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    2. Enjoy a dairy free Easter

      hove nutrition Easter bunny Easter can present an enormous challenge for anyone who loves chocolate but is struggling with a dairy intolerance or allergy; and this can be particularly distressing when children are involved.

      Everywhere we look, chocolate is tempting us, and it can be hard to say no to a small child when faced with Easter egg hunts at nursery school, supermarket shelves laden with goodies, and well-meaning visitors bearing chocolaty gifts.

      The good news is that there are dairy free alternatives to be found in Brighton & Hove – you just need to know where to look.

      Moo Free do a fabulous range including a dairy free chocolate egg and also a bunny bar; both of which are also lactose free. Check their website for stockists but they are available in some branches of Waitrose. Montezuma’s have a mini egg range which is vegan and dairy free, and some Sainsbury’s and Holland and Barrett stores stock the Choices range of Celtic Chocolates which are egg and dairy free.

      So if you, or your child, are following a strict dairy or lactose free regime; there’s no need to miss out this Easter.Chocolate Egg (cracked)

      For everyone else, remember that dark chocolate is a better choice than lighter versions which are full of fat and sugar. Dark chocolate contains compounds called flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties so can help prevent heart disease. Eating dark chocolate also helps stimulate endorphins, or feel good hormones, which can lift your mood. This is thought to be because cocoa contains serotonin which acts an anti-depressant.

      But remember that chocolate of any kind also contains a large number of calories – so everything in moderation if you are watching your weight! Far better to reach for the Green & Black’s mini bars than the large slabs on offer at the newsagent’s desk!

      Brighton nutrition daffodils

      HAPPY EASTER!

      ‘Know Your Numbers’ Week

      Next week is ‘Know your Numbers Week’ when everyone will be reminded of the importance of checking vital medical markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

      So why is this so important?

      Raised blood pressure and high levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol could suggest that you are at risk of heart disease or a stroke. High levels of glucose in the blood could indicate the risk of diabetes which can also cause complications such as kidney disease and nerve damage. All these diseases could potentially be prevented or averted if action is taken early enough; however, symptoms aren’t always apparent.

      Did you know that in the UK, someone has a stroke approximately every three minutes and a heart attack every two minutes, and cardiovascular disease now kills more people than cancer with nearly four times as many women dying of heart disease than breast cancer? (Source: British Heart Foundation).

      So what should you be checking?

      By way of guidance*

      • Optimal blood pressure is around 120 / 80 (120 being your systolic or beating rate, and 80 your diastolic or resting rate). 130/95 is still considered to be normal, but 180/110 indicates severe hypertension.
      • Total cholesterol should ideally be less than 4 or 5 mmol/l
      • ‘Bad’ (LDL) cholesterol is ideally less than 2mmol/l but the ratio of ‘good/HDL cholesterol’ to ‘bad’ cholesterol is also important and should be checked with your GP.
      • Blood taken after fasting should ideally contain less than 6mmol/l of glucose

      If you aren’t familiar with your ‘numbers’, take the opportunity to check them with your GP or Practice Nurse.

      For more information about ‘Know your Numbers Week’ visit the Blood Pressure Association

      http://www.bpassoc.org.uk/microsites/kyn/Home

      *These numbers are ‘ideal’, but individuals may vary, so always seek medical advice if you are concerned.