Oats

This creamy porridge is made with sweet persimmon and walnuts for extra crunch.

Great for breakfast or a snack, these baked jumbo oats with fresh peach and cinnamon are delicious.

Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, delicious refreshing summer smoothie.

Easy and delicious ready-made breakfast. It will also make a great afternoon snack.

Really beautiful version of your everyday porridge.

Zombie apples covered in slime.

Easy and delicious Spanish soup. Served with sourdough toast, it will make a light but fulfilling lunch.

Packed with oxidants and vitamins, this delicious smoothie is an ideal refreshment on hot days.

Refreshing blackberry oats smoothie made with dairy-free milk.

Healthy, delicious and cosy dessert for winter! With extra fibre from oats and flaxseed, it can be as well a great breakfast option.

Oats are a classic staple of most childhood mornings as a traditional breakfast food, but did you know that they are actually an incredibly healthy wholefood. Oats are among the healthiest foods you can eat, high in fibre, protein and a wealth of vitamins and minerals they really are hard to beat. What are the types of oats? Whole or jumbo oats, which are the least broken down, and therefore take longer to cook. Rolled oats, which have been roasted, steamed and flattened to remove the outer shell. Oatmeal, which has similarly been roasted, steamed and flattened, but is ideal for making porridge. Broadly speaking these oats all have similar nutritional contents, although roasting and steaming oats can very slightly reduce this. Due to their similarities, it is often best to pick oats based around what you will use them for (while also taking the health benefits into consideration). Do oats improve digestion? Oats are also packed full of insoluble and soluble fibre (both of which are very healthy) Insoluble fibre is great for aiding digestion, while soluble fibre helps to lower cholesterol and improve heart health. As well as the obvious digestive benefits, the high fibre content in oats has been shown to help establish healthy gut bacteria, and generally maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Why oats are the perfect breakfast? One of the reasons oats are primarily used as a breakfast food is because of their low glycemic index and slow releasing energy. The glycemic index refers to the speed at which carbohydrates raise glucose levels in the blood, the lower the score the slower the release of energy. The slow release of energy means that oats really can keep you powered from breakfast until lunch, without crashing in the late morning.Not only will oats keep your energy levels high, they will also make you feel fuller due to their beta glucan content. Beta glucan is a specific type of hard to find soluble fibre, which increases the water absorption in your body, this creates a feeling of fullness and helps to stop overeating, which when combined with the long lasting energy of oats makes them a really useful weight management tool. The incredible nutritional benefits of oats Oats also contain vitamins B1, B2 and inositol. Vitamin B1 (also known as thiamin) provides a boost to the nervous system, while also helping to facilitate the slow releasing energy mentioned above. Vitamin B2 (also known as riboflavin) is great for helping to maintain healthy skin and hair, while also helping to provide a strong nervous system. Inositol is unique, in that it is technically a sugar rather than a vitamin, but it helps the body to process insulin. Oats are a unique superfood, as they are not only a naturally gluten free and vegan source of protein, but they are also incredibly affordable. The amount of protein in oats is often understated in favour of its fibre contents, however dry oats actually contain around 26 grams of protein per cup! Why everyone should keep oats in their pantry? The overwhelming health benefits of oats combined with how simple they are to cook with, make them an ideal part of any balanced diet particularly for those who are struggling with their protein or fibre intake. As well as the obvious use of oats as a breakfast food, oats are also an incredibly useful ingredient for any aspiring baker adding texture, flavour and a litany of health benefits to pretty much any dish you can think of.

