How to add chia seeds to your diet

It’s the tiny seed that packs a big nutritional punch, which is why this week we’re saying ‘three cheers for chia’. 

Highly prized since the time of the Aztecs, chia seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant form of omega-3, which the body converts into the longer-chain omega-3 fats naturally found in oil-rich fish. Plus they’re high in fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium – and they contain all eight essential amino acids needed for the body to make complete proteins, making them a particularly good choice for people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. 

Celebrate Bramley Apple Week

Tangy bramleys are at their best now and, to celebrate, this week has been earmarked as Bramley Apple Week. This refreshing mackerel and apple slaw recipe recipe from TV chef Valentine Warner and herb expert Jekka McVicar combines the flavour of the crisp green fruit with the freshness of herbs, so there’s no need to add salt or sugar.

Why don’t we just move more?

By David Stalker, CEO of the not-for-profit health body, ukactive

There’s one single message that will help us tackle the inactivity crisis: Just do more than you’re currently doing.

The Medicinal Chef's Jerusalem artichoke soup

By Dale Pinnock

Let’s start with a little warning. When you first try this soup you may think I have played an evil prank on you. Because initially it may feel like digestive warfare has unfolded and you will feel bloated and gassy afterwards. But what you are experiencing is a massive feeding of the good bacteria in the gut, which will cause the bacterial colony to grow and strengthen.

WIN a De'Longhi Multifry Extra worth £199.99!

Cake, creamy risotto, fried fish and chips… so much for lighter eating, right? Well, actually, yes – made in a De'Longhi Multifry Extra and traditionally high-fat dishes such as these could receive the healthy seal of approval. That’s because this innovative cooking appliance can bake, stew and air-fry with the minimum amount of oil – in fact, just 1tbsp oil (equivalent to only 2.3% fat) is needed for the Multifry to turn 1kg potatoes into crispy, healthier chips. But here’s the best bit – WE’VE TWO TO GIVE AWAY!

WIN a Sophie Michell cookbook and a month’s supply of Total Greek Yoghurt!

Dark, dreary days and unrealistic weight loss resolutions getting you down? We’ve got a competition prize that’s sure to brighten your mood – and you might even shed a few pounds, too…

Can you get healthy fish and chips?

By Juliette Kellow

It’s not the obvious event for a dietitian to attend, but on Tuesday I went to The National Fish & Chip Awards 2015. Living by the seaside and being a firm supporter of the fishing industry (as well as working as a nutrition consultant for Seafish, who organised the event), I wanted to fly the flag.