Hello,  

Recipe of the Week

This wholesome soup is simple to make and tastes delicious as it combines a gentle touch of curry with fresh parsnips to deliver a wonderfully warming winter soup. Ideal as a lunch or served as a starter for guests when you may like to add a little brandy to give it an extra kick. Suitable for freezing.

Serves 4
Per serving 130 kcal/0.3g fat
Preparation time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins

400g fresh parsnips, peeled and chopped quite small
600ml chicken (or vegetable) stock plus a vegetable stock pot.
3 medium onions, peeled and chopped
1 tsp medium curry powder
Rapeseed oil spray
Freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat a non-stick frying pan and spray with rapeseed oil. When hot, add the chopped onions.
2. When the onion is cooked through, sprinkle over the teaspoon of medium curry powder and cook-out for about two minutes.
3. Add the chopped parsnips, stock, and stockpot to your soup maker or add to the pan of onions once they are cooked. Add freshly ground black pepper.
4. Boil until the parsnips are cooked through then liquidise until smooth, adding more stock if too thick.
5. Serve in heated dishes with either a drop of yoghurt or garnish with a sprig of fresh coriander.

Fun, Facts & Fitness from Mary Morris MSc.

With hope in our hearts we move into the New Year and if you are someone with a positive approach to life then, like me, you will be optimistic about the year ahead.  My last message to you focussed on a fresh start for 2022 where you put yourself first and centre your thoughts and efforts around your physical health.  It really is the best way forward for all of us in these uncertain times when our health can be significantly compromised.

Rosemary's 10 Good Habits list is a perfect place to start and I want to add to that by re-visiting the hugely important area of science that guarantees good health... and that is our immune system. The 28-Day Immunity Plan was born out of this new and exciting area of research that is making us re-think the most important elements of our health upon which we need to take action.  Much of it is not new in terms of what we eat and what type of exercise we do, but to focus on linking it to our immune system makes it all the more important. We need to boost our immunity so we really should take notice and actually do it!

Bear in mind:

• Getting moving is one of the best things we can do for our immune system.  Exercise reduces the level of infection and improves recovery time.  Exactly what you need in a pandemic!
• Moderate aerobic exercise of around 30-40 minutes of walking or cycling can halve your risk of catching a cold or flu.
• Both aerobic (cardio) and anaerobic (strength training) exercise has a significant positive effect on the cells of the immune system.
• Muscle loss is a natural consequence of ageing.  If we do our strength workout regularly we double up the benefit to our body as we tackle muscle loss and strengthen our immunity in one go!
• So, movement improves immunity as we age, but don't forget all the other benefits such as reduced blood pressure, higher bone density and our ability to balance, reducing the risk of falling.
• And finally - and of great importance - having a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) is the cornerstone of a strong immune system.  If you need to lose some weight this is a good time to start!