Think Wine for Easter? ThinK Wine!

As part of our Easter treats series, That's Food and Drink is taking a look at wines for Easter. 

In this report more specifically, the remarkable ThinK Wine.

Almost all of us are trying to live our best lives, looking after our health, yes, but also looking to have a good time, also.

Looking for a lower sugar intake this Easter? If so, ThinK Wine could be the perfect choice of sparkling wine to bring some low sugar bliss to your Easter dining. 

It scores remarkably well with my wife and I for being low in sugar, calories and carbs. It also pairs very nicely with a traditional fish supper on Good Friday, or with lamb and also adds some pizzazz to chocolates, including those massive Easter eggs!

Prosecco and sparkling rose are perfect for any celebration, but now, in time for Easter, there's something that is lower in calories, but at the same time retaining all the taste you have come to demand and also kept the alcohol percentage volume.

ThinK Wine is an award-winning prosecco and sparkling rose brand which offers drinkers a healthier alternative. In blind taste tests it continually outperforms competitors, winning awards both at home in the UK and internationally, too.

It's available to purchase at https://www.thinkwinegroup.co.uk. 

So, what's happening with ThinK Wine that makes it so special and so healthy? It has only 75 calories and 0g carbs, 0g fat, with 0.58g of residual sugar per 125ml (interestingly thus legally classifying it as a zero sugar drink by UK standards), whilst  still retaining a very respectable ABV of 11%. But more importantly, especially for people like my wife who has an allergy to Stevia,  it contains absolutely no artificial sweeteners or ingredients. 

Who is behind ThinK Wine? This absolutely genius concept was created by 34-year-old wine entrepreneur Kath Jones from Aigburth in Liverpool. Actually only several miles from my day job's HQ office in Liverpool's iconic Exchange Flags building.

During her own weight loss journey Kath learned that there was a major gap in the market for a low sugar wine that, and this point seemed to have eluded some people in the world of wine production, actually has a taste that people actually like! In other words, ThinK Wine is a healthier option that tastes great, too.

You might be thinking what's Kath's secret? What's the magic behind ThinK Wine? Because a great tasting yet paradoxically low in sugar and calories wine might sound like something from the pen of J K Rowling, but the truth is that the answer lies in the selection of high quality grapes sourced from the Treviso region of Northern Italy. 

Unfortunately many easily available and cheaper proseccos add sugar and/or flavour enhancing additives to mask the fact that they used poorer quality grapes. 

But that's not ThinK Wine's way! ThinK allows the taste of the choicest and finest of Italian Glera grapes to shine through the wines. What does this mean? It means there's no need for added sugars, flavourings or sugar substitutes.

And thanks to its all-natural ingredients, ThinK Wine is great for people who are allergic to sulphites, as ThinK Wine is naturally low in sulphites too. So you can great the next morning with a clearer head. And that's got to be a good thing for everyone!

ThinK Pink – Organic Vegan Sparkling Rosé costs £20.99 a bottle.

Available to buy: https://www.thinkwinegroup.co.uk/collections/think-pink-sparkling-wine

What exactly is ThinK Pink? It's a Pinot Grigio Sparkling Rosé, that's a vegan and organic sparkling wine with both reduced sugar and calories. ThinK Pink is made from the finest Pinot Grigio grapes. 

ThinK Wine is also available by the case and in miniatures (200ml) to learn more or to purchase some bottles visit: https://www.thinkwinegroup.co.uk.

Exploring the Pros and Cons of the Keto Diet: A Comprehensive Guide

In recent years, the ketogenic diet, or "keto" for short, has gained significant popularity among health-conscious individuals seeking effective weight loss and improved overall well-being. 

With its emphasis on high-fat, low-carbohydrate consumption, the keto diet has garnered both praise and scepticism from experts and followers alike. Here, we'll delve into the pros and cons of the keto diet to help you make an informed decision about whether it's right for you.

The Pros of the Keto Diet

Rapid Weight Loss: One of the most notable benefits of the keto diet is its ability to promote rapid weight loss. By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat consumption, the body enters a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. This can lead to significant reductions in body weight, particularly in the initial stages of the diet.

Improved Blood Sugar Control: For individuals with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, the keto diet may offer benefits in terms of blood sugar control. By minimising carbohydrate intake, the diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the need for insulin medication.