Nutrients are the building blocks for health, whether that's making sure your bones are strong or your heart is healthy, they are crucial to a long and healthy life. It can seem difficult to make sure your diet is loaded with enough nutrients to really feel the benefits but eating healthily has never been easier, and these powerful wholefoods are a great way to start improving the nutritional content of your cooking. Lentils Lentils should be a staple of any healthy diet, however their high protein and iron content make them particularly crucial to those on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Not only are lentils packed full of protein and vitamins, they are also high in fibre but low in fat and calories making them a great wholefood for those looking to manage their weight. As well as their health benefits lentils are an incredibly versatile legume, they are a widely used ingredient in Indian, Greek and Mediterranean cooking while also being a great meat substitute in plant based dishes. To prepare lentils, simply soak in water for 20 minutes, then boil them in fresh water for 10 minutes, before simmering them for 30 minutes. Quinoa Quinoa is perhaps one of the best known wholefoods in the world and with good reason. Despite technically being classed as seed, quinoa is a wholegrain that originates from the Andes Mountains, where it has been a staple of South American cuisine for the last 5000 years. Quinoa is a complete protein, which essentially means that one serving contains all 9 amino acids that humans can’t produce on their own. As well as being protein dense quinoa is a great source of iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E and fibre. Because of its many incredible health benefits quinoa is a great addition to pretty much any diet, but in particular it is an easy way for those on a low gluten or vegan diet to make sure they get enough protein. Quinoa is best used as an alternative to rice or couscous, and it is incredibly easy to prepare, simply add quinoa to a pan with water, bring it to a boil and then simmer for around 15 minutes before draining, then fluff with a fork and enjoy. Chickpeas Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are one of the healthiest beans you can introduce into your diet. Originally from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, chickpeas are now a staple in cuisines all over the world, primarily for their versatility and significant nutritional content. Like most beans chickpeas are high in both fibre and protein, however uniquely they also contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, D and E as well as iron, zinc, potassium and calcium. Chickpeas have a wide range of uses, but they are especially important in making hummus and falafels, or as a meat substitute for those on a plant based diet. To prepare fresh chickpeas simply soak them overnight in water and then drain, rinse and boil for approximately 30 minutes. Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin seeds are one of the healthiest seeds you can incorporate effortlessly into your diet. By eating them straight from the bag or sprinkling them straight into your cooking you can obtain a huge amount of nutrients and antioxidants from pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are high in fibre, which is great for boosting digestive health, but also rich in protein and vitamin E. As well as their high nutritional content pumpkin seeds contain a multitude of antioxidants to keep your body healthy. Pumpkin seeds also make for a perfect snack in between meals, as their fatty acids provide slow releasing energy to keep you feeling fuller for longer. Almonds Almonds are one of the most widely consumed nuts in the world, mainly due to their unique slightly sweet flavour and sheer number of uses, but they also have countless health benefits. Almonds have a very high concentration of fatty acids that are vital for promoting healthy skin and hair, as well as this almonds contain 2 nutrients crucial for brain health, Riboflavin and L Carnitine both of which can be very hard to obtain from other foods. Alongside their high fibre and protein content, the regular consumption of almonds has also been shown to help maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Organic Pitted Prunes Prunes are one of the best dried fruits in regard to their nutritional content, and if pitted are even easier to enjoy. Prunes are dried plums, and are best known for their benefits to digestive health, they have a subtle sweet taste and a slight chewy texture but their incredible nutritional content is often overlooked. Not only are prunes famously packed with fibre, they also have an abundance of vitamins and minerals including potassium, iron and vitamin K which is needed for blood clotting to help heal wounds. Golden Linseed/Flaxseed Flaxseed comes in two varieties, gold and brown and while they differ very little nutritionally golden flaxseed has a slightly more rich taste. Flaxseed is most commonly used in baking to bind ingredients as an egg alternative, it is also a superfood in its own right. High in wheat free fibre and protein, flaxseed is a great alternative for those trying to cut down on gluten. Flaxseed is also an amazing source of omega 3 fatty acids, including Alpha Linolenic Acid, which can otherwise be very hard to obtain for those on a vegetarian diet. Flaxseed can be sprinkled into both sweet and savoury dishes, or even mixed with water and enjoyed on their own. It is however important to note that as you increase your intake of flaxseed, you should also increase your water intake to around 8-10 cups per day. Oats Oats are naturally gluten free, high in fibre and protein, with an abundance of B vitamins and a slow releasing energy source, making them a truly one of a kind wholefood. The high amount of soluble and insoluble fibre in oats allows them to both lower cholesterol and aid digestion. Not only do oats contain vitamins B1 and 2, they also provide the hard to obtain beta-glucan which is amazing for heart health. Alongside the countless health benefits, oats also have a very low glycemic index and so their energy is released slowly throughout the day, which makes them very useful for managing appetite and assisting in weight loss. Oats are also very simple to prepare, simply add double the amount of water/cream to oats and cook for 8 minutes. These wholefoods are just some of the incredible ingredients you should be keeping in your pantry, and thousands more are waiting for you to discover. Whether you are using them to cook with or just as a healthy snack, it is never too late to make great long lasting changes to your diet and you’ll be feeling the difference in no time. All of these amazing nutritious foods have countless uses, perfect for aspiring chefs, bakers or those who just want to live a cleaner healthier life.

