Healthy Eating

It’s National Nutrition Month, a time to perhaps re-think about the need to use quality and varied foods in our diet and to remind ourselves about the power of balanced nutrition being the key to keeping us feeling happy and energetic. We can promise you it’s about more than kale smoothies and unseasoned salads - it's about meals that are both nourishing and delicious, no compromise needed.

 The idea of a balanced diet being crucial for a healthy life dates back to the Ancient Greeks - their philosophy of moderation still resonates with today’s balanced eating guidelines. Interestingly, it was during the Second World War when the “Basic Seven” was introduced which eventually became known as the food pyramid. Helping to maintain nutritional standards despite rationing, this system educated people on the food groups that provided all the vitamins and nutrients we need. Originally this included vegetables, fruits, potatoes, milk products, meat and fish, bread, and butter.

There has been a big rise in the popularity of lean meat choices. Chicken, turkey, and fish are rich in protein and low in saturated fat, and they provide essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, making them excellent choices for a heart-healthy diet. Fusing these two concepts together is easily achievable – our Breaded Turkey Escalope or Breaded Chicken Escalope would go deliciously with this Carrot, Orange, & Avocado Salad. Avocados are one of the kings of the superfood world – rich in healthy fats, fibre, and potassium.

Eating a variety of colourful foods isn’t just visually appealing – it’s usually a sign of great ingredient choices. Red foods often contain an antioxidant called lycopene, whilst green vegetables are often packed with iron. This doesn’t mean that beige food needs to be banned as a lot of it is a great source of fibre which aids digestion. Think grains, beans, oats, and potatoes with the skin. These foods can be easily incorporated into classic dinnertime favourites. Why not treat yourself to our easy-to-prepare Flat Iron Steak with an accompaniment of roasted or baked sweet potatoes. Pair with some spinach or kale for a perfectly balanced (and colourful!) meal.

If you’re looking for a meat with a rich and robust flavour, a low fat content and lots of protein, our Lidgate venison is also a great choice. A great source of iron and zinc, this lean meat is definitely the underdog of the nutritious meats. Protein is required for supporting our immune system and repairing tissues, whilst the healthy fats found in duck reduce bad cholesterol and promote better circulation. Jazz up your Sunday Roast with our Gressingham Duck or pan fry our Duck Breasts and serve with this Asian slaw recipe.

There’s plenty more ways to boost the nutrition in your meals, and some great apps that can help you along the way. ‘Ate’ is a mindful food journalling app that can help you track your favourite meals and ‘Plate Joy’ is an app for organising meal plans and grocery lists with a focus on personalised nutrition. Eating well really can transform how you feel, so take some time this month to make nutrition work for you, without compromising on flavour!