Tag Archives: health

Fodmap Friendly Scones

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It’s certainly  been a while since I’ve  posted but doing this blog today has left me wanting to do more. The reason I put off doing them is it always takes me soooo long! However my new approach is going to be to keep them ‘short & sweet’ :-)

Over the last year I have advised around 40 clients on The Low FODMAP Diet and I have seen some remarkable results with 81% experiencing an improvement in their digestive discomfort. You can find out more about the diet via http://bit.ly/kingscollegelowfodmap

I’m always keen to help my clients adapt to their new eating plan and baking is one area that I’m experimenting with. Today I’ve taken my mum’s scone recipe and adapted it to become FODMAP friendly. The results speak for themselves….they have been devoured by my 2 boys & hubbie ;-)

Fodmap Friendly Scones

  • 8 oz | 230g of Gluten Free Self Raising Flour
  • 2 tsp. of Xanthum Gum
  • 2 oz | 60g of soft margarine
  • 1 level tsp. of baking powder
  • 1 free range egg beaten & made up to 150ml with Low Lactose milk or suitable equivalent

Method

  • Add the flour, xanthum gum, baking powder and margarine to a large mixing bowl
  • Option to add a dessert spoonful of ground chia seeds too

  • Break the egg into a measuring jug and top up to 150 mls with low lactose milk
  • Beat the two together and add to the mixing bowl
  • Finally mix all the ingredients with a hand blender

  • Drop the dough onto a floured surface and shape into a ball

  • Flatten out with your hand or a rolling pin until ~ 2 cm thick then using a cutter cut out your scones. The mix usually gives me about 10
  • Brush the tops with a spot of low lactose milk

  • Pop the scones onto a greased baking tray and place in a pre heated oven at 200 C, 400 F or Gas 6 for 15-20 mins

The Finished Scones :-)

After making these I discovered we didn’t have any jam which is what we normally have with them! A quirky but equally tasty alternative turned out to be a drizzle of golden syrup!

I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Emma

x

 

 

 

Nuts & Seeds: My favourite ways to eat them!

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This is my first blog post for some time! I’ve decided to kick start with a foodie related series. If you ask anyone who knows me they will vouch for the fact that where ever I go I usually have some nuts & seeds on me!

Reason being they are easy to transport, packed full of nutrition & help to keep my hunger at bay between meals. People often comment that they would eat more nuts & seeds if they knew how to use them in their meals & snacks.

My Favourite Nuts & Seeds

  • Golden or Brown Linseeds /Flaxseeds
  • Chia Seeds
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Walnuts
  • Hazelnuts
  • Cashew Nuts
  • Almonds Flaked or Whole
  • Peanuts (technically not a nut but a legume/pulse!)

Nuts & Seeds are rich in fat especially the healthy monunsaturated fat and a small portion packs in a lot of calories! They are an excellent source of plant based protein & fibre ..& also a good source of B vitamins & vitamin E.

I’m always looking for easy ways that I can include them in my day to day meals.

Here are my favourite ways to use nuts & seeds…….

Homemade Bread with added Linseeds & Chia Seeds  

I was bought a bread machine by my mum about 7 years ago and it is still going strong! I used to buy & weigh everything out but now for speed I buy a ready mix.

I literally pour the mix into the machine, add a generous handful of linseeds & chia seeds along with 1/2 pint of water

Three hours later the bread is ready & the smell that fills the house is AMAZING!!!! Breakfast is often made with the seeded loaf topped with mum’s homemade marmalade!

 

Porridge with Linseeds & Raspberries

I don’t know about you but I often struggle for time in the mornings and need something that is quick to throw together.

For speed I use the packets of single plain porridge oat sachets, fill the milk to the line on the sachet & pop into the microwave for 2 mins! I then add fresh raspberries, flaked or whole almonds, linseeds & a sprinkle of cinnamon!

Quick, easy to prepare, delicious & perfect for keeping me full till lunchtime!

Wholegrain Pitta with Peanut Butter & Sliced  Banana

I love the combination of these 3 together! This lunch is packed full of energy, healthy fats, slow release carbs, protein, fibre, vitamins & minerals. A healthy fast food!

A Handful of Almonds

 I picked up this little almond tin at last year’s Nutrition & Health Conference and I’ve carried it around with me ever since! It holds the perfect number of almonds for a snack….

You can easily pick up little tins like this in shops why not have a look the next time you are out and about!

I’d love to hear how you use nuts & seeds in your meals & snacks

Emma x

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Liverpool Food Festivals 2011

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This Summer I simply couldn’t wait to visit Liverpool’s summer food festivals to sample locally sourced delicious tasting produce.

I certainly haven’t been disappointed! A few weeks ago I took part in The Liverpool Food & Drink Festival in the city’s Sefton Park.

In-between running my stand I managed to take a look a what everyone else was tasting and taking part in. I will CERTAINLY be back next year!

 Yesterday, which also happened to be my birthday, we took a trip into town to take part in The Hope St Food Fest again nothing disappointed!!

We bought cheeses, Aberdeen Angus beefburgers, delicious chocolates, lavender, almond & rosewater meringues & olive & herb foccacia bread.

I ended up eating way more that I had bargained for then justified it as a “birthday treat” !

If you are on facebook you can view all my pics from the two festivals here

http://on.fb.me/oP5nk0

One stall that caught my eye yesterday was “The Brink”

It is not a charity but a recovery social enterprise.

The Brink won’t be selling alcohol when it opens in doors but aims to deliver much, much more in health and community benefits.

They will stock a wide selection of great local and seasonal provisions, make their own delicious bread and freshly squeezed juices.

Their team will be working with a wonderful collection of local and organic food from the North West. You can read all about The Brink on their website http://bit.ly/qsza4m . It is due to open in Liverpool in the very near future! I now have a fab new Brink Bag as well :)

I now need to find myself some local Autumnal and Winter Foodie Festivals to attend as I have definitely caught the bug for trying to include locally sourced foods whenever I can.

If you have any great finds of your own it would be great to hear from you…do share!!

Thanks

Emma x