Increased Energy Levels: Many keto dieters report experiencing increased energy levels and improved mental clarity. This is thought to be due to the steady supply of energy provided by ketones, which are produced when the body metabolises fat.

Appetite Suppression: The high-fat, moderate-protein nature of the keto diet can help promote feelings of fullness and satiety, making it easier for individuals to adhere to a calorie-restricted diet without experiencing intense hunger or cravings.

Potential Health Benefits: Some research suggests that the keto diet may offer benefits beyond weight loss, including improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced cognitive function. However, more long-term studies are needed to fully understand these potential benefits.

The Cons of the Keto Diet

Nutrient Deficiencies: Because the keto diet restricts many high-carbohydrate foods that are rich in essential nutrients, like fruits, whole grains, and legumes, there is a risk of nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. Proper supplementation and careful food choices can help mitigate this risk.

Keto Flu: When transitioning to the keto diet, some individuals experience symptoms known as the "keto flu," including fatigue, headache, nausea, and irritability. These symptoms typically subside within a few days to a week as the body adjusts to using fat for fuel, but they can be unpleasant in the meantime.

Difficulty Sustaining Long-Term: While the keto diet can yield impressive results in the short term, many people find it challenging to maintain over the long term due to its restrictive nature. Social situations, dining out, and travel can all present challenges for keto dieters, making adherence difficult for some individuals.

Potential Negative Effects on Cholesterol Levels: Some studies have suggested that the keto diet may lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol levels, which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. While this effect is not universal and may depend on individual factors, it's important for individuals considering the keto diet to monitor their cholesterol levels closely.

Limited Food Choices: The keto diet restricts many high-carbohydrate foods, which can lead to a limited variety of foods in the diet. This can make meal planning and dining out more challenging and may contribute to feelings of boredom or restriction over time.

Conclusion

The keto diet offers both potential benefits and drawbacks, and whether it's right for you depends on your individual health goals, preferences, and lifestyle factors. While some people may experience rapid weight loss, improved energy levels, and better blood sugar control on the keto diet, others may struggle with nutrient deficiencies, the keto flu, or difficulty sustaining the diet long term.

Before starting any new diet, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your individual needs. Additionally, listening to your body and making adjustments as needed can help optimise your experience on the keto diet or any other dietary approach you choose to pursue. Ultimately, the best diet is one that you can maintain consistently and that supports your overall health and well-being.

Nourishing Perspectives: Exploring Different Types of Diets and Their Potential Health Benefits

In the realm of nutrition, the landscape is vast and varied, offering an array of dietary patterns that cater to diverse preferences, beliefs, and health goals. 

From the wholesome abundance of the Mediterranean diet to the plant-powered philosophy of vegetarianism and the metabolic magic of keto, each dietary approach brings its own unique tapestry of flavours, nutrients, and potential health benefits. 

Let's embark on a journey to explore these distinct diets and unravel their secrets to nourishing the body and mind.

The Mediterranean Diet: A Taste of Tradition and Longevity

Envision azure coastlines, sun-kissed olive groves, and tables adorned with colorful arrays of fresh produce, this is the essence of the Mediterranean diet. Rooted in the culinary traditions of countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain, this diet places emphasis on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and seafood. Red wine, consumed in moderation, often accompanies meals, adding a sociable and celebratory dimension to the diet.

Health Benefits: Research suggests the Mediterranean diet is associated with a myriad of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Its emphasis on plant-based foods and healthy fats, coupled with moderate consumption of lean proteins, supports cardiovascular health, helps manage weight, and promotes longevity.

Vegetarianism: Cultivating Compassion and Vitality

For those who choose to forgo meat and embrace a plant-centric lifestyle, vegetarianism offers a pathway to nourishment that aligns with ethical, environmental, and health considerations. Vegetarian diets vary in their inclusivity, with some allowing dairy and eggs (lacto-ovo vegetarian), while others abstain from all animal products (vegan).

Health Benefits: A well-planned vegetarian diet can provide ample nutrients while reducing the intake of saturated fats and cholesterol found in animal products. Research indicates that vegetarian diets may lower the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, obesity, and certain cancers. By emphasising whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, vegetarianism fosters a diverse and nutrient-rich eating pattern that supports overall well-being.

The Keto Diet: Unveiling the Power of Ketosis

In recent years, the ketogenic diet has surged in popularity for its purported ability to promote weight loss and metabolic health by inducing a state of ketosis, a metabolic state where the body utilises ketones, derived from fat, as its primary fuel source. The keto diet is high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates, prompting the body to shift from glucose to fat metabolism.

