Provide a meal food parcel collection service

Provide a meal food parcel collection service

As part of our ongoing mission to alleviate food poverty and hunger – and to compensate for technical issues preventing us from receiving donations through the website and app – Provide a Meal has partnered with the team at Neighbourly to deliver surplus food parcels to beneficiaries and needy individuals at the point of need.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Neighbourly helps to connect retail outlets with social enterprises, like Provide a Meal, so that unsold food can be donated free of charge to those who need it. The team at Provide a Meal receive daily notifications for surplus food donations, and work with the outlet to organise a time  for collection.

Pret food parcel

We then work with our network of hostels in the local to supply their residents with a healthy, nutritious range of meals and snacks.

CASE STUDY – PRET A MANGER

Through The Pret Foundation, we have forged a strong relationship with the Pret A Manger shop in Gunwharf Quays. After the shop is closed for business; a variety of salads, rolls, sandwiches and snacks are made available for Provide a Meal to collect to make sure their unsold food goes to those who need it most. These food parcels are then delivered to hostels in the area, including All Saints Hostel in All Saint’s Road, Portsmouth.

All Saint's Hostel

This has proven to be a very mutually beneficial and rewarding partnership; and we we are hugely appreciative of the support and commitment shown by The Pret Foundation and Pret A Manger to make this a success.

We are keen to expand and scale this initiative by growing the number of outlets which we receive donations from so that we can serve more hostels and beneficiaries.

Receiving more donations of non-perishable items is another focus so that we can help satisfy more longer term needs.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

At Provide a Meal we are constantly on the lookout for new volunteers to help deliver our mission to alleviate food poverty and hunger. If you would like to get involved with collections and food parcel delivers, please get in touch at [email protected]

National Eating Disorder Week

National Eating Disorder Week

Eating disorders

An eating disorder is a mental health condition where you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations.

Unhealthy eating behaviours may include eating too much or too little or worrying about your weight or body shape.

Anyone can get an eating disorder, but teenagers between 13 and 17 are mostly affected.

With treatment, most people can recover from an eating disorder.

Types of eating disorders

The most common eating disorders are:

  • anorexia nervosa – trying to control your weight by not eating enough food, exercising too much, or doing both
  • bulimia – losing control over how much you eat and then taking drastic action to not put on weight
  • binge eating disorder (BED) – eating large portions of food until you feel uncomfortably full

Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)

A person may have an OSFED if their symptoms do not exactly fit the expected symptoms for any specific eating disorders.

OSFED is the most common eating disorder. You can find out more about OSFED on the Beat website.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is when someone avoids certain foods, limits how much they eat or does both.

Beliefs about weight or body shape are not reasons why people develop ARFID.

Possible reasons for ARFID include:

  • negative feelings over the smell, taste or texture of certain foods
  • a response to a past experience with food that was upsetting, for example, choking or being sick after eating something
  • not feeling hungry or just a lack of interest in eating

You can find out more about ARFID on the Beat website.

Check if you have an eating disorder

If you or people around you are worried that you have an unhealthy relationship with food, you could have an eating disorder.

Symptoms of eating disorders include:

  • spending a lot of time worrying about your weight and body shape
  • avoiding socialising when you think food will be involved
  • eating very little food
  • making yourself sick or taking laxatives after you eat
  • exercising too much
  • having very strict habits or routines around food
  • changes in your mood such as being withdrawn, anxious or depressed

You may also notice physical signs, including:

  • feeling cold, tired or dizzy
  • pains, tingling or numbness in your arms and legs (poor circulation)
  • feeling your heart racing, fainting or feeling faint
  • problems with your digestion, such as bloating, constipation or diarrhoea
  • your weight being very high or very low for someone of your age and height
  • not getting your period or other delayed signs of puberty

You can read more about the symptoms of:

  • anorexia
  • bulimia
  • binge eating disorder

Warning signs of an eating disorder in someone else

It can be very difficult to identify that a loved one or friend has developed an eating disorder.

