As we enter the New Year 2019, giving us all fresh starts, the tradition is to set new targets to improve various aspects of our lives.
One of the most common goals set is to be healthier versions of ourselves, requiring us to adjust our lifestyles; it’s safe to say for the most of us, that’s easier said than done, especially when it comes to our eating habits (yes, we also blame the chocolates for being too tempting!).
Here at GOPI, we believe in balance; whilst we think it’s okay to treat yourself in moderation, we are also advocates of eating foods that give our body the nutrients it needs to lead healthy, happy and fulfilling lives.
If you are struggling to find that balance, we want to help you by making things easier for you, to not only get off to a good eating habit, but also to maintain it.
One of the biggest challenges for this here in Seychelles is access to affordable, healthier ingredients that are available all year round; and this only makes the struggle harder.
The good news is, this is precisely where we can help you: our supermarket is always stocked with a variety of healthy ingredients sourced from well-reputed international brands.
And, because it’s the new year, we did a little research for you on the healthy foods that are being recommended by experts for 2019. We’ve spotted 5 of the many that we have gracing the shelves right here at GOPI Supermarket!
Pistachio Nuts
We have a selection of nuts available and pistachios are definitely amongst this. Pistachios are said to be full of nutrients, help you to lose weight, manage blood sugar levels, and boost your ‘good’ cholesterol.
They make for a great, quick and healthy snack, and we hear that it’s a good idea to always have a handful around for when those hunger pangs hit!
Turmeric
Nicknamed the ‘Wonder Spice’, turmeric is known to support immunity, be anti-inflammatory, and aids with gastrointestinal issues and heart health.
We love that turmeric is so versatile; add it to your tea, smoothies, tofu scrambles, roasted vegetables, greens, soups, curries, rice and potatoes…the list is endless!
Coincidentally, have you heard of ‘Golden milk’? It’s a warm drink (also known as turmeric tea) that combines turmeric with other ingredients like coconut milk and black pepper. It’s been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines for years, and is becoming popular in the United States.
Chickpeas
We found out that ‘Chickpea Pasta’ will continue to be a huge superfood trend in 2019, and whilst we don’t have the pasta version, we do have dry, whole chickpeas and chickpea flour – at the end of the day, it’s the chickpeas itself that is the most important.
Chickpeas are gluten-free, full of protein, and have half the net carbohydrates of traditional pasta (we see you weight-loss fans).
Use our dry, whole chickpeas in salads and hummus; the flour version is great for making pancakes, fritters and baked goods.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and aids with nausea and indigestion. With our ginger powder packs, you can easily make ginger tea by adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger into a cup, pour in 1 cup of boiling water, cover with a saucer, and let sit until cool enough to drink before straining; optionally you can add in your favourite sweetener.
Cinnamon
This spice has long been known to offer a lot in terms of health and taste. It’s packed with essential nutrients, helps with boosting energy and lowering stress levels, and is being investigated for treatment of certain health problems like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, memory loss and arthritis.
Here at GOPI, we have cinnamon in both powder and stick forms. Use these in smoothies, desserts (now we have more reason to eat our famous ‘ladob’), porridge, baked goods, yoghurt, marinades casseroles, curries, soup and tea.
References: Popsugar; Blackdoctor; Glacier Wellness