This month we’re looking at…. Beetroot

Beetroot is a biennial plant who’s fresh young leaves may be eaten as a salad.   However, these days it’s the root of the plant that’s more commonly used in our diets.  The sweet flesh of the roots can be stewed, boiled, baked or pickled.  Beetroot is the main ingredient in the classic Eastern European soup ‘Borscht’.    Some people pass red coloured urine after eating beetroot, whereas others are not affected. 

For many of us, busy lifestyles, long working days and commutes means that eating out has become the norm. However, research shows eating out on a regular basis is associated with overweight and obesity. The convenience foods on offer are generally processed or fried, so end up being high in calories and low in nutrients.  Also, portion sizes on offer are getting larger and larger.   So how can you make sure your lunch on the run is convenient, satisfying and healthy at the same time?

Get your fats right!
Fat - we are warned about the health risks of eating too much of it.  But where do we find fat in the diet, and should we try to cut it out altogether?  Is it really the bad guy nutrient in our diets?   Read on to learn the truth about fats - the healthy and not so healthy fats - where to find them and how they affect our health.