Healthy Weekday Lunches

Everyone knows that it’s important to eat healthy. The problem is implementing that. The first issue is knowing just what that means. The second is how to make healthy choices in an affordable and manageable way. No one wants to be working hard at tomorrow’s lunch when they’re home from work.

There are several easy, quick and most importantly, healthy meals that people can prepare in advance for the whole week. Batch cooking staples like rice or pasta on a Saturday or Sunday can be a lifesaver when it comes to meal prep. With this kind of thinking in advance, healthy dishes can be thrown together in just a few minutes for the next day.

Pasta and rice aren’t just good hot dinner dishes. They’re very filling and versatile. In fact, cold pasta and rice salads can be a refreshing lunch. Add some colorful vegetables like sliced tomatoes and arugula. Maybe mix in a spring or two of parsley. And don’t forget to add a little something in the way of protein, whether that means tuna from a can or some black beans. The variations for this type of lunchtime salad are almost endless.

Another great solution for midday meals during the week is the humble egg. Normally seen as a breakfast staple, eggs are a great source of protein. They’re inexpensive, and they keep quite well when they’re hard-boiled. That means that eggs are another great staple that can be prepped for the whole week. Buy a whole dozen and boil them on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Two eggs can be a filling lunch all on their own, although it’s always a good idea to add some veggies of course. Hard-boiled eggs can also be a great last-minute breakfast, for anyone rushing out the door.

Finally, don’t neglect fruit. Fruit is a great source of vitamins and of fiber. Many fruits are also very portable. An apple or banana travels well, and can be a great addition to any lunchtime meal. These fruits make great snacks, too. The sugar in them gives an energy boost. But ince it’s processed with fiber and nutrients, people tend not to see a crash when getting their mid-afternoon energy boost from fruit.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk

Why Your Business Should Use Social Media

Almost half of the world’s population uses social media, making it an extremely powerful and far-reaching tool. If you don’t have social media profiles for your business, you should strongly consider creating some. Using social media, you can improve brand awareness and interaction, increase your website traffic, and build meaningful relationships with your customers.

Boost Brand Awareness

Social media is one of the best places to reach both new and old customers. Every company should be looking to increase their brand awareness, and social media provides the perfect tool to do just that. Some businesses shy away from social media because they believe that users only follow brands they already know. 60 percent of Instagram users, however, have discovered new products through the social media platform.

Encourage Meaningful Relationships

Many customers are skeptical of an organization or brand until they can see the “human element.” They want to know your values and how your product really works. People want real, human connections. Social media is a great way to virtually foster these connections. You can highlight existing customers and how they use your services. You can also showcase your staff members and introduce potential customers to those who make your company what it is.

Improve Website Traffic

Social media is also a great way to drive more visitors to your company website. If people find the content you post informative and valuable, they’ll be interested in visiting your site to find out more. Focus on putting out high-quality content, such as detailed articles, infographics, or eye-catching images. You could also consider engaging directly with your audience by going live to stream your answers to questions or hosting a weekly chat.

Interact Directly with Customers

Unlike with traditional media, social media offers the ability for two-way communication. Not only do customers get to interact directly with your organization, but you have an opportunity to engage your customers in return. You can answer questions directly. Make sure your responses are “on-brand” and represent your organization well.

Learn More About Customers

Another great thing about social media is that it generates a large amount of data about the demographics of your customers. You can incorporate the data into your company’s strategy, advertising, and more. All of this information will help you make more effective decisions regarding your business.

Social media is a powerful tool. When used wisely, it generates a variety of possibilities to build your business.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

How to Stay Healthy During the Winter

The winter season is almost upon us. While this time of year can be fun and exciting because of the many events, time with family, and the preparation for the holidays, it is also easy for the cold weather and busy schedule to keep people from maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exercise routine. People feel less motivated to get up and go to the gym, or even for a walk outside. Holiday meals may cause diets and healthy eating patterns to fall to the wayside. All of these factors can contribute to a weaker immune system, making someone more susceptible to illnesses. The following are a few ways you can stay healthy this winter.

Reduce Your Carb Intake

Spending more time indoors puts people in close proximity to carb-filled snacks. After eating carbs, someone’s serotonin levels rise, which makes their brain feel happier. This feeling will only make the craving for carbs stronger and stronger.