Warning signs to look out for include:

  • dramatic weight loss
  • lying about how much they’ve eaten, when they’ve eaten, or their weight
  • eating a lot of food very fast
  • going to the bathroom a lot after eating
  • exercising a lot
  • avoiding eating with others
  • cutting food into small pieces or eating very slowly
  • wearing loose or baggy clothes to hide their weight loss

Getting help for an eating disorder

If you think you may have an eating disorder, see a GP as soon as you can.

A GP will ask about your eating habits and how you’re feeling, plus check your overall health and weight.

They may refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists.

It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and ask for help. It may make things easier if you bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment.

You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling their adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711.

Getting help for someone else

It can be difficult to know what to do if you’re worried that someone has an eating disorder.

They may not realise they have an eating disorder. They may also deny it, or be secretive and defensive about their eating or weight.

Let them know you’re worried about them and encourage them to see a GP. You could offer to go along with them.

The eating disorder charity ‘Beat’ also has information on:

  • what to do if you’re worried about a friend or family member
  • what to do if you’re worried about a pupil
  • what to do if you’re worried about an employee
  • supporting someone with an eating disorder

    Treatment for eating disorders

You can recover from an eating disorder, but it may take time and recovery will be different for everyone.

If you’re referred to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists, they’ll be responsible for your care.

They should talk to you about the support you might need, such as for other conditions you have, and include this in your treatment plan.

Your treatment will depend on the type of eating disorder you have, but usually includes a talking therapy.

You may also need regular health checks if your eating disorder is having an impact on your physical health.

Your treatment may also involve working through a guided self-help programme if you have bulimia or binge eating disorder.

Most people will be offered individual therapy, but those with binge eating disorder may be offered group therapy.

Read more about the different treatments for:

  • anorexia
  • bulimia
  • binge eating disorder

Treatment for other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) will depend on the type of eating disorder your symptoms are most like.

For example, if your symptoms are most like anorexia, your treatment will be similar to the treatment for anorexia.

What causes eating disorders?

We do not know exactly what causes eating disorders.

You may be more likely to get an eating disorder if:

  • you or a member of your family has a history of eating disorders, depression, or alcohol or drug misuse
  • you’ve been criticised for your eating habits, body shape or weight
  • you’re really worried about being slim, particularly if you also feel pressure from society or your job, for example, ballet dancers, models or athletes
  • you have anxiety, low self-esteem, an obsessive personality or are a perfectionist

    Download PROVIDE A MEAL app and feed someone today! 

Palm Oil – is it good or bad?

Palm Oil – is it good or bad?

Palm oil is formed from the fruit of the African oil palm. It’s been a vital kind of oil for several millennia, however, over the past several decades, it’s become one of the most produced oils within the world. This {can be} because vegetable oil is extremely versatile — it’s semi-solid at temperature so it can be used as a variety, it’s immune to oxidation so it can make products last longer, and it can withstand high temperatures making it perfect for frying food.

The production of vegetable oil has led to deforestation and habitat destruction for orangutans, elephants, and rhinos. The problematic production of oil has gained widespread attention in recent years.

However, it’s not just the oil’s production that’s controversial, studies conflict on whether palm oil can provide health benefits.

Palm oil is rich in antioxidants, one of which is vitamin E. This vitamin is critical for keeping your immune system healthy and for helping your cells communicate. Studies show that getting enough vitamin e in your diet can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and certain forms of cancer.

Potential Health Benefits of palm oil:

Palm oil may be a great source of antioxidants, however, the identical aspects that make vegetable oil useful may sometimes cause complications for people with certain medical conditions.

Some of the health benefits that scientific studies currently support include:

Better Brain Health

The vitamin E found in vegetable oil has been connected to improved brain health. this way of E, referred to as tocotrienol, has been shown to shield brain tissue from dangerous free radicals more effectively than other antioxidants. In fact, one study showed that palm oil tocotrienols may even halt the progression of brain lesions. Yet, more studies are needed to further support these findings.

Promotes Heart Health

Certain studies appear to indicate that the vitamin e in vegetable oilcan also improve heart health. The antioxidant effects of fat-soluble vitamin found in oil seem to reduce or perhaps halt the progression of heart disease in some patients. While more studies must be done to replicate this effect, oil extract could also be useful for people fighting heart condition.

