Author Archives: Frostie

A Quarter of Mums Lack Confidence Introducing Solid Foods to Their Baby

Posted on by

 

  • New Start4Life campaign launched to boost parents’ confidence in weaning their baby
  • New survey shows one in four mums (26%) did not feel confident introducing solid foods[1]
  • Findings also reveal common misconceptions around the signs that a baby is ready to start weaning

Public Health England (PHE) has launched its first ever Start4Life campaign to help parents introduce their baby to solid foods.

 

Official advice is that most babies should not start solid foods until they are around six months old. By this point their bodies are better able to cope with solid foods and they are more able feed themselves. They are also better at moving food around their mouth, chewing and swallowing. The last UK Infant Feeding Survey showed that three-quarters of parents had introduced solid foods by the time their baby was 5 months old.

 

A new survey of 1,000 mothers of young children conducted for Public Health England found that common myths persist about the signs a baby is ready for their first solid foods, including:

  • Just under half of mums (46%) think wanting extra milk feeds is a sign that babies are ready for solid foods;
  • A third of mums (32%) believe that a baby chewing their fists is a sign that they are ready to start weaning;
  • Just under a quarter of mums (24%) believe that waking up in the night is a sign a baby is ready for weaning.

The survey revealed that many parents have concerns around weaning with more than a quarter saying they didn’t feel confident when they introduced solid foods to their baby. Choking topped the list of worries about weaning, with mums also concerned about allergic reactions to new foods, how much food to give their baby, and concern that their baby won’t eat enough or will reject food.

 

A brand-new weaning hub has been launched on the Start4Life website to help parents during their weaning journey. Packed with NHS-approved advice and tips for each weaning stage, plus simple, healthy weaning recipes for different age groups, it puts everything parents need to know in one place. It also includes new videos showing the signs that indicate babies are ready to wean, how much food to give, and weaning tips from other parents.

 

Public Health England nutritionist Orla Hugueniot said: “Introducing solid foods is an important stage in a baby’s development. It’s a great opportunity to guide their taste preferences and help them learn healthy eating habits that will stay with them for life.

 

“We know that parents have lots of questions about weaning and that many feel nervous about it. That’s why our new weaning hub on the Start4Life website puts all of the NHS advice in one place, helping parents to be more confident and enjoy this big milestone in their child’s life.”

 

Developed in partnership with parents, the weaning hub makes it easy for parents to find answers to their weaning questions and get information relevant to their baby’s age and weaning stage.

 

The campaign is being launched as part of the Start4Life programme, which aims to help parents adopt healthy behaviours during pregnancy, birth and their children’s early years.

To find out more visit: www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning

 

 

BBC Science Focus Magazine survey reveals girls uninspired by STEM subjects at school

Posted on by
  • A third of girls cite Maths as their least favourite subject
  • Boys inspired by STEM, list Computing and Maths as favourite subjects
  • Girls dream of becoming teachers while boys aspire to be computer programmers

 

To commemorate International Women in Science Day today, BBC Science Focus Magazine has launched an investigation into why many girls are not choosing to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics at A-level and University. To get to the heart of the issue, BBC Science Focus Magazine conducted three separate surveys in a bid to discover why certain subjects get a thumbs-down, and whether anything can be done to stop them turning away.

 

The survey sent to 11 to 14-year olds conducted by agency CINT UK Ltd/Immediate Media Co, discovered that there is notable gender difference in the respondents, with no STEM subjects listed in the Top 3 subjects for girls, whilst STEM subjects feature twice (ICT and Maths/Statistics) in the boys Top 3.

 

Girls Favourite Subjects

  • Art            (43%)
  • English     (28%)
  • Drama      (28%)
   Boys Favourite Subjects

  • ICT/computing    (41%)
  • PE                          (36%)
  • Maths/Statistics  (35%)

 

Those polled citing, ‘I’m good at them’ (68%) and ‘I find them interesting’ (65%) as the main reasons behind favourite subjects.

 

When it comes to Least Favourite, Maths/Statistics comes top for girls polled. Both boys and girls also cite similar reasoning for their least favourites: 57% find the subjects boring, 42% because they are not good at them and 35% find them difficult to understand.

