A bit fishy ...

_{© 2010 S Kirk McMurray Creative Commons Licence}

I know not everyone does, but I really like fish and seafood.  Just about all kinds I think.  

I love mussels, prawns, crab, clams and tiny shrimps - but not  jelly fish, (yuk!), which I tried once on holiday.  And I'm partial to a plate of plaice and chips or baked cod or a fabulously ketchupy fish finger sandwich.  

But it's oily fish that I eat most because it's just so handy.  On toast.  With poached eggs.  In a chunky sandwich.  On a bagel. Tossed in at the last minute to some pasta or a salad.  No hassle and it keeps me going for the rest of the day.

But I have to confess I have got into a bit of a rut with it.  It tends to be tuna and salmon over again.

So this month I am going to rediscover some of my other old favourites - mackerel, sardines, whitebait, trout and eel - and spread my wings and try something new.   Maybe some Scandinavian style herring or kippers for breakfast or pilchards like my Gran used to eat.

Are you a fish fan? What's your favourite?
How do you like to eat it?

Note to self: It's all a bit fishy!
Did you know? Oily fish can help to the reduce "bad" cholesterol that contributes to heart disease.  It can also relieve symptoms of diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis, psoriasis and depression.

Water water everywhere

And not a drop to drink!

How does it happen? There really is water water everywhere but I often end up thirsty.  And you really want to stay out of my way when I'm thirsty - I am tired, I can't concentrate on anything and I am so grumpy!

_{“Glass of Running Water” © 2010 elitatt  Creative Commons Licence}

I know some people are not big fans of plain water but I don't even have that excuse.  I like it, nice and cold from the tap either just as it comes or in a great glass of squash.  But I still don't remember to drink it. 

And then I get thirsty.  And then I get grumpy.  And then I want a nap or a fizzy drink or a cup of coffee but none of them actually make me feel better.  The only thing that really does the trick is nice cold water drunk regularly throughout the day so I never get thirsty.

Now I've got a big plastic jug for home that I fill up first thing with either water or squash.  I don't know why it works but somehow it does - I remember to keep filling my glass from the jug.  It would be just as easy to fill from the tap but for some reason the jug reminds me to have a drink when the tap doesn't.

I've also cadged a plastic beaker from my daughter that I can fill up for when I am out and about as if I can help it, I just refuse to fork out for the bottled stuff.

Do you like water? Flat or fizzy? Over a load of ice? With squash or a splash of juice or a twist of lemon? Are you grumpy like me when you're thirsty?

Note to self: Fill up the water jug in the morning and don't leave home without a beaker of water.

Did you know? Water helps your body get rid of the bad cholesterol that contributes to heart disease.  It can also help to reduce the risk of bowel cancer, regulate blood sugar in diabetics and symptoms of IBS such as constipation.

Beans means?

What do beans mean for you?

Baked beans are great - everyone loves baked beans don’t they? - and so versatile but my absolute fave at the moment is black bean tacos.

 Grilled Taco © 2009 N Muryama Creative Commons Licence 

I love them with loads of creamy guacamole and spicy tomato salsa.  They all disappear at super speed in our house. 

My other big bean favourites are a nice hot chilli, stomach warming Italian style pasta and bean soup and - if I can count chick peas as beans -  a lovely thick dahl. 

They are all really great now autumn is here and I need something filling to keep out the cold and the wet. 

What are your favourite bean recipes?

Note to self: Hold off the hunger pangs with a big bean fest!

Did you know? Medical research shows brilliant beans can reduce bad cholesterol AND regulate blood sugar in people with diabetes AND reduce the risk of bowel cancer AND reduce blood pressure. Wow!

Walking the walk

  "Duck Pond" © 2005 Zemlinki Creative Commons license

We have a lovely park close to us in London and as I'm a mum with a toddler we spend lots of time there - at the playground, feeding the ducks and right now collecting conkers. 

But when I'm working I find myself not getting there.  It's a shame because I love seeing the trees change throughout the year, listening to the escaped parakeets screeching importantly and watching everyone who is out there enjoying themselves.

It's a shame and it's daft because the nursery drop off is just as quick if we walk through the park as if we go on the bus.  And although the bus can be fun it doesn't help me relax.

And that's what's wonderful about walking - it's just so relaxing!  It doesn't matter if it's a gentle stroll or something brisker the stress drops out of my shoulders and my mind clears.

So I've decided - I don't care if it's raining - I am going to enjoy a brisk constitutional in the park every day.

What about you? Do you have a park nearby or somewhere you enjoy going for a stroll?

Note to self: Wind down with a walk

Did you know? Walking can reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. 

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