Our news

We’d love everyone to read this page from Gov.UK about the new obesity strategy - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-obesity-strategy-unveiled-as-country-urged-to-lose-weight-to-beat-coronavirus-covid-19-and-protect-the-nhs

It’s a good idea to adopt a few healthier habits as individuals as well as understanding national initiatives.

The good news is that healthier can be fun. Bike rides, walking, swimming are all good exercises but the main thing is to do what you can when you can. Build something into your daily routine.

And treat yourself to tasty, wholesome meals. An occasional treat is fine but let’s look after ourselves and the people around us as we continue to face uncertain times.

The signs, they are a changing’…

Here is the new sign at our HQ in Yeovil on the front of the office. We hope you like it.

The all-important kitchen and bakehouse is at the other side of the building.

Our African Palava meal - a profusion of brown beans, chicken, peanuts and spinach - makes a great addition to the BBQ table as an alternative meal or split between two or three guests.

Well, the sun is lovely but … we still have to be careful in the heat. Here are our tips for keeping as cool as a cucumber.

• Close windows which face the sun closed during the day, open them at night, if it is safe, when the temperature has dropped and cool air can flood the flat or house

• Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm and wear loose-fitting cotton clothes

• Take cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water during the day.

• Make sure you drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol. Water, milk, tea and coffee are all good options

• If you have to step out in the heat, make sure you walk in the shade, slap on sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf

• It’s always a good idea to check up on friends and relatives who might be less able to look after themselves.

Father’s Day on Sunday will look a little different this year - but don’t be down-hearted, let’s get inventive. Dad’s favourite restaurant, sporting venue or pub will all have to wait until next year so we must look to DIY fun.

The forecast is good, so how about a surprise BBQ? Or if dad has a sweet tooth, how about a blindfold cake taste test challenge. Each family member could make a cake and compete to be crowned champion baker. To work off the calories, the cake test could be followed by games in the garden or the park. Perhaps pack up some sandwiches and enjoy a day-long hike - our crispbreads and crackers look good in a picnic basket!

Once you get home , how about a rounding off the day with a  nice glass or wine or a special Father’s day cocktail.n And, finally, don’t forget the family quiz!

Some 4.8 million people live with diabetes in the UK It’s a serious condition which – regardless of type – can bring with it many challenges. And living with diabetes can be relentless.

This Diabetes Week (8^th-14^th June) – comes at a time when life is more challenging than ever before. The charity, Diabetes UK, is asking people to share their experiences using #TheBigPicture through their social media networks, to spread the message to more people than ever before.

Food is, of course, hugely important to people, whether or not they have diabetes. It’s a good time to remind everyone to make some healthy swaps - chips for salad for example (or at least half chips and half salad – we’re only human after all!). We’d also recommend our Chikpea Crispbreads in place of bread for a tasty lunch.

Diabetes UK also runs a Helpline which can be reached at 0345 123 2399 or via email at helpline@diabetes.org.uk

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has backed a petition calling on the UK government to protect farmers in future trade deals.

This week, the NFU’s food standards petition has seen enormous support from the public in just a matter of days, with more than 250,000+ people pledging their support since Saturday.

Following discussions with the NFU, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver also recorded a video urging politicians to back British farming. In it, he criticised MPs for rejecting an amendment to the UK Agriculture Bill which would have required all imports to be produced to the same standards as the UK.

The petition can be found here – www.nfuonline.com

Christina, our Queen of Beans, is a proud member of the NFU and backs the campaign 100%.

We’re happy with sales of our one-pot meals in recent weeks, they have really stood the taste test against home-cooked dishes!

And, of course, as we are all so busy with Zoom quizzes and chats, easy to make one-pot dishes still have their place in the store cupboard.

We’re particularly pleased with our Moroccan Tagine meal which slips effortlessly from a warming winter / spring meal served with a warming baked potato to a tasty and tempting spring / summer dish served with rice and salad.

Chickpea, aubergine and butternut squash with apricot, infused with aromatic spices - slowly cooked by us,quickly served and eaten by you!