Real Foods Blog

Batch cooking has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly among busy people who want to eat healthily but are short on time. In fact, according to a survey by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) 63% of adults are regular batch-cookers. The survey respondents stated that it enables them to make savings of around £60 per month on food costs. So, batch cooking helps to save both time and money! And, what’s more, it can help to kickstart a healthier way of living. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits behind batch cooking and how to get started.

Embracing the Blue Zone lifestyle can transform your approach to health and longevity. Imagine living in a world where reaching the age of 100 isn’t just possible but common. This isn’t a fantasy; it’s a reality in the Blue Zones, regions known for their exceptional longevity and vitality. Whether it’s the sunny beaches of Okinawa, Japan, or the peaceful hills of Sardinia, Italy, these spots are like hidden treasure maps to living a long and vibrant life.

Seasonal eating is beneficial for our health as well as the health of the planet. Fresh produce that has recently been harvested, and hasn’t had to travel for thousands of miles, is typically fresher, tastier and much more nutritionally dense.

Although fruits do not begin to ripen until the summer in the UK, spring brings with it an abundance of fresh vegetables. By integrating these fresh veggies into daily meals, we are embracing the natural rhythm of the seasons whilst supporting local agriculture and nourishing our bodies.

Easter is a joyous time of year which coincides with Spring, heralding a time of new life and new beginnings. This Christian holiday is celebrated in many ways around the world, and traditional foods are very much part of the proceedings. Easter eggs, hot cross buns and Simnel cake are just some of the goodies that are enjoyed by all. The good news for anyone following a free-from diet is that traditional Easter recipes can easily be adapted to cater for various dietary restrictions. Whether it’s vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free or nut-free, you can prepare a delectable Easter feast without compromising on flavour or tradition.

The bacteria in our gut can have a profound affect on our general health and sense of well being. Have a read on our brief post about gut bacteria and gut dysbiosis.

Love it or loathe it the Edinburgh Festival will soon be upon us along with the many thousands of visitors from all around the globe. Real Foods has been in Edinburgh for 45 of the 62 years the festival has been running and we want to share with you our ideas on enjoying the festival season.

For decades the Real Foods family has been advocating the benefits of plant-based living. Now there is more and more evidence that we would all be better for making our meals plant-based. Not only would we and our families be healthier, but we would be doing the planet a favour as well, helping to preserve our wonderful world for future generations.

Are you vegetarian, vegan, reducetarian, flexitarian, or planetarian? Because of all the hype around new diets that are better for the planet and our health, the team at Real Foods decided that it was time to give the lowdown, so you can determine the best vegetarian diet for you.

Organic wines are delicious, but have other important qualities too. Read on to discover the difference between biodynamic, vegetarian, vegan and low/no sulphur organic wines.