Thyme-buttered cabbage ... a simple recipe suggestion to start the week

A simple recipe suggestion to start the week ...

Why not turn cabbage into a tasty side dish with a generous splash of cream and fresh thyme. I like Savoy cabbage but use a cabbage you enjoy.

Ingredients

Serves Two
200ml/7fl oz vegetable or chicken stock
¼ green cabbage (such as sweetheart* or Savoy), shredded
100ml/3½fl oz double (heavy) cream
2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
25g/1oz butter, chopped

Method
1. Bring the stock to the boil in a saucepan, then add the cabbage. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened, then stir in the cream and thyme.
2. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes, or until the cabbage is completely softened, then stir in the butter. Serve.

*also known as pointed/hispi/sugarloaf cabbage

From an idea seen here

~ I'm looking forward to seeing flowering daffodils soon ~

You will find a variety of recipe ideas and articles within this blog. Please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Some creative ways to re-use old towels that can help birds and hedgehogs this winter

"The creative way gardeners are reusing old towels to help birds and hedgehogs this winter.

Every home has that one greying towel that’s dried more bodies than you dare to count. But instead of tossing it, take note from gardeners, who are giving old towels a second life as winter wildlife protectors – and keeping some of our most beloved native critters warm through the coldest months.

Oh yes, when the nights draw in and the first frosts arrive, our gardens quietly become a lifeline for wildlife. Hedgehogs search for safe places to hibernate, birds work overtime to conserve precious energy, and insects look for any scrap of shelter from the cold.

And that aforementioned towel? The one that’s all but falling apart and taking up space in your airing cupboard? This wildlife garden idea could be the best and most eco-friendly solution available, so long as you do it properly...

Upcycling towels in your wildlife garden

If you want to reuse old towels as winter wildlife protectors, the most important thing to remember is this: not all towels are created equal. In fact, Morris Hankinson, director of 'Hopes Grove Nurseries', advises sticking to natural fibres only.

'Old towels can be useful for winter wildlife protection, but it is important to only use natural fibre towels such as 100% cotton or bamboo,' he says.

'Remove any loose strands, hooks or loops, and avoid scented towels or those washed with fabric softener.'

That vital caveat in place, then, here are five easy ways to give old towels a second life outdoors...

1. Insulate a hedgehog house

Hedgehog houses can be a vital refuge during winter, and a little extra insulation can make a big difference during freezing weather. Enter stage left, then, the not-so-humble towel.

'Towels can be helpful for lining the roof of a hedgehog house,' says Morris, 'as long as the entrance and floor remain clear.'

If you fancy taking this chance to reuse old towels as winter wildlife protectors, then fold dry towels neatly and place them along the roof or sides of your hedgehog hideaway. Take care, too, to add a waterproof layer on top to keep everything dry.

REMEMBER: if towels become damp, they should be removed and replaced. Moisture can make animals colder rather than warmer, so regular checks are essential.

2. Create shelter for hibernating amphibians
Frogs, toads and newts all seek sheltered, frost-free spots to overwinter. Thankfully, old towels can help create a snug temporary home; you just have to fold and place them inside an upturned crate, flowerpot or wooden box, positioned in a quiet, sheltered corner of the garden.

'Add fallen leaves over the top for extra insulation,' Morris suggests. 'The moisture and warmth of the towels will create a comfortable winter shelter.'

He adds that you should take care to avoid disturbing these shelters once they’re in place, as hibernating amphibians rely on being left undisturbed to survive the cold months.

3. Help stop bird baths freezing solid

Birds need access to fresh water year-round, but frozen bird baths can quickly become unusable in winter.

Wrapping an old towel around the base of a bird bath and securing it with string can help slow down the freezing process. This won’t stop ice completely in very cold weather, but it can keep water accessible for longer.

'Towels should never be placed inside bird nesting boxes, as they can snag claws,' says Steven Bell, gardening enthusiast and founder of 'Paving Shopper.'

However, he points out that you can pop old towels inside open-fronted sheds or lean-tos where birds naturally roost, as these dry, insulated areas give birds a welcome refuge during harsh weather, particularly overnight.

4. Add extra insulation to bug hotels
Bug hotels provide valuable winter homes for bees, ladybirds, beetles and other beneficial insects, but prolonged cold snaps can still be dangerous.

'Adding some extra insulation can be lifesaving,' says Morris. He suggests you cut old towels into strips and gently tuck them behind bamboo canes, pine cones or other materials inside bug hotels.