As we swoop into the summer holidays, we are having the odd days where the weather is HOT. In reading the weather forecast, people race around supermarkets looking for BBQ foods and ‘picky bits’ to suit the momentary whisk of heat and sun, all so we can have that happy moment, eating dinner in the garden! As lovely as having picky bits and a Pimm’s in the hot heat are, we need to remember to keep up with our healthy eating habits too. Whilst we enjoy the warmth, it is important to eat whole foods, to keep our bodies energised and hydrated. Eating lighter and fresher foods will benefit your digestion, keep you feeling great, and prevent you from experiencing that sluggish feeling from overeating. Water-packed Fruit and Veg Now we all know the benefits of eating fruit and vegetables, these wholefoods are packed with vitamins and minerals that work to help your body function. In a previous article, we spoke about how fruit and veg helps support your weight, muscles, energy, and especially your digestive system. However, when we incorporate the heat from a summer’s day into the mix, we are looking at very specific fruit and veg. With a rise in temperature, our body will naturally work to stay regulated, and cool us down when we are overheating. In attempting to do this, our body will sweat, releasing water and salts. It is our job to replenish the water and salts we have lost. Here are some great whole food examples that have a high percentage of water to keep you hydrated: Greens and Salads Greens are the superfoods of the whole food world, so you should definitely be including them in your summer meals! Greens can be eaten completely raw in salad based meals, making them perfect for heatwaves. No added heat from cooking! These ingredients (spinach, rocket, lettuce, watercress, kale, celery, cucumber, peas, courgette, swiss chard, bok-choy, leaks, coriander, broccoli, asparagus, artichoke, and green bell/chili peppers) contain phytochemicals or phytonutrients (linked to the natural colouring found in vegetables, fruit, and other foods) which contain beneficial resources for the body, that vitamins and minerals can’t necessarily produce. Phytochemicals have been linked to things like lowering body mass, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and lowering the future risk of some cancers. Darker greens are also particularly healthy as they are also incredibly hydrating. Whole Grains The great thing about using whole grains in the summer, is that you don’t have to use the oven to cook them- you can boil, microwave, or even simply defrost wholegrains. We want to get away from making ourselves even hotter when we’re experiencing a heatwave, and there are plenty of options with wholegrains. They are filling and satisfying to eat. Cereals, rice, sandwiches, whole grain pastas, bread salads, quinoa, and couscous are all great examples of either heatless, or minimally cooked meals. As well as being a versatile choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, whole grains are a super whole food. Full of fibre, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, they support lots of different parts of your body. Most commonly known for regulating, and lowering cholesterol, whole grains also help lower insulin levels; which contribute to preventing weight issues, future risk of diabetes, and heart conditions. Protein Pasta Protein is an essential element for the diet. Protein helps retain, heal, and help grow muscles. An alternative to traditional pasta, ‘Protein Pasta’ is packed with protein-rich ingredients. For those who are living a plant-based diet, it is a great substitute to customary pasta, as it helps people get a higher amount of protein that they are missing from animal products. Protein Pasta is popular with people starting a Keto diet as it contains less carbohydrates and more fibre than traditional pasta. With this being said, it is a great option for hot days as you get less of a stodgy feeling after eating it as its more protein based than carb. Protein pasta can be great in a cold pasta salad, a refreshing but filling meal, perfect to eat at the end of a warm summer’s day. NOTE: Depending on what type of protein pasta you are going for, it might not be gluten free. Most ‘bean’ based protein or ‘legume pasta’ is gluten-free because it comes from a soy concentrate rather than wheat. However, most protein pastas double up on the protein and use wheat and extra ingredients. It is important to check all the ingredients before you go head first in trying the product. Here is a list of all the different protein options: Soy concentrate, green lentils, red lentils, chickpeas, lupin beans, black beans, fava beans, legumes, barilla protein, edamame, green pea, yellow pea, and egg pasta. Oats Another versatile ingredient for those hot days is oats. The complex carbohydrate can be eaten hot or cold, and can come in plenty of meal options; for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As an ingredient on its own, it can be quite bland, but that is not a bad thing. If you pair oatmeal with a sweet or salty extract it can change the flavouring completely, making it something far more satisfying to eat. Porridge and overnight oats are a staple oaty meal, which can include pretty much any additive ingredient. For example- fresh/frozen fruit, yoghurt, flaxseeds, chia seeds, non-emulsifier spreads, honey, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, granola, and seasoning. As mentioned in a previous article, oats are filled with plenty of vitamins and minerals that help you with your daily wellbeing, and nutritional goals. Oats are an impressive natural antioxidant, helping towards lowering blood sugar, insulin and cholesterol levels. Oats are a typically dense ingredient. Therefore, providing you with that satiated, full feeling in your digestive system. The source of energy keeps you fuller for longer, which is great on the hot days where you might not have a big appetite throughout the day. NOTE: Oats naturally soothe sun damaged skin as it is full of anti-inflammatories. An oat-meal bath can help nourish sore sun burn and dry skin. Grilled Fish For those who are living a carnivore diet, ‘Fish’ (Salmon, Cod, Haddock, Mackerel, Sardines, and Tuna) is a brilliant source of protein. The low-fat meat is full of vitamins (Vitamins D and B2) and lots of minerals, (Iron, Potassium, Calcium Magnesium, And Iodine, Phosphorus) which help support your bones and teeth. The Potassium in fish is a great electrolyte source that helps your body deal with chemical reactions and balances your fluids. Fish, most commonly contains Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which benefits your brain, lungs, eyes, blood vessels, and immune system. It also provides calories that reflect energy to different parts of the body. Due to the low fat and high fibre in fish, it is easily digestible and feels light in the stomach after ingested. This is just another great example of a protein to eat on hot days as you get less of a stodgy feeling after eating. Plant Based Protein For the vegetarians and vegans, some alternative protein options are Beans, Legumes, Tofu, and Tempeh. Beans are rich in protein and fibre and are a tasty protein substitute. Beans are nutritious and incredibly fulfilling when eating them. When considering how these whole foods can be added to summer meals, some examples are: salads, wraps, burritos, rice bowls and pasta bowls. Tempeh is a great gut friendly protein. The Indonesian food derives from fermented soybeans, and contains high amounts of fibre, protein, and vitamin B12. The mushroom flavoured food has a health benefit of naturally lowering phytic acid, which is found in other vegetables. Phytic acid tends to block minerals from being absorbed into the body, so Tempeh is a great source to flip this negative effect back around. Tofu is a great soya whole food, that is rich in manganese and calcium. Tofu is a super ingredient for binding sauces to, and has been said to naturally have a nutty flavour. Tofu contains a heap of vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids that your body needs to function normally. If you are struggling to find any of these ingredients in your local supermarket, try out and buy whole foods online, or look at your local healthy food shops. Ice Cream Moving onto the best (tastiest) solution for warmer days, is desserts. Everyone knows that the best way to cool yourself down, when you have done lots of walking and sight-seeing on holiday… is eating ice cream. Ice cream in appropriate doses, can be beneficial towards your health. The dairy fat is a great way to prevent cardiovascular problems. Funnily enough, ice cream contains Vitamins A, C, D, and E, and it is high in Calcium and Protein. Ice cream is a great mood and energy booster, it gives you that satiated feeling, and sugar dose that you might need when you are hot and bothered. But for all of you dessert lovers out there, who don’t like ice cream, (I know, I didn’t realise there were such people!) or can’t eat dairy ice cream, there are other cold sweet treats to try. Dairy-free Ice Cream is slowly becoming more popular in shops, with substitute- milk options such as Soya, Almond, Oat, Cashew, and Coconut. For those who want to indulge in ice cream, but are afraid of the calorie intake, it might be worth investing in a dairy-free option, as these lighter milks tend to have less calories. Sorbet For a no-fat cold dessert, why not try sorbet? The fruit entwined dessert is rich in Vitamin C and carries far less calories than ice cream. Sorbet is perfect for those hot days because it contains lots of water. Adding this hydration to your diet will make you feel better and satiated at the same time. Sorbet is also a lighter option, and another dairy-free option compared to ice cream as it doesn’t contain any dairy or eggs. Yoghurt A final cold dessert option, that can shapeshift into a snack, or even a breakfast option, is Yoghurt. This whole food is another great, gut friendly option that will help balance the bacteria inside your gut, and support your digestive system in general. Yoghurt is packed with good bacteria that have a probiotic effect on the gut, boosting your immune system and helping those with lactose issues. This ingredient can be a lovely breakfast choice, snack, and dessert option, it has a slight sour flavour that can be easily covered by spreads, fruits, or granolas.