 

Girls Least Favourite

  • Maths/Statistics (33%)
  • RE                         (29%)
  • Languages           (28%)
   Boys Least Favourite

  • RE                         (33%)
  • Languages           (29%)
  • Maths/Statistics (23%)
     

This attitude is certainly reflected nationally. According to the Your Life campaign, at A-level, just 19% of girls choose two STEM subjects, compared to 33% of boys. Maths and physics fare particularly poorly: according to the JCQ (Joint Centre for Qualifications), last year 59,270 boys took A-level maths, compared to 38,357 girls; and 29,422 boys took physics, compared to 8,384 girls.

 

Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, Production Editor at BBC Science Focus Magazine commented, “From our research, we found that interest in the sciences drops off when girls enter secondary school. This is troubling, as many of them want to follow career paths where science, technology, engineering and maths would be helpful. In fact, these subjects are useful for loads of careers – whether you want to be a journalist, a video game designer, an astronaut or a lawyer.”

 

But how do the younger girls view STEM? When we spoke to around 100 readers at Girl Talk, a magazine for girls aged 7 to 11, they told us they enjoy their science lessons, especially the experiments and hands on learning, which would suggest that girls are less interested in STEM, the older they get.

 

With 40,000** STEM jobs lying vacant each year, there is a huge opportunity to get more women into science-based roles. When asked what careers the 11 to 14-year olds would like to do when older, there is a marked difference between the genders. Girls are aiming for traditionally nurturing roles with teacher (8%) taking the top spot, a career in the medical profession (7%) orworking with animals (7%), complete their Top 3, whereas boys have opted for computer programming (10%), engineering (8%) and becoming a blogger/vlogger at 6%.

 

Considering that STEM qualifications are needed to pursue several of the girls’ dream jobs, the magazine also surveyed more than 2,000 adults to ascertain whether STEM subjects are suggested by School Careers Advisors, or indeed whether pupils career aspirations are considered.

 

Considering that it can, and should, play an important part in future careers, over a third (37%) of our audience agree that better, or the presence of, careers advice would have altered the career path they followed. A huge number of those polled (63%) agree there should be more advice from schools, whilst 40% wished they had understood what qualifications were needed to pursue their preferred career, as 30% of those would have taken the necessary subjects more seriously at school.

 

 

For more on the subject, the full feature is at www.sciencefocus.com

This Week’s Must Read: UJA – The Book That Changed Jamaica

Posted on by

photo credit Lis McDermott

Thanks to solar power, Jamaica’s future is bright in Ira Poyser’s visionary debut novel, which imagines the Caribbean island as a powerhouse of economics, sport and global affairs.

By Lucy Bryson

It’s portrayed as an idyllic island blessed with blue skies, white sandy beaches and warm Caribbean seas. But away from the affluent tourist spots where holidaymakers sip expensive cocktails to reggae music lies a country struggling with crime, violence, poverty, inequality and unemployment. For all of Jamaica’s accomplishments – most notably in sport, music and culture – it has for decades remained reportedly stuck in an economic quagmire.

UJA – The Book That Changed Jamaica, cleverly imagines a future in which Jamaica escapes the impasse and lives up to its immense, untapped potential. The country harnesses one of its greatest natural resources, solar energy, to variously lift itself out of poverty and bolster its athletics talent to Olympic, world-beating dominance.

Ira Poyser’s impressive work of fiction fuses real-life events with fictional characters to create a hopeful – and realistic – vision for post-2030 Jamaica. Not without reason did respected Jamaican newspaper The Daily Gleaner describe it as having “bright, provocative moments” and succeeding in “challenge us to reflect”. 

The date is a key one; Jamaica is currently several years into its ambitious Vision 30 Plan, described by the state as a “strategic road map to guide the country to achieve its goals of sustainable development and prosperity by 2030”. The book contains numerous references to real life events and characters, too. There are ‘cameos’ Jamaican dancehall megastar Shaggy, track legend Usain Bolt, and even American indie musician Ezra Furman. 

A contemporary, sexually-charged romance, UJA – The Book That Changed Jamaica tells the fictional story of Khadeen and Orson “Awesome” Matisse – a power couple like no other. Orson is a former 400-metre Olympic champion who goes on to become Jamaican Prime Minister, while Khadeen is a beautiful, intellectual heavyweight with an aspirational vision for the future of the country. Set in Jamaica, New York, Chicago and Manchester, UK, the book spans a time period from the 1960s to 2031. It follows the pair’s turbulent relationship and the repercussions of publishing ‘Universalizing JA’, a book which sets out to convince their countrymen to harness the power of solar energy to transform Jamaica’s entire future. 

