for us!

Duo lambs lettuce and ruby chard with Asian prawns

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

You will need:


1 bag of Florette Duo Lambs & Ruby Chard
100g/4oz mange tout
150g/5oz cherry tomatoes
3 spring onions, trimmed
225g/8oz cooked tiger prawns
1 red chilli, deseeded and sliced
2 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp caster sugar


Method:

Cook the mange tout in boiling water for 1 minute,...

Think you know your onions? You may be surprised to find out that this staple ingredient has a variety of different health benefits. Not only are onions a tasty base to all sorts of dishes, but they also contain high levels of illness-fighting antioxidants, in addition to chromium – a mineral which helps maintain a healthy balance of hormones and prevent a drop in energy levels. And that’s not all these clever vegetables can do – a recent study has found that onions contain GPCS peptide, which can help inhibit loss of bone minerals and calcium. That’s worth a bit of onion breath, surely...

Before you swap your lunchtime apple for a raw onion, have a look at this recipe from British Onions. Their tasty tagine is a great way to get more onions into your diet, and it also contains garlic,...

Fed up with all those lotions and potions cluttering up your bathroom shelves? If you are looking for a less stressful way to improve your skin, all you need to do is make a few adjustments to your diet. Start including some of these tasty and nutritious foods in your meals to give your skin a natural boost and leave you looking healthy and radiant. You’ll be able to throw out those old pots of skin cream in no time – making it easier to find your toothbrush in the morning. Hooray!

Berries

Skin feeling the strain of your busy routine? Put down your Blackberry and snack on some blueberries. These tiny fruits are bursting with antioxidants which target free radicals and prevent damage to skin cells. Why not scatter a handful of mixed berries over your cereal in the morning for a tasty...

The sun has finally come out – and it’s about time, too. We’ve been waiting for months for some hot weather, and now that it’s here we intend to enjoy every moment of it. That’s why we’ll be cooking up this tasty salad, recommended to us by prepared salad specialists Florette. Bursting with flavour but light enough to enjoy in a heat wave, this dish is a great way to get your greens without disappointing your taste buds (or your waist line!).

Duo lambs lettuce and rocket with asparagus and pancetta

Serves: 4

You will need:


1 bag of Florette Duo Lambs Lettuce & Rocket
250g of asparagus tips
130g of pancetta
100 ml of French dressing
1 tsp of honey


Method:

Boil the asparagus tips for approximately 4 minutes until tender. Gently fry the pancetta until crisp and golden....

We recently wrote about slathering bee-derived products on our skin, and now we're turning our attention to one of the more traditional uses for honey – eating it. General Food Merchants (GfM) have just announced the launch of their Organic Wellbeing honey collection, which is designed to taste great as well as being nice and nutritious. We reckon the range is going to cause quite a buzz...

Not content with just sticking to honey (no pun intended), GfM have also blended royal jelly, propolis and pollen to create a range of spreads that are packed full with natural antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Not only will these healthy honeys taste great on toast or drizzled over porridge – they will also enhance your immunity and general wellbeing. Now that's what we call a multi...

At Wahanda HQ we love a good tea break. But instead of reaching for the green tea, today we’re drinking ours black –as a new research paper has shown that black tea and green tea offer the same health benefits. More choice at tea time? Sounds great to us. We might even treat ourselves to a sneaky biscuit too...

Although there is a popular belief amongst consumers that green tea is better for the body than black tea, a new paper published in Network Health Dietitians has shown that this is just a myth. Derived from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, black and green teas contain similar compounds – and therefore have similar health benefits. Good news if a green brew just isn’t your cup of tea...

The research paper explains that both types of tea can help to improve vascular function,...

Do you find it hard to get going before work? The second of our recipes from therapist Laura Jones is for a healthy breakfast that will really kickstart your day. Just make sure you cook up a big batch, as it’s so good you won’t want to share it…

Right, we’re feeling peckish - over to Laura for some culinary expertise!

