Latest news with #PrepKitchen
Metro
2 days ago
- Health
- Metro
The surprising drink nutritionist recommends for speedy festival recovery
Festival season is in full swing, with 210,000 people having descended on Glastonbury to sing and dance along with the likes of Charli XCX, Olivia Rodrigo and Rod Stewart over the weekend. But while there, festival-goers probably didn't take the best care of themselves — drinking a little too much, eating junk food, and not keeping hydrated out in the sunshine. This, coupled with several bad nights of sleep while camping, means many people might not be feeling their best right now. If this sounds like you, then you'll want to keep on reading, as a nutritionist has revealed exactly what you should do and eat after your five-day non-stop party, in order to help your body recover. Kerry Beeson, a qualified nutritional therapist at Prep Kitchen, explained to Metro the toll attending a festival can take on the body. She said: 'You might come home feeling rubbish after a camping festival due to disruption to your diet. High fat foods take a long time to digest and this can make us feel sluggish. Sugary foods can cause blood sugar peaks and troughs — these dips can make us feel weak and fatigued. Alcohol can make us dehydrated and place a strain on our liver. 'Your festival diet is likely to be nutrient-poor and give little back to the body. So it's important to get your diet back on track with plenty of nutrient-rich foods once you're home. 'Focus on replenishing the diet with nutrient-rich foods, rehydrating, balancing your blood sugar and supporting gut health.' In order to do this, Kerry recommends boosting your intake of fibre, healthy protein, and healthy fats with every meal or snack you eat. Lily Keeling, Green Chef's Registered Nutritionist has a rather rogue suggestion for speeding up recovery after attending a festival, and it certainly won't be for everyone. She tells Metro that pickle juice can be incredibly beneficial. 'I'd recommend keeping a jar of pickle juice ready for when you get home. While it might not be to everyone's taste, there's some merit in this salty sidekick for those looking to speed up recovery. 'It can help restore hydration as it has a mixture of sodium and potassium, helping to replace electroyltes lost. 'This salty beverage also has antioxidants including Vitamin C and E, which are great for your overall health and immune system.' She adds: 'Some people have also sworn by pickle juice as a hangover cure.' For fibre, you'll want to opt for nuts, whole fruits, and wholegrains, while proteins will include eggs, tofu, beans, lean meats or fish. Olive oil and avocado will also work well. The expert claims swapping out your complex carbohydrates is another good way to aid recovery. So step away from the white bread, white rice, and pasta, and instead grab some oats, brown rice, whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, beans, or lentils. 'These will help to balance your blood sugar as it'll delay carbohydrate metabolism and prevent blood sugar fluctuations,' Kerry explains. Other nutrient-dense foods you'll want to ensure you're eating enough of include fruits and vegetables, in particular, dark fruits such as red grapes, cherries, and berries as well as veggies like broccoli, kale, peppers, and mushrooms, plus spices such as turmeric. Green tea, coffee, and dark chocolate also have a high antioxidant content. 'These foods offer a wide variety of health benefits, being nutrient-rich and full of immune-boosting vitamins and minerals, natural fibre, healthy fats, and detoxifying antioxidants,' Kerry adds. More Trending But while green tea might be beneficial, celebrity personal trainer and nutritionist, Scott Harrison, warns not to drink too much black tea, or other caffeinated beverages. And of course, you'll definitely want to steer clear of any more alcohol for a little while. 'These can further dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep patterns. On that note ensure you get plenty of sleep to help your body recover,' Scott adds. View More » This article was first published on August 20, 2024. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Kate Nash calls out UK government for 'silencing Irish musicians' MORE: Bob Vylan Glastonbury set 'should have been pulled from livestream', BBC admits MORE: Who are Bob Vylan and what did they say at Glastonbury about the IDF? Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dietitian Shares The 1 Cooking Oil Rule They Follow For A Healthy Heart
