It can be difficult to eat healthily at this time of year – there are way too many temptations! Rather than risk offending your hosts or depriving yourself or your guests, try the following swaps and choices that may mitigate at least some of the damage.
There’s been a lot in the press over the last year or so about the dangers of sugar. In nutritional circles, this is old news, but we have been heartened to see, not only the media but parliament finally catching up on this insidious threat to the nation's health.
This week is International Stress Awareness week, with 7th November being National Stress Awareness Day. These days there can be few people who are unable to identify any major sources of stress in our lives. Work pressure, family demands, upkeep of homes, financial concerns, uncertainty about the future are standard fare these days.
Who knew there was an International Sloth Day??!! Apparently, this day was created in 2010 by the AIUNAU Foundation, a non-profit conservation, and wildlife organization based in Colombia. The unofficial holiday raises awareness about the life cycle and natural habitat of the Sloth. The day also calls on people to learn more about these native South and Central American animals.
Eggs are such a wonderful food!! Quick, easy, versatile, cheap, portable and highly nutritious, they are perfect for any meal, sweet or savory. There is so much nutrition crammed into this little package. Eggs are a great source of complete protein (has all the essential amino acids), plus vitamins A, B2, B12, D, Folate, Biotin, Choline, Phosphorus, Iodine and Selenium. And all for only 70 calories for a medium-sized egg!
World Vegetarian Day was founded in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) and October 1st is the start of Vegetarian Awareness Month. Much has been said about the benefits of a vegetarian diet, both to human health and the health of the planet. Many studies over the years have shown that vegetarians tend to have lower rates of coronary heart disease, lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, lower the rate of cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the provenance of their food and with good reason. Non-organic food may have been genetically modified, sprayed with a variety of pesticides, fungicides, weed killers, washed with chlorine-based detergents and polished with waxes. The debate about the effect on our health of these chemicals either individually or cumulatively rages on.
Recent research has found that the average woman in the UK spends over £2,000 per year on beauty products, with the 45 – 54-year-old group spending the most. But did you know that eating blueberries and dark chocolate can keep you looking young and wrinkle-free? Flavonoids contained in these foods help rejuvenate DNA in our cells and stop the degeneration of telomeres, the protective tips of our chromosomes. Flavonoids are also found in red grapes and red wine.
Over the last few years, many studies have shown the benefit of calorie restriction and intermittent fasting. Benefits include weight loss, increased fat burning, muscle gain, improved energy levels, and improved insulin sensitivity. A recent trial, known as CALERIE (Comprehensive Assessment of the Long Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy) tested the metabolic effects of calorie restriction in a group of 53 healthy, non-obese volunteers who cut calories by 15% over two years.
When people arrive at Homefield, we ask them to keep the public spaces, i.e. our lounge, dining room, garden, and courtyard as technology-free zones leaving mobile phones, laptops, and tablets in their bedrooms. Not only is this detox from technology a gesture of courtesy to fellow guests, but it also a step in helping to protect you against the many health concerns associated with mobile phone use. There has been a lot of publicity recently about the blue light from phone and other devices affecting levels of melatonin which is important for sleep, but other issues such as low sperm count, depression, mental illness, contact dermatitis, crossed eyes and “text neck” have all been associated with overuse of mobile phones.
how to find us
Based in beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, just a short taxi ride from Kettering station and less than an hour from London. We’re easily accessible by train or road.
We are a ten minute taxi ride from Kettering Station. East Midlands Trains operate a direct 55 minute journey time from St Pancras station twice every hour.