The fabric will help trap warmth and reduces exposure to icy winds without blocking airflow, significantly improving survival rates until spring

5. Keep towels handy for wildlife emergencies

It’s always worth keeping one or two old towels aside for unexpected encounters. Towels are invaluable if you come across a cold or stunned bird, a hedgehog out during daylight, or an injured small mammal.

'It might be too ratty to dry yourself with, but that old towel can be used to gently contain an animal, keep it warm, and protect both you and the creature while you seek advice from a wildlife rescue organisation,' promises Steven.

FAQs

Can you use old towels in the garden?
'Old towels are ideal for garden reuse because they’re insulating, absorbent, flexible, and breathable,' says Steven Bell of Paving Shopper. 'Best of all, they’re usually destined for the bin, making this a zero-cost, low-waste solution.'

To that end, then, he recommends repurposing them as 'plant protection during frosty spells, especially for potted plants that are more vulnerable to freezing'.

'Wrap towels around pots or drape them over tender plants overnight, securing loosely with garden twine. This helps protect roots from freezing temperatures while still allowing air circulation. In the morning, remove them to prevent excess moisture building up,' he says, noting that insects sheltering in plant bases benefit from the extra insulation as an added bonus.

Does the RSPCA want old towels?
If you don't want to reuse old towels as winter wildlife protectors in your own garden, it's worth considering that the RSPCA is always in need of towels and fleecy bedding for the animals at their homing centres.

The Dogs Trust also welcome old towels.

And just like that, you know how to reuse old towels as winter wildlife protectors! What a brilliant way to help nature and give that threadbare rag a second lease of life outdoors, eh?

Give it a go this winter, and you may find that your garden’s smaller residents thank you for it. Quietly, of course. From a cosy, towel-lined hideaway."

Words and pictures from article seen here

~ ----- xxxxx ----- ~

This blog is presented in a magazine style. You will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, photographs, music and recipes! However, not all the recipe ideas featured in this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

Did You Know ?

 

Giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than people. 

True, there are only five well-documented fatal lightning strikes on giraffes between 1996 and 2010. But due to the population of the species being just 140,000 during this time, it makes for about 0.003 lightning deaths per thousand giraffes each year. This is 30 times the equivalent fatality rate for humans.

Read more here

The fear of long words is called Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia. 

Goodness! That is a long word!

This 36-letter word was first used by the Roman poet Horace in the first century BCE to criticise those writers with an unreasonable penchant for long words. It was American poet Aimee Nezheukumatathil, who coined the term how we know it in 2000.

Read more here

The world’s oldest dog lived to 29.5 years old. 

While the median age a dog reaches tends to be about 10-15 years, one Australian cattle dog, ‘Bluey’, survived to the ripe old age of 29.5.

Read more here

The world’s oldest cat lived to 38 years and three days old.

Creme Puff was the oldest cat to ever live.

Read more here

The biggest butterfly in the world has a 31cm wingspan.

It belongs to the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing butterfly, which you can find in the forests of the Oro Province, in the east of Papua New Guinea.

Read more here

I hope you enjoyed these five facts - did you know any of them?
Do please share your thoughts in the comments.

the snowdrop is one of the January birth flowers see here

This blog is presented in a magazine style, and you will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, funnies, photographs, music and recipes. However, not all the recipe ideas featured in this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic (more about this here) and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Meatball, Lentil and Cabbage Hotpot : Warming on Cooler Days

This comforting, warming and tasty hotpot recipe comes from 'Sainsbury's' so uses a lot of their own items. It is simple to create, because it uses their own ready-made meatballs. However, as with most recipes, little tweaks and subtle changes can be made to better suit you ... i.e. you may prefer to make your own meatballs, and sauce - or use a different brand!

Ingredients
Serves Four
1 tbsp oil
560 g ready-made beef meatballs with tomato sauce and Parmesan
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tsp smoked paprika, plus an extra pinch to garnish
390 g carton chopped tomatoes with basil and oregano
500 ml beef stock
120 g dried green lentils
14 g fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, plus extra to garnish
0.25 Savoy cabbage, shredded
1 courgette (zucchini), trimmed, halved horizontally, and cut into crescents
4 tsp 50% (less fat) crème fraîche

Method
1. Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 10 minutes, turning, until brown all over. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Add the onion, garlic and paprika to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, until the onion is soft. Return the meatballs to the pan with the tomatoes, stock, lentils and sachets of sauce and Parmesan from the meatball pack. Turn up the heat and boil for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
3. Stir in the parsley, cabbage and courgette, and cook for 10 minutes. Serve with the crème fraîche sprinkled with the extra paprika and a scattering of parsley.

