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  Did you know that soya is the cheapest and most widely eaten supply of plant protein on the planet?   Soya is an excellent source of protein, providing all nine of the essential amino acids we need for growth, repair and functions like immunity. It is also low in saturated fats and rich in fibre, it contains vital fatty acids plus a wide range of important vitamins and minerals. Plus, dishes that use soy as a substitute for meat often have fewer calories and less fat.   No wonder soya is a perfect meat replacement for vegetarians, vegans or anyone wanting a healthier alternative, or to eat more sustainably!   What is Soya?   Soya foods are made from the soya bean plant, which is native to China, it’s been a staple part of Asian diets for many years and is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. The beans extremely versatile texture makes it easy to be processed into a variety of foods including milk, soya protein, plus fermented foods such as tofu, miso and tempeh.    But we’re here today to talk to you about the wonderful world of soya meat replacements!   You may have heard soya meat substitutes referred to in many ways - Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Textured Soy Protein (TSP), Soya chunks and sometimes Soy meat. They are made the same way, from defatted soya flour which is created by removing the oil from the soybeans . The soybeans are ground into a fine flour, mixed with water, and then moulded into the preferred form - usually either mince or chunks.   As your one stop shop for organic wholefoods, we currently sell a range of soya products ...

  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 sign...

What is Sodium Bicarbonate?   Sodium Bicarbonate , more popularly known as Baking Soda or Bicarbonate of Soda, is most well known as a pure leavening agent. It’s a chemical compound that is technically classified as a type of salt that is crystalline, but usually appears as a fine white powder. Sodium bicarbonate has a slightly salty, alkaline taste to it that somewhat resembles washing powder.   Although its name may imply this product is used solely as a baking ingredient - that could not be further from the truth! Sodium Bicarbonate can be used for a whole host of things, from an ingredient to a medicine, to a cleaning product and even a bath bomb - it has so many benefits!   Sodium Bicarbonate Uses   Here at Wholefood Earth, we have compiled a handy list of just some of its many uses, so you can discover why you need this multi-purpose product in your life 😊   Baking   Sodium bicarbonate is probably most commonly known for being a rising agent in baking, hence the alternate name - baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate becomes activated when it’s combined with both an acidic ingredient (such as lemon juice or buttermilk) and a liquid. Once it is activated, it produces carbon dioxide which allows the batter to rise and gives baked goods such as bread, cakes, cookies, and muffins a light, fluffy texture. Yummy!   Multi-purpose Cleaner   After baking, cleaning is probably considered the next most popular use for sodium bicarbonate. From descaling kettles and cleaning silverware to unblocking drains and neutralizing any unsavoury odours around the home – sodium bicarbonate does it all!   If you want to use it for cleaning, just mix a paste of so...

Sunflower seeds are technically the fruits that come from the head of the sunflower plant, also known as Helianthus annuus. The term "sunflower seed" is actually a misnomer, as the dehulled seed would actually be called the kernel, or heart.   These kernels need to be dehulled from their shells before they are considered edible.   Despite their small size, sunflower seeds are packed full of important vitamins, minerals and nutrients, as well as bringing a healthy source of essential fatty acids. Sunflower seeds are also an excellent plant-based protein source for anyone on a vegetarian or vegan diet.   In this article, we’re taking your through six highlights of the great health benefits that sunflower seeds provide - and why they’re the seeds, that you need!     May Improve Heart Health   Some studies have shown that people with a higher risk of heart problems who regularly ate sunflower seeds retained better heart health over those who did not. Sunflower seeds are rich in ‘healthy’ fats, including monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat. Unlike saturated fat, moderate unsaturated fat consumption has shown to actually improve one's heart health. Sunflower seeds also contain magnesium, potassium and fibre which lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. All of these effects can help to defend the body from cardiovascular disorders.   Can Reduce Inflammation   For people suffering with chronic or long-term inflammation, sunflower seeds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits. The health benefits of sunflower seeds include vitamin E, flavonoids, along with other plant compounds that can help in reducing inflammation. Studies have found that eating sunflower...