Oats are an understated ingredient that sit at the back of so many cupboards just waiting and hoping to be one day turned into a delicious meal. Oats have a great multipurpose and so many people are unaware of how many great and simple recipes you can make with them. Porridge/Oatmeal Perhaps the most notable recipe for the use of oats is porridge/oatmeal. Porridge is a versatile meal, that is not specified for any particular part of the day. It can act as an acceptable breakfast, snack, smaller dinner, or even lunch. Depending on how much you have of porridge oats it can act as a lighter or heavier meal. Organic porridge oats can be found ready made in most shops, or packed as rolled oats for plenty of portions so it can be an on-the-go option too. Just mixing oats with water or milk and heating till its simmering and its mostly good to go. Shapeshifting Breakfast Oats A popular time of the day to enjoy oats is in the morning. With a common sweet touch, breakfast oats tend to have a sweet flavouring to it. Whether it’s turned into a warming porridge, crunchy oats granola, a filling cereal bowl, a healthy, protein packed oat bran, or delicious overnight oats; a little bit of fruit, jam or spread can go a long way in adding that extra bit of treat to your meal. Known for its adaptable recipes, oats also come with compliant cooking/baking routines. Whether you want to spend lots or little amount of time on your oats, using your oven, microwave, air fryer or simply the fridge. There is a recipe for anyone and everyone! Breakfast Oats are a great way to start your day, not only because of the sweet dopamine kick you can get from them. But also because of the easy nutritional benefits that comes with eating them. Health and Oats Oats are filled with plenty of vitamins and minerals that help you with your daily wellbeing, and nutritional goals. Oats are an impressive natural antioxidant which have plenty of benefits, such as: helping towards lowering blood sugar, insulin and cholesterol levels. Filled with protein, oats are a typically dense ingredient. Therefore, providing you with that satiated, full feeling in your digestive system. This is something that you need in the morning to help you start your busy day. This, along with a healthy all-round diet, and plenty of daily activity could prove to be a great weight loss meal. An extra fact that could be helpful for those who live a gluten-free lifestyle, is knowing that unrefined oats do not contain gluten. Those who suffer with coeliac disease, however, might still dodge oats that are pre-prepared in case of any accidental contamination with other gluten inclusive products. Overnight oats A more contemporary breakfast hack in the oat world is ‘overnight oats.’ And silly enough this contemporary recipe involves absolutely no cooking or baking. Instead, you simply put together an oat base, that… as you guessed, you leave ‘overnight.’ An oat base consists of oats and either milk or yoghurt. And it’s up to you what milk you use, any type gets the job done. Then after that, the fun part comes. All you need is a preferred topping (or two) to go with the oats and the flavouring and extra texture hit is sorted. Your toppings could range from fruit, nuts, or chia seeds to chocolate chips, a spoon of honey, or even peanut butter. And that’s only to name a few! This conveniently quick recipe is also very nifty because it can be a great snack, dessert, breakfast or even a on-the-go lunch. There’s absolutely no label that states when overnight oats has to be eaten! Oat Milk Now, on top of these simplistic recipes comes another great use of oats: oat milk. This alternative milk is a great solution for those living a lactose free diet as it is completely dairy free. No more black coffees and teas! Uncomplicatedly, oat milk is made from soaked oats (soaked in water) that are then blended and strained. It begs the question with the oats being blended and strained- Nutritional value of oats Oats have nutrients and minerals that come in fine particles that stay throughout the process of shifting into milk. The fine particles also give the milk a creamy texture and sweet flavour that makes oat milk so favourable in the modern world of coffee shops. Barista oat milk coming right up! This also works well for the use of oat milk in breakfast cereals. No need to give up the quick and easy meal when you have a tasty dairy-free milk to hand. Organic Oats In our venture into the world of oats and the benefits of oats, it’s important to note that organic oats are your best way at gaining all the nutrients mentioned so far in this article. Organic oats are simply steel-cut oats that don’t contain any sort of preservatives, flavourings or sugars that many on the shelf bags do contain. Of course, your everyday supermarket oats are great for those busy, inconvenient days where you don’t have the time or energy to find organic products. However, if you want the most effective oats for your gut health and digestive profits then investing in organic jumbo oats is the best way forward.

Adding more whole grains and nuts to your diet can have an amazing impact on your brain health! If you want to keep your brain healthy, try to avoid simple carbohydrates. They break down quickly into sugars. When you eat simple carbs you may feel a spike of energy that will last only for a short while. High sugar makes your brain work functioning decrease. Replace bad carbs with good carbs When shopping for food and preparing meals at home try to cut out refined carbohydrates and replace them with whole grains and nuts. They contain complex carbohydrates that processed by your body in a good way. These carbs break down slowly and sugars are released gradually. That means the energy is released slowly and your body and brain will function in a more efficient way. Stock your pantry with healthy whole grains Whole grains, such as brown rice, barley, oats, barley, and quinoa are high in B vitamins and can potentially preserving your memory. Vitamins B help reduce inflammation of the brain and work to convert homocysteine (amino acid) into essential brain chemicals used for learning and maintaining memories. Whole grains are also significantly rich in magnesium which keeps your brain cells and nervous system healthily connected. Magnesium helps pass on the signals between your brain and body. It improves the functioning of the neurotransmitters responsible for attention. Add nuts to your diet Add more nuts to your diet. Walnuts for example, contain the beneficial Omega-3 fatty acid. Eating more walnuts can improve cognitive function of your brain and help reduce the risk of diseases, such as depression, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Almonds and Hazelnuts are great sources of vitamin E. This vitamin is associated with reducing the cognitive decline related to aging. Peanuts contain a lot of niacin. Niacin deficiencies are related to cognitive decline as well as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Plus, nuts are also packed with magnesium! Tips and swaps for a healthy brain Here's the list of tips for healthy whole grain swaps and alternatives for refined carbohydrates: swap instant oat meal or ready-to-eat cereal mixes with whole oats choose buckwheat instead of potatoes or white rice go for bulgur and barley regularly replace white rice with brown rice eat more quinoa always have nuts & seeds near you for a healthy snack replace white bread and past with whole grain brad and pasta Adding more whole foods to your diet offer many health benefits for your whole body, including nervous system and brain. Move away the processed foods and swap unhealthy products with whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Start adding more whole foods to your diet little and you will see the difference!

