May Newsletter: Volume 1 Issue 4

Eating Seasonally …

Eating with the Seasons makes a lot of sense.  Not only because it reduces your carbon footprint and helps the environment, but as its a better, more sustainable way to eat, and better for your purse. Being aware of the number of miles food makes before reaching your table is  important. You might not have given it much thought until now but it is worth noting where your food comes from.  Most seasonal food is available in the supermarkets or local organic market shop but theres also a lot that is not.  Theres’ a high chance a lot of the food you see in supermarkets have been flown half way across the world to reach your fridge and the cost to the world economy and eco systems is rising.  Consider how different your life might be if you ate food that was grown in the UK and produced for the season.

Some facts to consider in making your decision.  1. Food grown out of season are often sprayed with more herbicides and no organic chemicals because it requires a little bending of nature’s rules for these foods to survive. 2. The strange assortment of food available in shops is not produced ethically and may come from places where it is costing the earth in other ways e.g .in  their eco systems or farming methods to supply the demand for fruit and vegetables that should not be produced in this way.    

In 2012, only 23% of the fruit and vegetables we bought were home grown. In 2018 60% of fruit and veg are produced and 40% imported so we are making tracks in the right direction but we still have a long way to go.  We’re only a small country, and far from self-sufficient.  Use this link to read a guardian article on the fruit and veg perceived to be at danger.

 My monthly newsletter gives you a flavour of whats’ in season below.  I know from personal experience how much better strawberries taste in May- August- Sept. and notice how sweet and succulent they taste. 

In conclusion seasonal food is less expensive and cheaper to produce because it doesn’t cost the earth to produce and  available at the right time  of the year when they should be available.  

What’s In Season This Month  

Herbs: basil, chervil, chives, dill, rosemary, sorrel, nasurtium, tarragon,

Meat: duck , lamb, wood pigeon : In May and June lamb is at its most tender but as the season progresses the flavour develops.

Vegetables:  asparagus, artichoke, carrots, jersey royal new potatoes, radishes, rhubarb, rocket, sorrel,  spring onions, watercress, lettuce & salad leaves, new potatoes, purple sprouting broccoli, radishes, rocket, samphire, spinach, spring onions, watercress, wild nettles, wild garlic.

Pulses: Chick Peas, Fava Beans

Sustainable Fish is available from different parts of the UK depending on what is available:  Avoid eating line caught fish.  Wild is best although not affordable for everyone.  This is what’s in season now across the UK.

Mays calendar for Fish: cod, crab, brill, whitebait, anchovies, dabs, dover sole, hake, monkfish, pollack, skate, turbot, halibut, herring, john dory, lamb, lemon sole, mackerel, plaice, salmon, samphire, sardines, sea bass, sea trout, coley,  langoustine, native lobster, plaice, prawns, salmon, sea trout, shrimp.

Fruit: rhubarb,  bananas (Windward), rhubarb, Mangos Alfonso ( May) and Safeda  (April-May from Asia)

India Safeda/ Banganapalli – Mango 
Season – April to June- pictured above are Safeda on the left and Alfonso on the right.  

This is interestingly one of the earliest varieties of mangoes to arrive at Asian  high streets and markets. Originally from Andhra Pradesh, Safeda has found widespread acceptance and popularity across India.  The skin has a lovely bright yellow hue and the taste is slightly sour. Funnily enough, I only came across these once I had moved to London and shopped at Turnpike lane.  

These mangoes are quite delicious and available locally at places like Turnpike Lane, Wood Green Market,  food markets.  Unfortunately they have been shipped across the globe for us and being of Asian descent the only way my children will enjoy their flavours so we make a concession and buy these once a year.  

Full Moon on 30th April was in Scorpio –   This moon was helpful to women and their reproductive health.  Otherwise consider this moon for planting and sowing the seeds for your projects and new interests as opportunities are precious. Take time out to  reflect and bring in the new intentions to reap what you sow!

Full Moon in May 29th in Sagittarius-  Good for the Hips, Pelvis, Ilium,sacrum and using the sacral feminine energy – Any sciatic, nerve or pains related to the back down to the thighs can be taken care of using the energy of the moon. Sounds a lot but this what the moon is all about. Take time out and be nurtured.  A great time for planting and sowing seeds – such as broad beans, mange tout, radishes, beetroots for late summer so you get to reap their rewards later!! think about what you want or need in your life and bring it in … as doing so will certainly be fruitful …. some things to think about.

I advise you to drink more water between 3-5pm to support the kidneys  as doing this  can have a double affect on these organs.  Try drinking warm nettle tea which is readily available now and FREE!!!  or simple purified  water will also be great and help loosen toxins from the body through the kidneys and liver.   You might want to eat less on these days or try a liquid fast for the  as this helps the cleansing process during the 2 or 3 days after the Full  Moon and helps in the releasing of toxins through the lymph system.  Dry brushing of he skin is also particularly helpful.  Always brush towards the heart. Refer to my 10 Steps to a healthier you for further details for further tips .  

 

What are the benefits?
The benefits of taking nettle  tea will show up quickly in your skin health, energy and  digestion.

I  advise anyone interested  to have a personalised consultation to Call me on 07976686592 if you want to book a consultation.