Potential Risks of Palm oil:

Because palm oil may be a dense source of nutrition, it’s going to have negative effects on some people. Consider the following before using oil in your cooking:

Increased Cholesterol Levels

While some studies suggest that palm oil decreases cholesterol levels, others suggest that it may raise “bad” cholesterol levels. These studies compared palm oil to other liquid oils likeolive oil, and generally found that palm oil performed worse than alternatives. One study found that palm oil increased cholesterol in healthy individuals.

Linked to Atherosclerosis

Fresh oil and older oil show significantly different levels of tocotrienol. due to this, reheated vegetable oil shows far fewer benefits than fresh vegetable oil. In fact, reheated oilmight not just lose the gutsbenefits of fresh oil, it’s going to actually increase your risk of heart diseaselike atherosclerosis. If you’rein danger for cardiovascular disease, avoid eating reheated palm oil or foods containing reheated palm oil.

High in Saturated Fats

Compared to other liquid oils, oilis comparatively high in saturated fats. palm oil is about 34% saturated fat, while olive oilis a smaller amount than half that. Saturated fats are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and chronic health conditions.

Download PROVIDE A MEAL app and feed someone today! 

Benefits of Vitamin D

Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin in a family of compounds that includes vitamins D1, D2, and D3.

Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it’s directly exposed to sunlight. You can also get vitamin D from certain foods and supplements to ensure adequate levels of the vitamin in your blood.

Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and facilitating normal immune system function.

Getting enough vitamin D is important for typical growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance to certain diseases.

Here is more information about the benefits of vitamin D, plus information about downsides, how much you need, and foods with vitamin D.

1. Vitamin D may fight disease.

In addition to its primary benefits, research suggests that vitamin D may also play a role in:

  • Reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). A 2018 review of population-based studies found that low levels of vitamin D are linked with an increased risk of MS.
  • Decreasing the chance of heart disease. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to increased risk of heart diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, and stroke. But it’s unclear whether vitamin D deficiency contributes to heart disease or simply indicates poor health when you have a chronic condition.
  • Reducing the likelihood of severe illnesses. Although studies are mixed, vitamin D may make severe flu and COVID-19 infections less likely. A recent review found that low vitamin D levels contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Supporting immune health. People who do not have adequate vitamin D levels might be at increased risk of infections and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.

2. Vitamin D may regulate mood and reduce depression

Research has shown that vitamin D might play an important role in regulating mood and decreasing the risk of depression.

A review of 7,534 people found that those experiencing negative emotions who received vitamin D supplements noticed an improvement in symptoms. Vitamin D supplementation may help people with depression who also have a vitamin D deficiency.

Another study identified low vitamin D levels as a risk factor for more severe fibromyalgia symptoms, anxiety, and depression

3. Risks of getting too much vitamin D

If you take excessive amounts of vitamin D supplements, you may get too much of it. However, this is unlikely to happen through diet or sun exposure because your body regulates the amount of vitamin D produced through sun exposure.

Vitamin D toxicity can lead to an increase in your blood calcium levels. This can result in a variety of health issues, such as:

  • nausea
  • apathy
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • dehydration
  • confusion
  • increased thirst

some food sources of vitamin:

Some foods contain vitamin D naturally, and others are fortified with it. You can find vitamin D in the following foods:

  • salmon
  • sardines
  • herring
  • canned tuna
  • cod liver oil
  • beef liver
  • egg yolk
  • shrimp
  • regular mushrooms and those treated with ultraviolet light
  • milk (fortified)
  • certain cereals and oatmeals (fortified)
  • yogurt (fortified)
  • orange juice (fortified)

It can be hard to get enough vitamin D each day through sun exposure and food alone, so taking vitamin D supplements could help.

Download PROVIDE A MEAL app and feed someone today! 

