Delicious Kiwi Smoothie

Delicious Kiwi Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 3 kiwifruit, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 medium ripe bananas, cut into 4 pieces and frozen
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) fat-free plain yoghurt
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, optional
  • 1-1/2 cups crushed ice

Directions

  • In a blender, combine the fruit, yoghurt, honey and extract if desired; cover and process until combined. Add ice; cover and process until blended. Stir if necessary. Pour into chilled glasses; serve immediately.

From: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/kiwi-smoothies/

 

Scallops and soft-boiled egg with creamy lemon dressing Salad

Scallops and soft-boiled egg with creamy lemon dressing Salad

Ingredients:

1/ For the creamy lemon dressing

4 Tablespoons of egg mayonnaise

4 Tablespoons of lemon juice

1 pinch of salt

1 pinch of sugar

2/Scallops, egg and herb crumbs

2 Free-range eggs

1 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil

2 tablespoons of Breadcrumbs

1 lemon to be zested

1 1/2 tablespoon of basil finely chopped

2 Tablespoon of olive oil

15g butter

100g of salad

12 scallops

Directions:

  1. To make the dressing, whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar and salt together.
  2. Place eggs in a small pot with water and bring to the boil. As soon as the water starts boiling, time for 2 min 15 seconds (for soft boiled eggs with runny yolks). Drain and run eggs under cold water. Peel the eggs and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a small frying pan. Mix breadcrumbs, lemon zest and herbs together and fry for a couple of minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel to drain and mix with a good pinch of salt (use flaky sea salt if you have it).
  4. Heat butter in a frying pan on high heat and add scallops. Cook scallops for 45 seconds on each side, seasoning with salt and pepper while in the pan.
  5. Divide scallops between plates on top of your salad. Carefully cut eggs in half and arrange one half on each plate. Drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle over the crispy crumb.
  6. Dress plates with creamy lemon dressing just before serving.

Why use probiotics with antibiotics ?

Why use probiotics with antibiotics?

 

Antibiotics are a vital medical treatment, and sometimes necessary. However, they are being so ubiquitously used in human and animal healthcare that we have inadvertently created an antibiotic crisis. On a social level, there is a huge concern that the main antibiotics we use are soon going to be ineffective due to antibiotic resistance. On another, more individual level, when we take them, we often radically disrupt our vital gut ecosystem of bacteria. The consequences can be huge gut disruption – diarrhoea, dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria), pain, bloating, allergies, and even our own resistance to antibiotics, resulting in potentially less efficacy the next time we need them.

There’s a simple solution if you do have to take antibiotics. Probiotics – containing large numbers of the human bacteria that are supposed to live in your gut – can help to restore the disrupted balance. Contrary to popular belief, you can take them while you are taking a course of antibiotics as long as you don’t take them at exactly the same time and, in fact, they do help. They will reduce symptoms like diarrhoea and, when you continue to take them after, they help to get the balance of bacteria in the gut back to normal.

But which bacteria help, in what quantities and how do you choose between all of those probiotic companies who claim they can help you when you take antibiotics?

Actually, when you look at the science on probiotics with antibiotics, it’s of variable quality. So you need to be sure that the science is good. In fact, probably the best studies on probiotics and antibiotics involve the LAB4 combination of bacteria. Just 4 specially selected bacteria so effective that they really can make a difference.

One study showed that LAB4 helps to maintain the balance of microflora during antibiotic use and inhibits the overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria1. Another LAB4 study found that supplementation significantly reduced the incidence and total numbers of antibiotic-resistant strains after antibiotic therapy (by more than 70%) and inhibited opportunistic fungal overgrowths like Candida, which often causes thrush2. In another study, elderly hospital patients requiring antibiotic therapy for C. difficile infection had significantly reduced Diarrhoea3.

References:

1 Madden JA et al. Effect of probiotics on preventing disruption of the intestinal microflora following antibiotic therapy: a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Int Immunopharmacol. 2005; 5(6):1091-7.

2 Plummer SF et al. Effects of probiotics on the composition of the intestinal microbiota following antibiotic therapy. Int Microbial Agents. 2005; 26 (1): 69–74.

3 Plummer S et al. Clostridium difficile pilot study: effects of probiotic supplementation on the incidence of C. difficile diarrhoea. Int Microbiol. 2004 Mar; 7(1): 59-62.