We’ve all heard the classic saying that ‘Breakfast is the most important meal of the day’, but is there any truth to it? Well, some of the clue to why it’s touted as being so essential is in the name itself: it’s the way to break our overnight fast. But is skipping it really the dietary faux pas we’ve been led to believe? Well, it turns out there’s many reasons why breakfast is such a significant mealtime. Many studies have shown that regularly eating a good breakfast is linked to better memory and focus, decreased ‘bad’ cholesterol, less risk of developing certain diseases, weight management and good health overall. So seems breakfast is rather beneficial, after all! To help you out, we’ve made a list of healthy breakfast foods, which are mostly vegan friendly, and thrown in a few recipes if you’re needing some inspiration. Let’s get cracking! Oats Having oats for breakfast is one of the best ways you can start your day. They’re one of the healthiest grains on the planet, and are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Oats are also rich in fibre, which keeps you feeling satiated for longer, whilst also lowering blood sugar and insulin response. This is particularly important in the morning, so you don’t start to crave unhealthy snacks or overeat later in the day. Another great aspect of oats is that they’re easy to prepare and can be paired with basically anything. Make them sweet or savoury by including whatever toppings you heart desires. For a slightly different take on traditional oatmeal, have a look at our Fruit & Nut Overnight Oats. Muffins Muffins at first glance may not seem like the healthiest choice, however there’s still ways you can enjoy these baked goods for breakfast. So, no need to chase away the muffin man just yet! A lot of the ingredients in muffins can be swapped out for healthier alternatives. Instead of sugar think fruit, honey, peanut butter, or cacao. And substitute some of the flour for grains such as oats and quinoa. There are so many different types of healthy muffin recipes out there. One combination we think is delicious for breakfast is our Banana & Almond Muffins. If you’re in rush in the mornings, why not make a big batch and pop them in the freezer. Then, simply reheat them in the toaster oven in the mornings, so you’re breakfast ready. Vegan Scramble Prefer something savoury for your first meal of the day? Well look no further than a scramble. Traditionally this would be made with eggs, but for all our vegan and health conscious friends out there, the eggs can easily be replaced with a plant-based option. Two alternatives are chickpeas or tofu. Both are great sources of protein, whilst also being gluten free and vegan. Protein is an important staple of your diet as numerous studies have shown it increases metabolic health, builds muscle, and aids in weight loss. We’ve got your egg free breakfast covered with our Chickpea Scramble. Chickpeas also contain 8 of the 9 essential amino acids, which are structural components of protein that need to be acquired from the food you eat. Smoothie We all know how vital it is to get enough fruit and vegetables in our diets. They’re packed full of essential nutrients and antioxidants, plus, their fibre content helps keep your digestive system healthy and keeps you feeling full. Smoothies are the perfect way to incorporate some of your 5- a day into your breakfast. There are endless possibilites of ingredients to make your smoothie from, so why not get creative? We personally love this delicious Strawberry Chia Seed Smoothie, along with our heavenly Chocolate Protein Smoothie. Both great ways to get some extra protein in to your morning. Pancakes Pancakes are another breakfast staple that is usually considered unhealthy, but we’ve got your back so you can still keep flipping those delicious cakes! Pancakes can be made from a variety of Healthier Flour Alternatives which contain more nutritional benefits, as opposed to the standard all-purpose flour. If you’re looking to up your protein intake, you can choose a high protein flour such as soya or quinoa flour, alternatively add some protein powder to the mix. Protein is essential for healthy bones, skin, cartilage, and even keeping your hair strong and shiny. If you looking some pancake ideas, then look no further than our Gluten Free Big Boy Pancakes with Muscovado Treacle Syrup or Banana & Strawberry Pancakes Toast Another breakfast favourite! If you want to make this classic morning meal healthier, we recommend switching out white bread for loaves made with minimal ingredients, such as wholegrain, rye or sourdough. This will have less of an impact on your blood sugar levels and are generally lower in fat. If you’re a keen baker, why not try making your own. As to what you decide to put on the toast, well the options are countless. If you’re after a savoury option, we think avocados, tomatoes, roasted peppers, mushrooms, or beans are all highly nutritious and delicious choices. If you prefer your toast to be sweet why not check out our recipe for Vegan French Toast ft. Nooch Granola Granola is a breakfast staple, and for good reason. It’s a much healthier and nutritious choice than many of the popular sugary and calorie laden cereals. Just be aware that a lot of store bought versions of granola can be loaded with added sugars and preservatives, so we suggest mixing your own using oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. These ingredients are rich sources of iron, zinc, and magnesium, as well as B vitamins and vitamin E. You can either eat it as it is, with plant milk, or even sprinkled over yoghurt. For an on the go option, how about trying our Zesty Lemon Chia Seed Granola Bars.