The benefits of Mushrooms

The benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are well known for his or her high-quality flavor and incredible fitness benefits. Packed with a ton of vital nutrients and minerals, they make for an super addition on your diet, including taste to many exceptional recipes. Crimini mushrooms are one of the maximum extensively used mushroom varieties, famous in kitchens across the world. Many don’t recognize that mushrooms, consisting of crimini mushrooms, are sincerely a sort of fungus. They’re local to North America and Europe and are recognized for his or her sensitive taste and meaty texture. Health Benefits Mushrooms are a low-calorie meals that packs a dietary punch. Loaded with many fitness-boosting nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants, they’ve lengthy been diagnosed as an vital a part of any diet. For instance, mushrooms raised with publicity to ultraviolet mild are a great supply of Vitamin D, an vital thing in bone and immune fitness. Crimini mushrooms are a in particular super supply of zinc, an vital hint element. Zinc is a important nutrient for the immune device and is likewise wanted for making sure top of the line boom in babies and children. Moreover, researchers have located some of different super motives for incorporating mushrooms into your diet, inclusive of:

Lower Blood Pressure – Mushrooms are wealthy reassets of potassium, a nutrient recognized for decreasing the bad effect that sodium could have in your body. Potassium additionally lessens the anxiety in blood vessels, probably assisting to decrease blood pressure. Boost Immune System The anti inflammatory impact of mushrooms has been proven to substantially enhance the performance of the immune device. Research has located that mushrooms assist stimulate microphages withinside the immune device, improving its capacity to defeat overseas our bodies and making you much less liable to critical illnesses.

Nutrition -Mushrooms are a wealthy, low calorie supply of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They may additionally mitigate the danger of growing critical fitness conditions, inclusive of Alzheimer’s, coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. They’re additionally high-quality reassets of:

Selenium
Copper
Thiamin
Magnesium
Phosphorous

Weight Loss – Long and short-time period research alike have located that mushrooms, in mixture with exercising and different way of life changes, could have an vital effect on weight loss. For example, after being requested to alternative 20 percentage in their red meat intake with mushrooms, studies members confirmed upgrades of their BMI and stomach circumference. The antioxidants in mushrooms also are notion to lessen the danger of high blood pressure and different metabolic disorders.

Download PROVIDE A MEAL app and feed someone today! 

8 foods to help stop you from binge eating

8 foods to help stop you from binge eating

Delicious foods that help you diet? It sounds too good to be true.No doubt: Weight loss comes down to simple math. You have to eat fewer calories than you burn.”Certain foods can help you shed body weight,” says Heather Mangieri, RD, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “because they help you feel full longer and help curb cravings.” Some even kick up your metabolism. So take this list when you go to the supermarket:Dark chocolate, sausage, nuts, and eggs? They’re all on the list. It’s about feeling full and satisfied.

1. Beans

Inexpensive, filling, and versatile, beans are a great source of protein. Beans are also high in fiber and slow to digest. That means you feel full longer, which may stop you from eating more.

2. Soup

Start a meal with a cup of soup, and you may end up eating less. It doesn’t matter if the soup is chunky or pureed, as long as it’s broth-based. You want to keep the soup to 100 to 150 calories a serving. So skip the dollops of cream and butter.

3. Dark Chocolate

Want to enjoy chocolate between meals? Pick a square or two of dark over the milky version. In one study, chocolate lovers who were given dark chocolate ate 15% less pizza a few hours later than those who had eaten milk chocolate.

4. Pureed Vegetables

You can add more veggies to your diet, enjoy your “cheat” foods, and cut back on the calories you’re eating, all at the same time. When Penn State researchers added pureed cauliflower and zucchini to mac and cheese, people seemed to like the dish just as much. But they ate 200 to 350 fewer calories. Those healthy vegetables added low-cal bulk to the tasty dish.

5. Nuts

For a great snack on the run, take a small handful of almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or pecans. Research shows that when people munch on nuts, they automatically eat less at later meals.

6. Apples

Skip the apple juice and the applesauce and opt instead for a crunchy apple. Whole fruit blunts appetite in a way that fruit juices and sauces don’t.

One reason is that raw fruit has more fiber. Plus, chewing sends signals to your brain that you’ve eaten something substantial.

7. Yogurt

Whether you prefer Greek or traditional, yogurt can be good for your waistline.

A Harvard study followed more than 120,000 people for a decade or longer. Yogurt, of all the foods that were tracked, was most closely linked to weight loss.