Article publisehd on: https://www.biocare.co.uk/news/probiotics-for-antibiotics.html

Leek, Onion and Potato Soup

LEEK, ONION AND POTATO SOUP

INGREDIENTS:

4 large leeks
1 medium onion, chopped small
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
50g butter
850ml vegetable stock
275 ml milk
salt and freshly milled black pepper
To serve:
2 tablespoons cream or crème fraiche
11/2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives or chopped fresh parsley

METHOD:

Begin by trimming the leeks, discarding the tough outer layer.

Now split them in half lengthways and slice them quite finely, then wash them thoroughly in two or three changes of water. Drain well. In a large, thick-based saucepan, gently melt the butter, then add the leeks, onions and potatoes, stirring them all round with a wooden spoon so they get a nice coating of butter. Season with salt and pepper, then cover and let the vegetables sweat over a very low heat for about 15 minutes.

After that, add the stock and milk, bring to simmering point, cover and let the soup simmer very gently for a further 20 minutes or until the vegetables are soft – if you have the heat too high the milk in it may cause it to boil over.

Now you can put the whole lot into a blender – leave it to cool a little first – and blend to a purée. If you have to blend the soup in batches, make sure you have a bowl to hand to put the first batch into. Now return the soup to the saucepan and reheat gently, tasting to check the seasoning. Add a swirl of cream or crème fraîche before serving and sprinkle with freshly snipped chives or parsley.

From: https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/collections/root-vegetables/leek-onion-and-potato-soup

Healthy Christmas Mocktail

 

 Healthy Christmas Mocktail

  • 500ml fresh apple juice
  • 500ml fresh orange juice
  • Strips of orange peel
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 star anise
  • 3 cloves
  • honey to taste

Preparation

Heat the apple juice in a saucepan. Add the orange juice and orange peel, cinnamon, cloves and star anise. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Sweeten to taste.

 

Best Supplements to help with Eczema

Best Supplements to help with Eczema

If you have been suffering from Eczema, you probably already have tried dozens of different emollients, steroids creams and hopefully, have found a good combination which suits you and help you to manage this long-term conditions.

There is no magic cure and it needs a lot of different factors to control it long term. Managing stress levels, use the right products for clenasing and moisturising and be aware of your triggers, whether that’s wearing wool or hot baths.

However, did you know that certain vitamins and supplements could help you control the symptoms even better?

Here are the top 3 proven supplements which can help prevent and could lower your eczema’s signs.

  • OMEGA-3 fatty acids

Omega 3 is naturally present in oily fish like salmon.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, fish oil supplement can reduce symptoms of eczema.

Omega 3 has been proven to help reduce the inflammation in the body that leads to itching, while the essential fatty acid EPA can help ‘waterproof’ skin cells by bolstering the membrane, keeping skin moisturised from the inside out.

Taking omega 3 supplement (EPA/GLA) will help you at 3 different levels:

  • It fights eczema dryness

Omega 3 can moisturise your skin from the inside out. High levels of Omega 3 have been shown to work on the phospholipid bilayer, helping it hold onto water, leading to moister, softer skin. A lake of  essential fatty acids  will make your skin looks and feels dry. to moisturize the skin from inside, omega 3 supplement is the best.

  • Omega 3 stops eczema inflammation

The Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are well known as potent anti-inflammatories by blocking inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins. They are also known to inhibit the production of leukotriene B4, something that’s implicated in the development of eczema.

  • Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an important part of the immune system. When you have eczema, your immune system and skin barrier don’t work properly. A number of studies have found that people with eczema are more likely to have lower levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D also increases amounts of good antimicrobial proteins in the skin, such as cathelicidin, which help destroy invading germs and viruses.

Vitamin D also helps repair the broken barriers of your skin. Having enough vitamin D in your body seems to help prevent skin infection, lower inflammation and improve barrier function in people with eczema.

  • Probiotics

Preliminary research seems to suggest that skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can be linked back to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the gut

Damages to the gut mucosa triggers an inflammatory reaction from the immune system.The continuous cycle of damage to the gut lining and the low-grade systemic inflammation that it causes, can have a possible outcomes on eczema.

the researchers deduced that taking a probiotic like Lactobaccilus rhamnosus during the last few months of pregnancy and through lactation may help reduce eczema.

