Real Foods Blog

Sleep is absolutely crucial for good health, yet many of us struggle to get enough rest. Whether it’s difficulty getting off to sleep, or waking up in the night, a lack of good quality repose can leave us feeling exhausted the next day. In fact, sleep deficiency has been associated with chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity and depression.

Whether you opt for traditional lemon and sugar, or a more savoury topping, many of us will be celebrating Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, this February. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we celebrate this tasty tradition? 

Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year when love is most definitely in the air. On 14th February people in the UK send over 25 million Valentine’s cards to their sweethearts. But why do we celebrate this date and what is the significance of sending Valentine’s cards?

Christmas dinner is traditionally associated with roast turkey and all the trimmings. But have you ever considered going plant-based for your festive meal? There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian Christmas recipe ideas which will not only benefit your health but also the environment. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you should consider a plant-based Christmas feast this year.

Organic pulses, both dried and canned, are a fantastic plant-based source of protein and fibre. They are highly nutritious and a great source of vitamins and minerals. Pulses range from chickpeas to beans and lentils and are an incredibly versatile food to cook with. These tasty morsels can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to curries and stews. But have you ever stopped to think about which is the most cost-effective option: dried versus canned? 

Fresh vegetables are the cornerstone of a healthy diet and the spring and summer seasons are a time when they are in abundance. From asparagus to kohlrabi and runner beans to tomatoes, there’s a huge variety to choose from. Make sure you eat the rainbow by including plenty of these delicious seasonal fresh vegetables in your diet. And if you need some recipe inspiration, Real Foods has that too!

Most of us have experienced some degree of stress and anxiety in recent years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. And with the UK now facing a cost of living crisis, there is plenty to feel anxious about. Stress is a natural thing to experience and can even help to focus our minds and make us more productive. But uncontrolled stress and anxiety can have a debilitating effect on the body. Here, Real Foods takes a look at why healthy eating can be good for mental health.

Due to increasing energy prices and taxes, households across the UK will be feeling the pinch this year. As utility bills and the cost of the weekly shop increase, people will be looking for ways to reduce costs. Here, Real Foods takes a look at some top money-saving cooking tips. Meal planning, cooking from scratch, buying in bulk and eating seasonally can all help to save money, so it’s time to reclaim your kitchen and help reduce your costs.

Each year in the UK we munch our way through a whopping 80 million Easter eggs. And it’s not just chocolate eggs, but hot cross buns and Simnel cake too. But other countries have their own ways of celebrating Easter, as we will see here. And food plays a big part in the proceedings.