The seasons have a profound effect on my basket. The majority of my food comes from one trip to the farmers' market and my weekly organic vegetable delivery, so my diet changes dramatically with what is in season and with what I am writing about.
Having said that, there are things I eat and drink every day come rain or shine. My day starts with two espressos - without fail. I think of them as my heart-starters. The first one is a classic, the second one is decaffeinated. That is it for the day. Then there is the first of my two daily yoghurts, goats' or sheep's, never cows', which I take with a high-strength BioCare acidophilus tablet. I have a second of each at night. I am obsessively fussy about tea and drink fresh mint, verbena or green tea such as the Sencha and Gyokuro-Karigane I bring back from Takashimaya in New York. I make more fuss over making a pot of tea than I do cooking a whole meal. Rarely does a day go by without me eating blueberries - I eat them like sweets - and I am also exceptionally fond of pickled ginger, not the beige stuff that comes with supermarket sushi, but bright pink pieces in plastic bags from the Japan Centre on Piccadilly. I like pomegranate juice but am also a serious water drinker and get through two litres a day, which means I pee like a horse. But I have to drink it early now, otherwise I need to get up in the night.
Lunch is my biggest meal of the day. I have a deep loathing of too much food on my plate, so I tend to eat something simple with some greens on the side or maybe some rice or noodles. I eat a lot of fish, especially mackerel and I am exceptionally fond of raw fish. I sometimes think I could live on sushi and sashimi. But then, I am a wasabi junkie, so maybe that's the real reason. It's the tingle in the nose that does it. Supper is usually something grilled (chops, fish, a bit of chicken perhaps) or maybe home-made soup. It is always eaten with a salad. I also eat fruit salad every day of my life (this week watermelon, damsons, raspberry and peaches).
I drink a couple of glasses of red wine with supper too, rarely more (or less). My 'bad' food habits are disappearing with the years. Although I eat good quality dark chocolate I still find Smarties irresistible and adore plain crisps - the cheap sort. I believe there is no such thing as unhealthy food, only unhealthy diets. I don't think any food can be considered bad for you if it is only eaten as a small part of a predominantly healthy diet. To think a slice of chocolate cake will harm you is well on the way to madness.
Mackerel
The benefits of oily fish such as mackerel are well documented. Its abundant omega-3 fats could help protect Nigel from heart disease, dementia and depression.
Evian water
While drinking lots of water can boost energy and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, tap water is associated with an increased cancer risk, probably due to the presence of chlorine.
The Food Doctor Original Seed Mix
Seeds are highly nutritious, containing essential fatty acids. Nutritionally similar to nuts, they may help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Damsons
Another very healthy food item which reflects Nigel's nutritious and seasonally inspired basket.
Green tea
Tea has been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease, and research suggests that green tea, (which is black tea before it's fermented), has cancerprotective properties too. This is a good choice.
Dark chocolate
The cocoa bean is a fairly nutritious food, containing polyphenols which may benefit the heart and circulation. Nigel is right to go for dark chocolate, as it is more nutritious than milk varieties.
Blueberries
With strong 'antioxidant' powers, blueberries may have disease-protective and anti-ageing properties. Research shows regular consumption can improve short-term memory, making these a smart choice.
Red wine
Although the health 'benefits' of alcohol consumption may have been overstated, a daily glass or two of red wine is unlikely to compromise health . Besides, any damage will be off set by his healthy diet.
Pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
Containing properties that retard the gumming-up of the arteries, regular intake should help protect against conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
Pickled ginger
Ginger helps promote cardiovascular and digestive health and has painkilling potential, too. Research suggests that it may stimulate energy production, thereby aiding weight control.
Goats' or sheep's yoghurt
'Live' yoghurt has beneficial bacteria for the gut. Dairy products can cause food sensitivity, (nasal congestion, excess mucus, asthma and eczema), but goats' and sheep's products are tolerated better.