But with great power comes great responsibility, and the most powerful couple in the country struggle to adapt to their new role as leaders.

Alongside the dramatic ups and downs of the central couple’s relationships, Poyser threads in a story of athletic achievements, a giant, uber-destructive storm, and a sports superstar – presumed dead after the storm – with a severe case of amnesia.

Doping scandals, mistaken identity, sexual transgressions (this is a fairly racy novel in places) all have a part to play, and readers also follow the fortunes of the pair’s son Leo, captain of the Jamaican Athletics Team, as he struggles to discover who he really is and where his true strengths lie. 

As Orson and Khadeen overcome their differences to find their missing son, they also fight for Jamaica’s place on the world stage and discover the true strength of their own relationship. 

Poyser, who splits his time between Kingston, Jamaica, and Manchester, UK, writes with warm wit and humour, and in an easy, relaxed style. But he also pulls no punches and tells it like it is; there’s an undercurrent of violence throughout, which reaches a bloody conclusion at the end of the book, before once again taking a positive turn. His book is by turns challenging, romantic and adventurous – much like Jamaica itself. 

UJA – The Book that Changed Jamaica by Ira Poyser (Sculpture Enterprises) is available now  on Amazon, priced £5.09 in paperback and £4 as an eBook. For more information, go to Ira’s official Facebook page.

 

Time For a Crime Wave? The Best Upcoming Crime Books

Posted on by

Ready for a crime wave? Here are Frost’s top three psychological thrillers.

Connections in Death by J.D Robb. The latest Eve Dallas thriller. Unadulterated entertainment. Out now.

When recovering drug addict Lyle Pickering is found dead of an overdose, it looks like a tragic accident. But his sister Rochelle knows better, and so does Lieutenant Eve Dallas. Lyle was murdered, and the evidence points directly to his old street gang.

As Eve and husband Roarke track the killer through the city’s dive bars, drug dens and strip joints, another body is discovered. With connections growing between the living and the dead, and the body count on the rise, Eve knows she needs to close this case fast, before the killer’s lust for power turns the city’s streets into a bloodbath.

Available here.

The Buried Girl by Richard Montanari. A terrifying read that will stay with you. Out on February 14th.

A haunting, nerve-jangling psychological thriller from Sunday Times bestselling author Richard Montanari set in a small town hiding a very dark secret.

When New York psychologist Will Hardy’s wife is killed, he and his teenage daughter Bernadette move into Godwin Hall, a dusty, shut-up mansion in the small town of Abbeville, Ohio.

Meanwhile, Abbeville Chief of Police Ivy Holgrave is investigating the death of a local girl, convinced this may only be the latest in a long line of murders dating back decades – including her own long-missing sister.

But what place does Will’s new home have in the story of the missing girls? And what links the killings to the diary of a young woman written over a century earlier?

Available here.

55 by James Delargy. Brilliantly done. Will keep you breathless until the last page. Out on 4th April. 

*** There were 54 victims before this. Who is number 55? ***
A thriller with a killer hook, and an ending that will make you gasp!

Wilbrook in Western Australia is a sleepy, remote town that sits on the edge of miles and miles of unexplored wilderness. It is home to Police Sergeant Chandler Jenkins, who is proud to run the town’s small police station, a place used to dealing with domestic disputes and noise complaints.

All that changes on a scorching day when an injured man stumbles into Chandler’s station. He’s covered in dried blood. His name is Gabriel. He tells Chandler what he remembers.

He was drugged and driven to a cabin in the mountains and tied up in iron chains. The man who took him was called Heath. Heath told Gabriel he was going to be number 55. His 55th victim.

Heath is a serial killer.

As a manhunt is launched, a man who says he is Heath walks into the same station. He tells Chandler he was taken by a man named Gabriel. Gabriel told Heath he was going to be victim 55.

Gabriel is the serial killer.

Two suspects. Two identical stories. Which one is the truth?

James Delargy has written one of the most exciting debuts of 2019. He masterfully paints the picture of a remote Western Australian town and its people, swallowed whole by the hunt for a serial killer. This novel has been sold in 19 countries so far and has just been optioned for film.

Available here.

