![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.mespot.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Simple-Pizza-150x150.jpg\")
1. Processed food<\/strong> – wherever possible replace food that has been processed, whether it be ready meals or otherwise ‘modified’ food (eg by adding salt, canning, or pre-cooking), with fresh food that is as close to its natural state as possible. Rediscover the joy of cooking your own meals. They can be just as quick to prepare as a ready meal or takeaway and at least you know what you are putting in to your body. Plus, there’s probably a money saving incentive too!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n 5. Vegetables<\/strong> – packed with vitamins and minerals and one of the few things you can enjoy just about limitlessly! Traditionally maybe not the most exciting thing to eat but it doesn’t have to be that way.\u00a0On our recent retreat in Portugal, Claudia, the Me Spot chef cooked up some of the most delicious food, much of it focused around vegetables. When she suggested a starter of broccoli and green beans, even I was a little concerned that it might be one healthy step too far! I couldn’t have been more wrong. It turned out to be one of the favourites of the whole week. So, if you needed any more convincing, here’s her recipe:<\/p>\n Broccoli, green beans and pomegranate salad<\/strong> (Serves 4)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 250g broccoli Method <\/p>\n If, over time, you can master the 5 things listed in this article, you’re guaranteed to be healthier, happier, and have way more energy. No nutritionist required!<\/p>\n Enjoy the salad. Let me know what you think!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Nutrition can be confusing and opinions conflicting. This month’s blog gives you some no nonsense guidelines PLUS a bonus recipe…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":519,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[5],"tags":[91,16,92,59],"yoast_head":"\n![\"pile](\"http:\/\/www.mespot.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/sugar-150x150.jpg\")
2. Sugar<\/strong> – sugar has little nutritional benefit. It is addictive and affects the same part of the brain as drugs, giving us an artificial high and, often, a corresponding low. It is no coincidence that manufacturers add sugar to lots of products that you would not expect with the simple aim of increasing consumption. Also like drugs, we crave more and more sugar which can lead not only to weight gain and obesity, but also to type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety. I can say categorically that this is the case as, since giving up sugar, I feel the effects immediately if I go off the straight and narrow!<\/p>\n![\"piles](\"http:\/\/www.mespot.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/pasta-150x150.jpg\")
3. Refined carbohydrates<\/strong> – ‘carbs’ can often get a bad press. What is often forgotten is that they are pretty critical as an energy source. The brain in particular needs a steady flow of fuel in the form of glucose and failure to provide this can affect cognitive function and performance. However, it is important to try and avoid the spikes in blood sugar caused by refined carbohydrates that have had much of the fibre stripped away. Far better to eat unrefined carbohydrates such as brown rice, wholewheat pasta, and oats which contain more fibre and take the body longer to break down. The added benefit is that they will also keep you fuller for longer. Check out the GI index to see how different foods compare.<\/p>\n![\"fresh](\"http:\/\/www.mespot.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/fresh-salmon-150x150.jpg\")
4. Protein<\/strong> – essential in building and repair of tissues and in muscle growth, as well as playing an important role in hormone production. It is not unusual for our protein requirements to be overlooked. The recommendation is to eat 1 gram of protein for every 0.8 – 1kg of body weight. So for someone who weights 11 stone that would be 60-70grams of protein. For reference a salmon fillet contains 20 – 25 g of protein. Other good sources include chicken, turkey, all fish, lentils, and cottage cheese.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.mespot.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/broccoli-salad-landscape-320x185.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n150g green beans
\n1 pomegranate seeded
\nDressing
\n2\/3 bunch coriander
\n2\/3 bunch parsley
\n1\/3 bunch mint
\n2 tablespoons honey
\n1 clove garlic
\n5 tablespoons olive oil
\n3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
\nsalt and pepper to taste<\/p>\n
\n1. Blanche the broccoli and green beans until cooked but still crunchy and set aside.
\n2. Blitz the ingredients for the dressing in a blender. Add a little water if necessary if the consistency appears too thick.
\n3. When you are ready to serve, saute the vegetables in a hot pan with a little butter and salt and pepper to taste until they are warmed through and lightly brown.
\n4. Plate and drizzle with the dressing then top with the pomegranate seeds and serve.<\/p>\n