Edition 24
June 2024

 
 
 
 
 

Destination Doctorate: Are We There Yet?

By Shola Oladipo, Food for Purpose CEO 

Hello friends,

Summer is here…well kind of anyway. I trust you are faring well and preparing for the beautiful days ahead.

Have you ever been on a long car journey with passengers who keep asking whether we are there yet? I have, and I know that scenario all too well. When my children were younger and we embarked on long journeys, especially US interstate journeys, they would constantly ask “are we there yet?”.

My response would initially be very measured and mature, “no honey, we have a while to go…” and gradually as they constantly repeated the question, I would just become increasingly irate, and my mature voice and smile would turn to a growl, since the answer was still no, not yet.

On my PhD journey, especially as I can now see the endpoint, I am often having waves of “are we there yet?” I sometimes wonder, why this journey is taking so long, and whether I have the stamina to continue. I constantly remind myself that we have a little more to go. The beauty is that the little becomes even less each day.

I have the odd wobbly day where I ask myself in a thick Nigerian accent, “Shola who send you?” - literally meaning what are you doing here. Smells like imposter syndrome doesn’t it… so I remind myself that I am destined to complete what I have started, and I will finish well - by the grace of God.

Though I am not there yet…I am getting there. And it feels good too!

Are you pressing on amidst the constant barrage of “are we there yet?”, well my tuppence of wisdom is keep going…you will soon arrive safely! The best way to eat an elephant is one mouthful at a time…this elephant will be completely eaten, very soon.

I am taking this time to also celebrate everyone embracing the ‘process’ and how far you have come! You have got this…see you at the ever-emerging finish line.

Blessings

Shola

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  • Fits Me Well

    • We are so pleased to present Fits Me Well, a Healthy Weight Programme crafted for African and Caribbean heritage. Join supportive group sessions, receive nutrition tips, and embrace your traditions while making healthy choices. Sign up now for a healthier you!

  • New Contracts

    • We're thrilled to announce our contract win to deliver targeted community engagement in order to co-design a tailored tier 2 adult activity and nutrition service for expectant/new mothers from Black African, Caribbean, and Asian communities. Stay tuned for updates - exciting developments ahead! Watch this space...

      We have also been commissioned by SEL ICB for an exciting diabetes community engagement project across the SEL boroughs! Our goal is to address the concerns of people with lived experience of diabetes in BAME communities and find ways to improve health outcomes. If you have firsthand experience with diabetes and are part of a BAME community, we’d love to hear from you and have you join us in this vital initiative. 

  • Podcast Interview

    • Last month, our CEO, Shola Oladipo, featured on the podcast "The Power of Impact: Stories of a Better Future." She shared the inspiring journey of Food for Purpose as a CIC dedicated to empowering the Black community. Don’t miss out on her insightful conversation with David Simmons - click the button below to tune in!

 
 
 
 
 
 

The Healthy Church Initiative is currently underway in Lambeth and Southwark! We are pleased to announce that Hope Christian Centre and Trinity Baptist Church have kicked off this transformative journey in their church communities and the momentum is off the charts. In the month of May, we delivered sessions which covered increasing physical activity and reducing sugar, salt and fat. These sessions have helped participants learn practical strategies for improving their overall well-being, from adopting healthier eating habits to incorporating regular physical activity into their daily routines. The sense of camaraderie and support within the groups has fostered a spirit of encouragement and accountability, motivating individuals to stay committed to their health goals.

The Healthy Church Initiative, a 6-week programme tailored specifically for black majority churches, is aimed at empowering individuals with practical, culturally relevant and evidence-based information to live purposeful, healthy and abundant lives. We aim to support churches, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to make positive lifestyle changes and build healthier and stronger church communities.

We are offering spaces to churches in Southwark and Lambeth for free! If you want a healthier and stronger church community that is fit for purpose, we would love to join you on this transformative journey. You can reach out to us by telephone on 020 7101 3170 or email at admin@foodforpurpose.org

 
 
 
 
 
 

Finding Your Fitness Groove: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Motivation

By Precious Oladipo
FFP Director & Physical Activity Lead

Hey there! We've all been there – those days when the thought of dragging ourselves to the gym or going for a walk feels about as appealing as a root canal. Trust me, I get it. But here's the secret sauce: when motivation takes a nosedive, discipline swoops in to save the day!

Let's be real – relying solely on motivation to keep us moving is like expecting sunshine in the UK (spoiler alert: it's rare). Sure, motivation is fantastic when it's around, but it's about as reliable as that one friend who's always fashionably late. So, what's one to do when motivation decides to ghost us? Invite discipline in to take the centre stage.

Discipline may not be as flashy as motivation, but it's the real MVP of the fitness game. It's the unwavering commitment to showing up, even when that series you’ve been binge watching and a cosy blanket are calling your name. It's about honouring the promises you've made to yourself and recognising that progress doesn't happen overnight – it happens one disciplined step at a time.

Here's the thing: discipline doesn't mean beating yourself up with a metaphorical fitness whip. No, it's about showing yourself some tough love and recognising that every small effort counts. Maybe it's swapping that Netflix binge for a quick home workout or lacing up your shoes for a brisk walk around your neighbourhood. Whatever it looks like for you, remember that every choice you make is a step toward a stronger, healthier you.

