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There’s a stereotype that it’s avocado toast that millennials have a relentless obsession with, but Tesco Ireland have had to order their rare giant avocados due to popular demand.

It can’t be entirely 23-year-olds to 35-year-olds that have created such a trend, so we’re all guilty of the avocado love. Confess, why don’t you?

A very special delivery of the giant food, known as ‘Avozilla’s for their huge size, will land in 70 Tesco stores around the country on Saturday, September 14.

The Avozillas are priced at just €4 and exclusive to Tesco in Ireland. The game-changing giant avocados are perfect for creating a massive, family-sized portion of guacamole.

Think of the avocado toast brunches you could host with a stash like this, the possibilities are endless. Avozillas are naturally produced and not genetically modified.

Just four trees produce the Avozilla supply in the lush forest outside of Modjadjiskloof, Limpopo, South Africa. It’s basically a cross between two types of avocado; West Indian and Guatemalan varieties.

As these trees are not available for commercial sale, there is very limited supply of the fruit, so avocado fans are encouraged to pop into one of the participating Tesco stores while stocks last, to avoid disappointment.

John Brennan, Fresh Category Director, Tesco Ireland, commented:

“They are extremely rare and come from just four trees grown by one of the world’s biggest suppliers of avocados in South Africa. Deliveries will be going into 70 of our stores across the country on Saturday morning and will be available this weekend while stocks last.”

What are you waiting for? Set your alarms for tomorrow, and lift some weights so you can carry all those Avozillas home.

fab 5 avocado GIF by Queer Eye

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If you're looking to make some changes to your diet this year – we have the ultimate wellness tip for you. 

Everyone knows that home-made, vitamin rich smoothies are a clean and delicious health food, and the benefits of upping your fruit and veggie intake are numerous. 

Enriched with phytonutrients, antioxidants and fibre, fruit and veg is the food group we know we should be consuming en masse, but swallowing down another salad sometimes seems seriously unappetising. 

Here's where the handiness of smoothies comes in, as you can squeeze in a few of your five a day in one sitting 

From being associated with lower risk of heart disease to helping minimise body inflammation and clearing skin, incorporating a smoothie into your morning routine can be seriously beneficial. 

If you hate the taste of vegetables, adding natural flavours like honey, coconut milk and orange juice to the mix can add a harmonious sweetness to veggie-heavy smoothies, while fruity recipes need no further sweetening. 

Here are a few simple recipes to get you started:

The Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie:

The Blueberry-beautiful Antioxidant Smoothie:

The Acne-clearing Green Smoothie

The Five-Portions-Of-Fruit-And-Veg Smoothie:

 

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As far as we knew, munching on some fruit was the healthy option, but now some experts have come up to say that we're all wrong, and eating too much fruit is actually bad for you.

According to personal trainer Callum Melly, eating too much fruit or eating it at the wrong time can lead to gaining fat.

Apparently, we all need to understand how carbs are broken down in our bodies so then we can decide what times are wrong and right to each fruit.

While speaking to the Mail Online, Callum explains that when you consume carbohydrates, they are stored in two forms – either muscle glycogen or liver glycogen.

"The thing people forget or just don't understand when it comes to food in general, let alone fruit, is that food is fuel and we should only eat what is required to fuel our daily energy requirements, especially when it comes to carbohydrate intake."

And one of the biggest mistakes, Callum says, is when people eat fruit after a workout.

"Fruit will only replenish liver glycogen and not muscle glycogen.

"Glycogen is our muscle's fuel source and will be used during exercise and therefore needs to be replenished afterwards with starchy carbohydrates such as rice and potatoes."

And as for when we all should eat fruit?

"We want to ensure that when we eat fruit we will maximise the energy we receive from it, but more importantly ensure that the fructose is used by the body as an energy source and doesn't get converted and stored as body fat," Callum explains.

"Therefore, the best time to eat fruit is first thing in the morning and 15 minutes before a workout as your body will use this readily available energy to fuel morning activity and then your exercise."

So, there you go ladies, be careful with your fruit.

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There has been many debates about eating out-of-date food, but one supermarket in Denmark is trying to make you do just that.

WeFood in Cophenhagen just opened at the end of last month and it sees people queuing down the street to get in daily.

The food produce comes at 30 to 50 percent cheaper than your average store and most days WeFood actually runs out of food.

According to the Washington Post, the grocery store only sells food past its expiration date or with aesthetic problems like broken packaging or 'ugly' vegetables.

This isn't the first time a store like this has opened though. Daily Table in the states runs a store very similar, and any fans of Jamie Oliver will notice his campaign for this type of work on his show Friday Night Feast.

Well, would you be into this and want to see something like it open in Ireland?

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Choosing what you want to eat for lunch can be a daily struggle. 