Some people worry that seed oils (like sunflower, peanut, and soybean oil) are bad for us because they contain an omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid). But this, experts claim, does not actually cause the inflammation it's accused of creating. Kerry Beeson, a qualified nutritional therapist at Prep Kitchen, previously told HuffPost UK: 'Seed oils are objectively quite healthy, in that they're typically low in saturated fats.' Writing for UC Davis Health, cardiovascular dietitian Margie Junker, who focuses on how our diets affect heart health, shared that she loved flax and peanut oil. 'Liquid plant oils are rich in unsaturated fats, which reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and heart disease risk,' she said. But, she added, she avoids one particular type of fat for cooking. 'I stay away from fats that are hard at room temperature, such as bacon grease, shortening and margarine,' she told the university. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, most cooking fats are higher in saturated fats. 'Too much fat in your diet, especially saturated fats, can raise your cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease,' the NHS added. Other solid cooking fats include ghee, lard, and butter. 'I also avoid tropical oils (coconut, palm, and palm kernel), animal fats (butter and lard), and partially hydrogenated fats,' Junker shared. Coconut oil has some of the highest saturated fat levels of all common cooking oils (86% to butter's 52%). So, while Junker said she 'occasionally' adds coconut oil or butter to a dish for flavour, she chooses not to cook with them. The British Heart Foundation recommends rapeseed oil as their best pick alongside olive oil, while Junker likes avocado oil most. But though some oils and fats are higher in saturated fats than others, fats of any kind should not make up more than 35% of our diet. 'Current UK government guidelines advise cutting down on all fats and replacing saturated fat with some unsaturated fat,' the NHS shared. Combining lower-saturated fats with moderation is key to better heart health. Are Seed Oils Really Bad For You? I Asked A Nutritional Therapist The Only 3 Cooking Oils Mary Berry Says We Need Sorry, Your Essential Oils Are Essentially Useless
The Independent
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Eating like a champion - the foods that fuel Anthony Joshua
Have you ever wondered what a heavyweight boxer eats? The name itself provides a clue to the quantity of food (read: a lot), but what are the ingredients that go into whipping up a champion? Now we have a better idea, thanks to Anthony Joshua and his official food partner, meal delivery service PrepKitchen. In-house nutritionist Kerry Beeson has revealed Joshua's go-to meals, and shared details about how the brand fuels a successful fighter. 'Being able to achieve excellence relies so heavily upon the foods we fuel our body with,' Beeson says, 'but it can be difficult to maintain a level of discipline when immersed in an intense training schedule.' Who is Anthony Joshua's next opponent? To know how to fuel a boxer, it is important to know exactly what they are fuelling for. In Joshua's case, this is a return to the ring after being sidelined for the last nine months by an elbow injury and related surgery. Now the 35-year-old is on the cusp of a comeback, with promoter Eddie Hearn teasing potential opponents and saying Joshua is looking to 'box some time this year'. While the usual names of Fury, Dubois, and Usyk have been mentioned as possible opponents next year, Hearn says that the most-likely opponent for Joshua's next fight will be Jared Anderson or Dillian Whyte (note: this article was written hours before the 16 August card in Riyadh with Dillian Whyte was announced). Nutrition for a heavyweight boxer: Priorities 'As a heavyweight boxer, nutrition is all about fuelling explosive power, accelerating recovery and maintaining lean muscle mass while keeping your body in peak condition,' Beeson says. This means focussing on nutrient-rich foods that contain the requisite macronutrients and micronutrients a fighter needs, rather than just aiming for a specific calorie target – Ferrari are unlikely to go to your local garage to fill up their F1 cars, after all. Beeson continues. 'A whole-foods approach is ideal,' she says. 'That's complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, high-quality protein to maintain muscle and Omega-3 fats to combat inflammation and speed up recovery.' She adds: 'Hydration is also essential, especially to replace fluids lost during heavy training. And let's not forget gut health – crucial for digestion, nutrient absorption and keeping your immune system fighting fit.' Personal preferences and intolerances are another key factor in deciding what to serve up – if an athlete does not enjoy something, or it leaves them feeling sub-par, the likelihood of them eating it is significantly decreased, no matter the performance benefits. Beyond this, there are seven pillars that Beeson prioritises for optimising sporting performance. 'At the elite level, nutrition is never one-size-fits-all, but these principles provide a strong foundation for any boxer looking to perform, recover and feel their best,' she says. Calorie control and nutrient density For a boxer, weight is critical. Firstly, you need to make weight, although this is less of a concern among heavyweight boxers. Joshua's priority is likely to lie more in ensuring he is carrying the weight he has in a way that is optimal for performance. 'It's important to fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods that support training without adding unnecessary weight,' Beeson says. 