My claim to fame is that I have reached 40 having never tried a Big Mac. Don’t get me wrong, I have eaten from the famous golden arches dozens of times but having been raised in the country side, the nearest fast food diner was either half an hours drive or a long wait at a bus stop followed by a very bumpy ride.

I was fortunate to have parents who believed in raw, fresh fruit and vegetables and they also realised the cost saving potential of substituting part of the garden for edible yield.

By the mid 90s I was a die-hard vegetarian for 6 years, refusing even gelatin or any animal bi-product. Canvas shoes in the rain was no joke! When I did revert back to eating meat (for health reasons), I chose to focus on eating pure/clean foods or food with very little enhancements from the original plant. The nutrients therefore remained as true to their biological benefits as possible.

The benefits to my skin are undeniable. I don’t have any lines or wrinkles and my complexion is fresh and dewy. I have hit my 40s and still regularly get asked for I.D when shopping for wine. I get hit on all the time by men half my age, who genuinely look confused when I turn them down gracefully and explain I was born in the 70s! Most of all I feel great.

Skin care is essential but until chic and shady I never washed my face and nearly always forgot to use any form of moisturisers or serums. In short the reason is somewhat genetic but also has a lot to do with my diet. If you want to look more youthful, it’s important to never scrimp when if comes to nutrition. Chances are the way you feel about yourself, has a direct impact on what you put into your body? How you feel is how you eat.

The thing to remember is healthy food really doesn’t have to be expensive it’s about managing your time. If you are willing to get up half and hour earlier to prepare a good breakfast or take an hour out of your evening to cook a health meal, trust me when I say, your body will thank you in the long run. I’m not saying you shouldn’t eat fast food, as my case is likely unusual but the proof is in the pudding and i’ll happily eat that 3 times a week!

Image; Porridge oats, lactose free milk, natural honey, raspberries, blueberries and grapes. Antique sold silver bowl from 1921 bought from Ebay. Edwardian dessert folk (set of 6) bought from Portobello Market.

Benefits of Blueberries;

Good for maintaining healthy bones, contains iron, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc and vitamin K. Also known to lower blood pressure, have a positive impact on diabetes, improve the health of your mind and your digestive system and aid weight loss to name but a few.

Benefits of Raspberries;

It’s my fail-safe hang-over cure…. not sure why but it works for me every time? They are low in calories but high in fibre, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Studies have shown that they could also be great for protection against diabetes, cancer, obesity, arthritis and other conditions. Raspberries are also know to contain high levels of ellagic acid known for it’s chemopreventative properties, as well as having anti-inflammatory benefits.

Benefits of Natural Honey;

Contains anti-oxidants as well as natural wound healing properties, helps with digestive issues, soothes a sore throat, is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, has immune-boosting, has some cell damage protection and polyphenol rich honey may play a role in preventing heart disease..

However it is worth noting that you should be careful when considering giving honey to young children, as the affects may be adverse!

Benefits of porridge oats;

Oats are incredibly filling and great for your digestion, contain antioxidants, high in vitamins and minerals, are rich in nutrients, contain a powerful soluble fibre called beta-glucan, can lower cholesterol, can improve blood sugar absorption and they are gluten-free.

Benefits of red grapes;

Red grapes have a high polyphenol content also, contain vitamin K and C, fibre, anti-oxidants, are low-calorie, anti-inflammatory, may improve blood flow, and protect your vascular system. Other benefits are that grapes are good for improving the radiance of your skin and they are great for hydration.

Enjoy! x