These days, it's safe to say we're all health conscious, but some lunch options that appear to be on the lighter side, can add up to the same amount of calories as a burger. 

But fear not! We have top tips from the experts at Safe Food that will have you eating right in no time. 

Top Tips

  • Watch your bread! Ask for sandwiches to be made on two slices of bread from a regular sliced pan (deli slices of bread can be twice as thick as regular slices). Go for wholegrain bread whenever you can. Rolls and baguettes can be very heavy – wraps are a lighter option.
  • Go for ‘low-fat’, ‘low-calorie’ or ‘healthy option’ sandwiches where you can.
  • Many sandwiches, rolls and salads contain hidden ingredients. Check the label for the calorie, fat and salt contents so that you’re not misled.
  • The ultimate healthy sandwich is made from wholegrain bread, lean meat, poultry or fish, plenty of salad vegetables and a tablespoon of low-fat dressing.
  • If you put spread or mayonnaise onto your bread slices, then try not to have any more mayonnaise or dressing in the sandwich filling.
  • Have some fruit or a low-fat yoghurt after your sandwich for a really tasty lunch.

Healthy Choices

Sandwiches

  • Chicken or turkey breast without skin
  • Roast beef or lean ham
  • Tuna, prawn, salmon or crab meat without mayo
  • Egg, Quorn slices, couscous or tofu wraps
  • Low-fat cheese or cottage cheese
  • Low-fat dressing, low-fat spread, low-fat mayonnaise, mustard or ketchup
  • Extra salad for fibre and bulk
  • Wholegrain bread, Granary bread, pita bread or tortilla wraps

 

Salads

  • Tomato-based salad
  • Low-fat coleslaw
  • Low-fat hummus, salsa or yoghurt dips with freshly cut vegetables
  • Pasta, rice or noodles with salad
  • Sushi

 

Extras, treats and snacks

  • Broth type soups
  • Low-fat yoghurt 
  • Probiotic drinks or yoghurts
  • Fruit, fruit salad
  • Low-calorie cereal bars
  • Rice cakes
  • Low-fat rice pudding or custard
  • Yoghurt-based smoothies

 

Where to go easy…

Sandwiches

  • Bacon, sausage, cheese, coleslaw or a mixture of these
  • Processed meats such as salami, pepperoni or corned beef
  • Any meat with skin or visable fat
  • Mayonnaise, oil-based dressing, butter or full-fat margarine
  • Large rolls, white bread, cheese baguettes or oily breads like focaccia
  • Crumpets, croissants, muffins or stuffed breads

 

Salads

  • Potato salad or coleslaw
  • Cheese
  • Croutons

 

Extras, treats and snacks

  • Chocolate bars (if you must, go for a treat-sized bar)
  • Cream or ice-cream desserts
  • Cakes, buns or tarts
  • Full-fat custard or puddings
  • Sweets, toffees, crisps
  • Muffins, danishes, biscuits
  • Fizzy drinks, milkshakes, cream-based coffees

 

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Summer is over – and therefore so are cheeky Tuesday pints, giant barbecues and sweet treats.

There’s something about September too that is the gentler, autumnal alternative to January.

And while at this time of year we may not quite have the same focus on those pesky new-year-new-you resolutions, it’s not a bad month to get into some great habits.

A good start? A serious post-summer fruit salad to help you de-bloat and get your diet back on track.

In fact, this bowl of goodness contains ingredients scientifically proven to help you deflate.

Flat tums, here we come!

What you need…

  • Papaya, cut into chunks
  • Pineapple, cut into chunks
  • Banana, sliced
  • Melon, cut into chunks
  • Some mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
  • One avocado
  • Fresh lemon juice

1. Mix the papaya, pineapple, banana and melon in large bowl.

2. Slice half of the avocado into 1cm cubes, and toss with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Set other half of the avocado and the rest of the lemon juice aside.

3. Top bowl of fruit with the berries and avocado.

4. Mash the remaining avocado and lemon juice.

5. Serve your fruit salad in small bowls, and drizzle with a teaspoon of the avocado-lemon sauce. 

What the ingredients do…

Pineapple: contain an enzyme called bromelain that helps break down hard-to-digest protein. That means there'll be less gas in your stomach.

Banana: In moderation, bananas can help you de-bloat because they're loaded with potassium, a mineral that flushes excess water out of your system. They’re particularly great if you've consumed lots of salt, which in itself makes you hold on to water.

Melon: Also high in potassium and water. The H2O content pushes the extra fluid out of your body so you can slim down.

Papaya: Contains an enzyme called papain, which helps us to break down food, especially protein, and improves digestion. Plus, papain is a diuretic that can help you get rid of those nasty excess fluids.

Avocado: Loaded with healthy fats that help you absorb the vitamins and minerals in the other fruits in this salad. In particular, Avocado boasts monounsaturated fats which have also been linked to burning excess belly fat.