Millions of Brits admit to ignoring environmental concerns to make their lives easier

Posted on by

At Frost we try to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Nobody is perfect however. Here are the things Brits try to do but end up ignoring. Come on everyone, I think we can do a little bit better.

 

Top 20 things Brits do because it’s more convenient than being green

1. Buy new batteries instead of rechargeable ones

2. Use a plastic straw

3. Pay for a 5p plastic bag instead of remembering your re-usable shopping bags

4. Put fresh fruit and veg in a plastic bag at the supermarket

5. Leave lights turned on when you aren’t in the room

6. Buy a plastic bottle of water instead of carrying one you can reuse

7. Leave plug sockets switched on even when they aren’t in use

8. Drive when you could have walked

9. Throw out plastic food packaging instead of washing it out to recycle it

10. Use a tumble dryer instead of hanging clothes on the line

11. Put something recyclable into the bin instead of sorting it into the right recycling box

12. Throw food away which could have been eaten or reused

13. Boil a full kettle for one cup of tea

14. Buy paint in plastic pots instead of metal, which can be recycled

15. Use a new coffee cup with your takeaway coffee instead of taking a reusable one

16. Still ask for paper bills when you could go paperless

17. Leave a tap running for a long time/ when you aren’t using it

18. Have the heating on while also having windows open

19. Leave the shower turned on when you aren’t it

20. Wash laundry on a hot wash when it didn’t need it

 

Millions of Brits admit to ignoring environmental concerns to make their lives easier, a study has found.

 

 

A poll of 2,000 adults found despite 87 per cent agreeing on the importance of being green, more than half believe it’s often ‘inconvenient’.

 

 

Three in 10 admit binning plastic food containers rather than washing them out and recycling it.

 

 

And 23 per cent have requested a paper bill when they could have gone ‘paperless’ – and had the receipt emailed to them instead.

 

 

Almost half pay for plastic bags with their shopping to save them having to remember to carry a reusable bag around, and 27 per cent often use a tumble dryer instead of hanging washing out to dry.

 

 

Others admit buying paint in a plastic pot rather than a metal can that can be recycled at most household waste and recycling centres.

 

 

Environmental concerns also go out the window amid boiling a kettle filled with more water than we need and having the heating turned up high all the time.

 

 

A spokesman for Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association, which commissioned the research, said: “Our results found the vast majority of Brits are keen on the idea of being green.

 

 

“Unfortunately, it often only takes the slightest inconvenience to knock all of the wind out of our sails and we wind up doing things that are easy – but not great for the planet.

 

 

“But we do also look to retailers and manufacturers to make it clear how we can be more environmentally friendly when we use their products.

 

 

“Those on-pack recycling logos and instructions clearly matter.”

 

 

The study also found a quarter of Brits have thrown food away which could have been eaten or reused in some way, and a third are happy to jump in the car when they could easily walk the distance.

 

 

More than half pick up disposable batteries rather than ones they need to recharge and 37 per cent have bought a bottle of water when they could have used one from home.

 

 

It also emerged a fifth of respondents would go as far as to say they feel that being environmentally and ecologically friendly is a ‘burden’ on their lives.

 

 

A quarter think it’s too expensive, and one in five simply don’t believe their contribution will make a difference to the future.

 

 

Others say they are ‘too busy’ to be green – or find it confusing.

 

 

However, 65 per cent of respondents do worry about the impact of people not being environmentally friendly on future generations.

 

 

Brits also admit to being far less environmentally friendly at work than they would be at home.

 

 

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found almost 70 per cent believe retailers aren’t doing enough to present the recycling attributes of the products they sell.

 

 

Another 83 per cent believe retailers should make it crystal clear whether a packet, pot or parcel can be recycled or not.

 

 

And when buying a product such as paint, the recyclability of the container is often the third most influential factor – after the cost and quality of the product.

 

 

A Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association spokesman added: “Consumers want to be given the information to make an informed choice and not be misled into believing a pack is infinitely recycled when in fact it isn’t, as is often the case.

 

 

“Take paint cans. Empty plastic paint cans have a comparatively limited recycling life, while metal paint cans which can be recycled over and over with no loss of quality.

 

 

“The choice is yours.”

 

 

 

4 Guidelines to Buy a Comfortable Wedding Dress for Your Beach Wedding

Posted on by

Picking your wedding dress is nothing short of an experience. A Wedding dress is perhaps the most iconic thing of your big day. Yes, finding a wedding dress that ticks all the boxes within your budget isn’t easy. When opting for a wedding dress (especially, if you are going to marry on the beach), there are a few things you need to consider. 