'While some fighters may bulk then taper before a fight, this can lead to energy crashes and slower recovery. A more effective approach is to match intake to training demands consistently, helping maintain optimal body composition without the stress of last-minute weight cuts.' Consuming complex carbohydrates for sustained energy Complex carbohydrates are carbohydrates made from three or more sugar molecules linked together in a long chain. These tend to be found in plant-based wholefoods that are rich in fibre, such as oats, brown rice and sweet potatoes. They also provide excellent fuel for the long, intense training sessions often endure. 'Complex carbohydrates help maintain stable blood glucose levels, preventing fatigue and supporting mental focus during sparring and endurance work,' Beeson explains. High-quality protein for recovery and repair Protein is essential for the recovery, maintenance and growth of muscles. Anyone familiar with Anthony Joshua's imposing physique might imagine he has consumed a fair old amount of it. 'Depending on the stage of training, boxers may need anywhere from 1.6 to 3g of protein per kg of body weight daily,' says Beeson. With Joshua weighing in at more than 114kg for his most recent fight, that would suggest he needs somewhere between 182.4g and 342g of protein per day. 'It's also important,' Beeson adds, 'to balance protein with carbs, fats, and fluids to support kidney function and overall recovery.' Anti-inflammatory foods for injury prevention Inflammation is your body's way of fighting back against injury and infection, representing a pivotal part of the healing process. However, as with most biological processes within the body, it is important to find a balance because chronic inflammation leads to the continued release of inflammatory cells which can damage healthy cells. Diet can help prevent this, and also be used as a mitigation strategy against injury. 'Boxing takes a toll on the joints and soft tissues,' says Beeson. 'Including anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger, berries, oily fish and walnuts in your diet helps reduce inflammation and promote faster healing, which is essential in a sport with frequent impacts and potential for injury.' Gut health for digestion and immunity Gut health is a hot topic in 2025, whether you are an elite athlete or a regular Joe just trying to feel a little bit better. But it is particularly important to be mindful of the topic if you compete at boxing's top table like Joshua, Beeson says. 'A healthy gut helps your body absorb nutrients efficiently and supports your immune system,' she explains. 'It also reduces discomfort when eating around training or on fight day, when digestion needs to be as smooth as your footwork.' Micronutrients for physical and mental performance Macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates, fats and alcohol – dominate most dietary conversations. But to support sporting performance, we also need to consider micronutrients - the vitamins, minerals and more within the food we eat. 'Nutrients like B vitamins – found in eggs, salmon, wholegrains and leafy greens – and magnesium – from nuts, seeds, pulses and vegetables – play a vital role in energy production, nervous system function and muscle control, which are all key for a boxer's physical and mental sharpness,' says Beeson. Hydration and electrolyte balance It is not just what Anthony Joshua eats that is crucial from a nutrition standpoint – having a suitable hydration strategy to complement his rigorous training regime is also key. 'Fluid loss through sweat can impact performance and recovery,' Beeson explains. 'Staying hydrated supports muscle function, temperature regulation and focus. Coconut water, melon and other electrolyte-rich foods can help replace lost fluids and maintain balance.' Watch the very best boxing with a DAZN subscription DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Anthony Joshua teams up with Prep Kitchen in two-time world champion's latest partnership - as speculation continues over Tyson Fury showdown
Anthony Joshua has been announced as an ambassador for the home meal delivery service Prep Kitchen. The partnership comes with Joshua currently out of the ring following his loss to Daniel Dubois last September, with the two-time world champion recently revealing he needed to undergo a minor elbow surgery. Joshua remains tipped to have a battle of Britain showdown with Tyson Fury in the near future, with the Gypsy King having dropped several hints that he could U-turn on his latest retirement. The British star has underlined his commitment to health and fitness by teaming up with Prep Kitchen, with the company highlighting their aims to deliver nutritious, gourmet-level meals made by Michelin-trained chefs. 'Being able to achieve excellence relies so heavily upon the foods we fuel our body with,' Joshua said. 'Yet, it can be difficult to maintain a level of discipline when immersed in an intense training schedule. 'That's why partnering with Prep Kitchen affords me the peace of mind that I am receiving protein packed meals that keep me fuelled during training without compromising on the quality. 