Try to reduce your carb intake and beat carb cravings by eating a protein-filled breakfast that will keep your energy up the rest of the day. If you still find yourself hungry, reach for snacks that are healthy and low in fat instead of sweet, carb-laden snacks.

Eat More Vegetables

Eating more vegetables is a great way of ensuring your body is receiving the nutrients it needs. Leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are all good winter choices. Be purposeful about planning your meals out in advance to include the vegetables you need instead of buying processed foods last-minute.

Get Better Sleep

As the days get shorter, your body naturally will want to sleep longer. Try to go to bed early and at the same time each night. A consistent sleep schedule will help your body to fall into a better rhythm. Stop using your computer or phone a few hours before you go to sleep, otherwise the blue light stimulates your brain and will keep you awake.

Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands on a regular basis, as well as before your touch your face or eat is one of the most important things you can do to avoid getting sick. Washing your hands and teaching others to wash their hands reduces the spread of illnesses. According to the CDC, hand-washing education reduces the spread of respiratory illnesses by 16-21 percent.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

Easy Breakfasts Your Kids Can Make

The rush of the busy morning often means little time is left for a filling, nutritious breakfast. Studies show that eating breakfast helps kids concentrate better in school, get better scores on tests and helps them maintain a healthy weight. Encouraging kids to make their own breakfast will make mornings run smoother and increase the chances of them eating it. Try these recipes that kids can make for a better start to the day.

Yogurt Parfait

This breakfast is a fun take on plain yogurt and will give kids a boost of calcium, vitamin C and healthy probiotics. Simply layer yogurt, cleaned and washed berries and granola in a cup. The yogurt, berries and granola can all be prepped ahead of time and stored in a separate container in the refrigerator. For a protein boost, try using Greek yogurt.

Smoothies

Kids will delight in drinking these mean, green smoothies that give them a daily serving of fruit and vegetables. Wash and dice strawberries, blueberries and bananas and place them with a handful of spinach in a freezer-safe bag. In the morning, kids can simply dump the contents of the bag with a splash of milk in the blender and blend until smooth. Instruct kids ahead of time on how to properly use the blender and any safety tips.

Toast with Fruit

The whole grains and healthy fats give this breakfast staying power until lunchtime. Kids can toast whole-grain bread and spread it with their favorite nut or seed butter. Add sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. Most kids can comfortably use a toaster between the ages of five and six.

Cereal

All kids need to do is be able to pour cereal and milk in a bowl for this breakfast. Look for options that are low in sugar, free from dyes and high in whole grains to keep blood sugar levels from spiking and crashing. Try using almond or coconut milk with the cereal for a different lactose-free twist.

Frozen Waffles

Cut up some fresh fruit and store it in the fridge to top these kid favorites. Kids can pop the frozen waffles in the toaster until warm and brown. Top with fruit, whipped cream or a little bit of natural maple syrup. Eat with a previously prepared hard-boiled egg for some protein.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

Donations will help Peterborough’s most vulnerable

Photo Description: James Crickmore, owner of Yarwell Mill, with Hugh Caithness and Roger Larmond from CareZone at Kingsgate church receiving beds from Yarwell Mill.

Yarwell Mill Country Park has supported furniture recycling charity Care Zone in supporting Peterborough’s most vulnerable.

Donations of much needed furniture and equipment have been made, with beds donated by directors James Crickmore (pictured with Hugh Caithness and Roger Larmond from Care Zone) and Maurice Sines.

Care Zone, run by KingsGate Community Church, provides emergency support to people in financial crisis.

More donations of the following are needed: beds, wardrobes, chests of drawers, dining suites, sofas, bedding, curtains and kitchen items.

Call 01733 575083 or email info@carezone.org.uk.

This article was originally published by the Peterborough Telegraph by Joel Lamy on April 7, 2019.

Why You Should Give To Charity

All over the country, people are tightening their purse strings as they face an increasingly uncertain financial future. Unsurprisingly, one of the first budget items to be removed is charitable giving. While charitable giving at the same level may not be possible for everybody, there are still good reasons to continue giving or start supporting the causes that matter most to you.

We need more givers!