Don’t be fooled, although they may be small in size, seeds are anything but small when it comes to their nutritional value! Eating more of them has been shown to provide a wide range of health benefits. What’s more, they are extremely easy to incorporate into your diet, whether as a tasty snack or as addition to many different recipes.   Seeds are great sources of plant-based, healthy fats, fibre and minerals. They also contain healthy monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and many important vitamins and antioxidants.   Carry on reading to discover why you need to be adding more seeds to your diet, today!   Chia Seeds   Chia seeds are often labelled as being a superfood – and with good reason! They are packed full of fibre, protein, and many important nutrients and antioxidants. Antioxidants benefit human health by neutralizing reactive molecules known as free radicals, which can contribute to aging and diseases. They are also one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for healthy brain function. One 30g serving contains approximately 5g of omega 3s!   Chia seeds are incredibly easy to add to your diet, as they’re ready to eat and have a very subtle flavour. Sprinkle them over smoothies, porridge and yoghurt, or mix them into recipes such as bread and muffins.   Want to read more about the health benefits of chia seeds? Check out Are Chia Seeds Good for You?   Sesame Seeds   Sesame seeds are very small seeds that grow in pods on the Sesamum indicum  plant. Their oil content is one of the highest of any seed. You can purchase them hulled or Unhulled and they are grown i...

 Are you getting enough protein in your diet?   The recommended daily intake for protein is approximately 45g for the average woman, or 55g for men. If you didn’t already know, it’s important to get enough protein in your diet everyday as it plays a vital role in keeping our bodies functioning.   Numerous studies suggest that a high-protein diet has major benefits for weight loss along with metabolic health. Protein, along with fibre, keeps you feeling fuller for longer, which in turn may reduce cravings and potential overeating. This can help keep weight down whilst fuelling our cells with the right nutrients they need.   Eating protein rich foods also has many fitness benefits, including building lean muscle, reducing muscle loss and speeding up recovery after exercise or an injury. Your body uses protein to help repair and rebuild tissue. Along with building muscle, it is also needed for bones, skin and cartilage. Did you know your hair and nails are also mainly constructed of protein? So, if you want to have a healthy mane of hair – keep reading!   Good news for any vegetarians, vegan, or people on a plant-based diet, meat isn’t the only source to get your protein! In fact, dietary guidelines suggest it’s better to consume your protein from a range of food, not just animal products, as to keep a varied diet.   A great way to incorporate more protein into your diet is through flour. Flour is extremely versatile and can be used to make a variety of delicious foods. From bread, cakes and cookies to pasta, pies and pizza dough, it can also be used as a thickener in sauces and stews.   We have compiled a handy list of the most protein rich flours we sell here at Wholefood Earth -   Chickpea Flour   Chickpeas are part of the legume family, the flour is produced from dry chickpeas and i...

  Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday is just around the corner – and we can’t wait! Here at Wholefood Earth, you can count on us to recommend you some healthier alternatives to the traditional all-purpose flour to add to your pancake recipe.   White flour has very little nutritional value, it can also be bleached by gas to make it whiter. During processing, the white flour is stripped of all its nutrients. It’s high in carbohydrates and calories, and low in everything else such as protein, fibre and vitamins.   Traditional white flour is also made of wheat, which is a known allergen. However, all the flours listed below are wheat free and therefore do not contain gluten! This makes them perfect for anyone with a wheat or gluten intolerance, looking for a flour replacement.   Almond Flour   Almond flour , as you may have already guessed, is made from ground almonds. The almonds are first blanched and then ground and sifted into a fine powder/flour. It has a much sweeter taste that is said to resemble marzipan – so it’s perfect for making pancakes!   Almond flour is low in carbohydrates, and high in healthy fats and fibre, making it a much healthier substitute for traditional flour. It is also packed with nutrients and is particularly rich in magnesium which is involved in many processes in your body. These include improved blood sugar control, reduced insulin resistance and lower blood pressure. Vitamin E is another nutrient Almond Flour is abundant in. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound, its main role is to act as an antioxidant. These are important for protecting the body from free radicals, which can damage cells, causing illness and aging. It can also improve immune function, along with preventing clots from forming in heart arteries.  ...

Salt isn’t just something you add to your food for more flavour. In fact, salt has a wide range of uses - food being only one of them!   You may have already heard of bath salts and their ability to relieve stress and tension. But did you know other uses for these types of salt range from beauty products, household cleaning and even treating diseases?   In this article were going to take you through the non-edible salt products we sell here online at Wholefood Earth. Carry on reading to discover the other surprising benefits that these salts can be used for and why you should pick some up today!   Dead Sea Salt   Dead Sea salt  refers to the salt and other mineral deposits that are extracted, or taken from, the Dead Sea in Israel. The Dead Sea is said to be the saltiest and deepest bodies of water in the world and has been known for its healing properties since Biblical times.   The mineral composition of Dead Sea salt is notably different from other types of oceanic salt. It is made up of sodium chloride with a high percentage of sulphates, magnesium, zinc and potassium.   Dead Sea mud and bathing in Dead Sea salt water can also be used to treat rheumatological diseases, which are inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The minerals are absorbed while soaking, which in turn helps to stimulate blood circulation.   Several studies have also shown that Dead Sea salt is great for skin health, and particularly good at treating psoriasis. Dead Sea salt can help in easing many of the symptoms of psoriasis due to the solar ultraviolet radiation found in the Dead Sea.   Epsom Salt   <a href="https://wholefoodearth.com/products/wholefood-earth-epsom-salts-unrefined-additive-...

