Negative Calorie Foods – Myth or Metabolism Boost?

You might have heard of so-called “negative calorie foods” – those fruits and vegetables that supposedly burn more calories to chew and digest than they actually contain. 

Celery, cucumber, lettuce, grapefruit, and broccoli are often on the list.

The science is a little shaky (no food truly has “negative” calories), but these foods are light, refreshing, and nutrient-packed – making them fantastic ingredients to work into everyday eating.

Why They’re Worth Adding to Your Plate

Low calorie, big crunch – Perfect when you want something to nibble on without piling on energy.

Hydrating – Cucumber, lettuce, and celery are mostly water, keeping you cool and refreshed.

Nutrient-dense – Grapefruit offers vitamin C, broccoli is full of fibre and antioxidants, and leafy greens provide iron and folate.

Meal-friendly – They slip easily into snacks, sides, and even drinks.

How to Enjoy Them

Here are some delicious ways to put so-called negative calorie foods to good use in the kitchen:

Cucumber water coolers – Add cucumber and a squeeze of lemon to sparkling water for a refreshing alternative to fizzy drinks.

Broccoli stir-fry – Lightly sauté with garlic, chilli, and soy sauce for a speedy, healthy side.

Grapefruit breakfast bowls – Pair grapefruit segments with natural yoghurt and a drizzle of honey for a tangy start to the day.

Celery & hummus snack pots – Crunchy, satisfying, and packed with fibre and protein.

Lettuce wraps – Use large leaves in place of tortillas and fill with chicken, prawns, or roasted veg for a lighter lunch option.

The Takeaway

Negative calorie foods might not be the magic slimming trick some claim, but they’re definitely handy allies in the kitchen. Think of them as low-calorie, high-benefit additions that help balance richer dishes and keep meals feeling fresh.

So the next time you’re tempted to reach for a bag of crisps, why not grab some crunchy cucumber sticks or whip up a broccoli side dish instead? 

Natural and Safe Ways to Get Rid of Indian Meal Moths in Your Home

Few things are more frustrating than discovering fluttering little moths around your cupboards or tiny wriggling larvae in your flour, rice, or cereal. Indian meal moths, sometimes called pantry moths, are among the most common kitchen pests. 

While they’re harmless to humans, they can quickly spoil large amounts of food and leave you with an unpleasant clean-up job.

The good news is that you don’t need to resort to harsh chemicals to deal with them. There are many natural, safe and effective ways to eliminate Indian meal moths and keep them from coming back.

1. Identify and Remove Infested Food

The first and most important step is finding where the infestation started. Carefully check:

Flour, rice, oats and cereals

Dried fruit, nuts and seeds

Chocolate, biscuits and dried pet food

Spices and herbal teas

Look for clumped food, webbing, or tiny caterpillar-like larvae. Any contaminated food should be sealed in a bag and taken outside immediately. Avoid composting it as that can allow the moths to spread.

2. Clean and Vacuum Thoroughly

Once you’ve cleared out infested foods, give your cupboards a deep clean.

Vacuum shelves, corners, and cracks to pick up any eggs or larvae.

Wash shelves and containers with hot soapy water, followed by a wipe down with white vinegar. The vinegar helps neutralise any lingering pheromones that attract the moths.

Pay attention to tiny gaps where eggs could be hiding.

3. Freeze or Heat-Treat Dry Goods

Indian meal moth eggs and larvae can sometimes be invisible to the naked eye. To make sure new items don’t spread the problem:

Place newly bought dry goods in the freezer for at least 72 hours.

Alternatively, spread them on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 60°C for 30 minutes.

This will kill off any eggs or larvae before they hatch.

4. Use Airtight Storage

Prevent reinfestation by transferring pantry items into glass, metal, or heavy plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Thin plastic bags or cardboard boxes are no match for determined larvae, which can chew their way through.

5. Try Natural Repellents

Several natural ingredients can help deter moths from returning:

Bay leaves – place them inside storage jars or tape a few to pantry walls.

Lavender sachets – tuck them into cupboards for a pleasant-smelling deterrent.

