Wholesome Living

Rice is a staple in diets all over the world and with good reason, its countless varieties make it an incredibly versatile ingredient, with each type having their own taste, appearance, texture and most importantly nutritional make-ups. Across the world there are over forty thousand varieties of rice being cultivated, so for now we will focus on the most popular types of rice, how to cook them and their health benefits. Long, short or medium, know your grain In most cases rice can be assigned one of three categories, long grain, short grain or medium grain. As its name suggests, short grain rice is typically smaller and rounder with a starchier texture, making it ideal for rice puddings or sushi.  Long grain rice on the other hand is longer and thinner, with a fluffier texture, making it well suited for more general recipes. Finally as expected, medium grain rice fits in between long and short grain, it has a slightly sticky starchy texture like short grain rice, but is shaped more like long grain rice, making it a great ingredient for savoury creamy dishes, like paella or risotto.v Long grain white rice  Generic long grain white rice is rice that has had its husk, bran and germ removed, this makes it more easily digestible and provides it with its signature almost shiny white colour. White rice has a very neutral flavour which makes it a great base for building a meal around...

What are whole grains? Whole grains are among some of the healthiest wholefoods you can eat, but what exactly do</sp...

Whether you’re a master chef or a beginner, whole grains can initially seem intimidating when it comes to <span role="presentati...

  What is Gluten? Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains such as: Wheat, Barley, Rye and Oats. Oats do not naturally contain gluten; however, they can be cross contaminated with gluten when processed Gluten is a protein that is added to many foods for a range of reasons: To add elasticity, flavour, texture, shape, and to help make food rise. It is not an active ingredient; an activation or chemical reaction takes place when wheat flour is mixed with water. How does gluten affect the body? For most people, gluten is completely safe to eat. Nonetheless, gluten is not always tolerated by everyone’s body. Some people can be born with (or develop) Celiac Disease or an intolerance/sensitivity to gluten. This is where your immune system attacks your digestive system, causing uncomfortable symptoms from mild to severe. Others can have a wheat allergy , where there is a similar immune response to the proteins in wheat specifically. Gluten can also be an issue for people who have thyroid issues. The gluten protein (Gliadin and Glutenin) closely resembles the same protein found in the thyroid gland and the body can mistakenly attack this, causing similar issues to celiac disease.  Gluten-free baking? Luckily, we live in a world where there are plenty of gluten-free alternatives to eat and cook with. Yet, when it comes to baking, you might be wondering- how do you not use wheat flour when that is half the recipe? Gluten-free flours: Rice, almond, coconut, tapioca, cornstarch, teff, sorghum, buckwheat and even potato flour . Finding the gluten-free flour source is the smallest problem in baking. What you have to consider is how you are going to mimic the structure of gluten with your alternative flour. This all depends on what you are baking....

Oat Flour Oats are a versatile ingredient used in cooking and baking. Oats are a filling addition to meals and a great pick for sweet and savoury dishes. When using oats as an alternative for gluten- induced flour, it comes with plenty of positives. Oat flour is a common supermarket flour, with organic options in farm shops and whole food shops. However, oat flour is fairly easy to make at home with the right equipment. If you have a bag of ground oats and an electric blender at home, you are three quarters of the way there already. Oat flour is a great alternative for plain flour as it has a soft and fluffy cake texture, like the consistency of most cakes. Oat flour will rise slightly on its own, but needs an addition of baking soda for high-rise recipes like bread, scones, and cakes. With its fluffy texture, oat flour can make some great sweet or savoury recipes. For all the sweet tooth bakers here are some simple yet effective ideas: Oat flour in your crumble recipe can transform the dessert to include a gluten-free crumble topping with a sweet, toasted flavour on top of the tasty baked fruit choice.   For the bakers with a preference on texture, oat flour can give you chewy, crispy cookies, taking you back in time to the 19 th  century when they first became a hit.   Oat muffins and oat pancakes are a great new breakfast choice. Incorporating fresh fruit, yoghurt, and some chocolate chips for extra sweetness.   When considering the common ‘full’ effect oats have, oat protein balls are a grea...

