The Final Countdown

By Shola Oladipo, Food for Purpose CEO 

Hello readers - welcome back to my journey!

The newness of February which is also my birthday month- reminds me of the inevitable reality of aging, alongside the opportunity to live life purposefully and unapologetically.

This PhD path has opened up several possibilities and opportunities to explore, learn and grow. As I tread the last few months of the academic voyage and clock 55, I am reminded of how I started.

Throwback to December 2018, It was a windy morning in a cafe in Birmingham. I recall it vividly because I wore one of favourite curly wigs - Suzy. And I battled and thankfully conquered the feisty Brummy breeze from sweeping her from my head!

That meeting was the point at which I knew that my passion for Black health, faith and cultural factors needed to move from my heart (or my head) to a more formal format - a pHD was perfect! My now supervisor, whom I was meeting for the first time enthused and emphasised the importance of my work… and the next year I applied for my PhD…

I never knew how things would pan out but I knew I had to start. And fast forward… here I am… closer to the finish line than ever.

The final countdown to PhD is a period that I am determined to enjoy. Regardless of the circumstances, I am determined to relish each moment, embracing this thesis, it’s a blessing which I have been graced to ‘create’ and hopefully it will provide a reference point for health care provision for Black communities in the UK.

So what are starting or rounding up this month? Whatever it is, give yourself permission to enjoy every part of the journey… you have got this, and God has got you!

Signing off here… getting ready for birthday cake, mingled with a few more thesis paragraphs…

Blessings

Shola Oladipo

 Featured this Month

• CEO Says - The Final Countdown

• News

• Recipe of the Month - Okro Peppersoup

• A-Z of Soul Food - Q for Quinoa

• Exercise Expert - Empower Your Fitness Journey

• Miss Tea's Blog - Simple Ways to Save Money

 Food for Purpose News

• Food for Purpose 2.0

  • We wrapped up 2023 on a festive note with a delightful Christmas AGM!

    Our Christmas AGM was a heartwarming gathering filled with joy, gratitude, and a sense of accomplishment. It was an excellent opportunity for us to come together, reflect on our achievements, and set the stage for the exciting ventures that lie ahead.

    Now, as we embark on the journey of 2024, we're thrilled to unveil "Food for Purpose 2.0." Building on the success of our previous initiatives, this evolution represents a strategic leap forward.

    Our theme for this year is ‘Playing to our strength - the right people doing the right task’. We invite each one of you to join us on this exciting journey. Whether you've been a part of our community for years or are just getting started, your support is invaluable. Together, we can turn purpose into action and create a lasting impact!

• Lewisham Up!Up! Evaluation

  • Calling all Up!Up! participants in Lewisham! Share your valuable views and experiences with us. Your feedback matters. As a token of appreciation, all participants will receive a £25 voucher. Get in touch today at admin@foodforpurpose.org

    
    

• Lambeth Tier 2 Weight Management Service

  • We ran a focus group on Tuesday, January 30th, from 6-7:15pm to discuss a new weight management program tailored for Black people in Lambeth. Your insights matter!

National Days / Weeks / Month - February

• 1st-29th February 2024 - Heart Month

• 1st February 2024 – Time to Talk Day

• 4th February 2024 – World Cancer Day

•  5th-11th February 2024 - Race Equality Week

Okro Peppersoup

This delicious West African soup is flavoursome and spicy, perfect for the cold winter months.

The peppersoup spice is traditionally, a mix of herbs and spices including alligator pepper, selim pepper and, calabash nutmeg. Thankfully, ready to use peppersoup spice mix can be found in African shops all over the country. The inclusion of vegetables and the use of no oils in preparing this soup makes it a low-calorie yet fibre-rich option. The soup is very versatile and can be eaten on its own or paired with any swallow of choice e.g., eba, oat fufu etc.

Preparation time: 20-30 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 400g fresh okra

• 150g of spinach

• 50g mushroom (optional)

• 500g fish (mackerel, tilapia, or catfish)

• 300g shrimps (optional)

• 1 heaped tablespoonful of peppersoup mix

• 1 tablespoon ground crayfish

• 1 scotch bonnet (optional)

• 1 seasoning cube

• 1.5L-2L of water

• Cayenne pepper to taste

• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Cut the fish into bite-sized chunks and thoroughly clean. Wash and devein shrimps (if using).

2. Rinse the okra and chop off the ends. Slice into rounds or finely chop it (whichever way you prefer). You can use a food processor or blender if you have one.

3. Add 1.5L of water, seasoning cube, salt, cayenne pepper, scotch bonnet (if using),

   peppersoup spice mix and crayfish into a pot.

4. Place the fish in the pot of seasoned water and cook the fish until it’s perfectly done.

5. Remove fish from the water and set aside.

6. Add the okra and cook for about 2-3 minutes.

7. Stir in the spinach and mushrooms, add the shrimps (if using), and return the fish

   into the pot.

8. Check the consistency of the soup. Add more water if you prefer a thinner

   consistency. Leave to simmer for about 3-4minutes.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

10. Serve alone or with swallow of choice.

 A-Z of Soul Food

This month, we’re celebrating Quinoa for the letter Q!

Quinoa

Nutritionally, quinoa:

• Is energy rich but also full of vitamins and minerals

• Is high in protein

• Is rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, vitamin B6, vitamin E

• Is naturally gluten free so suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivity or coeliac disease

• Can be used as a substitute for rice or couscous

Where to buy

• Available in many UK supermarkets

• Available as traditional white, red, or black quinoa to quinoa flour and flakes

• Can be found in the grains or health food section.

Empower Your Fitness Journey

By Precious Oladipo, FFP Director & Fitness Lead

As we embark on this journey to better health and wellness this year, I’m thrilled to bring you some invigorating workout tips to elevate your fitness routine. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting, these tips cater to all levels, ensuring you stay motivated and inspired on your path to a stronger, healthier you.

Start with a Dynamic Warm-Up: Kick off your workout with dynamic stretches to increase flexibility and improve circulation. Engage in activities like jumping jacks, high knees, or leg swings to prep your body for the exercises ahead.

Mix Up Your Routine: Break the monotony by incorporating a variety of exercises. Try blending cardio with strength training or experimenting with different workout styles like HIIT, pilates, or dance. Mixing it up not only keeps things exciting but also challenges different muscle groups.

Embrace Bodyweight Exercises: You don't always need fancy equipment to break a sweat! Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups are effective for building strength and can be done anywhere, anytime.

Stay Hydrated and Fuel Up: Hydration is key! Remember to drink water before, during, and after your workout. Additionally, fuel your body with a balanced pre-workout snack, ensuring you have the energy to power through your session.

Prioritise Rest and Recovery: Don't underestimate the importance of rest days. Your body needs time to recover and repair. Listen to your body, get adequate sleep, and consider incorporating activities like stretching on rest days.

Remember, fitness is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate your progress, stay positive, and keep pushing towards your goals. Here's to a stronger, healthier, and more empowered you in 2024!

Hey PY friends!! 🥰

I hope you all enjoyed a delightful and restful Christmas break, soaking in the festive spirit and joy. As we’ve stepped into the fresh start that is a new year, I'm excited to share with you some simple and smart ways to save money 💷💰

I’m sure we've all felt the pinch after the holidays, but I'm here to help you ease into 2024 with your wallet intact. So sit back, relax, and let's explore some practical tips that I hope you'll find incredibly useful for the months ahead.

Here’s to a thrifty and fulfilling new year! 🫰🏾