So, the next time motivation decides to play hide-and-seek, let discipline take the lead. You've got this, and I’m here cheering you on every step of the way!

 
 
 
 
 
 

Tortilla Chips & Guacamole

Avocados are packed with nutrients that offer many health benefits. They're rich in monounsaturated fats, which help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and maintain good cholesterol (HDL). Studies show that avocados can reduce total cholesterol, lower blood triglycerides, and increase HDL cholesterol. They also contain a small amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for brain health.

High in fibre, avocados promote a healthy digestive system, helping to prevent constipation and maintain regular bowel movements. The fibre also helps you feel full longer, which can reduce overall calorie intake. Interestingly, avocados have more potassium than bananas, which is important for healthy blood pressure and proper muscle function. While avocados are nutritious, they are also high in calories due to their fat content. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Incorporating avocados into your diet is easy thanks to its versatility and rich, creamy texture.

Whether enjoyed on toast, in salads, smoothies, or as a delicious guacamole, avocados are a versatile and healthy food choice. The combination of the crispy tortilla chips and creamy rich guacamole can be a flavourful and satisfying snack option that offers a combination of healthy fats, fibre, vitamins and minerals. It is also a fantastic choice for both vegans and vegetarians.

Enjoy this simple recipe and if by any chance, you have any leftover guacamole, feel free to use it as a spread on your toast. To be honest though, you won’t have any left!

Serves 4 – 6 people

Ingredients

Tortilla Chips:

  • 8 wholemeal tortilla wraps

  • Oil spray

  • Salt to taste

  • Seasoning e.g., chilli powder, cumin (optional)

Guacamole

  • 2 ripe avocados

  • 1 lime / lemon, juiced

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro or coriander, chopped

  • 1 small tomato, diced

  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • Chilli or jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

For Tortilla Chips

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

  2. Stack the tortillas on top of each other and cut them into 8 wedges using a sharp knife.

  3. Lightly spray both sides of the tortilla wedges with the oil spray.

  4. Season the tortilla wedges with salt and seasonings, if desired.

  5. Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on baking trays lined with baking / parchment paper. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even baking.

  6. Place the baking trays in the preheated oven for 10-15 mins, or until the tortilla chips are crisp and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them close to the end of the baking time to prevent them from burning.

  7. Once the tortilla chips are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

For Guacamole

  1. Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pit.

  2. Scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl.

  3. Use a fork to mash the avocados to your desired consistency.

  4. Squeeze the juice of one lime / lemon over the mashed avocados. This not only adds flavour but also prevents the avocado from browning.

  5. Add the red onion, tomato and cilantro / coriander to the bowl with the mashed avocados.

  6. Season the guacamole with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can add the chopped chilli/jalapeno pepper for extra heat, if using.

  7. Gently fold all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix as you want to keep some texture in the guacamole.

  8. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro / coriander, if desired

  9. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Ugu

This month, we’re celebrating Ugu for the letter U!

Ugu leaves or simply known as Ugu are harvested from the fluted pumpkin plant, a member of the gourd family. Indigenous to West Africa, particularly Nigeria, Ugu leaves have been a vital component of traditional West African cuisine.

In West African culinary traditions, Ugu leaves are utilized in various dishes, ranging from hearty soups to stews and savoury sauces. Their delicate taste complements a wide array of ingredients, allowing them to shine in both vegetarian and meat-based recipes. Ugu leaves are often added towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant green colour and tender texture.

Nutritionally, Ugu:

  • Is a good source of dietary fibre, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.

  • Is rich in vitamins and minerals: It is particularly high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium, calcium, and iron.

  • Contains antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lutein, which help protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Where to buy

  • Available in many Afro-Caribbean supermarkets – may be found in different forms e.g. fresh leaves or frozen.

Image below courtesy of the AfroBasket website

 
 
 
 
 
 

Understanding Medication for Type 2 Diabetes – Part 1

By Modupe Peters
FFP Director & Diabetes Lead

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition where the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too high due to the body’s ineffective use of insulin. While lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are important in managing type 2diabetes, medications play a significant role, especially when these measures are insufficient. Understanding how the various medications for type 2 diabetes management work can help your overall diabetes control.

  1. Biguanides: example is metformin, this is usually the first-line medication for type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity in the muscles. Metformin is usually well tolerated and has a long history of safe use. It can be taken orally and is available in both immediate and extended-release formulations.

  2. Sulphonylureas: stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, helping to lower blood glucose levels. Examples include gliclazide, glimepiride etc.

  3. Acarbose: this tablet slows down digestion and absorption of starchy food, helping to delay the rise in blood glucose level – it is not commonly used in diabetes management due to some of its unpleasant side-effects i.e. diarrhoea and gastrointestinal discomforts but it is available.

You always take your medication as prescribed by your health care providers and if unable to tolerate any of your medications, speak to your health care team so that an alternative can be offered.

 
 
 

Let's keep in touch

For general enquiries about Food for Purpose:

admin@foodforpurpose.org 

 

For Newsletter enquiries / content suggestions:

sandra.thomas@foodforpurpose.org