Oats are a classic staple of most childhood mornings as a traditional breakfast food, but did you know that <s...

It’s never too late to start eating more healthily, whether you’re incorporating more fresh fruit and veg into your diet o...

Beans are one of the most widely consumed foods in the world and a staple of countless cuisines, primarily because of</spa...

Beans , whether dried or tinned, are a very versatile and affordable pantry staple. They are also very healthy and nutritious. Beans are a fantastic source of healthy plant-based protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. You can add beans o soups, stews, salads, chilli con carne and veggie burgers or even make cakes (kidney beans brownie!) What is the best option for you - canned beans and dried beans?   Canned beans Canned beans are convenient, quick and easy to prepare. They have been cooked so you don't need to cook them. They can be eaten straight from the can and added to any dish like a soup , stew, and salad. Canned beans also cheap and even if your local supermarket doesn't stock them, you can easily find organic canned beans in  online stores. Canned beans can be high in sodium because of their salt content. If you are trying to reduce salt consumption, you can look for low-sodium or even no-salt-added tinned beans. Also, draining and rinsing canned beans significantly reduces their sodium content to safe levels.  Some people claim the flavour might ...

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...

The unprocessed food diet , also known as a  whole foods diet , focuses on consuming foods in their natural state , with minimal to no alteration. The premise of this diet is to avoid foods that have been refined, added to, or artificially enhanced in any way. The goal is to prioritize nutrition by eating foods in their most basic, unadulterated forms. What is Unprocessed Food? Unprocessed foods are those that are free from industrial processing or additives. These foods are in their whole, natural form and retain most of their original nutrients. Examples include: Fruits and Vegetables : Fresh, frozen (without added ingredients), or dried without added sugars or preservatives. Whole Grains : Brown rice, oats, quinoa, whole wheat, barley, and other grains in their natural state. Nuts and Seeds : Raw or roasted nuts and seeds, but without added oils, salts, or sugars. ...

Adding even just a few ultra-processed foods to your healthy diet is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke, the new study shows.   Sadly, mental health decline may happen even if you are trying to follow a healthy plant-based Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet or the MIND diet.  All these three diets are considered the healthiest as they are based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds while eliminating red meat, refined sugar, trans fats and ultra-processed foods.   The new study published in the American Journal of Neurology proves the association of ultra-processed foods with mental disabilities.  According to the study, if you increase your ultra-processed food intake by 10%, it increases your risk of cognitive disablement by 16%.    On the other side, adding more unprocessed foods or minimally processed foods to your diet is beneficial to your general health as it was linked with a 12% lower risk of cognitive disablement.    Ultra-processed foods include meat cuts and slices, sausages, ready-to-eat packaged products like sweets, biscuits, cakes, candies, crisps, instant soups, instant sauces, frozen pizza, ready-to-eat meals, ice cream and fast foods like hot dogs, chips, burgers, sweetened drinks.  Ultra-processed foods are high in calories and contain high quantities of added sugar, salt and fat. At the same time, they are nutritionally poor and low in fibre. Eating them every day leads to many health issues, including weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, experts say.   Unprocessed foods include fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, eggs and milk. Minimally processed foods include cooking ingredients such as salt, oils, canned foods and frozen vegetables.    Eating more ultra-processed foods such as sausages is linked to a higher risk of stroke and cognitive decl...

  Derived from the Latin species ‘Spices’ are a type of seasoning predominantly used to add and enhance flavours in different meals. Spices can come from fruits, plants, seeds and bark. They can be used for many purposes as well as in cooking. Throughout history spices have been used in economical trading, decorative dyeing, perfumes and even for medicinal purposes.   Black Pepper  Black pepper corns come from the fruits of the black pepper vine. They hold the strong flavour out of all other coloured pepper corns and can be used hole and ground. When using hole pepper corns, you want to put them in dishes that need lots of flavour- red wine sauces, stews, soups and homemade stocks. The whole pepper corns give off a flavoursome kick, so be careful with the amount you use in your dishes. Ground black pepper is one of the most common types of seasoning and can be used in most savoury dishes. Black pepper is a typical herb (paired with salt) to be sprinkled on top of cooked meals to add to extra flavour for the taste buds.      Cayenne Pepper Cayenne pepper is an adaptable spice that goes well with many savoury dishes. The unusual herb is packed with warmth and spice, but it is also a great flavour enhancer in drinks. The sweet smell can be deceptive to the taste buds, as the pepper has a quick spicey kick that lingers on the tongue. The powder and peppers are known to be used in small amounts as the kick is powerful and lasts a w...