Feature from last month 

Last month I  wrote about Herbicide glyphosate (an active ingredient used in Roundup) and its harmful affects on our food.  Try to eat Organic wheat and rice products including breads and take care to wash thoroughly all vegetables and fruits that are non organic.  Check out Aprils issue for further details.  April 2018 Newsletter: Volume 1 Issue 3

Nourishing Families

Here are some tips to help with Stress  being encountered by anyone in your  household ; spouse or kids.  

1.Start with a protein or good carb  breakfast: Oats- porridge, homemade  simple Muesli, recipes for homemade museli  and Pura is shown below.  

Indian breakfasts are great such as Chilli’s Upma, poha  or Idlis  and good protein sources of  Low glycemic index food which provide the right supply of glucose to feed muscles and brain. A protein rich breakfast increase tyrosine (an amino acid) level in the blood and helps the  brain and  nerve cells manufacture chemicals which keep everyone alert and active.  Eggs are always a great alternative if you prefer to have them. 

2.Snacks Fresh fruits/fruit smoothies/soaked dry fruits or nuts. Pre soaked for 4 hours then baked : nuts or seeds are great  stress busters. Dr Sheila West found “In adults with diabetes, two servings of pistachios per day lowered vascular constriction during stress and improved neural control of the heart, professor of biobehavioral health and nutritional sciences. Nuts contain good fats, fiber, potassium and antioxidants and therefore nuts are an important component of maintaining a heart healthy.  Walnuts , pumpkin seeds are rich in omega3. 

3. Keep hydrated: A dehydrated, body and mind can get distracted and unfocussed.    If they do not like drinking  pure water make a homemade ginger beer, lemonade or fresh juice made in a masticating juicer.  Green tea chilled is also a good alternative and antioxidant rich. Stop buying fizzy sugary or Zero calorie drinks . These are empty calories and not healthy for anyone.

4. Avoid too much sugar and processed foods: Chocolate ( unless Organic, raw and unprocessed are full of bad sugar!  sorry to say.  Did you know there are now 56 names for sugar being put in food including wheat!  Scary. Shop bought Biscuits and cakes will raise insulin levels and increase the  sugar rush.  Try to buy good brands such as organic or with natural sugars and unrefined flours.  

 7. Make sure you have stress-buster foods:  In Stressful times  the body needs more water-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin B complex and C, and the need for zinc is increased to help boost and support immunity. These are critical for synthesising and the function of the adrenal hormones which are our fight or flight mode. Food to help these stress-fighting hormones are  omega 3 rich nuts, eggs, good carbs such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Anti-oxidants like Vitamins A, C and E also reduce free radical damage to brain cells due to increased stress by fighting the free radicals. Eggs, fish, carrots, pumpkins, green leafy veggies, fresh fruits are amazing for helping us in times of crisis and stress and increase the body’s natural defence and immunity.

8. Memory enhancer foods:Omega 3 rich food from  fish, flax help are helpful to enhance brain function and memory. 

9. Time out: give yourself time out and have some fun.  Watching something you enjoy when your relaxing.  Laughter is a great stress booster.  Taking a nice soak using essential oils can also be helpful and lavender geranium and mandarin oil is a good blend to have.  Make time for yourself and be selfish.  For kids or loved ones, get them to wind down before bed with a nice magazine or music they enjoy.   

My Recipes for this month – Pura crepes 

Pura  crepes

Ingredients

30gms of Gram Flour

1 small onion

1 tsp coriander and cumin seeds

fresh coriander

½ tsp rock salt or boullion

½ fresh chilli

Not an amazing picture as I took it, but believe me  – very tasty !! 

Method 

Sive gram flour and salt into a large mixing bowl.

Place onions and chillies into a blender and blitz. ..

Add carom or cumin seeds.

Add fresh chopped coriander.

Stir in water to create a loose batter – leave for about

30 minutes.

Heat the non stick pan on a medium heat and pour in about two

teaspoons of oil.

Makes about 6 pura’s

This is a great  weekend breakfast.  Can be kept chilled in the fridge for up to 4 days so if you want to make a batch before work or school do as they work well for lunch too.  

 

The FACTS

Pura is made with chick pea flour.  An excellent source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, carbohydrates, and a the long list of vitamins and minerals go on and on.  .These are  versatile little peas which are a staple of many meals.  Great for any vegetarians and vegans- athletes or executive too.  

Spring is green chickpea season too and fresh  look like Edamame beans.  By mid-June, they will have changed  into the tougher yellow garbanzo beans which we will mostly be familiar with.  

 They can  be found possibly in Asian or World food supermarkets.

 

Home made Nimbo: Lemonade 

5 lemons – freshly squeezed 

Natural sugar-  I use ‘Goor’ a natural product of sugar cane and great natural way to get sugar. I am from a family of famers in India and this is how my mum used to make it.  

Ginger grated ( optional) 

add lemon juice, sugar to approx 1.5  litres of boiling water-  serve chilled.  Add Mint or fresh Ginger when served.  Makes approximately 

Homemade muesli  4-5  servings 

INGREDIENTS

Continue using Nettles as a Immune Booster

Nettles contain vital boosting properties for  the immune system including autoimmunity  vitamins A, C, E, and K. It  contains minerals that help the body stay healthy. Vitamins A and C support the immune system directly. Boosting Women’s Health: Baby Nettles

Please share with people you think will enjoy and sign up to  my monthly newsletter.   Questions or comments are also welcome. Thanks for reading.  Get in touch below if you are interested in having a consultation or nutrition plan created.   Call me on 07976686592 (Randhiraj Bilan)