That doesn’t prove that yogurt caused weight loss, but it stood out among other foods.

8. Grapefruit

Yes, grapefruit really can help you shed pounds, especially if you are at risk for diabetes.

Researchers at Scripps Clinic in San Diego found that when obese people ate half a grapefruit before each meal, they dropped an average of 3 ½ pounds over 12 weeks. Drinking grapefruit juice had the same results.But grapefruit juice doesn’t have any proven “fat-burning” properties — it may just have helped people feel full.Be careful: You cannot have grapefruit or grapefruit juice if you are on certain medications, so check the label on all your prescriptions, or ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Shop Smart

Load your shopping cart with lots of lean protein, fresh veggies, fruit, and whole grains, says food scientist Joy Dubost, PhD, RD. The most important thing, when it comes to lasting weight loss, is the big picture of what you eat, not specific foods.

Finally eating three meals a day vs. snacking all day is easier to lose weight because you can stop fixating on food. When thoughts of food constantly enter your mind, you want to eat more of it. Live your life between meals, and allow yourself to not be constantly nagged by the pantry to come back for more!

Download PROVIDE A MEAL app and feed someone today! 

5 foods to enhance spiritual growth

5 foods to enhance spiritual growth

We all know that it is always important to nourish your body with clean, organic and unprocessed foods, however during times of spiritual growth or awakening (Spiritual awakening is a term given to describe a subjective experience in which an individual’s ego transcends their ordinary, finite sense of self to encompass a wider, infinite sense of truth or reality.) it is even more important that your body is nourished with foods to support your changing vibration. Eating certain foods are also important during times of change, times of awakening and times of high emotional stress.

As your vibration level moves up in frequency, it can cause your energy to feel displaced, shaky or even unstable. You may even start experiencing bodily sensations, vivid dreams or feel sensitive towards others. During this time, it is important that you nourish your body with foods that are going to not only support you through this process but also support your pineal gland.

The pineal gland is the “seat of consciousness” and is often referred to as the third eye. It is responsible for our dreams, visions and being able to connect us with our higher purpose or source energy. The Pineal Gland has other functions in the body too, however from a more spiritual or esoteric approach, the pineal glad is truly how we awaken into our own consciousness and raise our vibration. 

If you are looking to support or enhance your intuition, refocus your energy or need some help with ascension symptoms, here are 5 foods that will help support you:

 

1. Cold pressed Extra Virgin Olive or Coconut Oil

Healthy fats like those found in olive and coconut oil not only support brain and nervous system function but they also help us to expand our intuition. Often when you first come into your awakening, you may feel anxious or even depressed as you try to adjust to the changes. Eating a diet rich in these fats can help to calm you and keep you balanced through the process.

These fats are also stabilising and will help you to connect with Mother Earth. They can also increase your intuitive connection with nature.

2. Raw Cacao  

Cacao is not only high in nutrients and antioxidants but it is also believed to help support the functioning of the pineal gland and enhance your intuition. Raw cacao is also a potent detoxifier and can help shift toxic energy out of your body and aura. It is also highly energizing and can help to stabilise energy levels throughout the day. Cacao can also help to elevate your mood and help you to calm the thoughts in your mind, making it perfect for meditation or mindfulness practices.

 

3. Beets 

Beets help to detox the body of heavy metals and can assist in the cleansing of the pineal gland. Beets are also very grounding and can help you to feel more centered and balanced, especially if you are suffering from ascension symptoms or just feeling ‘out of touch’ with reality.

They can also help you to stay spiritually and emotionally strong around people who may be draining or when you are feeling sensitive to energy.

4. Herbs 

There are so many wonderful herbs that support ascension, intuition and awakening. Fresh herbs and herbal teas have such a strong and powerful vibration themselves, so use your intuition to guide you to the right herb at the right time. Herbs can help you to expand your consciousness, heal your body, enhance your psychic abilities and raise the frequency of your vibration. In fact, herbs are amazing at helping you to move through into a higher level of consciousness.

Certain herbs can also help you deal with ascension symptoms and the opening of the chakras. You can read more about this here.