  Cayenne Peppers are classic red hot chilli peppers used in curries, sauces, dressings, soups, meat and fish marinades. The cayenne pepper derives from the ‘nightshade’ pepper family and produces a relatively spicy flavour. Originating in South America, these peppers are said to have been discovered by the explorer Christopher Columbus, where he brought them over to Europe in the 15 th century. The peppers were quickly experimented with and proved to work well in cooking, by drying and grinding them into a powder, which was then mixed into different edible dishes.   Cayenne in the Kitchen   Cayenne pepper is an adaptable spice that goes well with many savoury dishes. The unusual herb is packed with warmth and spice, but it is also a great flavour enhancer in drinks. The sweet smell can be deceptive to the taste buds, as the pepper has a quick spicey kick that lingers on the tongue. The powder and peppers are known to be used in small amounts as the kick is powerful and lasts a while. The pepper can also be used as an alternative to salt, for those considering their diet and cutting down on their sodium intake.   Cayenne Pepper Dishes   Marinade for Chicken burgers. <li class="l...

Derived from the French word ‘ vin aigre ,’ (sour wine) the solution holds various uses and has been a beneficial item for thousands of years, used in cooking, as a preservative, medicine, and even wellness drink. Today, Vinegar is just as popular.     What Is Vinegar?     Vinegar is made up of either complex carbohydrates (barley, potatoes, rice) or simple sugars (apples, honey, grapes) and is fermented into an alcoholic product (using acetic acids). This acidic bacterium uses the alcohol and oxygen within the vinegar solution to create the memorable sour flavouring that vinegar holds. The process of fermentation can take weeks or even months to create high-quality natural vinegar (some can take up to 25 years). However, with industrialised methods, vinegar can be made and sold in bigger batches and in half the time (take note on any preservatives or additives that come alongside this). Have a look for vinegars in supermarkets, you can even take to buying vinegar online.   Different Types of Vinegar   Red   Red vinegar refers to Red-Wine Vinegar and traditional Chinese Rice Vinegar . Red wine vinegar is ma...

 In the hours we spend awake in the day, sometimes it can be hard to stick to the basic routine of three meals a day. Whether it’s because you’re off schedule, too busy for routine, simply forget, or just aren’t in the mood, snacking can be seen as a quick and easy solution. That is, if it is done correctly. I’m sure we would all love to snack on the sweet and savoury snacks we know and love, all day every day. Who doesn’t love the taste of a chocolate biscuit? Or a sneaky packet of crisps? The cravings are natural, and it is good to treat yourself. And… in all honesty, sometimes you just need the serotonin boost to prop yourself up on a bad day. On the other hand, snacking on your favourite things can lead to more bad than good. Yes, you get a great serotonin boost, but the come down can make you feel worse than before you even ate. Snacking on sugary and salty foods can causes lots of problems with your hormones, weight, sleep pattern, blood sugar levels, and nutrient/mineral intake. It all comes down to the ultra-processing ingredients and emulsifiers that are hiding in the products.   Can Snacks Be Good for You? Now, we are not saying snacking is out of the question. Snacking is not bad for you. There are plenty of sweet and savoury healthy snacks out there, and they have plenty of benefits. Healthy snacks can increase your nutrient intake, sustain and replenish your energy and hunger levels, and even help with muscle recovery. You just have to pick your food wisely. Avoiding foods that has been processed (food that has b...