We all know by now that eating too much salt can be bad for you. A diet that is high in salt can lead to an increase in blood sugar, which in turn can cause a higher risk of a stroke, kidney problems and heart disease.   However, not getting enough salt can also be detrimental to your health. Not only does it add some flavour to your food, but the salt/water ratio is vital for the metabolic rate in our bodies.   According to the NHS, adults should not exceed more than 6g of salt per day (2.4g sodium), which is approximately 1 teaspoon. So, if you are looking to add any salts to your diet, make sure to do so in moderation and stick to the daily recommended intake.   Today, we’re taking you through our edible salt range here at Wholefood Earth and explaining the health benefits of each type of salt.   Sea Salt   If you’re looking for a replacement for your trusty table salt - look no further than Sea Salt !   The term sea salt refers to salt which is produced by the evaporation of ocean water or water from saltwater lakes. Due to it’s minimal processing, it contains important minerals, including potassium, iron, and calcium. This is one of the reasons it may be considered nutritionally superior to table salt, which in comparison, is heavily ground and therefore had many of its nutrients removed.   In general, salt is essential for maintaining adequate hydration levels in the body. As sodium plays a vital role in keeping this balance, not getting enough of it can cause dehydration, especially during high-intensity workouts. It is imperative to sustain the electrolyte balance to aid in the smooth functioning of the organs and nervous system.   Himalayan Salt   Pink Himalayan Sal...

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...

  What is Citric Acid?   Citric acid, as the name suggests, is an acid that is naturally found in all citrus fruits, but most predominantly the juice of lemons and limes. There are also high amounts found in oranges, grapefruit, and berries. The Citric acid is what gives these fruits their tart and sour taste. It’s not just found in fruits though; most animals and plants carry a small trace of Citric acid.   However, the Citric acid found in packaged food and non-food items is usually artificial and manmade. This is due to the high costs of extracting natural citric acid, plus the demand far outweighs the supplies available. Most synthetic Citric acid that you find in everyday products actually comes from a type of fungus that has been put through a fermentation process.   For more information on how Citric Acid is produced, look no further than our article What is Citric Acid: How is Citric Acid Made?   Citric Acid Bath Bombs   As we know, self-care is so important for our mental health and general well-being. So, what better way to unwind and release all your stresses and tension from the day than by taking a nice, long soak in the tub with a beautiful bath bomb. And the star ingredient to any good bath bomb is, you guessed it – Citric acid!   Check out our ready-made Bath Bomb Kit which includes both Citric acid and Sodium Bicarbonate so you can create your very own bath bombs at home. The quantities are readily measured out so you can use every last drop. Just mix 2-parts Sodium Bicarbonate to 1-part Citric acid in a bowl and you’re good to go.   You can customise them by adding your own choice of liquid food colouring to achieve your desired col...

  We all know fresh fruits are generally good for you and absolutely delicious - they are natures candy after all! However, what about their dried counterparts, are they still healthy for you?   Read on to find out if adding dried fruits to your diet would be fruitful, or fruitless ?   What is Dried Fruit?   Dried fruits have been around a long time, they’ve been a staple of Mediterranean diets for thousands of years. In fact, the earliest recorded reference of dried fruits dates all the way back to the Mesopotamian Era which is approx. 1500 BC   Today dried fruits are produced and eaten all over the world, the most common variety being raisins. Other popular varieties include dates, prunes, figs, apricots, peaches, apples, and pears. However, most fruits can be turned into dried fruits. So, whatever your favourite fruit is, there’s bound to be a dried version to suit your fancy.   The process of making dried fruits is quite simple, it requires removing the majority of water content from fresh fruit. The water is extracted either naturally, through sun drying, or by special dryers and dehydrators. Fruits can be dried either as a whole, in halves or as slices. They usually shrink down during this process leaving a tasty, energy filled food source!   Fresh Fruit vs Dried Fruit   You may think that when it comes down to it that fresh fruit is always better, and it some cases that may be correct. Dried fruits are higher in sugar than fresh fruits and the calorie content is also higher due to the loss of water. So, if you are watching you sugar intake or looking to lose weight, it is suggested to keep an eye on the portion size.   Despite this, dried fruits still retain most of the nutritional value of fresh fruits. As dried fruit contains a reduction in water it is therefore a much mor...

