The Small Steps expert panel
Kiran Goraya shares her nutrition tips, so that you can get the best from your food that you can.
Get your oats
Fibre-rich oats are a great health food — they release energy slowly, so can help you feel fuller for longer. They help stabilise blood sugar levels and can help lower cholesterol. Try porridge for breakfast, or add oats to crumbles and biscuits.
An apple a day
Cooking apples are packed full of antioxidants, and contain vitamin C for healthy skin and gums. The fibre pectin can help lower cholesterol and keep digestion ticking over. Apples are great in a variety of desserts —and if you use Splenda instead of sugar you can enjoy guilt-free, knowing you’ve saved on the calories of added sugar.
Green light
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli and cabbage contain folic acid which is important for healthy red blood cells. Enjoy these greens raw, or briefly steam them rather than boiling to help retain nutrients.
Go nutty
Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, a mineral that acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against free radical damage to cells; it is also important for immune function. Just three Brazil nuts provides a third of your daily selenium requirement.
Egging the pudding
Eggs are nutrient-dense and rich in vitamins D and B12, and high in protein. Whether you’re whipping up sponges, pancakes or biscuits, you can keep the calories low by using Splenda instead of sugar.
A bit fishy
All oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, is rich in omega 3 fats, which help to protect the heart. Aim to eat 2 portions of fish a week including 1 portion of the oily type.
Carrots are tops
Carrots contain nutrients that help to strengthen the immune system and maintain healthy skin. Add to soups, salads and juices, or serve as raw sticks alongside a lower-calorie dip.
Spice it up
Remarkably, just half of a red pepper provides you with more than twice the vitamin C you need in one day. Peppers are perfect roasted, baked in quiche, eaten raw or used to spice up a home-made relish or salsa.
This spring, SPLENDA® is launching the ‘Small Steps’ campaign and with the help of an expert panel, will be giving women tips on how to keep going on those tricky resolutions. Style guru Nicky Hambleton-Jones, celebrity fitness expert Jane Wake, life coach Liz Wilde and SPLENDA® nutritionist Kiran Goraya.
For the chance to win a personal style consultation with Nicky, a healthy eating plan from Kiran and a healthy eating cookery class or a personal fitness program with Jane, please visit www.facebook.com/splendaUK or www.splenda.co.uk