Edition 26
August 2024

 
 
 
 
 

Mission Accomplished!

By Shola Oladipo, Food for Purpose CEO 

Hello Friends!

Welcome to this edition of Purposeful You. I hope you enjoy it.

Ok so I have sad news…this is likely to be the last instalment of ‘Destination Doctorate’.

But then I have good news…I’m super excited to share some amazing news – I’ve finally submitted my thesis! Yay! Your girl finally pressed that button. It’s done.

After years of hard work, late nights, and a rollercoaster of emotions, I’ve reached this huge milestone in my academic journey.

Writing a thesis has been like running a marathon. It all started with a curiosity that turned into an in-depth exploration of Black majority churches health and faith beliefs and practices. Along the way, I’ve spent countless hours buried in books, conducting research, and fine-tuning drafts. There were definitely moments when I felt overwhelmed, but every challenge taught me something new and pushed me to keep going.

I am grateful to God for getting to this point. And for my amazing supervisory team. I am blessed to have friends, colleagues and family who have been part of this journey- and that includes you too! Having the right people around me has been indispensable.

Completing this thesis feels like the end of a chapter, but also the start of exciting new possibilities in my career. I’m eager to see where this journey will take me next.

Submitting my thesis isn’t just about finishing a big project; it’s been a faith journey. I am celebrating growth, transformation, trust and resilience that has happened along the way amidst the blood, sweat (menopause) and tears. It’s proof that faith in God, and work and determination really do pay off. I’m feeling proud, relieved, and excited about what’s to come.

I hope this encourages someone who feels unqualified to take on something great for the betterment of our communities. It’s never too late, and yeah, you can do it.

Don’t be put off by the challenges. Remember, challenges also birth opportunities, and expose you to facets of yourself that you never knew existed.

Thank you again for being part of this journey. Your support has meant the world to me.

Here’s to new adventures and the next exciting chapter!

Cheers,

Emerging Dr Shola

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  • Thamesmead Outreach Event

    • We had a fantastic time at the Thamesmead Health and Wellbeing event last week, tailored specifically for African, Caribbean, and Asian residents. Our team – Athina, Modupe, and Precious – enjoyed every moment, engaging with the vibrant local community. It was a pleasure to speak with so many residents, offering tips for healthy living and sharing delicious, nutritious recipes.

      A heartfelt thank you to the organisers for putting together such an impactful and well-organised event.

Lambeth Black Communities Health and Wellbeing Event

  • We had an incredible time at the Black Communities Health and Wellbeing Day in Lambeth last month! It was such fun promoting Food for Purpose and engaging with so many wonderful local residents. The event was a fantastic opportunity to share our mission and connect with the community on a deeper level. We were thrilled to see so many enthusiastic faces and hear inspiring stories about health and wellness journeys.

    A huge congratulations to the lucky raffle winners – we hope you enjoyed your prizes! We also want to extend our gratitude to the organisers and volunteers who made the event possible.

    Here's to more community events that bring us together! We look forward to many more occasions where we can celebrate health, wellbeing, and the strength of our community.

National Days / Weeks / Month - August

 
 
 
 
 
 

The Healthy Church Initiative is now in Southwark

We have partnered with the Southwark Council to bring the Healthy Church Initiative (HCI) to black majority churches in the area for free. The HCI is a comprehensive six-week programme designed to provide education, and practical tools to encourage and promote a healthier lifestyle. It is tailored specifically for black churches, recognising and addressing the unique needs of African and Caribbean populations. 

The sessions, delivered by dietitians and physical activity specialists, cover topics such as managing food portions, reducing sugar, salt and fat as well as exercise and fitness challenges to promote physical activity.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested and would like to sign up your church for the HCI please email us at admin@foodforpurpose.org. Interactive taster sessions will be held to provide detailed insights into the programme and answer any questions you may have. Please note that there is the option to deliver the sessions virtually, or in person.

The Healthy Church Initiative represents an opportunity for churches in Southwark to improve the health and vitality of their congregations. By embracing this initiative, churches can play a pivotal role in creating healthier communities and brighter futures.

Visit https://www.foodforpurpose.org/healthy-church-initiative for more information!

 
 
 
 
 
 

Staying Fresh and Fit

By Precious Oladipo
FFP Director & Physical Activity Lead

With the warmer months supposedly upon us (although here in the UK, we are still waiting for that warm weather to fully arrive), it's the perfect time to get outside and get moving. However, the combination of heat, sweat, and increased outdoor activities means that hygiene should be top of mind to keep you feeling fresh and healthy. Here are some friendly tips to help you stay on top of your game.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout. Dehydration can sneak up on you quickly in the heat.

Wear Breathable Fabrics

Opt for moisture-wicking materials. These fabrics pull sweat away from your skin, helping you stay dry and comfortable.

Don't Skip the Sunscreen

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're sweating a lot.

Shower ASAP

Sweat can clog pores and cause breakouts. If a shower isn't immediately available, wipe down with body wipes to remove sweat and bacteria.

Change Out of Sweaty Clothes

Staying in damp workout clothes can lead to skin irritations and infections. Pack a fresh set of clothes to change into post-exercise.