What is Linseed? What is Flaxseed?   Linseed (which also goes by the name Flaxseed) is the small seed which comes from the flax plant, also known as  Linum usitatissimum . It usually comes in two varieties, Brown Linseed and Golden Linseed , which as you might’ve guessed is due to their colour. People may claim that one is better for you than the other, but there is very little nutritional difference between the two.   Linseed is generally sold either as whole seeds or ground into a coarse powder, it also comes in the form of an oil. Whilst you can consume them either way, most experts recommend the ground form as it is much easier for the body to digest. Whole Linseed may pass through your intestine undigested, which means you might not receive all the nutritional benefits.   A long time before Linseed was the super food we know it as today, its primary use was actually to make textiles, such as clothing. Linseed oil is still used today for a variation of other things such as wood finish, linoleum, oil paint and even moisturiser.   For even more background on Linseed, please take a look at our previous article What is Linseed .   But we’re here today to talk to you about the good stuff - Food!   Adding Linseed to Your Diet   There is a wide variety of ways you can include Linseed in your diet. It can be added to food or taken as a daily supplement. It’s an easy food to include as neither Whole nor Ground Linseeds need to be cooked before being eaten.   Linseed is mild in taste, in fact a lot of ...

We learned that fruits and vegetables were good for us when we were kids. Our parents tried to encourage us to eat spinach, broccoli and lettuce in many ways - sometimes by using force. Remember that? Our mums used to buy unpacked foods and fresh veggies in local stores and prepare homemade meals.  These days, it’s hard to find any fruits and vegetables in a corner shop. Over the years, our lifestyles and food culture have changed significantly. Unhealthy processed foods. Today, fast-food ads are everywhere, and the supermarkets’ shelves are stocked with ready-to-eat processed foods, which are more convenient for our busy lifestyle. We buy and consume these products without thinking about what they contain and how they were made.  And sadly, the truth is that these products are often made with poor ingredients, contain a lot of salt, sugar and chemical substances that are not good for us. Following our busy schedules and looking for an easy and more convenient lifestyle, we tend to forget what real food is.  While ready meals are easy to warm up and consume, we shouldn’t rely our diet on these products when we want to be healthy and look good. Perhaps, these products will satisfy us for a while, but having them every day will have severe consequences for our bodies.  A growing number of studies suggest that eating highly processed foods increases the risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, high pressure and heart diseases.  What are the foods that help us maintain good health? Whole foods plant-based diet is the best for you. </spa...

  Let’s get things straight, as much as we enjoy them, nuts can be a pretty puzzling food group. They are not always exactly what they say they are. In fact, botanically speaking, most of the ‘nuts’ that we generally refer to as such, aren't even nuts at all!    Here at Wholefood Earth, we want to set the record straight, and bring you all the answers. So, continue reading to discover if your favourite nut is actually a nut, or just a delicious imposter!   What Is Considered a True Nut?   Well firstly, it seems to depend on who you’re asking. If you want to get really technical, the botanical definition of a nut is the singular seed belonging to a dry fruit, contained in a hard shell that doesn’t open to release the seed naturally once it reaches maturity.   Chestnuts, hazelnuts, and acorns are some examples of true nuts that fit this definition.   On the other hand, almonds, pistachios, pecans and even cashews — they’re all just masquerading as nuts! These would in fact, be referred to as ‘drupes.’ A drupe is a seed with a hard, protective shell on the inside, with a fleshy fruit surrounding it on the outside. Although not all drupes have an edible seed. A peach or plum for example, which is also a type of drupe, we just eat for the fruity outer part.   Another lot of fraudsters are peanuts, which are something else altogether! They are actually classed as a legume . This is due to the fact they are an edible seed that grows inside a pod, like beans or peas (that’s where the ‘pea’ part of their name comes from!) Peanuts also grow underground instead of above ground, like true nuts do.   At this point you may be wondering, so why do we still generally refer to all of these as nuts if they are not? Well, as we mentioned earlier, it depends o...