Sit down and enjoy.

Meals like this really lend themselves to the white bowl type serving dish as seen in the picture above.

This makes a great Friday night ... end of week dish. Or indeed you may prefer to make and enjoy it over the weekend. The choice as ever, dear reader, is yours.

Each serving provides
23.2g carbohydrate 6.3g fibre 35.4g protein 25.5g Fat
Original recipe idea can be seen here
If you would like a recipe for meatless meatballs see here

~enjoy your January days ~

This blog brings a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas, something for everyone to read and enjoy. Please note, not all recipes may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Thai Green Curry : A Joe Wicks Recipe

Fragrant and filling, this Thai green curry from Joe Wicks, is packed with protein and will surely keep the whole family happy.

If you ever find yourself craving a takeaway, give this recipe a go instead. It’s simple and delicious, says Joe. Avoid the tinned coconut milks, which often contain gums and emulsifiers, and instead opt for the solid block of creamed coconut, which is 99.9% pure coconut.

The great thing with curries like this is you can really throw in any of your favourite veg. So, if you don’t enjoy the texture of aubergine/eggplant, you could use courgette/zucchini, baby corn or mangetout (also called snow peas/sugar snap peas). 

Whatever you go for, it’s guaranteed to taste incredible.

Ingredients

Serves 4

100g creamed coconut block, roughly chopped
10g desiccated coconut
4 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, or 8 large skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 800g), roughly chopped
1tsp ground ginger
1tsp garlic powder
2-3tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 aubergine/eggplant, cut into 1-2cm diced
170g green Thai curry paste
1x400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
280g uncooked basmati rice or lower carb frozen cauliflower rice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve
1 red chilli, thinly sliced (deseeded if preferred)
Handful of coriander leaves, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges or cheeks - see how here

Method
1. Add 400 millilitres boiling-hot water to a heatproof jug and add the creamed coconut pieces. Leave to dissolve, whisking if necessary.
2. Toast the desiccated coconut in a dry frying pan over a medium high heat for three to four minutes until golden, stirring regularly (be careful: it can burn quickly). Set aside in a bowl.
3. Add the chopped chicken to a large bowl and sprinkle over the ginger and garlic. Toss well to evenly coat.
4. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan or wok over a high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for four to five minutes per batch until golden brown all over, adding another tablespoon of oil for each batch. Transfer to a bowl, season and set aside.
5. Add more oil to the same pan over a medium-high heat, add the aubergine/eggplant and stir-fry for three to four minutes until softened and starting to caramelise. Reduce the heat to medium and add the curry paste and coconut milk. Bring to the boil and let it cook for several minutes until the coconut milk reduces by more than half.
6. Reduce the heat to low, add the rinsed chickpeas and return the chicken pieces to the pan (along with any juices from the bowl). Leave to warm through until ready to serve.
7. Meanwhile, cook the basmati rice according to the packet instructions (usually in a saucepan of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes). Once cooked, drain the rice in a sieve and season with salt. Stir through half the toasted coconut.

If using frozen cauliflower rice follow cooking instructions on pack and follow instructions above.
8. Serve the chicken with the rice (of your choice), scattering over the remaining coconut. Top the chicken with sliced chilli and coriander and serve with lime wedges or cheeks on the side to squeeze over.

You may also like to see this recipe by Joe Wicks

Scrambled Egg and Feta Hash, for breakfast or lunch see the recipe here

~ wishing you a happy day ~

You will find a variety of recipe ideas and articles within this blog. Please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

DIABETES NEWS : 'NICE is assessing first immunotherapy drug to delay type one diabetes'

Sharing this article posted by Dr Katharine Morrison on The Diabetes Diet Blog here

"Adapted from BMJ 23 August 2025

The UK drug regulator has approved the first immunotherapy to be licenced to delay the progression of type one diabetes in patients with the early stage of the disease.

MHRA says that teplizumab (Tzield) manufactured by Sanofi, can be given to children over aged 8 and adults who have stage 2 of the disease and are at high risk of progressing to stage 3. At stage 3 blood sugars are raised and usually symptomatic.

If the condition can be detected at stage 2, a 14 day course of daily infusions can delay the onset of symptomatic type one diabetes by an average of three years. It works by binding to certain immune cells and may deactivate those cells that attack insulin producing cells, while increasing the cells that moderate the immune response.

