Edition 22
April 2024

 
 
 
 
 

‘Gone Fishing’

By Shola Oladipo, Food for Purpose CEO 

Hello PY family – blessings to you!

As one of the team members asked me for this month’s instalment, we talked and laughed about the term ‘gone fishing’.

To be quite candid, it really does capture my feelings this month and has inspired my very concise insert this month.

For those who are unfamiliar with the term ‘gone fishing’, it is used to describe those moments when you literally ‘check out of reality’ or drop your daily duties to and go and do something nice or, dare I say, frivolous!

I guess it equates to ‘me time’ or taking time away from it all…by the way, when did you last do that? As part of healthy living and wellbeing, did you realise that ‘going fishing’ is a vital pillar?

When I checked the origin of the saying, it was credited to Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby who sang a song about it in the 1950s, though I do believe it may have been penned much earlier.

It signifies getting away from the humdrum routine of life and doing something interesting.

As we reach the 2nd quarter of 2024, diaries are likely to be buzzing with requests and notifications for spring and summer events: families and friends, work, business, yep, they all want a piece of us. And if like me the menopause is also trying to kick your butt, you will appreciate the need for a timeout!

Here is my counsel: as you accept those meeting invites and diarise all manners of meetings and duties, pencil in some ‘gone fishing’ moments. Like seriously, when did you last ‘shut up shop’ and take time away from the daily duties of this journey called life? If you are not used to it, don’t worry, there is a first time for everything, and I am sure I can recommend some ‘ministers of enjoyment’ to convert you from the self-slaughter on the altar of ‘work’!

Friend, remember you are destined for greatness, life is not a short sprint, and taking time out is part of the assignment.

On that note, I am checking out…I deserve it…so do you…

Stay Blessed and Purposeful!

Shola Oladipo

CEO - Food for Purpose

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  • New Social Media Manager

    • Exciting news! Please join us in welcoming our new Social Media Manager, Siontai, to the team!

      Siontai’s background is in community engagement and development. Her experience of managing social media platforms ranges from the public sector to social enterprises. She enjoys creating content and showcasing organisations' social impact!

      In her free time, she loves to spend quality time with family and friends, read, travel and engage in the arts.

      Siontai is excited to manage the socials and to showcase the amazing work that the Food For Purpose team is doing!

  • VCFS Engagement in Health Equity Workshop

    • Last month our CEO, Shola Oladipo and Precious (Director and Physical Activity Lead) went to the VCFS Engagement in Health Equity Workshop organised by the Greater London Authority. We had a great time networking and providing our insights on how to collaborate effectively to influence decisions and policies addressing inequalities.

  • Consumer demand for healthy snacks on the rise

  • Too little sleep raises risk of type 2 diabetes, new study finds

    • Adults who sleep only three to five hours per day are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Chronic sleep deprivation cannot be compensated for by healthy eating alone. This is demonstrated in a new study from Uppsala University, published in JAMA Network Open. It also shows that chronic sleep deprivation cannot be compensated by healthy eating alone.

      https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240305134349.htm

  • WISE100 Women in Social Enterprise 2024 List

National Days / Weeks / Month - March

 
 
 
 
 
 

Hello PY readers! 🌟

We hope you're all doing well! We wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates with you about our ongoing efforts with the Healthy Church Initiative in Lambeth and Southwark!

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful people of Hope Christian Centre in Kennington. It was an enriching experience as we delved into meaningful conversations about faith and health, while also introducing them to the wonderful world of HCI. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, and we couldn't be more thrilled about the connections we made.

We're absolutely buzzing with excitement as we prepare to embark on this journey with Hope Christian Centre through the HCI programme. We can't wait to see the positive impact it brings to the community.

We also extended our outreach to Trinity Baptist Church, introducing the Healthy Church Initiative and kickstarting the program. It was a joyous occasion, and we're thrilled to announce that we're gearing up to commence in April! 

Stay tuned for more updates as we dive into this transformative experience together! 🌱 Let's continue to nurture our faith and well-being, hand in hand.

We're still offering the transformative Healthy Church Initiative entirely for FREE to churches in Lambeth and Southwark! We still have some spaces left, and we would love for you to join us on this incredible journey!

Reach out to us at admin@foodforpurpose.org today to secure your spot today!

 
 
 
 
 
 

Stress Less, Move More!

By Precious Oladipo
FFP Director & Physical Activity Lead

As April marks Stress Awareness month, it's important to recognise the powerful role that physical activity can play in managing stress levels. While stress is a natural part of life, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on both our physical and mental health. Fortunately, incorporating regular physical activity into our routines can help combat stress and its negative effects.

Engaging in physical activity prompts the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. This can lead to feelings of happiness and relaxation, counteracting the effects of stress. Additionally, exercise can help reduce levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, leading to a decrease in overall stress levels.

Physical activity provides an outlet for pent-up energy and tension, allowing you to release stress in a productive and healthy manner. Whether it's going for a brisk walk, hitting the gym, practicing Pilates, or playing a sport, finding an activity that you enjoy can significantly contribute to stress reduction.