  ‘Macadamia’ is a type of tree relating to the flowering plant ‘Protea’ and a type of fossilised pollen. The Proteaceae family (Banksia, Grevillia, Persoonia, and Macadamia) was originally distributed in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Macadamia tree was specifically discovered in Southern Queensland, (Australia) during the same time Australia was separating from the mega-continent of Gondwana. The Macadamia nut has become a popular seed in many continents around the world. They are grown commercially in countries such as- Hawaii, China, South Africa, Australia, as well as West and South America.    History of Macadamia The orchard nut has been enjoyed for over fifty million years, and dates back thousands of years by the aboriginal people. Initially called ‘ Kindal Kindali ’ Macadamia nuts were collected and traded between tribes. They were suggested to be a delicacy and were used as ceremonial gifts. Found in the fringes of rainforests, they were prevalent between the native people and animals. The native aboriginals had names such as ‘ Goomburra ’ and ‘ Boomberra ’ for the nuts. In the 1850’s natives showed European botanists the seed and they became intrigued; for years they were confused for chestnuts and black beans. The nut was notably exchanged for tobacco, tommy axes, and rum by European settlers. They were collected and researched by Australian botanists throughout the 1850’s. By 1858 it was named ‘Macadamia’ after scientist John Macadam, the Secretary of the Victorian Philosophical Institute. The first orchard tree was planted,...

How is Potato Starch Made?  Potatoes are well known for their healthy carbohydrates. Also known as ‘Starch’ ( Polysaccharide) , this side of a raw potato can be turned into a completely different ingredient. ‘Potato Starch’ is extracted from crushed, raw potatoes. The starch grain is released from the destroyed cells and either separated through a hydro-cyclone or dried out on its own as a solution. After this process, the once potatoes, become a white, powdery potato flour , full of spherical granules.   Is Potato Starch Gluten-Free?  Since potatoes are a root vegetable, organic potato starch is naturally gluten-free. Gluten is a protein found in the wheat plant and other types of grain, meaning they have no connection to one another. Those who suffer from ‘Coeliac’ disease, or choose to live a gluten-free diet can use potato starch as a wheat-free flour in lots of cooking recipes.   How Does Potato Starch Work? Potato Starch in general, is used to make things like- pasta, bread, tortillas, pastries, noodles, and cereal grains. However, it has other uses too. The ingredient can be used as a thickener (sauces, soups, stews, and desserts) as well as a creamy batter for frying and baking sweet and savou...

  What is Celtic Sea Salt? Deriving from the coastal regions and estuaries of Brittany, France, Celtic Sea Salt (or Sel Gris as translated in French) is a grey salt, harvested traditionally from solar-evaporated ocean water. Inhabited at the bottom of clay ponds, Celtic Sea Salt has a complex flavouring that naturally enhances the taste of fruits and vegetables. Why is Celtic Sea Salt trending? The artisanal salting technique goes back centuries, linking back to traditions and rituals. The ecosystem has been preserved for many years, making the production very authentic. Over the last few years Celtic Sea Salt has found its way onto social media because of how uncomplicated the processing is. The natural salt has been recommended by influencers all around the world. Creators have invested in the product and have been talking about all of its advantages. Celtic Sea Salt Benefits Hydration By adding the salt to fruits and vegetables, and eating the whole foods (not the sea salt) in large doses, it allows for a larger electrolyte intake, and eventually an electrolyte balance in your body. This, as well as the trace minerals, could help aid the functioning of hydration in your organs, and wash out the toxins in your body. Digestion Celtic Sea Salt is minimally processed compared to other salts; therefore, it contains a l...

    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:   <p data-mce-fr...

  Greek philosopher, Hippocrates first introduced the theory of a person’s ‘diet’ by connecting hygiene, and the body’s dietary intake together. However, it was not until the nineteen century when Englishman, William Banting, first introduced the concept of physical dieting. His process looked at cutting down the amount of carbohydrates in everyday meals and instead indulging more whole foods. For centuries, the mystery of how to get the perfect physical body, as well as perfect physical health has frustrated people. There is always a new trend around the corner, specifying what the real secret is, pushing people onto a new, ‘unrealistic diet’ that does more harm than good. Social media is attacking the mundane with ‘editing’ tools that allow you to completely change pictures from their reality and create a whole new false image. This, on top of naïve dieting trends creates confused people with an incredibly unhealthy view on food and exercise. So, I put this question to you. Instead of wondering what diet you should try out next, think about this- Is it possible to eat healthily without having to consider dieting? Let’s see what we come up with….   Choosing The Right Foods For You If we go back to William Banting’s concept, he encouraged the incorporation of whole foods into the everyday diet. In a previous article, we talked about defining whole foods , these are foods that have either not, or barely been processed or refined. Healthy whole foods are natural products that do not contain any artificial substances or a...