NICE is determining the cost effectiveness of the programme and will decide if it should be rolled out in the NHS. The final report has not yet been published but draft guidance as of January 2026 indicates that it will not be rolled out in the NHS.

------------------------

Dr Katharine Morrison comment: This article was published in September 2025 following approval made by the MHRA in August. So far I’ve heard nothing as to whether this drug has been approved by NICE or not. NICE is very keen on value for money. Apart from that, an important aspect is how clinicians are meant to identify those individuals who are on the cusp of developing symptomatic diabetes but who don’t yet know it. Siblings of Type Ones are at high risk (1 in 20 as far as I remember) and children of Type One men (1 in 3). I would imagine that one strategy would be monthly to three monthly finger prick blood sugar tests for those at risk over the age of 8. Time will tell."

-------------------------

Update 12 January 2026

The European Commission has approved Teizeild, the European brand name for the immunotherapy teplizumab, for use in people with stage 2 type 1 diabetes (T1D). This marks an important step forward in efforts to delay the progression of the condition.

Read more here

My comment: So thankful for the continued research that goes into Type One Diabetes and indeed all types of diabetes, but what will NICE do?

Will they approve, and will it be rolled out for the NHS?

We shall have to wait a little longer to find out - see here

All the best Jan

This Tuesday ... why not enjoy a Pork, Spinach and Butter Bean Traybake

Enjoy this simple, hearty pork, spinach and butter bean traybake, brimming with vibrant spinach and creamy butter beans ... but see below if you would prefer a vegetarian alternative!

Ingredients

Serves Four (but easily adaptable to suit)
4 (British) pork chops approx. 700g
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, finely sliced​
3 garlic cloves, finely sliced
6 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves picked
1 tsp Dijon mustard​
2 x 400g tins butter beans
½ reduced-salt vegetable stock cube, made up to 150ml
220g baby spinach, washed
crusty bread, to serve (optional)
you can see six lower carb bread suggestions here

Method

1. Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Remove the pork chops from the fridge; drizzle over 1 tbsp oil, season and rub to coat. Cover and set aside.
2. Heat the remaining oil in a deep, ovenproof frying pan or shallow, flameproof casserole dish over a medium heat. Fry the red onion for 8-10 mins, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelised. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for another 2 mins. Stir in the mustard and butter beans, along with the liquid from the tins. Pour in the stock, bring to a simmer, then transfer the pan to the oven for 15 mins.
3. Meanwhile, heat a frying pan over a high heat. Sear the pork for 1 min each side until browned. Sear for an extra 30 secs on the fat edge (this may need to be done in batches). Transfer to a plate.
4. Stir the spinach through the beans (it will wilt down), then top with the pork and any juices. Return to the oven for 8-10 mins, until the pork is just cooked and the beans are thickened. Serve with crusty bread, if you like.

Each serving contains

Carbohydrate 22.5g Protein 46.3g Fat 31g Fibre 10g
From idea seen here

Alternative Vegetarian Tray bake
Prebiotic Roasted Tray Bake With Tahini Drizzle - more details here

~ enjoy your day ~

Dear reader, you will find a variety of recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues please take these into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Extend and improve your life by getting more creative!

I know many of you who read and also comment on this blog are creative, and I do always enjoy visiting the many bloggers who feature and enjoy art. Did you know that there is growing evidence that creativity can boost your health?

"How to extend and improve your life by getting more creative

Growing evidence reveals that creativity is one of the best-kept secrets for boosting your health. From live theatre to a quick crafting break, here’s how to harness the power of art in your everyday life.

Cut your sugar, get some exercise, stop smoking, eat your vegetables, take supplements, don’t stress, sleep well. Every day, we are bombarded with information about how to live longer, healthier, happier lives. But there is one crucial piece of health advice I bet you have never been given. It’s probably the most enjoyable health tip you could be told, but the data supporting it has – to date – remained a bizarrely well-kept secret: engage in the arts.

Over the past few decades, evidence has been accumulating to suggest that being more creative works wonders for our health. Programmes being developed around the world are starting to integrate the arts into healthcare, with astonishing results, from music in surgery reducing the amount of sedatives, opioids and anti-anxiety meds needed, to dance programmes helping people with Parkinson’s disease to walk.