Breakfast pudding

In Chinese medicine breakfast is the most important meal of the day and one of the best meals to start with is a medicinal porridge or congee.

Congee (a little like a rice pudding) has been used for centuries for its nourishing qualities. It supports liver function and nourishes the kidneys, while enriching yin - the nourishing aspect of your energy. Best of all, this version with mulberries is great for brightening the eyes - leaving you bright eyed...

As a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and reiki, therapist Laura Jones really knows her stuff when it comes to health and wellbeing. Luckily for us, she’s more than happy to share her top tips – which is why we have two of her fantastic recipes to share with you this week. Over to Laura…

Vegetable juice for fading spots and acne

These ingredients are considered to be cooling and detoxifying in nature according to Chinese medical theory and as such have a calming and soothing effect on the skin. Tomatoes and pears are also considered to be have anti-ageing properties as they support the yin aspect of one’s energy which helps to moisten and nourish the skin, keeping it supple and youthful.

You will need:


100g of celery
200g of tomato
150g of pear
15mls of...

You’ve tried all the latest shampoos, invested in a posh conditioner and been for a blow dry - but you still don’t look like the models in the hair adverts. Have you considered that it might be your diet standing between you and terrific tresses? Well, they do say that you are what you eat...

Before you tear all your hair out in frustration, have a look at our tips on what to include in your diet to help keep your hair healthy. All of these foods are high in nutrients that will fortify your follicles and leave your mane looking strong and shiny. Race you to the supermarket...

Salmon

Make sure there’s something fishy going on at dinner time. Salmon is packed full with important omega-3 fatty acids which are great for keeping your hair and scalp in good condition – and it also contains...

Sick of all the tasteless sandwiches that seem to be on offer in the shops? It’s time to take matters in to your own hands with a tasty and healthy homemade lunch. Our lovely Wahanda copywriter Melanie has shared with us her recipe for baba ganoush, which makes a great lunch or mid-afternoon snack.

Warning: this delicious dip contains garlic, so although it’s a fantastic boost for your heart and immune system, it’s probably best not to eat it just before that important meeting.

You will need:


3 aubergines
2 cloves garlic, chopped finely
150g tahini paste
Handful coriander, chopped (freeze dried coriander works too)
Juice of 1 lemon
Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste


Method:

Pre-heat the oven to 180. Prick the aubergines’ skins with a fork and then char by placing...

Calling all foodies – we’ve got another healthy treat to tickle your taste buds. Our third recipe courtesy of Summer Avocados is by Jenny Morris, AKA The Giggling Gourmet. Bursting with flavour and full of goodness, this guacamole would be perfect served with flatbreads and summer drinks. Cheers!

Guacamole

Serves: 6

You will need:


Zest and juice of 2 fresh limes
3 tbls olive oil
1 medium red onion chopped
4 firm ripe tomatoes chopped
½ bunch roughly chopped coriander
½ cup chopped parsley
2 green chillies chopped
1 clove crushed garlic
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 firm ripe Summer Avocado pears peeled and diced at the last moment


Method:

Place all the ingredients except the avocado into a large bowl and gently mix together. Place in the fridge for an hour,...

The weather may be a bit gloomy in the UK at the moment, but at Wahanda we’re staying optimistic. Come August we could all be sizzling in a heat wave, so we reckon it’s best to be prepared. That’s why we were so excited to learn that drinking pomegranate juice could help to protect our skin from UV damage, as well assisting in the fight against flab. Time to replace our morning tea break with a pomegranate juice break...

We’ve all heard pomegranates described as a superfood, but what is it that makes them so super? Pomegranate juice contains plenty of natural antioxidants that increase the body’s defences. The polyphenol antioxidants found in the fruit are particularly important in the summer, as they help to protect the skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays – a great reason to make...