'Simply put - I can prep less, and train more.' As part of the collaboration, Joshua will reportedly work with Prep Kitchen's head of food, Paul Mason, to creative an exclusive range of meals. The meals will be inspired by Nigerian culture in honour of Joshua's heritage and will feature in their weekly menu. The range will include West African Style Red Pepper and Peanut Chicken, Suya Beef with Jollof Rice, and a Nigerian Fish Curry, with the first meals set to be available from June 22. Prep Kitchen have welcomed the partnership with Joshua, stating he is known for his discipline, drive, and dedication to peak performance. The company claims the addition of Joshua as partner marks a 'significant milestone' for Prep Kitchen. 'At Prep Kitchen, we are beyond delighted to partner with Anthony Joshua - a sporting icon we respect so highly, who shares our passion for achieving excellence and elite standards both in the ring and on the plate,' said Will Fish, Prep Kitchen co-founder. 'We hope that this partnership will demonstrate that there exists high-quality meals for people looking to achieve their health goals and that you can eat well, even on your busiest days.' Joshua is the latest athlete to partner with the company after heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Eddie Hall, formerly Britain's strongest man. Prep Kitchen have joined Joshua's large stable of partners, which also include DAZN, Under Armour, Hugo Boss, Audemars Piguet, Lucozade Sport, Bulk and Jaguar Land Rover. The two-time world champion will be awaiting his latest opponent when he returns to fitness, with his promoter Eddie Hearn recently claiming he could still fight twice this year.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Are Seed Oils Really Bad For You? I Asked A Nutritional Therapist
Those who like to stick to a Mediterranean-style diet will have already heard about the beneficial polyphenols in fresh, high-quality olive oil (though these degrade faster than you might think). But depending on which corner of social media you inhabit, you might have seen quite a lot of claims about the 'bad' effects of seed oils on your health, too. Some people argue that an omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid) in seed oils, including canola, sunflower, soybean, grapeseed, safflower, and peanut oil, contributes to inflammation in the body. But some research says that the ingredient, which is found in 'virtually all commonly consumed foods,' does not seem to alter the arachidonic acid levels people suspect it of raising (blamed, arguably inaccurately in this case, for inflammation). Harvard writes that not only does linoleic acid create less arachidonic acid than you may think, but that the supposedly inflammatory acid may be misunderstood; the body turns it into molecules that calm inflammation and fight blood clots, too. So, I was pleased to hear from Kerry Beeson, a qualified nutritional therapist at Prep Kitchen, about her thoughts on the topic. 'Seed oils are objectively quite healthy, in that they're typically low in saturated fats,' the expert shared. They 'contain beneficial nutrients like antioxidants, linolenic acid (an essential omega-6 fatty acid), and some contain small amounts of omega-3,' Beeson added. 'We don't make these fats in the body, so we must obtain them from our diet.' The NHS says that omega-6s, which people say are to blame for inflammation, contain polyunsaturated fats which can help to lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol. While the seed oils are often present in processed foods, which tend to provide little nutritional benefit thanks to high levels of salt and, typically, less fibre and protein, this is not due to the oil in and of itself (though too much fat may be included in some of these products). Some worry that the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3s in our diet, which has shifted towards most of us eating more omega-6s without healthy omega-3s to balance them, gets thrown off further by the consumption of seed oils. But Beeson, the American Heart Association, and Massachusetts General Hospital agree that we don't yet know for sure what an ideal ratio is. And the expert says that eating more omega-3s, which experts agree the majority of us are lacking, is as simple as eating 'oily fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, or walnuts.' As Harvard Health wrote, 'To improve the ratio of omega-3 fats to omega-6 fats, eat more omega-3s, not fewer omega-6s.' The NHS says that fats (found in all oils, butters, and ghee) are bad for us when eaten in excess. 'Too much fat in your diet, especially saturated fats, can raise your cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease,' they shared. But coconut oil has some of the highest saturated fat levels of all common cooking oils (86% to butter's 52%), while the British Heart Foundation recommends a seed oil (rapeseed) as their best pick alongside olive oil. With that said, fats of any kind should not make up more than 35% of our diet. As Benson wrote, we should 'aim to eat a wide variety of healthy fats in your diet [and] avoid eating lots of processed foods.' Eating enough fruit, vegetables, and oily fish (or other sources of omega-3) will go far, the British Heart Foundation says. New Study Finds The Exact Age Bad Health Habits Catch Up To You Running Got Me Out Of The Worst Mental Health Dip Of My Life – Here's How I Started From Zero 'Fart Walks' May Be The Secret To Healthy Ageing, Doctor Says