These guidelines help to assure your wedding dress is comfortable, practical and won’t drag on the sand. Sure you are not going pick the same dress you would if you were going to marry in a church. With that said, following we are going to share some tips that will help you pick the ideal dress for the beach setting. 

  1. Show Your Style Sense

Beach Wedding Dresses don’t have a lot of restrictions. Yes, there are some style rules you have to follow. Not everything is ideal for a beach setting. Sure you don’t have to restrict yourself to short flocky dress category found in most bridal stores. 

You can go for something a little exotic if you want. Just make sure can walk in the sand wearing it. Why don’t you try something traditional? Just make sure you have a short dress because a long dress will drag in the sand and get ruined. 

  1. Floaty and Flimsy

Floaty and whimsical dresses are ideal for beaches. They are romantic and stylish. Moreover, they complement the movement of the ocean and bohemian vibe surrounding beach weddings. Not to forget, they are practical. These dresses will help you get through the heat and move easily on the beach. Just avoid long sleeves because you don’t want to be sweating when hugging the guests.  

Short wedding dresses are popular among young brides. These dresses also make an excellent choice for beach weddings as they don’t restrict you in any way. They help you to keep cool, are fun and a bit flirty.

  1. Veil

It’s better if you forget the veil because of the breeze. Yes, the wind can snatch away your veil before you get to the aisle. If you have your heart set on having a veil, then go for a short one. It won’t restrict your vision to prove to be too heavy. The closer you get to the ocean, the windier it will be. Some wedding dresses do come with a veil, but they are not meant for the beach. 

  1. Footwear

Another important thing that needs a lot of consideration is wedding footwear. Stilettos won’t fare well in sand. If you are wearing stilettos, make sure you set a boardwalk. It’s better if you wear flats or sandals for the big day. If you want to wear heels, you can save it for the reception. 

The key is, pick something which won’t get too much sand in them. When you are picking something for your big day, just be true to yourself. The wedding is a celebration for you and your significant other. So don’t get carried away because of these petty things. 

 

 

Sponsored Post.

Planning a Backpacking Trip through Europe

Posted on by

Backpacking through Europe is an adventure, and unlike in many parts of the world, Europe truly caters to the backpacking lifestyle. You can find hiking trails, public transit, and hostels that all support the backpacker. However, you can’t just hop on a flight to Europe and go. There are some things you’ll have to be aware of, even if you’re going somewhere you think will feel familiar. Here are a few tips for planning a backpacking trip through Europe.

Have the Right Gear

There are several benefits to having a backpack over a suitcase when traveling in Europe. You can fly there with just a backpack and maybe one personal item instead of checking luggage. You’ll be able to quickly leave the airplane, buses, and trains carrying everything. You’ll be on your way as soon as you arrive. Just make sure you have a comfortable, durable backpack that will carry everything you need while still being safe. If you’re carrying a lot of gear, it should have a built-in frame and waist belt to make it easier to carry.

For some, a daypack needs to be added to the list. This simple smaller backpack can carry personal papers, a laptop, wallet, and other essentials. If you’re going to take a daypack, then you need to have a way to comfortably carry it in your backpack or in addition to your backpack. 

Plan Your Itinerary

Having a rough itinerary before you go is essential. You need to know where you’re going if you’re going to get permission to travel there if it is necessary in your case. Some places like Sweden, for instance, have laws that allow campers to camp on private property. A general itinerary tells you what the weather will be like, while a detailed itinerary allows you to book accommodations in advance. That will save you money over last-minute check-ins. Buying train passes and bus passes in advance can save you money, as well. Research cheap flights to Europe, and don’t forget the return trip.

If you don’t want to be locked into a strict schedule, then search for airlines that let you reschedule your return trip without taking on massive fees. This is a good time to look into travel insurance as well, so you’ll be covered no matter what.

Packing Right

Whether backpacking in the wilderness or through serene countryside, weight matters. Use a lightweight sleeping bag instead of a conventional, bulky one. Carry a minimum of clothes, though the clothes need to suit the climate you’re in. Take several pairs of underwear and socks. Always carry essentials like a phone, identification papers, cash and any medications you take. An extra battery pack, flashlight, and adapters are essentials because you’re lost without them. Take a basic supply of toiletries. You can always buy more socks and toothpaste at your destination.