But the arts aren’t just there for us when we are sick. Crafts, singing, theatre, dance, reading, writing and drawing are inherently good for us as part of our day-to-day lives, even if thoughts about our health are far from our minds."
Words above seen here and more to read here

The two images on this post are from google. I do enjoy what I would term simple drawing and colouring, it can be relaxing and therapeutic.

Do please share your thoughts on this post in the comments below ...

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles and recipes within this blog and not all will be suitable, or relevant to you. Please be aware that the articles within this blog (and any comments) are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.

Always take account of your personal circumstances, needs, illnesses and medication you may be taking. If you have any concerns about your general health, including medication, you should contact your Doctor / health care provider.

All the best Jan

Happy Sunday

 

image from here

Whatever your plans are,

I wish you a happy and peaceful day.

All the best Jan

Sausage and Sweet Potato Frittata

 

Ingredients

Serves Four

2tbsp olive oil
450/455g pork sausages (or sausages of your choice)
1 sweet potato (about 225g/8oz) peeled and thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
50g baby spinach leaves, roughly sliced
8 large eggs
1tbsp snipped chives, plus extra to garnish
green salad, to serve

Method

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick frying pan with a heatproof handle. Add the sausages (no need to prick them) and fry over a medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly browned. Remove, drain on kitchen paper and allow to cool slightly before cutting each one into 5 diagonal slices.
2. Wipe out the pan, then pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and heat up. Tip in the the sweet potato and red onion and stir fry for 10-12 minutes until softened and turning golden. Stir in the spinach for a few seconds (just enough to wilt) then return the sausages to the pan. Preheat the grill to high.
3. Beat the eggs, season, pour them into the pan, then scatter over with the snipped chives. Cook over a medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the edges begin to set. Place the pan under the grill for a few more minutes until the top begins to puff up and is lightly browned. Scatter over the remaining snipped chives, and serve with a green salad.

This frittata is good served cold as well as warm.

From idea seen here

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene). They are also a very good source of vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6. Additionally, they are a good source of potassium, dietary fibre, niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and phosphorus.

The carbohydrate content in sweet potatoes, (and white potatoes), will result in a blood sugar impact in any serving size and many diabetics choose not to eat them. However, sweet potatoes are naturally more nutrient-dense; so if you do choose to eat them they could be the better option between the two!

~ enjoy your January days ~

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues please take these into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Tips on How to Keep Warm in Winter

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere we are in winter and somedays the weather can be rather cold! In today's post you can read a few tips on how to keep warm in winter ... and if you have any tips do please share them in the comments section.

1. Dress in Layers
Bundle up. Wear long underwear, sweaters, and even hats indoors. Remember the days of “sleeping caps”? They make sense! Yes, wear a cap or hat to keep your head warm. If you’re headed outside, cover your face with a scarf.

2. Keep Your Feet Warm
Consider wearing socks and slippers when you are indoors and for the outdoors, it helps to insert foam liners in your boots or hiking shoes to give your toes an extra layer of insulation against the cold earth. Warm feet and hands really do help you sleep better.

3. Heat Up Your Bed
Use a (safe) electric blanket that turns itself off. A hot water bottle with a wool or fleece cover may be an even cheaper and safer option.

4. Harness the Sun
During the day, open the blinds and curtains on the south-facing windows—and let in the warming sunlight. At night, close the blinds and curtains to insulate your home better.

5. Keep the Kitchen Cozy
Bake something in the oven, either dinner or a dessert, the warmth from the oven and the wonderful aroma of what you are cooking warms you.
Enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee or how about a hot chocolate ...

Also, a crock pot (slow-cooker) of soup on the go is great during the cold months.

6. Block Drafts

For example put something at the bottom of outside doors—you can just feel the cold air pour in. You can buy a fancy roll or just use a blanket or towel.

7. Stay Active
Keep active - cooler/cold months can be a good time to clean out cupboards, closets, garages, etc. Anything to keep active and help you keep warm.

8. Humidify Your Home
A humidifier won’t make the temperature higher, however, it may make it feel slightly warmer. Water vapour from the humidifier slightly increases the air’s ability to hold heat.

9. More Ideas
If you have any please share them in the comments ... thank you!

Words and more to read at article here

Image from google

Related Post

'Anyone over 55 issued 'winter meal rule' in January' - read it here

For readers who live in the Southern Hemisphere and are currently experiencing warm/hot weather you may be interested in reading this post:-

When It's Hot Stay Hydrated - read it here

-------------------

Please be aware that articles within this blog (and any comments) are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.