Health Benefits: Proponents of the keto diet claim benefits such as rapid weight loss, improved blood sugar control, enhanced mental clarity, and increased energy levels. Some research suggests that the keto diet may be beneficial for certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases. However, long-term adherence to this restrictive diet may pose challenges in meeting nutrient needs, and its effects on cardiovascular health remain a topic of debate.

Conclusion: Embracing Diversity in Diets

In the vast tapestry of dietary patterns, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to optimal nutrition. Each diet—whether it be the Mediterranean diet, vegetarianism, keto, or countless others—offers its own unique blend of flavors, nutrients, and potential health benefits. The key lies in embracing diversity, listening to our bodies, and finding a way of eating that nourishes not only our physical health but also our cultural heritage, personal values, and individual preferences.

As we navigate the realm of nutrition, let us approach it with curiosity, mindfulness, and a spirit of exploration. Whether we find joy in savoring the simplicity of a Mediterranean-inspired meal, revel in the vibrancy of plant-powered cuisine, or delve into the metabolic mysteries of ketosis, may we always remember that the true essence of nourishment transcends the confines of any diet—it resides in the profound connection between food, body, and soul.

Incidentally anyone thinking of making such major changes in their diet, especially if they have a health condition, really should consider seeking the advice of a nutritionist, a dietician or a Doctor.

SRSLY Low Carb Launches Large Torpedo-Shaped Hotdog Rolls for BBQ Season

The month of June sees SRSLY Low Carb launching its next keto-friendly bread offering in the shape of a torpedo shaped hotdog roll that has all the taste and texture of a traditional hotdog roll, but which has an impressive protein count and only a fraction of the 'lazy' carbs you'd get in a traditional, wheat-based hot dog roll.

Says SRSLY Low Carb founder, Andy Welch: "By utilising the enviable protein prowess of egg, pea protein and wheat gluten we've managed to create a BBQ ready roll that offers only a miserly 1.3 carbs per roll, which is significantly less (90%) than their everyday alternatives.  Better than that each rolls offers 12g of protein, which is 170% more protein and 400% more fibre than a typical off-the-shelf bready hot dog holder.

According to SRSLY founder, Andy Welch, "When we travel up and down the country attending consumer events like Ketofest and IFE it's great to talk to both new converts and committed die-hards about what's missing from our range. 

"Consistently conversations have turned to us creating hot dog rolls that are not only immeasurably healthier but keep you fuller-for-longer.  

"We're proud to have a created yet another superb bready alternative that over-indexes in taste without causing the sugar crash so commonly associated with everyday white bread offerings."

https://seriouslylowcarb.com.

Srsly Low Carb Launches the Last Word in Light-to-Bite, Heavily Seeded Artisan Loaves

An indulgent, artisanal seeded loaf is the latest, possibly proudest, NEW arrival to SRSLY Low Carb's burgeoning portfolio of magnificently tasty bready goods that already includes: a low carb sliced white loaf, plump low carb rolls, a fruit loaf, seeded rolls, ready-to-eat pizza bases, not cross buns and fantastically foldy wraps.

SRSLY Low Carb was born when keto enthusiast Andy Welch discovered he was not able to square his commitment to a non-bloaty low carb diet with his deep-rooted appreciation of amazing, tasty bread. 

After giving the matter careful consideration, Andy became convinced the lack of a credible low carb bread offer was central to oodles of enthusiastic keto disciples falling off their low carb wagons. 

Having spent the last two years establishing SRSLY as Amazon's leading retailer of high protein/low carb bread, Hemel's pioneering keto-centric bread provider is raising funds to take the major mults and foodservice by storm.

SRSLY's NEW ARTISANAL SEEDED LOAF

Unable to find anything to curb those niggling cravings for buttery toasted doorsteps, the ultimate soup sponge and the best ham & cheese toastie, SRSLY set about creating the last word in low carb artisanal loaves.

Each prodigiously plump (320g) seeded loaf offers only a miserly fraction of the carbs generated by everyday breads (45/55g of carbs per 100g). SRSLY's new seeded loaf has a glowing Sugarwise endorsement and delivers just 5.9g of net carbs per 100g which means a new dawn of guilt-free bready joy.

Srslylowcarb.com

You should expect to pay an RSP of £3.89 a loaf.