Put Things in Order at Home

You don’t want to take a trip abroad and return to chaos at home. Put things in order before you leave. Ensure that the rent and other bills will be paid in your absence. Inform your financial institutions that you’ll be traveling abroad, so they don’t lock down your accounts out of fear of fraud because you used your credit card in Europe. Turn off the data on your phone to avoid roaming fees and find out how you could use the phone in those countries at minimal cost.

Conclusion

Backpacking in Europe is an enriching experience. However, you need to take the right steps now to truly enjoy the trip without regretting it later.

 

Sponsored Post.

The Food Medic: How to reduce free sugars in the diet

Posted on by

January leaves us all wanting to eat healthier as the decadence of Christmas tends to be hanging around. Mostly in weigh gain. The Food Medic is here to tell you how to reduce free sugars in your diet and be healthier.

You might be thinking, hey, why all the fuss about reducing sugars? First things first, sugar is not poisonous or toxic, nor is it uniquely to blame for obesity or poor health. However, we could generally do with consuming less “free” sugars. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), a committee of independent experts that advises the Government on nutrition issues, recommends that the average intake of FREE sugars should not exceed 5% of total dietary energy intake, as they can contribute to excess calories in our diet and tooth decay. But what are free sugars and how might we limit our intake?

 

Free sugars includes sugars added to food and drinks by the manufacturer, cook or consumer, but also includes ‘natural sugars’ found in honey, syrups and juices. These are sugars we generally need to eat less of as they can contribute to excess calories in our diet and tooth decay. Sugars found in fruit and vegetables, grains and cereals, or lactose naturally present in milk and dairy products are not included in this.

 

How can I cut down my consumption of free sugars?

 

Most of the free sugars we consume come from sugars that we add to food and drink, including fizzy drinks and juices, jams and condiments, biscuits, pastries and cakes. There’s no need to totally avoid these foods completely, but you can reduce the amount of free sugars in your diet by basing your meals on fibre-rich, carbohydrates such as brown rice and sweet potatoes, protein-rich beans and pulses, essential fatty acids from oily fish and flaxseed, and a variety of colourful fruit and vegetables, such as berries and leafy greens.

 

Here are some helpful suggestions:

 

Make your own chia jam – Although there is nothing quite like old fashioned jam, it does contain quite a lot of added sugar, which isn’t great for our teeth or health if we eat too much of it. Chia seed jam is a quick, low-sugar alternative to regular jam. All you need is a punnet of berries and a tablespoon of chia seeds –  You can whip this up in 5 minutes and have an incredible, homemade jam in your fridge for up to 2 weeks!

Simply stew in a pot with 2 tablespoons of water over a medium heat. Cook until the fruit breaks down and becomes syrupy, 5 to 10 minutes. Mash the berries with the back of a wooden spoon and stir in the chia seeds. Cook for another 2-3 minutes then remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes, until thickened. If you’d like a thicker consistency, especially with very juicy fruits, stir in more chia seeds 1 teaspoon at a time. Once the jam has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a jar.

 

Many breakfast cereals are quite high in sugar, including those marketed to be “healthier” options. One way to reduce your sugar intake at breakfast time is to swap to lower-sugar cereals such as plain porridge oats. You can make it just as, if not more, satisfying and delicious by jazzing it up with some warm berries, cinnamon and chopped nuts.

 

Smart snacking – despite their healthy image, many cereal bars and “energy” balls are often pretty high in sugar and fat. Instead of trying to navigate the snack aisle, plan ahead and make your own snacks to take with you – it’s also a great way to save money. How about your own DIY trail mix made with a small handful of chopped nuts, fresh berries, and a square or two of dark chocolate roughly chopped?

 

A large proportion of the added sugar in our diets comes from sugar sweetened beverages such as fizzy drinks and juices. If swapping to water isn’t something you feel particularly excited about, you could try flavoring it with a herbal tea bag, a handful of chopped strawberries or cucumber, or simply just mint.

 

Surprisingly for some, there are also some sugar added to savoury foods – what some people call “hidden sugars” – such as in; condiments, sauces, and ready meals. This is usually to improve taste and texture but it can mean you’re consuming some extra sugar. By making your own sauces at home, and cooking from scratch as much as possible, you are likely to reduce the amount of added sugar in your meals.