Always take account of your personal circumstances, needs, illnesses and medication you may be taking. If you have any concerns about your general health, including medication, you should contact your Doctor / health care provider.

All the best Jan

Not all bread is created equal!

Ever wondered - is your loaf of bread as healthy as you think?

Not all bread is created equal, some loaves are more nutritious than others. That's not surprising considering some is made by hand, in a bakery or at home, using wholegrain flour and seeds. While other bread is mass produced, using refined white flours, which means it brings little to the party in terms of nutrients.

It can be confusing to know which bread is still worth eating. Read on to find out whether all bread is ultra-processed and which loaves are healthiest.

Is bread healthy?

In its simplest form, bread is made using flour, water, yeast and salt.

None of these ingredients are inherently bad for you – yet bread has a reputation for being unhealthy.

This is because much of the bread available in supermarkets is made using additives that help to speed up production and extend shelf life, but this also reduces the nutrients. Importantly, ultra-processed bread, especially white bread, is lacking in fibre and we need this for everything from good digestion to supporting the immune system.

If you're looking for a healthy bread, try to choose one that's made with wholegrain flour. Wholegrains, including rye and spelt, are nutrient-rich and, when eaten regularly, may protect against chronic diseases, such as heart disease 

Is bread a carbohydrate?

Yes, bread is a carbohydrate which many diabetics find raises their blood sugar levels! Whether you are diabetic or non diabetic and are looking to buy bread it would be better to choose bread made from wholegrains as complex carbohydrates provide a slow-release of energy and don't spike blood sugar levels. They also contain vitamins, minerals and fibre, making them a more nutritious choice.

Is bread ultra-processed?

While not all bread is ultra-processed, the stuff you find on supermarket shelves is likely to be.

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are foods that you wouldn’t be able to recreate in your own kitchen. If you don’t recognise some of the ingredients on the label, it’s likely to be ultra-processed. These foods are manufactured to be convenient and cheap with a prolonged shelf life – both of which are important when it comes to mass producing bread.

If you were to make white bread at home, you wouldn't need more than water, flour, salt, yeast and a little oil. But the soft, sliced loaves in supermarkets are made with additives, resulting in tasteless bread that lacks nutrients.

Even wholegrain bread may contain additives, such as emulsifiers and sugar. These ingredients are typically added to improve the colour, texture and crumb of a loaf, as well as to improve dough stability and volume.

One of the reasons ultra-processed foods are so popular is that they are often cheaper and more budget-friendly. However, when it comes to bread this isn't always the case. Once you've stocked up on the ingredients, including flour and seeds, it's may be cheaper to make your own.

Give it a go with an easy and fool-proof bread recipe - some to see here
There are also six low carb bread choices to see here

What are the healthiest breads?

One of the best ways to ensure your bread is a healthy option is, of course, to bake your own.

However, even shop-bought bread can provide a valuable source of fibre and nutrients which makes it convenient to include in a balanced diet.

Here are five of the healthiest breads try

1. Ezekiel
This is a bread made from a mix of sprouted wholegrains, typically wheat, barley, spelt and millet, as well as lentils and soya beans. Sprouting the grains lowers the levels of phytic acid, which makes it easier to digest. Sprouting also kick-starts the breakdown of protein and carbohydrates in the grains, which minimises the spiking effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels.
Ezekiel is a good source of protein, fibre and B vitamins.

2. Pumpernickel
A traditional German bread with a heavy texture and distinctive flavour. Made from wholegrain rye flour, pumpernickel is packed with B vitamins and fibre. It's also rich in resistant starch which supports gut health and lowers the bread’s glycaemic index. However, do check labels though because many commercial varieties include wheat flour, molasses and yeast.

3. Rye bread
This bread is lower in fat and contains less gluten than wheat-based bread, which makes it a denser, heavier loaf. Studies confirm that rye bread made from 100% rye has less of a negative effect on blood sugar than wheat breads, and as a result, may keep you feeling fuller for longer.

4. Soda bread
A staple in Ireland and made from flour, buttermilk, baking powder and salt. Soda bread is low-fat and yeast-free so it may help to reduce bloating. If you’re new to baking or short on time, this seeded soda bread may suit you!

5. Sourdough
Typically made from flour, water, salt and a starter culture, sourdough is easy to digest and nutritious. Vitamins and minerals are more available as it's easier to digest thanks to the fermentation process. Sourdough fuels good bacteria in the gut. Unlike many commercially produced loaves, a traditionally-made sourdough is also beneficial for blood sugar levels.