5. Water

Staying hydrated is always important, but during times of ascension it is crucial. Water helps you to detox negative energy and emotions out of your body and also helps to clear toxins.

During times of spiritual growth sometimes the pains and wounds of the past are also uncovered in order to be released. Staying hydrated can help release some of these emotions and can aid in the letting go process.

Staying hydrated also supports the functioning of your brain which in turn, supports the health of the pineal gland and your nervous system.

Water also helps to keep the energy moving throughout your body and can help keep your energy levels up.

Download PROVIDE A MEAL app and feed someone today! 

6 Traditional Lunar New Year Meals across Asia

6 Traditional Lunar New Year Meals across Asia

If Jan. 1 wasn’t quite the annual reset you had been hoping for, you may rejoice now by cooking for the Lunar New Year. For the Year of the Tiger, starts on Feb. 1, and the inaugural banquet commences the night time before. In China and different Asian international locations that understand the vacation, including Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea, the festivities can ultimate for 2 weeks, and the ingredients frequently signify guarantees for a higher 12 months ahead. But the instant praise is some thing scrumptious to consume, whether or not you’re making ready a banquet or simply one dish.

1. Peking Duck With Honey and Five-Spice Glaze
– A spotlight of eating place banquets, this dish may be made at home, too, mainly with streamlined strategies from Kay Chun. It continues with the way of life of serving entire chicken to sign abundance. Additionally, it tastes more unique than fowl and seems like a party in each of the cooking method and in serving.

2. Nonya Hokkien Stir-Fried Noodles – The long noodles signify lengthy life, and there are countless versions of Cantonese  noodles. This Singaporean version, crowned with egg ribbons and crisp shallots, comes from Sharon Wee, the writer of “Growing Up in a Nonya Kitchen.” She shows topping it with highly spiced sambal belacan, a warm sauce made savory with shrimp paste.

3. Thit Heo Kho Trung (Pork and Eggs in Caramel Sauce)  -The rich combination of beef and eggs receives its savory taste from fish sauce and a bit sweetness from coconut water and caramel, which additionally brings a welcome sour edge. Its commonly served with the dish over steamed rice and with pickled bean sprout salad to provide a fresh contrast.

4. Tang Yuan – The sticky texture and spherical form of those Chinese New Year dessert dumplings signify own circle of relatives unity, and consequently promise togetherness for the 12 months ahead. With the soft bite of a marshmallow and a nougat-like sesame filling, those rounds are served in a candy ginger soup. They’re clean to shape and freeze well, so that you can put together a massive batch straight away and consume them in the course of the holiday season.

5. Mandu The Korean New Year, Seollal, is honoured  with tteok mandu guk, a steaming soup full of sticky rice cakes, which one is meant to consume a good way to see their subsequent birthday. Mandu, dumplings, aren’t necessary, however they flavor scrumptious withinside the broth, mainly whilst crafted from scratch the use of this recipe from Julya Shin and Steve Joo.

6. Pancit Palabok (Rice Noodles With Chicken Ragout and Shrimp) In the Philippines, noodles for durability tackle many forms, and this dish is a few of the richest. Finely shredded fowl simmers right into a aromatic sauce to thicken it, and plump shrimp pinnacle the noodles, in conjunction with boiled eggs and crunchy chicharron.

Download PROVIDE A MEAL app and feed someone today! 

Protein for Vegans / Vegetarians!

Protein for Vegans / Vegetarians!

Plant foods are often a decent source of protein and of real benefit in helping to chop back animal proteins within the diet whether you’re an omnivore, vegetarian or a vegan. Here are a listing of plants that are great for protein!

1. Quinoa
Quinoa may well be a seed and you will find white, red, black or mixed varieties. 100g of quinoa (cooked weight) will provide almost 4g protein, but it’s also called an entire protein which means it contains all 22 amino acids, making it a wonderful alternative to carbohydrates like rice and couscous.
2. Pulses
A pulse is basically an seed that grows during a pod, and this therefore includes all beans, peas and lentils. These make a decent, low-fat and affordable source of plant protein and provide many variety. Different pulses include:
Lentils including Puy, green, and red: around 8-9g of protein per 100g
Chickpeas, including hummus: 7g of protein per 100g
Garden peas – around 7g per 100g
Beans, including black-eyed, pinto, butter, cannellini, soya, edamame and kidney: between 7-10g protein per 100g
Baked beans do count as an honest source of protein but keep a watch fixed on the salt content: 5g per 100g.
Tofu
Tofu, or tofu, springs from soya and just 100g of tofu provides 8g protein. Tofu is incredibly versatile because it’ll be cooked in some ways, including baking and stir-frying, yet as blending it into soups to create them creamier and better in protein.

3. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are again very versatile and could beused with meals or as a snack to verify adequate protein, and energy, is maintained throughout the day. variety of the only nut and seed proteins include:
Hemp seeds – 5g per heaped tablespoon
Ground linseed – 3g per heaped tablespoon
Almonds – 3g of protein for every six almonds
Walnuts – around 3g of protein for every three whole walnuts
Pumpkin seeds – 4g per tablespoon
Pistachios – just over 1g of protein over 10 pistachios
Cashew nuts – 3g per 10 cashew nuts
Brazil nuts – 4g per six Brazil nuts
Peanut butter and nut butters too as another convenient protein source, but read the label to create sure they’re 100% nuts and do not have any added oils, salt or sugars. One heaped tablespoon of smooth paste provides just over 3g of protein.
4. Chia seeds
Just one tablespoon of chia seeds will provide almost 2g of protein, which they is utilized in breakfasts, sprinkled over salads and soups, or as a healthy, protein-rich dessert. They also work as an excellent replacement to egg in vegan cooking as they’re hydrophilic and mighttherefore expand when soaked in water for about twenty minutes.
5. Buckwheat
Buckwheat is actually a seed that’s high in both protein and fibre, with 100g providing about 5g of protein, and it’s also gluten-free. Buckwheat is becoming increasingly popular and could be found as flakes, groats, pasta and flours making it an excellent addition to a vegan diet.
6. Oats
Whilst oats are a flowery carbohydrate, providing slow energy release, they’re also an outstanding source of protein packing 10g per 100g.
7. Brown and wild rice
Whilst primarily a carbohydrate, brown and wild rice do contain adequate levels of protein, around 4g per 100g, and they’re also a superb source of fibre.
8. Other grains
Some slightly less known grains can also be accustomed raise your protein:
Spelt – over 5g of protein per 100g
Teff – over 4g of protein per 100g
Amaranth – over 4g of protein per 100g
Sorghum – over 8g of protein per 100g
9. Vegetables
Vegetables also offer a surprising amount of protein including:
Asparagus – almost 2g of protein per six spears
Avocado – over 1g per ½ an avocado
Broccoli – almost 3g per 80g broccoli
Brussels sprouts – around 2g per 80g Brussels sprouts
Cauliflower – 1.5g per 80g serving
Jerusalem artichokes – over 1g of protein per 80g
Kale – almost 2g per 80g serving
Spinach – 2g per 80g serving
Sweetcorn – over 2g for every three heaped tablespoons

Download PROVIDE A MEAL app and feed someone today! 

Coffee – good or bad?   

Coffee – good or bad?   

Past studies hinted that coffee might have a dark side, newer research suggests that it may actually have health benefits. 

How so? It’s hard to look at just one aspect of diet and connect it to a health condition because so many other factors that could play a role. For example, early research on coffee didn’t always take into account that heavy coffee drinkers also tended to use tobacco and be sedentary. 

When newer studies adjusted for such factors, they found a possible association between coffee and decreased life. Coffee may offer some protection against: 

  • Parkinson’s disease 
  • Type 2 diabetes 
  • Liver disease, including liver cancer 
  • Heart attack and stroke 

Coffee still has potential risks, mostly due to its high caffeine content. For example, it can temporarily raise blood pressure. Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding need to be cautious about caffeine. High intake of boiled, unfiltered coffee has been associated with mild increase in cholesterol levels. 

The bottom line is that your coffee habit is probably fine and may even have some benefits. But if you have side effects from coffee, such as heartburn, nervousness or insomnia, consider cutting back!
Download PROVIDE A MEAL app and feed someone today!