Looking for an innovative dessert that fits in with your healthy eating plan? Look no further. Our second recipe courtesy of Summer Avocados is for an unusual fruit salad that is sure to get your dinner guests talking. Move over, cheesecake – not only is this dessert tasty, it’s full of nutrients too!

Balsamic avocado and mango salad

Balsamic brings the sweetness out of the fruit to create a delicious simple summer dessert.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 4

You will need:


2 Summer Avocados, halved, stoned and peeled
2 tsp lemon juice
2 mangoes, peeled and sliced
12 raspberries
1 tbsp icing sugar
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Crème fraîche, to serve


Method:

1. Slice the avocados and toss in the lemon juice. Layer the avocados and mangoes on a plate and sprinkle with a few...

All clogged up? If you feel bloated and drained of energy it could be time to give your body a break.

Poor digestion caused by factors such as stress and unhealthy diet can leave vital organs such as the liver, stomach and colon unable to function at an optimum level – meaning that you are left feeling less than 100%. Luckily, we’ve got some tips to help you cleanse your system and kick start a healthy lifestyle. We don’t believe in making things complicated, so our advice should all be nice and easy to digest...

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that can help prevent against stress and maintain a healthy immune system. It’s also great for detoxing, as it neutralises pollutants and protects against free radicals. Can’t face another glass of orange juice? Broccoli,...

On our quest for the cream of the crop when it comes to healthy food and delicious drinks, we came across Summer Avocados who have very kindly given us some of their delicious recipes to share over the next few days - so, aprons at the ready…

Pasta, Avocado and Minty Beans Salad

Edamame or soya beans are available in most supermarkets these days and are fast becoming the latest ‘must have’ food.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Serves 4

You will need:


150g frozen broad beans
150g frozen edamame soya beans
600g pasta
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Handful mint leaves removed & roughly chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 Summer Avocado, halved, stoned, peeled and cut into chunks
200g Greek Feta,...

We all know that it’s important for food to be tasty as well as healthy. It’s all very well gnawing on carrots and snacking on seeds, but if you don’t love what you are eating then it can be all too tempting to turn to fast food or ready meals that are full of additives. Happily, healthy eating can be fun, and it needn’t take up too much of your time. Our Head of Regional Sales Koulla shows us how it’s done with her recipe for cannellini bean and chorizo casserole – a delicious, hearty meal that’s packed full with nutrients. Bon appétit!

You will need:


2-3 garlic cloves chopped
1 onion chopped
Tin of tomatoes
Half a red pepper
Half a green pepper
1 courgette
Half a chorizo ring sliced
4-6 mushrooms
1can of cannellini beans drained and washed
1 glass of red
Mixed herbs...

When life gives you lemons...use them as a slimming aid! Popular 70s superdrink PLj Lemon Juice is back, and it’s a real multitasker. Not only could this clever juice help you to lose weight, but you can also use it to keep your house clean. We’re pretty impressed...

In order to get the results you want through dieting, it’s important to drink lots of water and stay nice and hydrated. However, getting your 8 or more glasses of water a day can get pretty boring – making you more likely to stray and grab a can of something fizzy. Why not jazz up your H2O with some PLj Lemon Juice to make it more appealing and keep you motivated?

Although lemons are acidic, once they have been ingested they become alkaline - meaning that they can play an important role in keeping your body nice and...

Most of us haven’t given any thought to acids and alkalis since we had to learn chemistry at school. However, the latest diet craze to hit Hollywood will have you fishing out your old textbooks and brushing up on your rusty science in the hope of getting healthy and ditching some of those pounds.

The acid/alkaline diet is reportedly followed by celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss, both of whom have enviable figures. Followers of the diet believe that many health problems are down to overindulgence in acidic foods, which upsets the balance of our naturally alkaline bodies – leaving us feeling more than a little under the weather.

Some of the health concerns that followers of the acid/alkaline diet believe are related to the digestion of acidic foods include:


Weight...

