You are what you eat, so the saying goes – so what are the best foods to keep you in tip-top condition and raring to go? We’ve rounded up some star ingredients that are sure to give you an all-round health boost this spring.
Walnuts – good for mood
Delicious in puddings and savoury dishes, walnuts are rich in the amino acid your body needs to create the feel-good chemical serotonin. And because they're digested slowly they can contribute to mood stability and can help you tolerate stress too. Why not try… Nut & Mushroom Roast
Asparagus – good for mood
Asparagus spears are a great source of folate, a B vitamin that could help keep your spirits up - folate is important for our dopamine and serotonin levels, which are crucial for mood. Why not try… Shanghai Beef
Pulses – good for weight loss
Because your body has to work to break down the fibre in beans you’re actually expending energy to digest it – meaning they are a good bet if you’re trying to lose weight. Not only that, the protein in pulses activates the "I'm satisfied" message in the hunger centre of your brain so you’re less likely to overeat. Why not try… Tuna & Bean Salad
Spinach – good for energy
Popeye was definitely onto something! These tasty leaves are a great source of iron, especially if you don't eat meat, which is vital for fuelling our muscles with oxygen for energy. Why not try… Smoked Haddock Florentine
Salmon – good for skin
Super healthy salmon is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. As well as regulating oil production and boosting hydration, these healthy fats nourish the skin, decreasing clogged pores, and helping to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. An all-round winner! Why not try… Salmon Pasta Bake
Strawberries – good for your heart
Strawberries are the perfect ingredient for heart health, not only because they contain essential fibre, potassium and antioxidants but they are also naturally fat free, with one serving (around 8 strawberries) containing just 50 calories. And as if that wasn’t enough, Strawberries help to control high cholesterol and high blood pressure – two of the biggest risk factors for heart disease. Why not try… Strawberry Tart
Eggs – good for memory
As well as being loaded with high quality proteins, vitamins, minerals and good fats, eggs are one of the best sources of choline, a key nutrient needed maintaining memory and communication among brain cells. For a brain boosting start to the day why not try… All Day Breakfast
Blackberries – good for the immune system and healthy bones
These delicious berries are one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants and are also packed with Vitamin C - vital for our immune system, helping to lower blood pressure and with the absorption of iron. They are also packed with magnesium and calcium, crucial for strong, healthy bones. Why not try… Apple & Blackberry Waffle
Delicious in puddings and savoury dishes, walnuts are rich in the amino acid your body needs to create the feel-good chemical serotonin. And because they're digested slowly they can contribute to mood stability and can help you tolerate stress too. Why not try… Nut & Mushroom Roast
Asparagus – good for mood
Asparagus spears are a great source of folate, a B vitamin that could help keep your spirits up - folate is important for our dopamine and serotonin levels, which are crucial for mood. Why not try… Shanghai Beef
Pulses – good for weight loss
Because your body has to work to break down the fibre in beans you’re actually expending energy to digest it – meaning they are a good bet if you’re trying to lose weight. Not only that, the protein in pulses activates the "I'm satisfied" message in the hunger centre of your brain so you’re less likely to overeat. Why not try… Tuna & Bean Salad
Spinach – good for energy
Popeye was definitely onto something! These tasty leaves are a great source of iron, especially if you don't eat meat, which is vital for fuelling our muscles with oxygen for energy. Why not try… Smoked Haddock Florentine
Salmon – good for skin
Super healthy salmon is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. As well as regulating oil production and boosting hydration, these healthy fats nourish the skin, decreasing clogged pores, and helping to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. An all-round winner! Why not try… Salmon Pasta Bake
Strawberries – good for your heart
Strawberries are the perfect ingredient for heart health, not only because they contain essential fibre, potassium and antioxidants but they are also naturally fat free, with one serving (around 8 strawberries) containing just 50 calories. And as if that wasn’t enough, Strawberries help to control high cholesterol and high blood pressure – two of the biggest risk factors for heart disease. Why not try… Strawberry Tart
Eggs – good for memory
As well as being loaded with high quality proteins, vitamins, minerals and good fats, eggs are one of the best sources of choline, a key nutrient needed maintaining memory and communication among brain cells. For a brain boosting start to the day why not try… All Day Breakfast
Blackberries – good for the immune system and healthy bones
These delicious berries are one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants and are also packed with Vitamin C - vital for our immune system, helping to lower blood pressure and with the absorption of iron. They are also packed with magnesium and calcium, crucial for strong, healthy bones. Why not try… Apple & Blackberry Waffle