Make healthy eating simple

Eating more healthily doesn’t have to be difficult. Just making a few small changes here and there can make a big difference. Here are some painless (and delicious) ways to get started.

Simple changes to your diet

Eating muesli for breakfast can be a great way to start the day, but many shop-bought mueslis are full of sugar. Why not make your own? Mix some oats with your favourite dried fruits and nuts, and sprinkle with a handful of sunflower seeds.

Salad dressings are often high in fat and sugar, but a naked salad is a sorry salad. Try sprinkling your lettuce with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar instead.

Is the tuna in your cupboard packed in oil? If your fish looks greasy it might be time to make the change to tuna in springwater.

Dark chocolate has nearly eight times more antioxidants than strawberries, and has been shown to reduce cholesterol. It can lower blood pressure and it tastes great – dark chocolate is the perfect tasty treat.

Alternatives to fatty foods

While the weather is chilly we often crave juicy, fatty foods. If you’re looking for some comfort food why don’t you go back to basics and make yourself a baked apple? Check out our delicious recipe below.

Ice-cream is a great addition to any warm dessert, but it’s also full of fat. Soy ice-cream and sorbets are both healthier options, and they taste just as good.

Easy ways to increase your vitamin and mineral intake

Sweet potatoes are full of vitamin A, which helps maintain good vision.
Clams, oysters and mussels are all high in vitamin B12, which is essential for a healthy nervous system.
The body does not store vitamin C, so it is important that you eat citrus fruits and vegetables such as broccoli daily.
Toasted wheatgerm is packed with zinc – try it sprinkled on steamed veggies.
 
Three food myths busted

Myth: Salt is bad for you
Busted: A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed a link between reduced salt intake and heart disease.

Myth: Margarine is healthier than butter
Busted: The process of making margarine involves the use of a number of toxic chemicals. Butter is much more natural – you can even make it at home.

Myth: Strawberries taste sweeter than lemons so they must have more sugar
Busted: Lemons actually contain more sugar than strawberries