Peppermint oil – a few drops on a cotton ball inside the pantry can help repel moths.

While these won’t solve an active infestation, they can be useful once your cupboards are clean.

6. Consider Pheromone Traps

Sticky pheromone traps (widely available online or at garden centres) attract and catch adult moths. They’re non-toxic and safe for use in kitchens, though they’re best as a monitoring tool rather than a complete solution.

7. Maintain a Routine

The key to keeping Indian meal moths away is good storage and regular checks:

Rotate food and avoid buying more than you can reasonably use.

Wipe down shelves every few weeks.

Keep an eye on grains, nuts, and seeds, as these are often the first targets.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with Indian meal moths requires patience, but with a combination of cleaning, proper storage, and natural deterrents, you can reclaim your kitchen without the need for harsh chemicals. Staying vigilant will help you prevent them from taking hold again, keeping your pantry fresh, safe, and pest-free.

Encouraging the Next Generation of Caterers

For many young people, the spark of a career in catering begins with a love of food. 

Whether it’s watching granny bake cakes, helping out at family parties, experimenting in the kitchen, or serving dishes at community events, catering offers a creative and rewarding path. 

If a teenager or young adult in your life dreams of becoming a caterer, here’s how to nurture that passion.

Celebrate Their Enthusiasm

A love of cooking and hosting is something to be proud of. Recognise their efforts, be a willing taste-tester, and encourage them to keep exploring new flavours and techniques.

Give Them Real-Life Opportunities

From school fairs to local charity events, small catering opportunities help them practise planning menus, cooking for groups, and presenting food beautifully. Every event builds confidence and experience.

Point Them Towards Training

Catering courses and apprenticeships across the UK can help refine their talent. Open days and trial sessions are a brilliant way for them to test the waters and see if formal training is right for them.

Keep the Creativity Alive

Catering isn’t just feeding people—it’s about delighting them. Encourage them to try out themed menus, explore different cuisines, and develop their own style. Creativity is often what sets great caterers apart.

In short: Catering offers young people a chance to combine hard work with creativity, teamwork, and the joy of food. With encouragement and guidance, their love of cooking can grow into a rewarding career that brings joy to others.

Step Into a Fairytale at London Hilton on Park Lane's Disney Princess Afternoon Tea

This week is World Princess Week and to celebrate, London Hilton on Park Lane unveils its Disney Princess Afternoon Tea, live from the 26th September. 

Guests will enjoy a selection of carefully curated desserts and sandwiches inspired by the beloved Disney Princess stories and take a seat at the royal table where the wondrous experience will magically come to life.

The magical story begins at Park Corner Brasserie with the unveiling of the imaginary Royal Recipe Book, where each Princess has inspired the creation of a unique dish. 

Guests will become honorary Princess Consultants and taste testers, sampling these delightful creations and casting their votes to help determine which recipes are the favourite. 

Perfect for any Disney Princess fan, the afternoon tea features a whimsical selection of savoury sandwiches, each creatively moulded into symbols inspired by the iconic tales.

Highlights include a chicken and pumpkin sandwich shaped like Cinderella's pumpkin carriage and a candle-shaped smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich inspired by Disney's own candelabra Lumière from Beauty and the Beast, among many others. Following these savoury delights, guests will be treated to a New Orleans classic, beignets.

These deep-fried pastries, dusted generously with powdered sugar, are inspired by Tiana's dream of opening her own restaurant in The Princess and the Frog, where homemade beignets are a signature dish. Next, it's time to be left spellbound with decadent desserts from the “Heart of Te Fiti” , a white chocolate and matcha spiral with pink and white flowers, inspired by the central symbol from” Moana.

Guests will also enjoy “Under the Sea” , a shell-shaped macaroon with a white chocolate pearl and citrus ganache. Jean-Didier Gouges, Executive Head Chef at Park Corner Brasserie told That's Food and Drink: “Designing this menu in collaboration with Disney has been one of the most magical and imaginative projects of my career. We set out to do more than create sandwiches and cakes, we wanted to craft edible chapters inspired by Disney Princess tales.