What are Butter Beans? Butter Beans are soft white beans that can shapeshift their flavour to match what you are cooking. In the western world we know this food as ‘butter’ beans because of the distinct creamy taste they have. However, within the countries of South America, these beans are called ‘Lima’ beans, named after the capital city of Peru; where they were first discovered and produced. Lima Beans are a very popular side dish served with ceviche fish in South America. However, the prevalent beans have cultivated into recipes all over the world, and are included in many main dishes.   Benefits of Butter Beans Butter Beans, though creamy in flavour are incredibly low in calories and fat. The ingredient is high in protein and fibre, and can be enjoyed by most diets. Butter Beans are rich in vitamins B-9, magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc, which all support cell growth, energy production, and your immune system. Remarkably, these beans also class as a prebiotic because of the soluble fibre found in them. This also makes Butter Beans an extremely great gut food because it helps support every day digestive health.   What can Butter Beans substitute? These beans are a super source of carbohydrates as they are fulfilling in a meal, but still small in calories. Interestingly, they can also be a great replacement for meat in plant-based diets and health-conscious diets. This is because they have a very high protein count, and low sugar and salt count. This as a meat substitute, is not only a healthier choice, but an inexpensive choice also.</...

Food and Longevity As we climb further and further along the path of adulthood, our health becomes more of a worry. Classic conversations with doctors, at the annual check-ups, talk about lowering your blood pressure and your cholesterol; they talk about how you need more sleep and could probably do with exercising more. As we are getting older, the more realistic and rational our perspective becomes. We realise that we are not these immortal beings we thought we were, and suddenly the decisions we make effect our current lives and our future lives. With this being said, making new habits and making changes does not have to be hard or scary. It can be fulfilling and interesting. So, let’s give it a go! Here is our best advice on what healthy foods you can eat to help you live longer.   Fruits and Vegetables Now you can roll your eyes when you read this… But an apple a day does keep the doctor away. And… you should be eating five pieces of vegetables or fruit a day. These wholefoods are packed with vitamins and minerals that work to help your body function. Supporting your weight, muscles, energy, and especially your digestive system. As a whole, fruit and veg include far less saturated fats and cholesterol, which you only need in small doses to maintain a healthy diet. Not only do they help with your body as it currents stands, but fruit and vegetables also help your future frame. These foods help prevent lots of health risks because of how nutrient-dense they are. Some of the risks they help prevent...

 In the world of healthy living, scientific professionals have concluded that sugars could be more harmful that we initially thought. Growing up we were told to intake sugars in moderation. We were told that sweet treats were fine, as long as it wasn’t the main portion of our meal… That sugars were fine as long as we brushed our teeth well… That sugars were fine and a great distraction technique to get our children to do as they were told… That sugars were fine as long as we kept a healthy lifestyle. Sugars were never the main evil. But are they now though?   Sugar and its benefits Now of course, sugar isn’t 100% bad for you. We all use some sort of sugar in our diets for distinct reasons. Sugar can be a major source of energy for the cells around our body. Pulled straight from the bloodstream, sugar is used for brain fuel and physical energy.   Why is too much sugar bad for you? If we look at the classic health issues that sugars cause, we come across problems such as: diabetes, weight gain, acne, heart disease, fatty liver, mood and hormone changes, cavities, and high blood pressure. This list alone, should make people consider the amount of sugar going into their diet. Any of these additional issues can have a dramatic effect on people’s everyday experiences, and it can be hard to reverse the damage once its done. But its not that simple. Living in the contemporary, convenient twenty-first century, we have simple and easy meals that are pa...