  Here at Wholefood Earth, we’re absolutely nuts about Nuts! They are one of our favourite healthy snack alternatives and make a tasty addition to a healthy, balanced diet.   But have you ever wondered, what exactly is a nut? And where do nuts come from? Well, we’re here to help answer all your nut related questions and help you find out more about the health benefits of this small but mighty food source.   What is a Nut?   Nuts are found all over the world, usually in warmer climates and are grown on shrubs and trees.   But did you know that nuts are actually a type of fruit? In botanical terms, nuts are a particular kind of dry fruit that has a single seed, a hard shell, and a protective husk. However, from a culinary perspective, the term ‘nuts’ is much more relaxed and generally in line with what most people think are nuts — large, oily kernels found within a shell.   The exception to this is peanuts, which aren’t technically nuts at all - they’re actually part of the legume family. One reason for this is the fact that peanuts grow underground instead of above ground. Nevertheless, most people still generally view them as nuts due to their similar characteristics and nutrition profile.   What Are the Different Types of Nuts   There are many different kinds of nuts, all of them come with unique nutritional benefits, and all are delicious in their own right.   In general, the macronutrients of most nuts are very similar, but the micronutrients in the different types may slightly differ. Due to this, it’s best to consume a varied mixture of nuts in order to optimize the individual benefits of each different type - you can’t go wrong with a <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/ask-the-expert/nuts-as-a-healthy-snack#:~:text=A%20portion%20of%20nuts%20is,so%20you%20...

Discount Code:"BlackFriday2021" We know. Black Friday sales are a strange cultural phenomenon. The US celebration of the first Friday after Thanksgiving seems like an odd cultural import to the UK; a county which doesn’t celebrate Thanks Giving at all! Since the inception of this informal calendar day, it’s been used by brands a springboard into the Christmas sales. To be fair, what better time is there?  While we here in Great Britain might shun such a card-company-holiday as a cynical attempt to get people down to the shops, we here at Wholefood Earth think there are a few redeeming features. Firstly, sales. Who doesn’t like a bargain? Secondly, the chance for us to say  thank you  to our customers.  As an extension of our gratitude for entrusting us to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet through the tribulations of the last two years, we're giving you 15% off anything you need to stock up a  healthy pantry  for a wholesome 2022. For us, 2021 has been a year of change, but our commitments to you remain the same: - Affordable healthy wholefood - Friendly personal customer services - Sustainably sourced products - No toxic pesticides/chemicals That's a promise from everyone at Wholefood Earth, to you. To use the discount, simply type in " BlackFriday2021 " when prompted at checkout. All good things must come to an end, for our 2020 Black Friday Sale, the end is the 29th of November, so there’s no hurry*. *Unless you’re reading this on the 29/11/21 23:50, in which case,...

Are Cashew Nuts Good For You?    There’s no doubt about it; cashew nuts  are one of the most popular nuts, and for good reason. Their sweet buttery taste is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, making them a great healthy food choice. Cashews are low in sugar and high in fibre, heart-healthy fats, and plant protein. One of the reasons for their popularity is how easily they can be added to your diet. Either as a snack, used in recipes and even turned into cashew cheese or butter.   But did you know the cashew nut isn’t actually a nut at all?!  They are, in fact, a seed from the flowering Cashew tree. They originated in Brazil, but today, cashew nuts grow all over the world.     Read on to see some more of the health benefits of Cashew nuts.    Cashew Nuts Are Rich in Nutrients    Although cashews may be small, they are packed full of nutrients. They’re a good source of copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese — nutrients important for energy production, brain health, immunity, bone, and teeth health.    Cashews are also high in protein; plain cashew nuts contain 15.7g of protein per 100g, approximately the same as a<a href="https://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/calories/calorie_coun...

This refreshing salad dressing is made in a snap - delicious, simple and nutritious!

Moist, fluffy and a tiny bit spicy. This easy vegan muffin recipe packs a healthful punch!

Small but mighty, bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, fibre and protein, Chia Seeds are hard to beat! Try adding them to your granola bars with this recipe. 

Easy to prepare, tastier than any store bought jam, filled with healthy chia seeds and blueberries. Yum yum in the tum.

Start the day off right with a delicious strawberry chia seed smoothie. Packed with antioxidants, fibre, and great flavour! What could be better?

Fancy having pudding for breakfast? Then look no further! This simple Chia pudding recipe takes just 10 minutes to make and is a delicious start to the day.