Above words and more can be seen here

Related Posts

Finding Your Way Through The Gluten-Free Maze - read it here

Best Gluten-Free Flours to Use, here are three - read it here

~ xxxx oooo xxxx ~

Please be aware that articles within this blog (and any comments) are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.

Always take account of your personal circumstances, needs, illnesses and medication you may be taking. If you are diabetic or pre diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

If you have any concerns about your general health, including medication, you should contact your Doctor / health care provider.

All the best Jan

Midweek Meal Choices - Here Are Five

Before I start this post, I want to say THANK YOU to all readers who visit this blog, and a special thank you for all who take time to leave a comment. It is lovely to receive, read and share your thoughts, comments and good wishes.

~ Midweek Meal Choices ~

here are five to consider

Sausage, Parsnip, Onion and Apple Tray Bake

Ingredients

Serves Four

600 g (1lb 5oz) parsnips, peeled and chopped

2 red onions, chopped

1 tbsp. olive oil

3 sprigs rosemary

8 sausages (of your choice)

Instructions

more details here

Pork and Chickpea Stew

Ingredients

Serves Four

2 tbsp oil, ideally olive oil

250g/9oz pork fillet (tenderloin), trimmed and cut into small cubes

1 onion, thinly sliced

1 red pepper, sliced

1 medium courgette/zucchini (roughly 185g/6½oz), ends trimmed, halved lengthways and sliced into semi circles

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

½–1 tsp smoked paprika, hot or sweet

400g/14oz tin chickpeas, drained

400g/14oz tin chopped tomatoes

1 chicken or pork stock cube

salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

more details including how to make this into a veggie version here

Creamy Spinach Chicken

Ingredients

Serves Four

100g drained sundried tomatoes, sliced lengthways, plus 1 tbsp oil from the jar

600g chicken breast fillets

5 tsp cornflour

1 red onion, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, crushed

½ chicken stock cube, made up to 100ml

250g baby spinach

½ lemon, juiced

150ml single cream

Instructions

more details here

White Bean and Fish Gratin

Ingredients

Serves Six - adjust menu to suit

2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

350g/12oz leek, roughly sliced

300g/10½oz celeriac, cut into 1cm/½in cubes

400g tin white beans (butter beans), drained and rinsed

1 vegetable stock cube

3 tbsp dried mixed herbs

1 tbsp fennel seeds (optional)

½ tbsp cornflour (or plain flour)

400g/14oz frozen mixed vegetables

300g/10½oz frozen white fish (thawed), cut into thick chunks

50g/1¾oz day-old bread, crackers or mixed nuts, roughly blended into crumbs

salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

more details here

Almond Lentil Stew

Ingredients

Serves Four

2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for frying the almonds

1 carrot, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 turnip, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

150g/5½oz baby button mushrooms, halved

250g/9oz green lentils

1.2 litres/2 pints vegetable stock

1 bay leaf

1 sprig rosemary

4 sprigs thyme

handful almonds

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

10 cherry tomatoes, quartered

Instructions

more details for this vegan/vegetarian suggestion are here

I hope you may enjoy one, or some, of these suggestions

If you should need help with weight/measurement conversion - see here

You will find a variety of recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

'Junk food advert ban now in force'

Here in the UK Junk food adverts have been banned on television and online from Monday 5th January 2026 as part of a drive to tackle childhood obesity.

The UK-wide ban will stop food and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) being advertised on TV before 21:00 and at any time online.

It applies to products considered to be the biggest drivers of childhood obesity, including soft drinks, chocolates and sweets, pizzas and ice creams.

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said it is committed to helping people eat healthily and has been voluntarily abiding by the new restrictions since October.

As well as more obviously unhealthy foods, the ban will also cover some breakfast cereals and porridges, sweetened bread products, and main meals and sandwiches.

Decisions over which products fall under the ban will be based on a scoring tool, balancing their nutrient levels against whether they are high in saturated fat, salt, or sugar.

Plain oats and most porridge, muesli and granola will not be banned under the crackdown, but some versions with added sugar, chocolate or syrup could be affected.

Firms can still promote healthier versions of banned products, which the government hopes will lead to food makers developing healthier recipes.

The ban only covers adverts in which unhealthy products can be seen by viewers, meaning fast-food firms will still be able to advertise using their brand name.

Previously, HFSS food and drink adverts were banned on any platform where more than a quarter of the audience was under 16.

