As we head into mid-January, many of us may be taking on the Veganuary challenge. This non-profit organisation encourages people to try going vegan for January and beyond. Last year over 620,000 pledged to embrace a plant-based diet and it’s a great way of starting a new, healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re vegan or not, there are plenty of ways to change our eating and cooking habits to help ourselves become healthier in both body and mind.
Home cooked meals are the perfect way to begin. With a Rangemaster range cooker there are so many ways to cook delicious and nutritional food with professional results every time. Perfect for everything from mid-week meals to weekend brunches and suppers, entertaining and special occasions, the new Classic FX 90 induction cooker has a large electric single multifunction oven with two fans and seven functions for all types of dishes. These include fan oven, fan assisted oven, conventional oven, fanned grilling, browning element, base heat and defrost. There’s even an energy saving panel that splits the interior in two, allowing you to cook smaller portions while using less energy. The new cooker also has an energy efficient and easy to clean five-zone induction top as well as a large storage drawer. It comes in five colours to complement all kitchen designs, from classic to contemporary, so you can take your pick from Black, Cream, Slate, Mineral Green or Stone Blue and choose a chrome or brass trim.
Healthy eating has so many benefits and it’s easy once you start to implement some new ideas. As well as feeling fitter with more energy you’ll have shiny hair, stronger bones and teeth; you’ll boost your body’s immune system, be able to focus and concentrate more and have a lower chance of ill-health in later life.
Firstly, listen to your body, eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’ve had enough. Serve smaller portions, eat at regular times throughout the day, avoiding late-night binges and when snacking, go for healthy options rather than a quick fix. Include a varied diet and avoid ordering in, cooking meals at home rather than getting a takeaway on a Saturday night. Batch cook meals in your Rangemaster cooker and pop portions in the fridge or freezer to eat later. This is great when you’re in a hurry, as it stops you being tempted to order in fast food as you can quickly heat up your pre-prepared dishes instead. Elephant Box has a great range of Prep Store & Organise containers that are freezer-safe, leakproof and dishwasher-friendly.
When preparing home cooked meals, use fresh herbs and spices to really make your dishes sing. As well as adding flavour to meals, many herbs and spices also have health benefits, too. Cinnamon for instance lowers blood sugar levels and has an anti-diabetic effect. Sage can improve brain function and memory, peppermint relieves IBS pain and can reduce nausea, cumin and ginger have anti-inflammatory effects, holy basil fights infections and boosts immunity while rosemary can help prevent allergies and nasal congestion. Annabel James’s Herb Pots are ideal for growing yours in while keeping them easily accessible when cooking
When cooking, pop on your own personalised apron to protect your clothes and let everyone know who’s in charge! Sunday’s Daughter has a gorgeous vegan one that you can personalise as a gift to a friend, family member or yourself as you begin your new healthy eating journey.
A great way of planning ahead when it comes to the weekly shop is to make a list of all the meals you’re going to cook as well as the ingredients you’ll need. Check what you’ve already got before buying and you’ll save time and money, too. Martha Brook’s Essential Weekly Meal Planner Pad will help you get organised.