Berries: Since berries are lower in sugar and calories than most fruits, they won't cause you to hold onto the extra water that makes you bloat. 

 

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If you want loads of strangers to see your food, clothes, hairstyle or your #gymbod – well then, Instagram is pretty much your perfect platform.

But while the average user might throw up the odd snap of their Sunday brunch or the family pet, certain dedicated IG users have lately been showing off a lot more: namely their glorious 'breakfast and smoothie bowls'.

And these creations are most definitely NOT your average Weetabix-type affairs. 

Instead, they are totally OTT, entirely delicious feasts and treats – and ones that you'll crave no matter what time of day it is. 

Welcome to the online world's latest health phenomenon – and if  you fancy getting in on the action, then take a look at these Instagram accounts: 

@anniskk

Anni Kravi is the woman behind the most glorious foodie-feed in the world. Go on to her page now, your jaw will drop.

 

@mynewroots

Sarah B from My New Roots blog, shares every meal she makes and eats. Expect to see vibrant fruit and veg and loads of hearty meals.

 

@daniellejacobs

Along with taking pictures of her cats, Danielle Jacobs documents all her super-healthy food and smoothies; including the new and now-famous smoothie bowl.

 

 

@plant_fueled

This German food blogger fills her page FULL of smoothie bowls. Just let the inspiration for this breakfast snack begin!

 

@leefromamerica

This girl has a super cute Instagram account which follows her travels and her food! If you need some healthy food inspo asap, this is the place to go. 

 

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At this time of year, after finally shaking off the remnants of winter doom-and-gloom, plenty of us are taking a cold, hard look at our diets.

But following recipes, counting calories, eliminating sugar, or replacing meals is tedious – not to mention tough to stick with. 

Now research from the US suggests that one simple tweak could result in weight-loss that lasts.

It is being reported that high-fibre diets provide heaps of health benefits while being largely easy-to-follow.

Indeed, people who only added more fibre to their otherwise normal diet were able to lose weight, lower their blood pressure and reduce blood sugar levels. Hurrah!

And although they didn't lose quite as much weight as people following more complex diets, the researchers contend that their findings are encouraging for those who might be overwhelmed by the likes of paleo, Dukan, Atkins, or 5:2.

"For people who find it difficult to follow complex dietary recommendations, a simple-to-follow diet with just one message – increase your fiber intake – may be the way to go," said study author Dr Yunsheng Ma of the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

The study involved 240 adults who were at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers asked them to change their diets for one year.

"High-fibre foods are rich in vitamins and other essential nutrients," Dr Ma also highlighted. 

The results show that "one small step can have a big impact in your battle with the bathroom scale," said Joan Salge Blake, a clinical associate professor at Boston University.

"If you want to focus on one thing you can do in 2015 to help you lose weight, it might be increasing your fibre from whole grains, fruits and vegetables."

High-fibre foods, such as fruit and vegetables, as full of water as well as fibre – meaning they fill you up quickly. 

Alternative sources include beans, wholegrain and wholemeal rice and bread, pulses, nuts, baked potato with the skin left on, dried fruit, bran-based cereal, and porridge.

Most people in Ireland don't eat enough fibre: the RDA varies between 18g and 30g a day, depending on your age and gender.

Foods that contain 6 per cent fibre or more are considered to be high fibre foods, while those containing at least 3 per cent fibre are considered to be a good source of fibre.

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As if we don’t have enough things to worry about on a day-to-day basis, trying to remember to get the right amount of fruit and veg into our diets can cause more stress than it needs to.

And while we can’t ignore the importance of getting enough nutrients, we CAN give you a few sneaky tips to make the process that bit easier and less tiresome.

1. Load your breakfast

We know everyone doesn’t always have the time in the morning to cook up a tasty breakfast when they’re running out the door to work or school, but mixing some banana slices and fresh berries into your yoghurt or cereal is a great way to kick-start your day in the right direction.

2. Hide them in your cooking

If you find there’s only so much veg you can put on your plate before you explode, grate them down and hide it in your cooking. What exactly do we mean? Finely shred or grate your fruit and veg down and mix them into your favourite recipes. For example, grated courgette or carrots are delicious when mixed into meat to make burgers. Or try pureeing cooked cauliflower and stirring it through your mash.

3. Double the recipe

Whether you are making soup, sandwiches, or pizza, whatever your usual amount of veg is – double it. Don’t worry about ruining a recipe if it requires a certain amount of veg. Adding more will simply add to the nutritional value of your meal, as well as the flavour of it.

4. Experiment

Keep things interesting by adding one new fruit or vegetable to your shopping list each week. If you are trying something new, it is important to make sure that your chosen item is in season to make the experience more enjoyable. As we’re rolling into summer (and the weather seems to finally be catching up) it is a good time to add asparagus and aubergine to your cooking, and to nibble on berries for dessert.