Sam Leatherby, Head Pastry Chef at London Hilton on Park Lane added "Working on the Disney Princess Afternoon Tea has been like having a golden ticket to a world of imagination. Each dessert had to do more than taste delicious, it tells a story. ”

After indulging in this carefully curated selection, guests will use their Royal Vote Card to select their favourites

This immersive Disney Princess afternoon tea experience is the perfect activity to make magical memories with your family.

There is no dress code required but Disney princess outfits are, obviously, encouraged.

For those unable to make it to the afternoon tea, the new Disney Princess Let's Party website includes everything parents would need to throw their own Disney Princess Party and a wide range of content to inspire families.

Find out more at https://www.disneymagicmoments.co.uk/disney-princess-party. Please visit the link below to book your spot: https://sevn.ly/xvABpEH0

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When Beloved Brands Lose Their Shine: What Consumers Can Learn

We all have our favourites, brands we grew up with, products that feel like part of the family kitchen, and names we instinctively trust when dining out. 

But sometimes, even the most familiar food and drink brands stumble, and when they do, it reminds us how fragile reputation really is.

Take Aunt Jemima, for instance. Its pancake mixes and syrups were staples for many, but the brand carried with it outdated racial imagery. 

In 2021, the familiar face disappeared, and the name changed to Pearl Milling Company. 

For some shoppers, it was a welcome and overdue update. For others, it felt like losing a piece of nostalgia. 

Either way, it showed how branding choices can make or break consumer trust. Even some members of the African American community were upset by what they saw as erasing a real, historical character from their history.

Budweiser, long known as “the King of Beers,” also found itself in hot water. A simple influencer partnership turned into a national controversy, sparking boycotts and a drop in sales. For beer drinkers, it was a reminder that marketing doesn’t just sell a product, it signals what a company stands for, and that can affect whether you keep buying or look elsewhere.

And then there’s Cracker Barrel, the American restaurant chain that built its image on hearty portions of scratch cooked foods and Southern comfort. 

When it added plant-based options to its menu, many applauded the move. 

But some long-time diners felt betrayed, accusing the brand of abandoning tradition. What was meant as an inclusive step instead divided opinion.

For consumers, these stories matter because they affect choice. The brands we love aren’t just about flavour, they’re about values, trust, and the way they fit into our lives. When a brand makes a misstep, it forces us to think: do we still want to support them?

The lesson for food and drink fans is simple: the companies behind our favourite products are constantly walking a tightrope between tradition and change. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes not. But in the end, it’s our response, whether we stay loyal or switch, that decides the brand’s future.

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Could Vitamins and Minerals Make a Difference in Autism?

1. Emerging Links: Vitamin Deficiencies & Autism

Recent studies shine a spotlight on nutritional gaps in individuals on the autism spectrum:

A comprehensive narrative review (covering cases up to 2025) found that children with autism frequently exhibit deficiencies in vitamin D (25%), vitamin A (about 25%), B-vitamins (18%), calcium (11%) and iron (10%), alongside food selectivity—even when overall growth appears normal 

A systematic review from PubMed noted a resurgence of interest in the connection between autism, altered gut microbiota, and vitamin A deficiency, with reduced retinoic acid levels potentially linked to symptom severity. The authors suggest vitamin A supplementation may be worth exploring further.

Large-scale genetic analysis using Mendelian randomisation found:

A higher serum magnesium level was associated with a 16% lower risk of autism spectrum disorder.

Zinc was linked with lower risk of ADHD, and vitamin B₁₂ with reduced risk of Tourette's—but the autism-specific finding centred on magnesium 

Wikipedia entries echo similar trends: individuals with autism often have lower levels of vitamin D, B12, folate (B9), zinc, magnesium and calcium compared to neurotypical peers.

Collectively, these findings strongly suggest that certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies are more prevalent in autistic individuals, likely due to factors like restricted diets and sensory aversions.

