1. Avocados are cholesterol free and provide heart healthy vitamin E, folic acid and potassium. And while high in fat for a fruit, most is the healthier unsaturated type.
2. Tomatoes are actually a type of berry and these once exotic fruits were called 'love apples' in the 16th century.
3. Pasta, oats and pulses (peas, beans and lentils) are good sources of 'slow release' carbohydrates that help to keep your blood glucose (sugar) level on an even keel.
4. All types of fruit and vegetables can count towards the recommended '5 a day' - fresh, frozen, dried, juiced and canned - so eating 5 may be easier than you think.
5. A small can (200g) of baked beans counts as one portion towards the recommended '5 a day' of vegetables and fruit.
6. Skimmed and semi skimmed contain as much calcium as full cream so make a healthy choice.
7. 'Low' or 'reduced' fat foods aren't necessarily low calorie foods thanks to extra sugars or starches. Always check the calorie content before you buy.
8. Research from the University of Cardiff found that daily high fibre breakfast cereal (branflakes, All Bran) eaters reported feeling less tired and stressed than those who ate low fibre cereals such as cornflakes.
9. Food eaten late at night is not more fattening. Studies have tested this out and found that it is your total calorie intake over the day that counts.
10. Frozen vegetables can be at least as nutritious as fresh, especially if the fresh have been kept at room temperature for a few days or so.
10. All fruit and vegetables contain different phytochemicals (phyto=plant) which give them their distinctive colours and flavours, and can benefit our health. Mix your colours for optimal benefits.
11. Don't like Brussels sprouts? It could be inherited. Some people carry a gene, which makes them taste unpleasantly bitter. Pity, as the bitter part is good for you!
12. Chocolate tastes so great it seems we release feel good 'endorphin' chemicals in the brain - so want to come back for more. Fortunately, it also provides antioxidants (in the cocoa), and minerals such as magnesium and copper. Milk chocolate contains calcium too.
13.Oysters are the richest source of the mineral zinc - needed for immunity, wound healing, healthy skin and fertility. Also reputed to be Cassanova's favourite food!
14. A pound of body fat contains 3,500 calories. So to lose a pound in a week you need to eat 500 calories less each day (7 x 500 = 3,500). Vice-versa for weight gain.
2. Tomatoes are actually a type of berry and these once exotic fruits were called 'love apples' in the 16th century.
3. Pasta, oats and pulses (peas, beans and lentils) are good sources of 'slow release' carbohydrates that help to keep your blood glucose (sugar) level on an even keel.
4. All types of fruit and vegetables can count towards the recommended '5 a day' - fresh, frozen, dried, juiced and canned - so eating 5 may be easier than you think.
5. A small can (200g) of baked beans counts as one portion towards the recommended '5 a day' of vegetables and fruit.
6. Skimmed and semi skimmed contain as much calcium as full cream so make a healthy choice.
7. 'Low' or 'reduced' fat foods aren't necessarily low calorie foods thanks to extra sugars or starches. Always check the calorie content before you buy.
8. Research from the University of Cardiff found that daily high fibre breakfast cereal (branflakes, All Bran) eaters reported feeling less tired and stressed than those who ate low fibre cereals such as cornflakes.
9. Food eaten late at night is not more fattening. Studies have tested this out and found that it is your total calorie intake over the day that counts.
10. Frozen vegetables can be at least as nutritious as fresh, especially if the fresh have been kept at room temperature for a few days or so.
10. All fruit and vegetables contain different phytochemicals (phyto=plant) which give them their distinctive colours and flavours, and can benefit our health. Mix your colours for optimal benefits.
11. Don't like Brussels sprouts? It could be inherited. Some people carry a gene, which makes them taste unpleasantly bitter. Pity, as the bitter part is good for you!
12. Chocolate tastes so great it seems we release feel good 'endorphin' chemicals in the brain - so want to come back for more. Fortunately, it also provides antioxidants (in the cocoa), and minerals such as magnesium and copper. Milk chocolate contains calcium too.
13.Oysters are the richest source of the mineral zinc - needed for immunity, wound healing, healthy skin and fertility. Also reputed to be Cassanova's favourite food!
14. A pound of body fat contains 3,500 calories. So to lose a pound in a week you need to eat 500 calories less each day (7 x 500 = 3,500). Vice-versa for weight gain.
