With the clocks going back last weekend, it unfortunately means earlier sunsets and less daylight hours ahead.  And we all know how good for us the sunshine can be…. especially in getting that dose of Vitamin D!

Most Vitamin D is obtained from exposure of the skin to sunlight, where ten minutes of exposure can result in approximately 400IU of cholecalciferol (D3, the active form).  It is therefore not really an actual vitamin, but when sun exposure is inadequate, dietary sources should also be considered.

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So I had my first Persimmon today, kindly given to me by my Airbnb host in Seville.

Grown in the Ribera del Xúquer Valley (Xúquer river valley) near Valencia in Spain, they have a sweet, flavour similar to peach or mango and are only available for a short period of time; from mid-October until January.

It is known as the Rojo Brillante (Bright Red) in this area, although the real colour is actually bright orange and can sometimes be speckled with natural sugar freckles. These appear as the fruit ripens and indicate extra sweetness, just like a banana’s brown flecks.

So, for me it was actually a bit sweet (due also to the high fructose level, so have in moderation); but I really enjoyed it and always love trying new and local things! 🙂

And, for its nutritional benefits alone, it is definitely worth trying!

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Commuting times have increased 72 per cent over the last decade, and according to the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) it is associated with ‘increased stress, higher blood pressure and BMI; as well as reduced time available for health-promoting activities such as cooking, exercising and sleeping’¹.

The average commuter also apparently eats an extra 767 calories a week as a result of snacking on the way and having less time to prepare healthy meals¹.

So, what can we do to help commuters?

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With the school holidays coming to an end (sigh!) and the kids due back to school, try beating the colds and flu with some fresh lemon in water first thing!

Not only will it stimulate the liver and improve detoxification, but it also….

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Although it may not always feel that it, summer is officially upon us!  Glastonbury has just past us by, Wimbledon has just started and hopefully the summer also means lots of sun, barbeques and other festivals too!  And what better way to prepare for such than with natural coconut water…

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Cellulite is not pleasant anytime, but when you may be about to hit the beach, even less so! So here is what cellulite actually is as well as some tips on how to reduce it…naturally!

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Want to avoid symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itching, congestion and coughing this season?  Hayfever affects the mucous membranes of the sinuses, nose, throat and eyes and is a result of inflammatory reactions to pollen, grass etc. that stimulate the immune system.  If we can try to stop the cause of these reactions then we have a good chance of reducing these symptoms, and since allergies are often due to weakened immune and digestive systems, let’s start here, and earlier the better!…

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With the clocks moving forwards one hour, marking the start of Spring, what better time than now to start eating according to the season.

Spring is the time for renewed energy, a fresh outlook and new ideas, and what about a fresh new approach to eating too?

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I came to Mysore to learn more about Ashtanga, and what better place than in the home of Ashtanga, where Pattabhi Jois’s school resides, but I had no idea that I would end up here for almost 5 weeks!

To be honest, it was quite a difficult time for me, and I will write in more detail about that and my Ashtanga and back bending experiences soon, but typically only on leaving and arriving in Rishikesh with its crazy busy streets and much more expensive food, have I realised that I actually had quite a good thing there! Not dissing Rishikesh at all though, and excited about my time here but feel the need nevertheless to let others know about the great food in Mysore!

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Want to gift an Easter egg but know it will just cause guilt or sugar highs and lows?  Or want something different for the kids other than MORE chocolate?

Why not try your local health shop for some natural dark chocolate eggs without the glucose; or ‘Moofree’ ones if you really need the creaminess!

Or, even better, try making your own!  Not only can you guarantee no extra naughties or preservatives but it can actually be lots of fun… especially if kids are involved.

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