The clocks are going forward this weekend and that means one less hour of precious sleep! We’re sure you’ve heard before about how important it is to get a good night’s kip. Sleep is an essential function that allows your mind and body to recharge, as well as keeping yourself healthy and warding off diseases. However, as many of us know, sleeping well isn’t always an easy task. Did you know that certain foods can also aid you in getting a restful night’s sleep? There are a variety of chemicals, enzymes, amino acids and other nutrients that can help in falling and staying asleep, and fortunately, you can find a lot of them in foods and drinks. We want to make sure you’re getting the best sleep possible and have compiled a handy list of sleep inducing foods (plus one drink). So, if you’ve been having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, why not give these a try? Almonds Almonds are not only a nutritious and healthy snack, but it’s also claimed they may help in boosting sleep quality as well. This is because almonds contain the hormone melatonin, which regulates your internal clock and signals your body to prepare for sleep. Almonds are also a great source of magnesium. Consuming an adequate amount of magnesium may improve sleep quality, especially for anyone suffering with insomnia. Magnesium’s role in promoting sleep is considered to be related to its ability to reduce inflammation. In addition, magnesium can assist in lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is known to disturb your slumber. For more health benefits of almonds, have a look at our previous article Are Almonds Good For You? Oats You may think of oats as more of a breakfast food, but you might want to try eating a bowl of porridge after dark if you want to catch those precious ZZZZZs. The grains present in oats trigger insulin production much like whole-grain bread, raise your blood sugar naturally which makes you feel drowsy. Oats are also rich in both melatonin and the amino acid tryptophan that helps to produce melatonin, which helps our brain send signals to the rest of our body that it’s time to relax and get some rest. Kiwi Kiwis are a low calorie but extremely nutritious fruit that could also aid you in sleeping better. The sleep-promoting effects of kiwis are sometimes usually attributed to serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps regulate your sleep cycle. It’s been proposed that the anti-inflammatory antioxidants in kiwis, such as vitamin C and carotenoids, may also be partially responsible for their sleep-inducing impact. White Rice White rice is a rich source of carbohydrates. It’s high carb content along with its lack of fibre, both contribute to white rice having a large glycaemic index. It’s been suggested that eating foods with a high GI, like white rice, approximately one hour before bed may help in improving sleep quality. Some researchers seem to believe this is due to the large amount of insulin released after eating a high GI meal. Insulin drives the amino acid, Tryptophan, which helps activate drowsiness, into the brain. Chamomile Tea Okay, so it’s not technically a food but we’re still including it on this list! Chamomile tea is widely known as one of the best drinks to help you get your forty winks. But did you know, it doesn’t even contain any tea? It’s actually more of an herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. Chamomile tea also contains antioxidants which binds to receptors in the brain that encourage sleepiness and reduce insomnia. Just make sure to drink your cup of chamomile tea around 45 minutes before going to bed so your body has ample time to metabolise the tea. Soya Soya has a wide range of health benefits, and one of them may be aiding you in a good night’s kip! The products produced from soya, such as soya milk, tofu, and tempeh contain good amounts of tryptophan, the substance which can help our bodies synthesise melatonin and serotonin. Another way soya may also benefit your sleep pattern is due to its isoflavone content. Isoflavones are believed to somewhat mimic the hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen can affect the brain via the same neurotransmitters that are involved in sleep regulation. Why not check our latest soya article Why Soya is a Great Meat Substitute Figs Figs are an excellent source of magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron, making them a powerful aid for sleep. All these minerals can assist with muscle contraction along with blood flow, which are both vital for falling asleep. Figs also contain high amounts of fibre, keeping you full through the night and preventing any hunger pangs or midnight cravings that could disturb your slumber. Walnuts Another nut featuring on this sleep inducing food list is the small yet mighty walnut. Some researchers have claimed that eating walnuts improves sleep quality, as they’re one of the best food sources of melatonin. They are made up of many fatty acids that may also contribute to better sleep. Walnuts provide alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that’s converted to DHA in the body. DHA may increase your bodies serotonin production. So, if you’re finding it difficult to nod off, eating a handful of walnuts before bed might just help!

With spring just around the corner, it’s due to put many people in a happier mood. Longer daylight hours, better weather, and seeing flowers bloom again after a long, cold winter can put a real spring in your step! But did you know the food you eat can also affect your mood? We know that food can have an effect on your physical health but recently, more studies on the relationship between mental health and nutrition have been emerging. When you’re feeling down or after a stressful day it’s tempting to indulge by reaching for fast food or a sugary treat to comfort yourself and lift your spirits. But many of these type of foods can actually cause the opposite and have a negative effect on your mood. Read on to find out how food impacts your mood and what you should be consuming to maintain not just your physical health, but your mental health too. Eat Regularly We’re sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ – and there’s a lot of truth to it! Eating a balanced breakfast on a daily basis can improve your mood, memory, and energy throughout the day. If you’ve ever missed breakfast, you may have noticed yourself feeling more tired and grumpy throughout the day. This is because a drop in your blood sugar may leave you feeling tired, agitated and depressed. That’s why it’s best to start the day off right with a wholesome breakfast and continuing to eat regularly throughout the day, keeping your blood sugar and energy levels stable. Stay Hydrated Did you now that the human brain is comprised of around 75% water? Given that fact, it makes sense how important it is to keep yourself adequately hydrated throughout the day. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can have a significant impact not only on your mood, but also your energy and even your ability to think clearly. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water may seem simple, but it is a crucial component of optimal physical, emotional, and mental health. Manage Caffeine Caffeine is a stimulant that does have its perks, such as increased alertness, elevated cognitive function and a boost in energy. However, consuming too much caffeine can cause irritability, restlessness and headaches, especially in people who aren't accustomed to it. Caffeine can also affect your sleep quality and may even cause insomnia if consumed later on in the day. Lack of sleep can in turn lead to low mood, and over time can contribute to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Look After Gut Health Have you ever noticed that sometimes your gut can reflect how you are feeling emotionally? Feelings of stress or anxiety can cause your gut to either slow down or speed up. There have been many studies on the connection between the brain and the gut, also known as the gut-brain axis. This means what affects your brain, also affects your gut, and vice-versa. Therefore, correcting the types of bacteria in your gut, as well as improving digestion, may benefit brain health. Up to 90% of our serotonin receptors are also found in the stomach. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that is responsible for regulating happiness, anxiety, and mood, and gut problems suggest you might not create enough. Decreased levels of serotonin are connected to mood swings, depression, and anxiety disorders. Be Mindful of Sugar We know, we know, when you’ve had a rough day, having a tasty sugar laden treat may be exactly what you’re craving to cheer yourself up. But researchers have reported a parallel between increased sugar intake and mood disorders. After eating sugar, you may feel good for a time. Sugar satisfies the craving centres in the brain along with increasing your blood pressure and energy levels. But a few hours later, you may be left feeling fatigued, cranky, a bit mentally foggy, or perhaps slightly anxious or unhappy. This is due to the spike in blood sugar, followed by the crash. Mood Boosting Foods So, what kinds of foods should you be eating if you want to improve your mood? Certain foods contain nutrients or chemicals that affect how the brain functions, and as a result, impacts your mood. A range of foods such as oily fish, fermented foods and high-fibre foods, like oats may help increase the favourable bacteria in your gut and enhance brain health. Some nuts and seeds are high in nutrients such as zinc, tryptophan and selenium, which may support brain function and lower your risk of depression. Lentils and beans are rich sources of mood-boosting nutrients, especially B vitamins. For fruits try bananas which are high in vitamin B6 and fibre, or berries which are an excellent source of antioxidants that can help decrease mood disorders. In conclusion, there does seem to be evidence to suggest there is a link between what we put in our bodies and the affect it has on your mood and mental heath overall. However, more research does still need to be done on the topic. But always remember that eating the right foods is just part of the solution in preventing or treating mood problems or mental health conditions.