Firms that do not comply with the new rules risk action by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

NHS data shows almost one in 10 (9.2%) reception-aged children (ages 4/5yrs) are now living with obesity, while one in five children have tooth decay by the age of five.

It is estimated obesity costs the NHS more than £11bn every year.

Evidence shows children's exposure to ads for unhealthy food can influence what they eat from a young age, in turn putting them at greater risk of becoming overweight or obese.

The government estimates the ad ban will prevent around 20,000 cases of childhood obesity.

Katherine Brown, professor of behaviour change in health at the University of Hertfordshire, said the ban was "long overdue and a move in the right direction".

She said: "Children are highly susceptible to aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods and exposure to them puts them at greater risk of developing obesity and associated chronic diseases."

Ms Brown called for the government to make nutritious options "more affordable, accessible and appealing".

The FDF said manufacturers are "committed to working in partnership with the government and others to help people make healthier choices".

It added: "Investing in developing healthier products has been a key priority for food and drink manufacturers for many years and as a result, our members' products now have a third of the salt and sugar and a quarter of the calories than they did ten years ago."

Words from article seen here

My thoughts ...surely it is best to eat whole fresh food from the farm or the sea. It seems the junk masquerading as food, coming out of factories has played a huge role in the epidemics of obesity and the often linked type two diabetes.

But what are your thoughts/views, please share them in the comments.

All the best Jan

'Anyone over 55 issued 'winter meal rule' in January'

image from google

Anyone over the age of 55 is urged to follow a 'winter meal rule' in January as a bout of cold weather strikes the UK. Multiple yellow national severe weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued by the Met Office as Arctic air brings a prolonged spell of freezing weather to the country for the start of the new year.

The warnings affect parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and central and southern England from Saturday, January 3, until Tuesday, January 6, with temperatures forecast to be well below average. The national forecaster has warned households to brace for widespread frost and ice, and an increasing risk of snow showers, with the conditions making travel hazardous over the coming days.

The weather warnings coincide with amber cold health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for all of England until January 6.

With the country facing bitterly cold conditions, those aged over 55 are urged to take measures to protect against the freezing conditions as colder temperatures can become harder on the body as we get older.

According to the Met Office, from around the age of 55 we lose around 1% of our muscle mass every year and while this may not sound like much, it does mean our bodies have to work much harder to stay warm.

It means taking small steps to protect against the cold during the winter season is vital to fend off common illnesses, such as colds, flu, coughs and Covid, which are often rife at this time of the year.

A key way to do this is simply to follow a 'winter meal rule' when the weather turns cold. According to the Met Office, eating at least one hot meal per day and drinking regular hot drinks will help your body to stay warm in cold conditions..

In its cold weather advice, the forecaster says: "As we get older, our body has to work harder to keep us warm. From about the age of 55+, we lose around 1% of our muscle mass every year. It doesn't sound like a lot, but our muscle keeps us warm.

"So it's really important to wrap up warm when you go outside. In the home, eating at least one hot meal every day and drinking regular hot drinks helps, as does getting up and moving every now and again."

It's also recommended that you keep moving throughout the day, even if you are stuck inside, so you should try not to sit still for more than an hour or so, and ensure your house stays warm by heating it to at least 18C.

The Met Office adds: "It is important to keep warm in winter both inside and outdoors. Keeping warm can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems. Eating regularly helps keep you warm so try to have at least one hot meal a day along with regular hot drinks.

"Keep your house warm and your bedroom window closed especially on cold winter nights, as breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections.

"With many of us having to spend more time at home it can make it harder to keep active. It's important to continue to do what you can to stay active as this can help with both your physical and mental health.

"Try to keep moving when you are indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Break up your time spent being inactive by walking around your home or standing up from your chair when you are on the phone."

Words from article seen here

~ For those who do not live in the UK you may still find these tips helpful ~

Five warming soup recipes

Hearty Root Vegetable Soup - see here
Rustic Roast Chicken Soup - see here

Quick Minestrone Soup - see here

Tomato Soup with onions, carrot and celery - see here

Cheezy Vegan Broccoli Soup - see here

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas, within this blog. It is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use a reliable meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

This Sunday ... may you find time to relax

On this first Sunday of 2026 ...

may you find time to relax, put your feet up, enjoy a cuppa,

perhaps read a few pages of your new book or listen to some music.

~ However you spend your Sunday, I wish you a happy day ~

All the best Jan