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the most common supplements and have unique benefits.

To see significant results a minimum of 2/3 months would be the norm.

 

By Dr Marine Vincent, Pharmacist.

Partner Pregnancy Massage: Special offer

Sharing Pregnancy & Birth

 

A relaxed mum has a relaxed baby, which is a great reason to have regular massages during pregnancy and post-natally.

 

The positive effects of massage can be greater when given by a partner due to the emotional connection that already exists and which can deepen during massages.  Some simple massage strokes given by a partner can allow both parties to relax, connect and communicate with the baby. A partner can be anyone who has a strong connection with the mum-to-be and especially includes birthing partners.

 

During the massage, women experience several benefits:

  • a decrease in the level of stress hormones
  • deeper and longer sleep patterns
  • reduced soreness and pain in muscles and joints
  • decreased anxiety and less postpartum depression
  • more positive outlook on labour

 

The benefits extend to partners providing massage.  Partners feel empowered by providing physical comfort and emotional support.  Familial bonds and self-confidence in parenting skills can also increase.

 

We have a Special Offer during November 2018 to have a Partner Pregnancy Massage for £80.00 | 90 min session (usually £90.00)

 

To book, contact reception on 020 8675 1207 or info@makemefeel.co.uk

*Partners include anyone who offers support through pregnancy and labour*

Old-Fashioned Honey Baked Apples

From https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/old-fashioned-honey-baked-apples/

Ingredients

  • 2 medium tart apples
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Vanilla ice cream or sweetened whipped cream, optional

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Core apples, leaving bottoms intact; peel top third of each. Place in a greased 8×4-in. glass loaf pan; fill with cranberries.
  • In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar and honey; cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour over apples.
  • Bake, uncovered, until apples are tender, 35-40 minutes, basting occasionally with juices. If desired, serve with ice cream.

New At Make Me Feel: ME & ME

We are very happy to welcome a new rage of pregnancy dermocosmetics with Me and Me.

Me and Me, a Spanish brand, was born from the deep knowledge of its founders of the transformations and body needs of pregnant women and recent mothers and years of specialization in cosmetics dedicated to their treatment and care.

For this reason, Me and Me is based on the conviction of Sonia Almela – pharmacist and cosmetologist expert in the world of high-end cosmetics – and Belén Aracil -specialist in aesthetics and responsible for the training of different cosmetic brands- of which It is possible to create high-efficiency cosmetic products that offer better solutions to concrete situations in real life, such as pregnancy.

Solutions that, thanks to biotechnology and cosmetic technology make it possible to act, not only physically but also emotionally.

Therefore, Me and Me is presented with a line of cosmetics for moms, with highly effective formulas unique in the market that respect the safety and well-being of the baby before and after delivery.

Why Me and Me?

Me and Me provides high-efficiency cosmetic solutions for pregnant women and recent mothers who ask for more of their personal care.
Respectful solutions with your baby that help them enjoy their pregnancy.

Thinking about them and the welfare of their babies, the innovative formulations of Me and Me products not only effectively promote skin health, but they also contain ingredients that reduce cortisol – the hormone responsible for stress – taking care of your emotional state.

In this way, Me and Me becomes the only specific brand for pregnant women with a holistic vision that raises their treatments based on biotechnological research and the principles of neurocosmetics, to achieve totally safe results for the baby and effective both in the skin treatment as in reducing the stress of pregnancy.

Green Apple Smoothie

A simple green apple smoothie with kale and coconut milk. It is a healthy vegan way to start your day or snack.

From: https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/green-apple-smoothie/

Description

To make this vegan use maple syrup or agave. Paleo and gluten-free green apple smoothie with coconut and ginger. If you are new to green smoothies, try adding a frozen banana for a creamier texture.


Ingredients:

  • 1 green apple, cored and chopped
  • 2 handfuls of kale leaves, washed
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons grated ginger root, preferably using a rasp-style grater
  • 1 tablespoon honey, pure maple syrup, dark or amber or agave, or to taste
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup almond milk

Instructions:

  1. Combine apple, kale, ginger, honey or sweetener, coconut milk and almond milk in a blender and puree until smooth.