5. Daily dessert

When most of us think dessert we think loads of cream and calories. But why not have a dessert after every dinner? Fruit desserts will provide something sweet after your meal, and provide extra nutritional goodness into your daily intake. Strawberries are great after dinner, or try freezing grapes or banana slices for a tasty summer snack.

6. Drink them

If you want a huge fruit and veg boost when you’re on the go, smoothies are a great way to get it. Create your own with your favourite fruit and veg to suit your tastes. Don’t be afraid to mix things up as well. Mango and papaya are delicious in smoothies and even cucumber can work surprisingly well. 

 

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Fruit is a delicious and healthy way of snacking throughout the day. A fruit salad with natural yoghurt also makes a yummy breakfast. Here are five fruits you definitely need to be eating because of their health benefits. You'll be glad to know, we usually eat them on a daily basis anyway.

1. Apples
You know what they say..an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples are full of fiber.

2. Blueberries
These little guys are great for your health. They are full of anxioxidants which could help fight cancer and are great for your brain health.

3. Oranges
Oranges are packed with your recommended daily dose of vitamin C.

4. Bananas
Bananas are great energy providers and high in potassium. They can help to reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

5. Grapes
Red grapes can help to fight against heart disease. They're one of our favourite fruits too!

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Getting our five-a-day isn’t always easy and it’s even better to get even MORE than just five portions of fruit and veg a day – but how?

Here are some super simple ways you can fill your everyday diet with lots of fruit and veggies which are perfect for keeping your skin, body and mental health in peak condition.

Breakfast
Many people love having fruit for breakfast – in smoothies, on toast or stirred into their porridge. If you’re not one of these people then you need to be!

Porridge: Top your porridge with a whole chopped banana or some fresh berries and grated apple.

Toast: Skip the butter and grab some nut butter topped with chopped banana on toast. Perfect energy release for the long wait to lunch!

Smoothies: If you’re used to having primarily fruit in your smoothies then why not add some veg to up your intake? Kale, spinach, celery, cucumber and carrot all work really well in juices and smoothies.

Lunch
Everyone waits all morning in work and college for lunchtime – so make it a good (and healthy!) one.

Wraps: If you love a wrap for lunch, why not pack a salad and add the salad into the wrap yourself. Rather than filling up the entire wrap, fill half first and then the when you’re finished the other half. This will ensure you will fill up on the good veggies rather than the wrap.

Soup: This is a healthy option but sometimes soup that you buy in shops can be loaded with salt and often cream. Soup is incredibly easy to make in bulk and freezes very well. Make some soup loaded with veggies and place in individual lunchboxes in the freezer.

Sandwich: The best way to increase your intake of veggies in your lunchtime sandwich is to take out the majority of other things such as cheese. Half the cheese you would normally ask for and instead opt for extra lettuce, cucumber or tomato.

Dinner
It’s important at dinner that the biggest portion of your plate is taken up by vegetables, the other half divided into proteins and grains. Here is how to incorporate more fruit and veggies into dinnertime.

Spaghetti Bolognese: Cut your beef down and bulk up your Bolognese sauce with grated carrot, courgette and chopped spinach.

Curry: Sweet tastes always match perfectly with curry so accompany your dinner with mango rice – simply dice an entire mango into your rice. So easy!

Pizza: Frozen, homemade or delivery, it’s so easy to add more fruit and veg onto your pizza – mushrooms, pineapple, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, courgette…the list goes on. 

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We’re all guilty of being stuck in something of a fruit rut – but now Marks & Spencer are here to help!

While we may LOVE fruit, the majority of us tend to stick with the more usual fruits such as apples, oranges and bananas. Any fruit is good fruit, true – but is it time to broaden our horizons?

M&S think so which is why they’ve launched Marks & Spencer’s Fruit & Veg Pledge which encourages customers to move away from the fruits and veg they would choose on a regular day and try something new.

M&S nutritionist, Helen Stevenson explains the benefits of having a variety of colour in your fruit and veg bowl: “Orange fruit and vegetables tend to be higher in carotenoids such as beta carotenes; purple colours tend to be rich in antioxidant anthocyanins and red colours such as tomatoes often contain lycophene. Including a range of colours in your meals each day can help ensure you get a range of different vitamins and minerals in your diet.”

Some of the deliciously colourful fruits on offer in M&S at the moment include the very exotic fruits; achacha, redgage, Lychees and Rainier cherries – it almost feels like summer already!

M&S are also offering a great range of enriched vegetables such as potatoes, mushrooms, broccoli and shredded brussels sprouts.

There’s nothing more healthy or delicious as the huge range of fruits that nature has to offer – so let’s get exploring! 

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