27
FOOD
Happy, healthy 2025
The new year often heralds a
resolve to take more positive steps
to improve health and general
wellbeing. With 20 years' experience
of guiding the public to eat well, feel
good and live better, The Happy Pear
(aka Steve and Dave Flynn) are well
placed to provide expert tips on the
simple steps that can be taken to
enjoy a healthier and happier 2025.
They have put together 10 top tips to
make 2025 your healthiest year yet.
1. Start Your Day with a
Health Boost
Kick off your mornings with a vibrant
green smoothie or a warm, nutrientpacked
elixir like ginger tea and a
delicious bowl of fruit with granola
and yoghurt. Getting those essential
fruits and vegetables in early in the
day is a great way to fuel your energy
and vitality.
2. Half your plate =
veggies
At every meal, aim for half your plate
to consist of colourful, fresh (or
cooked) vegetables. This simple rule
boosts fibre intake (90% of UK adults
don't eat enough fibre), as well as
adding in more essential vitamins and
minerals.
3. Prep like a pro
Batch-cook in advance. Cook soups,
roast sweet potatoes, or prep lentilbased
curries to ensure healthy
options are always within reach to
help avoid giving into the temptation
of fast-food takeaways or sugar-laden
snacks when you are feeling hungry.
Prepping saves time and makes it
easier to stick to your goals.
4. Global inspiration
Explore traditionally veg-heavy
cuisines like Thai, Indian, or
Mediterranean which naturally centre
on fresh, plant-based ingredients and
bold flavours - destined to tempt
your taste buds.
5. Steer clear of ultraprocessed
Seek out recipes which represent
natural, wholefoods rather than
eating purchased meals with ultraprocessed
ingredients, as these
will not only be healthier but as
ultra-processed foods are likely to
make you feel hungry later after
eating them, you may find yourself
consuming more food, which can lead
to weight gain.
6. Move more
Humans are not designed to be
sedentary! Physical activity is key
to vitality. Make moving an absolute
priority. Take a brisk morning walk,
find time for a cheeky dance break
to your favourite playlist, or take up
a new active hobby. All of these can
reset your mood, keep you motivated
and feeling great.
7. Try meat-free Mondays
If you're a real meat-lover, why not
initially try experimenting with just
one plant-based meal a week to
Across the border
As a vibrant component of a healthy diet
- Borderfields cold pressed rapeseed oil
can ease you into the new year with an
abundance of nutritional merits, including
a near perfect balance of Omega 3, 6 and
9. It also has half the saturated fat content
compared to olive oil, has no additives and
is a good source of natural Vitamin E -
improving health, wellbeing, and lifestyle.
If you haven't discovered Borderfields
range of infused oils yet, you are in for a
treat, with garlic, sweet basil, thyme, smoked
chipotle and the award-winning Sicilian
lemon - you can add a touch of gastro
glamour many food classics, like roasties
and parsnips, among others. See recipes for
inspiration at the website:
borderfields.co.uk/recipes
make a more seamless transition
to incorporating more plant-based
ingredients into the diet? These are
healthier for you and your budget!
8. Snack smart
Rather than reaching for nutritionally
poor snacks, such as crisps and
sweets, switch these out for healthier
(and more filling options) like carrot
sticks and hummus. Simple swaps
like these will make all the difference
and will soon become a habit.
9. Reconnect with nature
Spend time outdoors, even in the
winter. A stroll in the fresh air can
work wonders for your mental and
physical health.
10. Involve your
community
Share your goals with friends
and family or join a healthy living
challenge. Accountability makes
sticking to changes much easier.
www.thehappypear.ie.