Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail. 24th February 2018
Raw Worx!
I am a great believer in ‘food as fuel’, and therefore if you but rubbish in then you get a rubbish output! It is only because out bodies are so super-clever that we can get away with putting inferior food in and still function. You don’t get away with it in a vehicle.
I don’t eat meat or dairy but am not vegan as I still eat eggs from my own chickens; I don’t feel the need to label my eating habits and have made my choices predominantly for health reasons – especially when wanting to be in optimum condition to run across Wales. When I’m asked, “What do you eat?” I always reply, “Whatever I want.” I just happen to want to avoid meat and dairy products. I simply feel healthier, lighter and cleaner eating a plant based diet.
And then I found a way of turbo-charging that good-feeling. Raw foods. It’s one of those things that once you try it, you realise why it has a ‘healthy’ group of followers including Madonna, Demi Moore and Sting. I would, admittedly, find it difficult to eat raw all the time but I find that to be disciplined for just a few days regularly pays dividends. For me and my lifestyle the best way to get the benefits is to use the hand crafted blends from Raw Worx, created and run by Welsh woman, Clare Batchelor. A qualified nutritionist, Clare has developed each blend of nutrient-rich ingredients for maximum health benefits. They’re a bit like a super charged smoothie in a packet really, and brilliant for me to use in work. With spring on it’s way, if you want to increase your energy levels, I highly recommend them. You can find out more at www.raw-worx.com
Lemon Aid
Clare has also been kind enough to share her Electro-Light Lemonade recipe too; it’s a refreshing natural energy drink, which is used by marathon runners and has become a firm favourite of mine. Lemon is also abundant in electrolytes. It contains potassium and small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus and delivers a huge kick of vitamin C, making this drink great for your immune system. It is a great tonic if you are getting over one of the many viruses that are going around and can help relieve leg cramps at night.
- 1 lemon peeled (keep the pith, it’s full of goodness)
- 1 tspn flaxseed oil or coconut oil
- 2 cups coconut water
- ½ tsp sea salt
- You can also add all or any of the following:
- ½ pear
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Pinch of black pepper
- Aloe Vera gel/juice
- 1 tsp Fresh ginger
Simply blend all the ingredients in a high powered blender and enjoy! As the saying goes, “If life gives you lemons – make (electro-light) Lemonade.”
Super Seeds
I suppose it had to happen – seed packets have gone hi-tech. Keeping their simple design and format for generations, they have remained a far cry from the modern world and its technology – until now. There is a new range of seeds that includes a quick response (QR) code that will lead potential buyers to further information, as well as hints and tips on how to use the product, helping them to imagine the product in use.
A first for the UK and launched to the trade in May 2017, the David Domoney ‘Get Growing’ vegetable seeds range from Mr Fothergill’s features this QR code on every seed packet, which will give the seed browser the opportunity to access fast information far beyond what can fit onto the packet itself. I suppose it’s a good idea although I am sure for me, the system would have to be rebranded the NSQR (not so quick response) code. You can find the super seed packets in most garden centres and Morrisons supermarket.
Eggs-ellent Question
Chided by Radio 2’s Allotment gardener, Terry Walton, I have chitted my first early spuds and planted them in a few large tubs in a sunny spot in the garden. I am already looking forward to harvesting the delicious new potatoes in a couple of months. They are surely the best reward for home growing and I always encourage want-to-be veg growers to start with these tasty treats.
I am still chuckling after sharing Terry’s top chitting tips (It’s OK, he knows) with an audience at one of my talks recently. To my surprise there were a few older teenage lads there who were interested in learning about growing their own and maybe starting their own allotment. I was impressed, and cheerfully encouraged them by explaining the process of chitting your seed potatoes before planting, telling them that it’s best to put them in an egg box to do so.
One of the lads looked very puzzled and put his hand up to ask a question. “How do you get the potatoes into the Xbox?” he asked.
I bet Terry hasn’t had that question on Radio 2!
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