As you may have seen, the NHS has recently ramped up their Better Health campaign to help families make healthier food choices. The recent coronavirus pandemic has contributed to a large increase in child obesity rates. Latest studies show that 1 in 4 children at reception age in the UK, are now categorized as overweight. Being trapped inside during the various lockdowns has led to a substantial decrease in children’s physical activity. School runs and playtime tag were swapped for hours locked away with their online classes and electronic devices. Evidence also shows that a lot of families were buying more food than usual whilst in lockdown, and purchasing more sugar laden and fatty snack than pre-pandemic. The NHS is hoping to aid families in making better choices when it comes to the food they buy and consume. The campaign encourages them to make healthier food swaps by using their newly released, Food Scanner App. Parents can use the app by scanning a certain food they wish to purchase, and the app will suggest a selection of alternatives they can swap it for. Making Better Choices Here at Wholefood Earth, although we may not have a food scanning app, we are more than happy to recommend some healthier swaps. Whilst exercise is of course important, what you put into your body and fuel it with is also paramount. Junk food and sugary treats may feel good in the moment, but they can contribute to a wide range of health problems later down the line. So why not try swapping some of these out for some lower calorie and more nutritionally dense alternatives, and reap the benefits? Whether you are looking to lose weight or just be healthier in general - we’ve got you covered! Swap Crisps for Popcorn Let’s face it; snacking is an essential and tasty part of life. When sitting down to watch a movie, what snack should you be reaching for - crisps or popcorn? Let’s settle the debate. If you want to make the healthier choice, popcorn is the clear winner. Popcorn also known as Popping Corn is a wholegrain, an important food group may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. One cup of air popped popcorn contains approx. 31 calories, and less than one gram of fat! This means you’ll be able to eat a larger serving of popcorn for the same number of calories as most types of crisps. Popcorn is also higher in fibre than crisps, which is beneficial for digestive health. Just make sure to check if there has been anything added to the popcorn you are buying. This includes toppings such as oil, butter, salt or sugar, as this will put the calorie content up. For the healthiest option we suggest air popping your own popcorn at home! Replace Sweets with Dried Fruits Whilst having the odd bag of sweets as a treat won’t hurt, eating them regularly can negatively affect your health. Sweets have little to no nutritional value as they are generally made of pure refined sugar. An abundance of sugar in your diet can lead to weight gain, dental issues and overall poor nutrition. If you still want that sweet fix, but are looking for something healthier and more nutritious, we recommend Dried Fruits. After all, why have artificial candy when you can have nature’s own candy? Dried fruits have a wide range of nutritional benefits, they are high in fibre, and packed full of essential micronutrients and antioxidants. Plus, it counts as one of your 5 a day! However, as dried fruits do still contain a type of sugar, we recommend having them in moderation and watching your portion size. Try Nooch Instead of Cheese Nutritional Yeast Flakes (or as it is more widely known – Nooch) has become a popular food substitute for people wanting the taste of cheese without the animal fat or calories. Nooch has a strong savouriness which is said to be similar to the flavour of Parmesan cheese. So why should you be swapping out your grated cheese for Nutritional yeast flakes? Firstly, the calorie content is much lower than most of types of cheese. A tablespoon-sized amount of Nooch has just 20 calories and contains little to no sodium. Most brands of nutritional yeast are also fortified with the B12 vitamin. B12 is an essential vitamin needed for the development and function of many body parts, including the brain, nerves, and blood cells. This also makes it a great alternative for vegans as B12 is generally only found in animal products. Swap Chocolate for Carob Do you crave chocolate and suffer with a sweet tooth? Well, we’ve got some good news for you - there is a healthier replacement in town! Carob is an excellent alternative to chocolate. Whether it be in the form of chips, syrup or Carob Powder, you can use it the same way you would chocolate, in nearly all recipes. Carob also has a wide range of health benefits. Unlike chocolate it’s caffeine, tyramine and fat free, making it an ideal substitute for migraine sufferers and people with a high blood pressure. It’s lower in sugar and higher in fibre, meaning it will help you stay fuller for longer. Also, carob is naturally gluten free so is a better choice for anyone with digestive issues or coeliac disease. Swapping out chocolate for carob means you can still enjoy your favourite sweet treats with fewer calories, fat, and sugar – Yay! Replace Sugary Cereals with Oats Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day. One of the most popular breakfast choices here in the UK is cereal. A lot of ready-made cereals you can pick up from your local supermarket can be high in sugar and high in calories. For a healthier choice, why not try swapping your cereal out for oatmeal? Oats are packed full of fibre which keeps you feeling satisfied for longer and therefore reducing the chance of snacking and overeating throughout the day. Many people report it gives them more energy and leaves them feeling less lethargic than they would eating other types of breakfast food. Their high soluble fibre content can also aid in reducing blood sugar levels and insulin response. Oats are also incredibly versatile, you can mix anything you like into it, making it either savoury or sweet - so you can get creative with your breakfast!

