Don’t you just love Mum’s! When pondering my next article for the blog, my Mum pings up an email with the following so I thought I’d give her the opportunity to have her name ‘Maureen Newitt’ searchable in google for the first time ever and now you can see how far this approach to healthy living goes back, including a yummy recipe too!
“Thought this would be a topical subject for your blog. The Mail on Sunday said the following:”
- “Heart and Blood: Pumpkin flesh is high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and heart function. It also contains healthy fat that promotes HDL – ‘good cholesterol’ – protecting against heart attack, and lowers levels of harmful cholesterol (LDL).
- Immune System: Pumpkins are full of beta-carotenes that can be converted into Vitamin A, which helps the immune system fight infections by making white blood cells that destroy bacteria and viruses.
- Bones and Teeth: The flesh and seeds contain zinc, a mineral that helps build strong bones. Zinc also has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce pain from arthritis. They are also rich in magnesium and calcium.
- Waistline: Pumpkins are low in calories and high in fibre to help your digestive system function well.
- Skin: High levels of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that reduces the effects of sun exposure on skin, is found in the flesh, along with Vitamin A that helps to keep skin moist and act as a barrier to bacteria, and Vitamin C that promotes collagen production.
- Eyes: Beta-carotenes in the flesh convert to retinol that helps the eyes adjust to light-changes. It also contains lutein and zeaxanthin which help protect against cataracts.
- Hair and Nails: The seeds are full of iron and calcium, vital for healthy hair and nails.”
Pumpkin Soup
Serves 6
Ingredients:
- 8 cups (2L) vegetable stock (I used Marigold Swiss bouillon vegan low-salt)
- 4 tbsp (60ml) olive oil
- 4 cups pumpkin, peeled and diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and pepper to taste
Method
- In a large pot, heat oil over high heat. Add pumpkin, carrots, celery and onion. Cook for 5 mins, then add stock, bay leaf and thyme.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 mins or until vegetables are tender.
- Puree soup in a liquidiser and season with salt and pepper.
Serving suggestion:
Accentuate the soup’s smooth flavour with a dollop of low fat creme fraiche or a dash of ground cinnamon.
Wendy Campbello
Hi Michelle and Maureen,
Thank you for the delicious pumpkin soup, I have just made some for lunch and it is absolutely divine! Thank you!!
Keep them coming.
Lots of love
Wendy (aka fruit and nut bar 🙂
xx
michellenewitt
So pleased you like it! How’s your nutrition business ideas coming along?
wendycampbell
Hi Michelle,
I wondered if you could advise me on protein powders for weight loss. What is the difference between isolate and normal whey, what are you views on pea protein vs whey protein powders in terms of amino acids profile and which has less carbs of which are sugars.
Could you recommend a brand and site to purchase your recommendations too please.
Many thanks.
Wendy Campello
michellenewitt
Hi Wendy,
Whey protein has the highest biological value so if it’s a choice between that and pea protein there’s really no contest, unless you’re vegan! Most whey protein powders you will find contain mostly whey protein concentrate with some whey protein isloate mixed in. Isolate is more expensive than concentrate because it’s more pure i.e. it contains more protein with less fat and lactose per serving. Usually isolate contains 90-98% protein while concentrate contains 70-85% so all the leading brands will emphasise it on the packagaing if it contains more isolate. The best weight loss protein powders these days are low carb, low GI and have advanced effects. Along with whey, they may contain CLA, green tea extract, flaxseed and L-Carnitine all proven to increase the fat burning effect. My favouite is PHD Diet Whey (strawberry) as it tastes the most natural and mixes well. I work for this company http://www.performancefoodsbrighton.co.uk/weight-loss/diet-shakes/diet-whey.html where you can get a really good price if you buy it online x
wendy
Hi Michelle,
Thank you very much for your informed response. On your recommendation I have purchased some strawberry delight to try for feedback before recommending to clients
Some of the products I have tried are very sweet and are full of artifical sweetners.
Thanks again for your help! Much apprecaited.
NT business admin is all taken care of, however I am looking for someone to build my website – could you recommend anyone?
x