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| Fiona Bird, winner of Scottish Masterchef and a finalist in the overall UK Masterchef. As a mother of six she is very keen to encourage more children to cook and has started an initiative for children called Stirrin' Stuff. |
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'Good food is not just dependant on having a shop around the corner with full shelves. A healthy diet can indeed be defined on paper…but a healthy life involves 'making a meal' of food - even if only occasionally.
Being busy and short of time seems to be the normal constraint for us all, but enjoying food needs a little time. Time to prepare, share and digest our food as well as graze or scoff it!
The 'goodness' of food does not end as we swallow it - our insides need at least a fighting chance to digest any thoughtfully prepared and well-balanced meal. |
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Children need good habits, so being interested in the food they eat and helping prepare it - even packed lunches or snacks is a great chance to learn so much. What better habit is there than to use simple 'raw' nutritious ingredients? There is little food more convenient, straightforward and tasty than California Raisins, which can be used in so many ways.'
For further information about Stirrin' stuff visit their website www.stirrinstuff.co.uk |
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| What is a healthy diet? |
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The two key elements to a healthy diet are eating the right amount of food for how active you are and eating a range of foods to make sure you're getting a balanced diet.
Remember that to have a healthy diet, most people should be eating:
• more fruit and veg
• more starchy foods such as rice,
_bread, pasta (try to choose
_wholegrain varieties when you
_can) and potatoes
• some protein-rich foods such as
_meat, fish, eggs and pulses
• less
fat, salt and sugar
National nutritional standards show us the food groups in the Food Pyramid. The diagram shows the types of food which make up a healthy, balanced diet. |
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| California Raisins Packed with goodness |
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ANTIOXIDANTS IN RAISINS
California Raisins rank among the top antioxidant foods. Antioxidants help protect healthy cells from free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules formed in the body when cells use oxygen to produce energy), that may lead to health problems like heart disease and cancer.
HIGH IN FIBRE
One serving (35g) of California Raisin has 9% of the everyday fibre intake needed. A diet high in fibre may contribute to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. |
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GOOD SOURCE OF INULIN
California Raisins provide naturally occurring inulin - a fibre-like carbohydrate that helps keep the colon healthy by promoting healthy cell growth and helping prevent abnormal cell growth.
SMILE
Recently published research counters long-held views that, because raisins are sticky, they increase tooth decay. Researchers at the University of Chicago College of Dentistry have shown that raisins contain phytochemical compounds that suppress growth of bacteria in the mouth that cause gum disease and tooth decay.
To see the full research go to www.calraisins.org. |
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California Raisins fit perfectly into healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle. They are a great source of natural energy and make it easy to satisfy the daily fruit requirements set by the government's 5 A Day programme. As they are available all year round, and always accessible, unlike seasonal fruit.
Sun-dried California Raisins complement all types of dishes,
from salads and main meals to desserts. Additionally, they are a delicious and energy packed snack
all by themselves for children and adults alike. |
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Here are a few things you might not know about California Raisins:
THE ENERGY PROVIDED
The natural sugars provide a slow energy release ensuring your energy levels are maintained throughout the day - perfect for people on the go!
GLYCEMIC INDEX (GI)
What is GI? Glycemic Index (GI) was developed as a scientific way to measure the blood sugar response to food containing carbohydrates. The quicker the carbohydrates are broken down by the digestive system, the greater the food's affect on blood sugar levels and the higher the GI value. California Raisins have a medium GI and therefore keep your energy at an even level. |
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PUMPING IRON
California Raisins are a rich source of iron which helps produce healthy muscles and plays an essential role in producing healthy white blood cells. |
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