We’ve got bran flakes and muesli a-plenty, we’ve got coarse and fine oats galore. You want the jumbo size? Sure! We’ve got everything. A common concern when buying various oat products is ‘How do these differ from one another?’. Not to fear, for we are here to clear up any apprehension you might have about whether or not some of these products are the same and why not. How Oats Are Made Origin Let's start from the beginning. Oats come from a plant known as Avena Sativa, a type of grass grown specifically for its cereal grain seed. When the plant is mature and ready to be harvested the seeds of the Avena Sativa plant are collected and this is where the oat journey begins. Harvest & Processing At this point in time, the seeds are known as ‘Oat florets’. After the florets have been harvested they are gathered, loaded onto trays and spray washed with a high-intensity water spray. This helps remove any foreign debris that may be present in the harvest, this process may be repeated a few times. Once the florets have been adequately cleansed they are put through a large separator. This helps sort the florets by size. The larger florets are used for oatmeal and other food products whilst the ones of smaller size are diverted for use in animal feed. Next, the oat florets are graded based on density and size. To perform this graders judge the oat florets by width and are then put through a second separator composed of perforated cylinders. After the florets have been graded, they go into the hulling process. Human beings cannot digest oat hulls. Thus, the florets are put through rotating discs that move at different speeds depending on the size of the oat to remove its exterior. (At this point in the process the florets are now known as groats (dehusked oats and grains). This is the oat grain in its most whole, intact form. The husk has been removed, but other than that, the bran, endosperm, and germ remain intact.) After this process what is left is a mix of hulls, groats, florets, and broken groats. This mixture is then re-introduced to the discs, further removing hulls and smaller particulates. Once this is done, the groats are placed on tilted tables that rock back and forth further separating the florets and groats. The groats continue along the process, and any remaining florets get sent back to the discs. The final step in processing is known as drying or kilning. During this process, the groats are put into long vertical cylinders where they are blasted with air and steam to increase the temperature. Radiant heat is then added to get rid of any moisture remaining in the oats whilst simultaneously killing any bacteria or inactive yeast that is left. At this point, the groats are able to be sold as they are, or they can be refined further. Refining This is the part where all lovely oat derived products are born. The next few steps in the refining process have to do with sizing, cutting, milling and rolling. Once the groats have been dried they are run through a cutting machine where sharp knives slice them up into flakes if they require being cut down into smaller sizes. After this the oats are rolled flat between steel rollers, turning them into flakes. At this stage in the process, some of the oats lose the outer layer of the seed known as the bran, the outer layer of the groat. The final stage of the refinement process is grinding, where the oats are milled into flour. The Difference Between Different Types of Oats Steel Cut Oats If groats are cut into two or three pieces with a sharp steel blade, you get steel-cut oats. This gives them a bit of a chewier texture than the whole oat groat, taking between 20-30 minutes to cook. They cook quicker than oat groats, as the water can more easily penetrate the smaller pieces. Steel-cut oats can be made on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot. Steel-cut oats are also sometimes known as Irish oatmeal. Pinhead Oats Pinhead oats are a coarse form of oatmeal where oat groats have been chopped into two or three pinhead-sized bits. It is nutritious because it still has the bran attached, it can be made into traditional porridge however, it takes about an hour to cook. Scottish Oats The groats may also be refined by grinding. Instead of cutting the groats with a metal blade, the scots traditionally stone-grind them creating broken bits with varying sizes. Some say this results in a creamier porridge than their steel cut counterparts. They cook in about 10 minutes on the stovetop and can also be cooked in the microwave. Rolled Oats / Old-Fashioned Oats / Porridge Oats Rolled oats, also known as regular or old-fashioned oats are created by steaming and then rolling out the groats into flakes. The steaming process helps to stabilise the oats by deactivating the lipid hydrolysing enzymes. This helps the oats stay fresh for longer, whilst creating a larger surface area ultimately allowing the oats to be cooked faster. By far the most popular form of the oat, rolled oats can be used in various applications. Cooked on the stovetop as oatmeal, making overnight oats, used as an ingredient in pancakes, baked goods, muesli, granola, smoothies, the list goes on. Rolled oats are best cooked on the stovetop and typically take between 5-10 minutes to cook. Jumbo Oats Jumbo oats simply go through the process of being steamed and then rolled. No cutting is necessary. Quick Oats Quick oats are a variation of rolled oats, after being steamed they are also rolled to be thinner. This increases their surface area thus, lessening its cooking time. Quick oats tend to cook in about 1-3 minutes in the microwave however, they do have a mushier texture compared to regular rolled oats. They are great for baked goods, quick breakfasts, granola, overnight oats, energy bites, etc. Instant Oats Instant oats are the most processed version of the rolled oat. After being steamed and rolled they are usually pre-cooked and dried before being sliced into even smaller pieces. These are the quickest oats for cooking and only need a quick zap in the microwave or a soak in hot water to be ready to eat. Instant oat products oftentimes contain unnecessary sugars and additives, be sure to check your product labels. Instant oats like quick oats have a mushier texture when compared to regular rolled oats. Oat Bran Oat bran is sometimes a by product of oat manufacturing. The bran is the outer layer of the oat groat. Although the bran is not a whole grain it is still highly nutritious and rich in fibre. When Oats are being refined further they tend to lose the bran when they are refined further from being steel-cut. It can be used as a supplement in a way, a topping on cereal, as a hot porridge on its own, or mixed into baked goods to increase fibre content. Oat Flour The final and most refined form of oats is oat flour. It is nothing more than finely ground rolled oats. It is popularly used to thicken products or used in baked goods. Conclusion Hopefully, our little section on the processing of oats has helped shed some light on the ins and outs of what your oats really are and how they came to be. Be it porridge oats, toasted oats, coarse pinhead oatmeal, fine pinhead oatmeal, or oat bran it will now be much clearer what it is exactly that you’re buying. At Wholefood Earth we’ve got your back and also just about all that is necessary to fulfil all your oatmeal needs.