So, let's make a pact this Stress Awareness Month to kick stress to the curb by getting our bodies moving. Whether you're a gym rat, a dance enthusiast, or a nature lover, there's a perfect stress-busting activity out there waiting for you.

Let's turn April into the month of peace, where stress melts away, and happiness takes centre stage. Get ready to sweat away the stress and unleash your inner bliss!

 
 
 
 
 
 

Baked Oatmeal

This month's featured recipe is a hearty and wholesome delight: Baked Oatmeal, a comforting dish perfect for cosy mornings and nourishing breakfasts alike!

Oats are an excellent source of fibre and fibre is an essential part of a healthy diet. Including a good amount of fibre in your diet is great for you, it’s linked to lowering your chances of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and even bowel cancer. Though the daily recommendation in the UK for adults is 30g, many are only eating an estimated 20g daily.

Choosing a fibre-rich breakfast is one of the ways to increase fibre intake. This will help you feel fuller for longer, regulate blood glucose levels, and minimise constipation. If you regularly have your breakfast porridge, you can switch it up with this baked oatmeal recipe. It is delicious and easy to make!

Not only does it keep well in the fridge, allowing you to prepare a big batch and save time - it’s a huge hit with children too! Check out the recipe below and give it a try!

Recipe (and images) adapted from: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/baked-oatmeal/#tasty-recipes-66530

Preparation time: 5–10 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Serves 9 people

Ingredients

  • 400ml semi-skimmed milk (you can use nut or plant-based milk as well)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar

  • 40g melted butter (slightly cooled)

  • 1–2 bananas

  • 255g of porridge oats

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 200g of frozen berries

  • Optional: 60g of chopped walnuts for topping

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Spray a baking pan with non-stick spray.

  2. Mix all the ingredients together in 1 bowl and pour into the baking pan. Top with

    nuts, if using.

  3. Bake for 35 minutes. Poke the centre of the oatmeal to check if done. The centre should almost be set.

  4. Cool for 5 -10 minutes before serving.

  5. Serve with yoghurt and enjoy!

 
 
 
 
 
 

This month, we’re celebrating Soursop for the letter S!

Soursop, also known as ‘graviola’, is native to the tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean. It is generally eaten raw when it ripens, and the leaves are used in herbal medicine and in making teas. The flesh of the fruit is also used in cooking to sweeten baked foods.

Nutritionally, soursop is:

  • Rich in vitamins and minerals.

  • Low in calories and as part of a healthy balanced diet can support weight management.

  • A good source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient known for its role in immune function.

  • Packed with dietary fibre, promoting digestive health.

  • Rich in antioxidants which may help to reduce inflammation, however, there is no reliable clinical evidence to support its cancer treatment claim or as a cure for cancer.

Where to buy

  • African-Caribbean and Latin American supermarkets

  • Tropical fruit markets

Soursop is available in fresh and frozen form.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Diabetes Myths Debunked – Part 2

By Modupe Peters
FFP Director & Diabetes Lead

Welcome back to ‘Diabetes Myths Debunked’! In this edition, we will continue busting more myths about diabetes. There is a lot of misinformation out there about diabetes and it is very important that you have all the facts you need to help you better manage the condition.

MYTH: People with diabetes will eventually lose their legs (amputation)

FACT: Amputation is a major complication of diabetes. People with poorly managed diabetes are usually at higher risk of complications. High blood glucose levels, reduced blood flow and nerve damage can contribute to poor wound healing. Your feet will be checked as part of your annual review so that early signs of nerve damage can be picked up - you also need to check your feet daily. Good diabetes management, foot care and wound care can help limit or prevent amputation in people with diabetes.

MYTH: You cannot have sugar if you have diabetes

FACT: The diet for people with diabetes is a healthy balanced diet, low in fat, sugar, and salt - not a sugar-free diet. Include a variety of foods in your diet keeping to a low glycaemic index and high fibre carbohydrate options. You can still enjoy small amounts of foods with sugar as part of a healthy balanced diet.

MYTH: You can control type 2 diabetes through diet alone

FACT: Diabetes is a chronic complex condition, and sometimes dietary changes alone is not enough to manage the condition long-term. Research has shown that people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (up to 6 years after diagnosis) can put their diabetes in remission by losing a lot of weight (over 10kg). They would have to maintain the weight loss and keep their HbA1c below 48mmol/mol to avoid the need for diabetes medication. Diabetes can be well managed with diet, exercise, and medication (including insulin) to help reduce or prevent the risk of diabetes complications.

We will continue in the next edition of our Purposeful you Newsletter on dispelling more diabetes myths, but we would also love to hear from you!

Let's talk diabetes. Got any info you've heard? I'll tell you if it's spot-on or needs a fact check!

 
 
 

Let's keep in touch

For general enquiries about Food for Purpose:

admin@foodforpurpose.org 

 

For Newsletter enquiries / content suggestions:

sandra.thomas@foodforpurpose.org