FREE SCHOOL MEALS

It seems a shame that even though  free school lunches are available for every child in reception, year 1 and 2 some parents do not take this up. It may be because they do not know of it or not sure how to access it or even what the food is like.

This is an extract from a survey on it

Free school meals for infants, one year on: what do parents think?  

A new survey commissioned by the School Food Plan highlights the value parents place on their children having a free lunch at school in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. Almost one quarter (23%) of mums and dads whose children take up the free lunches say the main benefit is the greater variety of food they will now eat. The same proportion (23%) say they most value their child eating a proper meal at lunchtime, whilst almost one fifth (19%) say their child has enjoyed trying new foods. The opportunity to eat together and socialise with friends was identified as the most important aspect by 15% of parents. 

Food and happiness

I did a blog about this a while ago and it is still pertinent today

So often people --including myself-get down about things with often no good reason so I loved the action for happiness posters and ideas
http://www.actionforhappiness.org/happiness


Lots of them can interact with food and what we eat such as

• cook a meal for someone 
• notice what you are eating and enjoy it
• look forward to those special treats
• do not compare yourself--so many people beat themselves up about their appearance 
• focusing on the good bits --the fruit and vegetables you eat 

I could go on 

LENTILS

Lentils are a really useful base for all sorts of dishes --I make lots of soup which my husband adores for lunch and usually include lentils ( plus sometimes split peas and barley). These items are all really low GI plus low in fat and filling and tasty plus cheap. I use all sorts of other vegetables and bits of chicken or meat to give flavour plus herbs and tomatoes --and indeed anything in the cupboard, vegetable basket or fridge.

I was lecturing to hospital caterers on Monday and suggesting lentils to boost up the nutritional content of meals for vegans --I often grind lentils to do this and then add to all sorts of dishes

I came across  good information at

http://www.lentils.ca/health-nutrition/

KETTERING HOSPITAL HEALTH EVENT

All are welcome to this important event at Kettering General Hospital


Our Annual Members' Meeting will take place on Tuesday 21st July in the Prince William Lecture Theatre from 4.00pm till 7.00pm.

We will have short presentations on Orthopaedics (hip conditions) and Cardiac Care.

There are over 23 stands on display with staff available to talk with you including audiology, dermatology, chronic pain services, bowel cancer services to psychiatry and lots more!

The Executive team and Governors will be on hand to meet with you.

Find out about the Trust's 5 year plans going forward.

The main presentation of the annual report and accounts will be at 6.00pm.
Free car parking in Staff Car Park E.

NUTRITION AND HERBAL MEDICINE

HERBAL MEDICINE

I often see people who require dietary advice who are also taking herbal items. Some grow these themselves while others buy them from various suppliers.

While this is not my field of expertise I do feel it is important to but from reputable suppliers. I was very interested to attend a meeting on this subject with speakers from producers such as Potters plus expert medical herbalists.

People have been taking such products for centuries, but since May 2011 herbal remedies come under special regulations.

Certain products such as such as St John’s wort, need to be registered with the MHRA and can only be sold for the conditions for which they are registered.

The MHRA says the scheme is designed to address problems with poor quality herbal remedies, some of which were found to be adulterated or contained the wrong herb. also some products are not suitable for those who are pregnant or taking certain medications

The scheme was tightened further from May 2014. All manufactured herbal medicines now have to be authorised by the MHRA in order to be sold and supplied lawfully in the UK.

Unlike licensing for mainstream medicines, registration doesn't mean a herbal remedy has been tested and proven to actually work.

It does mean the MHRA is satisfied the product is made to good quality standards with appropriate labelling and a product information leaflet. It also means the herb has been used in traditional remedies for more than 30 years.

Registered products carry a special THR leaf logo.

WORLD MILK DAY

Milk is really useful after sport --which not everyone knows.

Milk is an important liquid and 1st June is coming up fast and that is WORLD MILK DAY

 The Dairy Council, highlights how milk plays an important role in children's development, post exercise and in older age.

          Milk provides toddlers with the energy they need. Whole milk  and full-fat dairy products provide toddlers with energy for rapid growth. They also provide protein and phosphorous which are essential for normal bone development in children.

·         Milk can support us after exercise. Milk contains protein, carbohydrate and electrolytes which are particularly important for those engaged in all levels of sport and physical activity.

·         Studies show milk helps with rehydration after sport. When we sweat we lose electrolytes which are essential for the normal function of cells - sodium and potassium in milk help to maintain electrolyte balance,
milk also has a high water content.

·         Studies show milk helps muscles to recover. The level of carbohydrate and protein in milk contribute to the recovery of muscles after exercise when muscle glycogen stores have been depleted.

·         Milk helps us maintain strong muscles as we get older. Increasing protein intake through milk, in conjunction with resistance exercise, will help to protect against muscle wasting as we get older.

Dr Anne Mullen, Director of Nutrition at The Dairy Council, said: "Milk is an excellent source of nutrients essential for development and growth of bone, and muscle maintenance".

Dietitian's diary --SENSE meeting

 Dietitians diaries seem to abound --but not so many from the UK.

 Yesterday a SENSE meeting.

So thought I would try and write something about what I do. I have been writing this blog for a while now and it has been just really random with ideas that seem topical.

Yesterday I went to a meeting of SENSE in London. As it says below it is for nutritionists and we have a really good support network for information.

http://www.sense-nutrition.org.uk/