According to UK Giving 2019, published by Charities Aid Foundation, the number of people who give regularly to charity is down for the third year straight this year. This downward turn is due, at least in part, to lack of trust on behalf of the public. Many people worry that much of their donations go to salaries, administrative costs, and other costs leaving little to finance the projects they actually want to support. However, by using schemes like Gift Aid and checking sites like Charity Navigator can help you choose charities that get the most out of every pound they receive.

You should put your money where your mouth is.

Regular charitable giving actually helps to STRENGTHEN your sense of values. It’s easy to say that you support a cause or espouse a belief, in principle. But, when that belief actually costs you something, even if it’s only twenty pounds, it ingrains a sense of investment into those beliefs. Most people who do volunteer or give regularly say that they do so out of a sense of moral obligation.

It’s good family values.

Teaching children about generosity and the impact that small acts of kindness can have on others is an important lesson that we all want to impart. Charitable giving is a great way to do that. Letting kids choose a cause, fundraise, and donate is a great way to empower them and teach them that they can have a positive impact on the world around them. An easy way to do this is to set up a small box at home where everybody can drop spare coins during the month. At the end of the month count it together and donate the cash to a charity of your choice.

It makes you feel good.

Most people who donate regularly admit that part of the reason why they do it is that they feel good about it. Giving becomes a habit with a great payoff both personally and in the world around you.

This article was originally published at JamesCrickmore.co.uk.

Starting the New School Year Off on the Right Foot

From primary school to university, today’s students have more responsibilities—and more opportunities to learn—than students of previous generations have had. The upside of this point is that with enough hard work, students can eventually become proficient and successful in a career field of their choosing. The downside, however, is that it’s easy to be overwhelmed and intimidated by the cumulative weight of the school’s requirements.

The key to thriving is planning ahead, and the following tips will help students of all ages to start the new school year off on the right foot.

Let’s take a look.

Make Time for Revising

Revising is to school as cardio training is to sports: a means of honing one’s skills and securing the tools required to perform optimally in competition—i.e. tests. Revising will be difficult for those who’re unaccustomed to it, but with consistent practice, the process will become easier, and the results will speak for themselves.

15 to 30 minutes of general revising will make new concepts more understandable, and in the end, this investment will prevent students from falling behind.

Because as graduates and experienced students can attest to, learning is exponentially harder when one’s trying to catch up on lessons and ideas.

Stay Organized

Taking concise notes, organizing folders (and corresponding papers), maintaining a calendar to keep track of due dates, and implementing other organization-centered steps are important ingredients in the recipe for educational success. Between family, friends, and hobbies, students’ time is in high enough demand, and wasting minutes (or even hours) looking for papers, deciphering notes, and “cramming” is unwise and unnecessary.

Speak Up in Class

Last but certainly not least, speaking up in class—especially when core concepts are unclear—is a must for students who wish to start the new school year off on the right foot.

Receiving clarification from an educator is beneficial in two key ways: It helps one to understand lessons, and it also demonstrates to others that it’s alright to ask questions—a point that will result in additional lesson-plan clarity.

Summer has been nice, but the new school year is right around the corner. Thankfully, students need not be nervous; the listed tips will help them to succeed, and a strong work ethic will turn their dreams into reality.

Thanks for reading, and here’s to being successful in school!

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

How To Encourage Your Kids To Get Outside This Summer

With so many entertainment-providing technological devices at their disposal, youths might not see the need to spend time outside. Witnessing young people avoid the outdoors can be discouraging for parents, especially during the nice weather that occurs during the summer months. That said, parents may be able to help their children overcome this frustrating and potentially unhealthy habit by employing tips such as the following.

Relocate Activities To The Outside

Parents are encouraged to relocate specific activities and games they enjoy outdoors. At the very least, young people will be outside. Moreover, sunlight and warmth might encourage them to partake in more physical activities.

Foster Outdoor Family Outings

Parents may be able to stimulate a youth’s interest in being out and about by organizing outdoor family events like neighborhood walks, picnics or nature hikes.

Have Children Partake In Outdoor Chores

Adults might drum up their children’s interest in being outside by requesting their assistance performing specific outdoor chores such as washing the family car, raking leaves, painting or performing a variety of yardwork-related tasks.

