Life

2016 healthy eating may have to wait

Time for healthy eating
Time for healthy eating Time for healthy eating

Now that we’re a week into January, how are those New Year resolutions going?

If you’re still committed to yours, well done and if you’re not, never mind, there’s always next year.

Amazingly, many of my friends and colleagues are sticking to their 2016 vows, joining the gym, taking a self-defence class, giving up smoking and finding time for themselves.

Most likely a lot of us will have made promises to try and be more healthy this year and given that the vast majority of us don’t last at the gym, the next best thing is to try and eat better.

But just when some of us are had started getting to grip with kale and quinoa, it seems we are once again behind the times because now a whole new list of buzz foods for 2016 has been released – but be warned, they may not whet your appetite.

Every new year brings with it a new list of weird and wonderful must-have grub but come on, some of the food being `bigged’ up for this year is just ridiculous.

That said, it makes no difference to me at the moment because my appetite really is up the left.

When I was pregnant with Abbie, I only had a few cravings and they weren’t all that weird.

It started with red and orange Jelly Babies - with dozens of discarded, half full bags being dumped around our house - and salt and vinegar Frisps before moving on to nachos from Dominos.

Aside from these, I was able to eat normally.

This time my appetite is pretty much depleted.

For a long while all I could eat was garlic bread with cheese on it.

I would get home from work in the evenings to find that Darren had stood and cooked a lovely meal but immediately I would feel sick wouldn’t be able to touch it.

I felt really bad but what could I do?

Most of the time, Darren would find himself running down to the local pizza shop for their garlic bread and it happened so often the staff soon became aware it was the fault of this poor man’s pregnant wife.

To be honest, now when we go to do the weekly shop, the only thing I want in the trolley is garlic bread because nothing else is appealing to me but I shouldn’t complain really because at least it’s not charcoal or a sponge I'm craving.

But in a bid to try and broaden my horizons in 2016, I did have a good nosy through this year’s list of superfoods, which promise to help us live a healthier lifestyle.

However, I've got to say, I’m not impressed and in fact, a little turned, especially by the thought of seaweed and black pudding.

The fact is I don’t eat any seafood (apart from the odd fish from the chippy) so the idea of eating seaweed disgusts me.

Apparently though it contains more vitamin C than an orange and boasts loads of calcium. It also has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Who knew?

Don’t even get me started on black pudding – yuk – but again, apparently, it’s the way to go this year as it is packed with protein and almost carb free. It is also said to be a great source of potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Then there’s kohlrabi – the turnip cabbage.

We’re told this offers a rich source of vitamin C which is vital for healthy connective tissue, teeth and gums and boosts immunity.

This stuff is also high in potassium, which helps regulate fluid levels. Bear in mind ladies, that too little potassium can result in puffiness, especially under the eyes.

Kohlrabi can be cut into chunky chips or eaten raw as a snack or in salads. It can also be roasted, steamed or stir-fried.

After this, there’s Tree Water, Avocado Oil, Maca Root, Sprouted Grains, Teff and Black Rice.

I think I’ll have to wait until baby arrives to see how experimental I want to be.

In the mean time, does anyone else suddenly have the urge for a large slice of chocolate cake…with a side of garlic bread, of course?

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With winter well and truly upon us, wrapping up warm against the elements is an essential and now you have the chance of

winning a pair of stylish leather gloves, so you don’t have to sacrifice warmth to look fabulous?

Heat Holders are the ultimate in thermal clothing with the brand’s s signature socks boasting an impressive tog rating of 2.34, meaning you’ll never have to layer up again.

Due to market demand for warming products, and even colder winters, Heat Holders has expanded its range, now offering everything from thermal socks of various lengths and sizes to blankets, jumpers, tights, leggings, hats, gloves and thermal underwear – with further products being developed.

The brand’s leather gloves offer a real leather exterior as well as a plush, fur-like lining, which encompasses Heat Holders thermal technology.

The gloves also feature a stylish knitted cuff which helps trap heat at the wrist, perfect for the fashion forward and comfort conscious.

They are available for men and women – so no-one misses out on heat this winter.

For more information about the brand, check out www.heatholders.co.uk

I have three pairs of Heat Holders Ladies Leather Gloves to give away.

If you fancy winning a pair, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com

Closing date for entries is Tuesday, January 12, 2016.

(Q) Which season follows winter?

Normal Irish News Rules Apply

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What's Hot?

Talent Show - The Voice returns to our tv screens tomorrow night with a partly new line-up of judges, including Paloma Faith and Boy George. I've not really been a fan before but I will give it a chance this year. Tune into BBC One at 7.30pm.

Reunite - Mel B aka Scary Spice has hinted that the Spice Girls may reunite later this year to celebrate the anniversary of the band's debut single Wannabe in 1996. Spice Girls fans will be rejoicing.

Congrats - Well done to singer Adele who has set a new US sales record by selling 7.44 million copies of new album, 25, in just six weeks. Very impressive.

So Not!

Celebrity Big Brother - Why do they keep making new series of Celebrity Big Brother? I don't know half the people in there, so calling them celebrities is a bit of a stretch. Turning off.

Hip Op - Strictly judge, Darcy Bussell has revealed that decades of dancing have left her in need of a hip operation at the age of just 46.

Move - I'm not very happy that BBC Three is being moved online as part of cost cutting moves. It was announced yesterday that the move will take place on February 16. I'll miss some of its great shows. Big loss.

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The winners of the Vegan Love Story competition are Anne Grogan, from Omagh; Gareth Smyth, from Newry; and Brian McGarvey, from Sixmilecross.

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Easy Peasy Recipe

This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Black Bean and Salsa Soup

You will need:

2 cans black beans (rinsed)

11/2 cups of vegetable broth

1 cup salsa

1 tsps ground cumin

4 tbsp sour cream

2 tbsp thinly sliced green onion

To Make:

Blend together the black beans, broth, salsa, and cumin.

In a saucepan, heat the mixture

Ladle into bowls and top with a tablespoon of sour cream and 1/2 tablespoon of green onion.

Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?

You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:

Easy Peasy Recipes,

Marie Louise McConville,

Irish News

113-117 Donegall Street,

Belfast,

BT1 2GE

or

m.mcconville@irishnews.com