2. What Does the Newest Research Show About Supplementation?

Vitamin D (Novel Nanoemulsion Form):

A recent trial in Egypt involving 80 children aged 3–6 with autism compared standard vitamin D₃ supplements with a vitamin D₃-loaded nanoemulsion over six months. The latter:

Increased blood vitamin D levels more effectively

Resulted in improved adaptive behaviour, fine motor skills, language abilities, and social IQ

Showed reduced autism severity and no adverse effects 

However, researchers caution about the nanoemulsion’s complexity, cost, potential instability, and risk of vitamin D toxicity—longer-term and larger studies are needed 

Neonatal Vitamin D and Later Autism Risk:

Another study analysed data from nearly 72,000 Danish newborns (1981–2005) and found that low vitamin D at birth correlated with a higher risk of autism (and other mental disorders), estimating that adequate neonatal vitamin D could potentially prevent around 5% of autism cases 

Folate & Folic Acid Derivatives:

Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy has been closely linked to improved verbal and behavioural outcomes in children by age six—and may reduce autism risk 

Folinic acid (a form of folate) and its pharmaceutical counterpart leucovorin show promising results. 

Specifically:

Leucovorin has helped some nonverbal autistic children begin to speak, particularly those with cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) caused by folate receptor issues 

Other Micronutrients & Antioxidants:

Reviews and research suggest several other compounds may be beneficial:

SpectraCell and others outline possible roles for vitamins A, C, B₁, B₆, B₁₂, zinc, carnitine, glutathione and others in managing autism traits 

spectracell.com

A PubMed review highlights benefits of vitamin C supplementation in reducing stereotyped behaviours in children with ASD, with recommended doses around 500 mg for those at risk of deficiency 

Vitamins E, C, coenzyme Q10 and B vitamins may also support antioxidant status and cognitive function, though more research is needed 

Treatments targeting oxidative stress—like N-acetylcysteine (NAC), methylcobalamin (B₁₂), folinic acid, and vitamin C—have shown improvements in sleep, repetitive behaviours, hyperactivity and sensory symptoms in small clinical trials 

3. Can Supplements Help People with Autism?

In short: there is promising evidence—but it’s not yet definitive.

Certain nutrients frequently deficient: vitamin D, A, B-vitamins, zinc, magnesium, iron, antioxidants.

Supplementation shows potential: vitamin D (especially nanoemulsion), magnesium, B₆+B₁₂ combinations, folinic acid/leucovorin, vitamin C, antioxidants.

Effectiveness varies:

Results differ by individual, dosage, formulation (e.g. nanoemulsion vs standard), and underlying metabolic factors.

Some trials show improvements in behaviour, language, motor skills and core symptoms; others are inconclusive.

Therapeutic interventions show targeted promise: prenatal folic acid, neonatal vitamin D, folinic acid for CFD, nanoemulsion vitamin D—each needs rigorous trial data to confirm safety and efficacy.

4. Practical Takeaways

Nutritional assessment: Individuals with autism, especially children with selective diets, might benefit from a professional dietary and blood micronutrient evaluation.

Targeted supplementation:

Vitamin D (per NHS guidelines in the UK, especially during autumn/winter)

Folinic acid or leucovorin if cerebral folate deficiency is suspected

Magnesium, B-vitamins, vitamin C/E, zinc, possibly under medical advice, particularly if deficiencies are confirmed

Professional guidance is vital:

Supplement forms, dosages, and potential interactions vary

Some forms (e.g. vitamin A, high-dose vitamin D) carry toxicity risks

Always consult a GP, paediatrician or registered dietitian before starting supplementation plans

Need for more research: Many findings are preliminary or from small studies. Larger, longer, controlled trials (ideally in diverse populations including autistic children and adults) are essential to confirm benefits and establish safe guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Emerging research suggests that vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common among people with autism—and that thoughtful supplementation may offer improvements in a range of neurological and behavioural outcomes.

While the possibilities are exciting, especially with novel delivery methods like nanoemulsions and treatments tailored to underlying deficiencies (e.g. folate receptor issues), the evidence remains promising but not conclusive.

If you're considering exploring nutritional strategies—either for yourself or a loved one—partnering with healthcare professionals for tailored assessment and monitoring is the best way forward.