Champion An Outdoor Hobby

Sometimes young people who lack the interest have no desire to participate in sports or other physical activities. However, that should not deter parents from encouraging them to spend time outside. Adults might be able to circumvent this issue by championing participation in certain outdoor activities such as gardening.

Do Not Get Upset If A Mess Occurs

In certain instances, young people might express hesitation over engaging in outdoor activities in fear of returning home looking messy. Adults are encouraged to not frown upon messes that occur when their children enjoy the outside. A little dirt and mud can be part of that experience.

Set Up Outdoor Play Dates

Parents with young children are encouraged to organize outdoor play dates with other neighborhood kids. The only prerequisite for the excursion is that the young people are engaging in some type of outdoor activity.

Incorporate Your Pets

Many young people enjoy spending time with family pets. Animals, especially dogs, typically like to spend time outside. Another method adults might employ to get their children outside is to allow them to walk the family dog. They can also play fetch. Your dog will be grateful for the exercise, and chances are your children will enjoy themselves as well!

This article was originally published at JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

Best Spring Cleaning Chores for Children

Spring has arrived and with it, the need to freshen up the home. Spring cleaning is a tradition that has endured so long in part because of the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that comes from a yearly purge-and-cleanse routine.

But that sense of accomplishment doesn’t have to be limited only to the adults in the home. It’s been established that children also benefit from the inclusion and teamwork, as well as the cleanliness itself, when they’re allowed to participate in easy chores around the house.

A beginner’s chore that’s often recommended for tots ages two through four is helping to make their beds in the morning. For some, this may simply mean making sure the pillow is at the head of the bed and the blanket is not wadded up in a corner. But for older children it can be rewarding to begin the very start of their day with an act of tidying.

Another favorite that older children can get in on is taking care of any household pets. Spring cleaning is a good opportunity to introduce children to the idea that it’s good to cleanse areas of the home, like the animal’s dining space, now and then. Children can be shown that, just like with humans, it’s good to wash out dishes with hot water and some soap.

Picking up toys is another good habit for children to learn early so that they have that set of cleanup skills later in life. While it may be necessary even daily to put away toys strewn around the home, spring cleaning is a chance to take it beyond that and introduce the concept of sorting.

During sorting, children can decide which of their playthings are still in good condition, get played with often, and are well-loved. This may need to be split up into several different sessions, to avoid getting overwhelmed. Then, any toys that aren’t being used or are damaged can be put aside for donations or discarded, respectively. This will leave more space for new playthings or it can simply offer children a larger area to play in.
In general, children tend to be left out of the larger spring cleaning chores. It can help them feel capable, included and important to be given their own assignments, as well as providing occupation for them so that the tasks which aren’t child-friendly can be done in relative peace.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

The Best Sports for Children

It is far too easy for children to spend the entire day on their phone or computer. This sedentary lifestyle can potentially lead to major health problems including obesity and high blood pressure. The best way to get kids to spend time outside is by getting them invested in sports. In addition to providing physical activity, sports will also build the social skills of any child. These are the four best sports for children.

Football

Football is beloved by millions of people around the world because it is such an easy game to learn to play. There is just something exciting about trying to pull the same moves as the professionals. A great thing about football is that children can start learning the game at a very early age. Juggling and dribbling lessons can be started as early as age three. Once they develop the simple skills, they will be ready to run around the pitch with a team.

Basketball

Basketball may not be very popular in the UK, but it is actually the perfect sport for children. The game helps strengthen a kid’s hand-eye coordination, reflexes and endurance. With only five people covering the large court, basketball also requires a team to communicate and work together at all times in order to succeed.

Swimming

It is completely natural for a child to be afraid of the water. This fear will not go away until the child learns how to swim at a high level. This is why it is vitally important for children to pick up the sport of swimming at a young age. Swimming laps and breathing underwater are great ways to build lung strength. Overprotective parents that are afraid of the dangers of sports will absolutely love swimming because there is almost no risk of injury.

Tennis

While most sports teach kids to work together as a team, tennis forces them to learn how to compete on their own. This will be an extremely important skill later in their life. It is impossible to have a successful career without the determination to succeed as an individual. In addition to the positive lifestyle skills learned through tennis, the sport also helps improve a child’s physical strength and quickness.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.