Foot Care is Key

Sweaty feet can lead to fungal infections. Keep your feet dry and consider using an antifungal powder.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your summer workouts without worrying about the unpleasant side effects of heat and sweat. Stay hydrated, stay fresh, and most importantly, have fun out there!

 
 
 
 
 
 

Jamaican Pumpkin Soup

It’s summer, I think. The UK weather has not decided if it wants to summer or not. At least, we’ve been blessed with some days where the sun has really come out to play. On those unpredictable days, when you’re not sure if you should grab your sunscreen or umbrella, there’s one thing you can count on to bring some goodness to your day - a steaming bowl of Jamaican Pumpkin Soup.

The blend of flavours and textures are the perfect way to bring some warmth and sunshine to any cloudy day. Close your eyes and imagine the harmony of sweet pumpkin, vibrant carrots and hearty sweet potatoes, all mingling in a coconut milk broth. Add a dash of all-spice, a sprig of thyme and if you are brave, a scotch bonnet pepper for a kick!

The Jamaican Pumpkin Soup is not just a burst of flavour but also a nutrient-dense ‘powerhouse’. It includes a variety of colourful vegetables, starchy carbohydrates and light coconut milk making it rich in vitamins and minerals, fibre, and healthy fats. You can boost the nutrient profile by adding a few handfuls of spinach or kale and a can of kidney beans for extra fibre and protein. Also, use water or a low salt broth to reduce the amount of salt in your soup.

So, next time the UK weather decides to be un-summer friendly, whip up a pot of this Jamaican Pumpkin Soup and have your own mini-vacation in the sunny island right from the comfort of your kitchen.

Serves 4 - 6

Ingredients

  • 900g pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and chopped 1 large onion, chopped

  • 2 carrots, chopped

  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped

  • 250g yam, peeled and chopped

  • 1 Scotch Bonnet pepper, whole (remove before serving)

  • 1 sprig thyme

  • 1 tsp allspice

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 2 spring onions, chopped

  • 6 cups of water/ low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (add more if needed)

  • 1 cup light coconut milk

  • Olive oil spray or 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic minced

  • 1 can (400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

  • 1 cup spinach or kale (optional)

Method

  1. Peel, seed, and chop the pumpkin, sweet potato, and yam. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and green onions.

  2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. Add the carrots and sweet potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. Add the chopped pumpkin, yam, whole scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, allspice, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Pour in the water/ broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

  5. Reduce to medium heat and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.

  6. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper and thyme sprigs. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.

  7. Add the kale/spinach and kidney beans. Stir in the coconut milk and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

  8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Pictures courtesy of:

https://healthiersteps.com/vegan-pumpkin-soup/
https://healthiersteps.com/jamaican-pumpkin-soup-pureed/

 
 
 
 
 
 

Yam

This month, we’re celebrating Yam for the letter Y!

Yam:

Yams are starchy tubers widely consumed across the globe, known for its versality and rich nutritional profile. It is grown in many temperate and tropical regions, especially West Africa, South America and the Caribbean. There are many varieties of yam cultivated in these regions’ examples are white, yellow, purple yam to name a few.

Yams can be prepared in numerous ways, making them a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, It can be boiled, fried, mashed or pounded (pounded yam), and baked.

Nutritionally, yam is:

  • A good source of carbohydrate

  • A rich source of dietary fibre which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut

  • Rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, contributing to immune function, metabolism, and cardiovascular health

Where to buy

  • Available in African Caribbean food stores, and local markets

 
 
 
 
 
 

University of Nottingham

Last month, we had the pleasure of hosting four wonderful Dietetics students from the University of Nottingham. They spent a two-week placement with us, bringing enthusiasm and fresh perspectives. Here are the experiences from Rebekah and Christy:

 
 
 
 
 
 

Understanding Medication for Type 2 Diabetes – Part 3

By Modupe Peters
FFP Director & Diabetes Lead

Hello everyone!

This is our final part on the series about understanding different medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Not all treatments are suitable for everyone - your GP or your diabetes team can help you find a medication that’s best for your individual needs. Understanding how the various medications for type 2 diabetes work can help you to better manage your diabetes, and reduce the risk of complications.

1. DPP-4 inhibitors (gliptins) tablets work by blocking the action of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme that destroys the hormone incretin. This helps to lower blood glucose levels. Examples include sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and linagliptin. They are generally well tolerated and have low risk of hypoglycaemia.

2. SGLT2 inhibitors or sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors work by blocking the reabsorption of glucose by the kidneys, leading to increased glucose excretion in the urine, and therefore, lowering blood glucose levels. Examples include, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and dapagliflozin.

3. Insulin therapy may be necessary in some cases when oral medications are not sufficient to control blood glucose levels. Insulin is like a key that helps unlock the cells and allows glucose in for energy, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. It is delivered via injection or pump (usually in type 1 diabetes). It comes in various formulations with different durations of action such as rapid acting, short acting, intermediate acting, and long-acting insulin.

You should always take your medication as prescribed by your health care providers and if for whatever reason you are 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