Find yourself getting a bit peckish during the day? London-based company Graze (www.graze.com) delivers boxes of fruit, nuts, seeds and crackers to help you stave off hunger in between meals. Just don’t blame us if you start to dribble every time you hear the sound of the letterbox...

The team at Graze aim to make healthy eating simple and enjoyable with their personalised food boxes. Each box arrives filled with four different nibbles of your choice, designed to keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent you from reaching for that chocolate bar. These tasty treats could help you to lose weight, as well as giving your immune system a boost – which is probably much more than you can say for the rest of your post.

The extensive range of foods available includes the ‘super berry...

When was the last time you ate breakfast? We’re all guilty of skipping this important meal sometimes, despite the fact it can have a negative effect on our bodies and daily routines. Skipping breakfast can slow down your metabolism and reduce the amount of fuel that goes to your brain, meaning that you have less energy and find it harder to concentrate on tasks. Research has also shown that, contrary to popular belief, skipping breakfast won’t help you lose weight – in fact it could do the exact opposite.

We think it’s high time we all started giving breakfast the respect it deserves, so we’ve come up with some healthy ideas to get you going in the mornings. Don’t have the time to eat before you hop on the train? We’ve got plenty of tips on how to adapt our breakfast ideas to make them...

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to replace that pizza delivery number you’ve got stored in your speed dial. London-based company NOSH delivers a variety of detox programmes to doorsteps nationwide, meaning that there is no longer any excuse not to get nice and healthy.

Busy bees will be glad to know that NOSH detox programmes are simple to order and won’t take up any of your precious time. Whether you are on a healthy eating plan or NOSH’s popular juice fast, everything you need to eat or drink for the day will be delivered pre-prepared to your doorstep in the morning. Get up early for that pesky commute? Have your detox package delivered to your office – one less thing to worry about when you’re getting ready.

NOSH has several different programmes for the discerning detoxer to choose...

Transform yourself into a healthy eating superhero. The term ‘superfood’ may conjure up images of vegetables wearing capes and saving the world, but actually it just refers to foods which are particularly beneficial to health and wellbeing. Ok, so these foods can’t fly and they don’t go around dressed in tights, but they can improve your immune system, aid weight loss, help to prevent disease and fight ageing. That’s pretty super if you ask us...

Vexed by vegetables and flummoxed by fruit? It can be hard to know which foods contain the nutrients your body needs most. However, help is at hand - we’ve compiled a simple guide to what you can add to your trolley to help maximise your health.

Blueberries

Blueberries have been hailed by some nutritionists as the ultimate superfood. Not only...

Wahanda’s got a new food crush. We’re head over heels for Crussh Juice Bar (www.crussh.com) and their selection of juices, smoothies, sandwiches and salads that are designed to make your lunch break happier and healthier. Ditching that chocolate bar and packet of crisps has never been easier...

The lovely people at Crussh believe that their customers only deserve the best – which means lots of fresh, natural ingredients and no nasty additives. All juices and smoothies are freshly pressed and mixed in front of your eyes, and are packed full with different vitamins and nutrients to give you a health boost. We love the Pineapple Pleasure smoothie – it tastes like a Pina Colada, but you can enjoy it guilt-free and without a headache the next day!

Crussh understand that it can be difficult...

We all want to eat and drink healthily, but it can be easier said than done when you lead a busy life. Hectic schedules and a lack of time mean that lots of us end up missing out on certain vitamins and nutrients that are vital to our wellbeing. Luckily, Holland & Barrett now stock a new range of health drinks called ‘together’ which aim to help us stay healthy without any hassle – and the good news is that they’re tasty, too.

Kate Butler, Nutritionist for Holland & Barrett, says of the together drinks “products like these make maintaining health whilst you’re ‘on-the-go’ that little bit simpler”. Each drink comes in a handy travel-sized bottle so that you can tuck it in your bag – and their compact size means that they won’t take up much space in the fridge, either.

The together range...