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Bolivia

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting The Amazon Rainforest 

The Amazon is a destination high up on many bucket lists but given it takes up 40% of South America, it can be hard to know where to begin. In this article, we cover everything you need to know from the best season to visit, to the most popular activities. We also compare visiting the Amazon in Peru, Brazil and Ecuador so you know which destination will suit you best.
Best time to visit the Amazon
Obviously it’s best to wait until after the Covid-19 outbreak has settled and life is back to normal but no matter what season it is, always expect the Amazon to be wet, humid and warm. But there are two distinct seasons that make up the climate of the Amazon, the wet and dry season.
The dry season begins in July and lasts until December, temperatures average between 26 to 40ºC (or 78 to 104ºF). You can still expect to endure heavy rain showers, but it is a lot less than compared to the rainy season. This means river levels stay low and it’s easier to explore the jungle on foot.
The wet season runs from January to June and offers cooler temperatures between 23 and 30ºC (73 to 86ºF). The heavy rainfall does make the rainforest a cooler place to explore and the high-water levels in the river make cruising easier and gives you the option for swimming. However, with more rain comes higher humidity and mosquitos are in abundance.
How to get there
The Amazon is huge, currently occupying 40% of South America, so you’d think to visit it would be easier. The Amazons span from Brazil in the east through to Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia in the west. To get there, the best option is by plane. For Brazil, you can fly directly in Manaus, the biggest city in the Amazon region. If you’re heading to Peru, you can fly directly into Iquitos, this is the same with Ecuador where you can fly from the capital Quito to Coca in only 40 minutes. To see the Amazon in Bolivia it will require more planning and often a flight and then onward transport.
What you can see
The question should be what you can’t see! The Amazon rainforest is home to 10% of the world’s animals, from sloths to monkeys, leopards and toucans. If you are an animal enthusiast, you will be spoilt for choice. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars, so you can get up close to the forest trees and canopies, you never know when you might spot a brightly coloured macaw. But don’t forget to look down at the ground! The rainforest ground is home to many snakes, some deadly such as the anacondas and boa constrictors.
 When going on a river cruise you can expect to see capybara’s playing in the wetlands, tapirs and cunning caimans eyeing up dinner. The murky waters are also home to many fish from piranhas to the endangered pink river dolphins.
But it’s not just animals, the Amazon is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna from giant water lily pads to banana trees. The whole rainforest is alive and waiting to be explored.
Activities in the Amazon
There are many activities you can enjoy in the Amazon. The most popular include river cruises and jungle walks. The best time to explore the jungle is night, when it comes alive, opt for an after-dark jungle walk and spot everything from creepy crawlies to armadillos and sun bears. Other activities include learning traditional crafts from native villagers, archery, river rafting, swimming and camping out under the stars. Visiting a native village is a must, it’s important to learn about their connection to the jungle, the role they play as gatekeepers and the importance of their indigenous way of life.
Essentials to pack
The Amazon is hot and humid no matter what the season, so it’s important to pack moisture-wicking clothing. Also, remember long sleeves and long trousers are your best bet. These will help prevent any unwanted insect bites. There are a few other essentials you need to pack
• A head torch for nights in the jungle
• Lots of mosquito spray that has plenty of DEET
• Hiking or walking shoes that are waterproof
• High SPF sunscreen
• A sun hat for when hiking
Also, remember to bring any necessary toiletries or sanitary items. Supplies will be limited in the Amazon and it will be hard to find daily essentials so don’t forget your toothbrush!
How to ensure you travel responsibly
The Amazon rainforest is endangered, so it’s important to ensure your visit helps ensure its survival. You are visiting one of the most diverse eco-climates in the world, it needs to be treated with respect. Remember to take all your rubbish with you and never litter, invest in a reusable bottle with water filtration system and refill it at your hotel or accommodation and try and cut down on your use of throw away plastics.
Remember to always keep a respectful distance from animals and wildlife, this is not only for their protection, but also yours, remember the Amazon is home to many poisonous animals. Listen to your guide, they will always keep you right. Even if you think it’ll make the ultimate selfie, if your guide doesn’t approve it, don’t do it.
Most importantly choose a guide and accommodation option that gives back to the local community. If local people can make a living through tourism, they’ll be less likely to want to damage the Amazon. Some eco-focused accommodation options employ local people and give a percentage of your payment to a local environmental charity. It’s important to research this before going.
Best spots to visit in the Amazon
Below we’ve outlined a few options for you to help you choose the best destination to visit the Amazon.
Manaus, Brazil
Manus is a huge city located in the Amazon, home to around 2 million residents. It is the gateway to the Amazon from Brazil and is a popular spot for tourists to start their journey, because of this, there are plenty of tour operators offering river cruises and trekking trips to suit every budget.
Manaus also has the popular sight dubbed, ‘the meeting of the water.’ This is where the two biggest rivers in Brazil, the Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes meet to form the mighty Amazon. The perfect sight to see before embarking on your Amazon adventure.
Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos, Peru
In Peru, you have two choices for exploring the Amazon. The most popular is Iquitos, which is a big city that is based on the Amazon river. It boasts access to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, which is home to the endangered pink river dolphins. The best way to experience the Amazon here is by staying in a jungle lodge or enjoying a river cruise.
You can reach Iquitos by a direct flight from Lima. However, if you are looking for something quieter then head to Puerto Maldonado which is in the south-east of the country and offers great opportunities for exploring the Tambopata National Reserve. You can reach the area by plane from Lima.There is more emphasis here on rain forest tours and the best way to experience everything the jungle has to offer it’s recommended you stay in a jungle lodge. Accessing the Amazon in Peru is quicker than Brazil or Ecuador, so it’s common for people to combine a trek of Machu Pichu alongside a jungle stay in Iquitos.
Coca, Ecuador
Coca is the gateway to the Amazon in Ecuador. Located on the Napo River, the protected areas of Yasuni National Park and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve are located nearby. If you are looking for quick access to the Amazon, then Ecuador offers this, with flights from Quito to Coca only 40 minutes. The Amazon here is one of the most diverse places on earth. The area is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 600 species being spotted in the park and over a third of the birdlife found in the Amazon calling it home.
Planning a trip to the Amazon?
The last thing you want when travelling to the Amazon is hauling your heavy bags. Have you ever considered using a luggage shipping service like MyBaggage.com? Save money and time by sending your items direct to your destination. Luggage shipping gives you a stress-free alternative, so you don’t have to worry about excessive airline baggage fees or carrying your heavy backpacks through the airport.

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Celebrate Fiestas Patrias on 28 July with the best Peruvian bites in London

At #TeamCoco, we are rather travel-obsessed, and love to celebrate cultural days from all over the globe. Tomorrow, Saturday 28 July, is Peruvian Independence Day, known as ‘Fiestas Patrias’, and we’ve rounded up our four favourite Peruvian foodie hotspots around London. We love a celebration, particularly when it involves enjoying ceviche and a pisco sour.

  1. LIMA: For something a little more upmarket, you have to try Michelin-starred restaurant, LIMA. LIMA is a representation of the gastronomic expansion that has taken place in Peru during the last few years, with the idea of showcasing Lima to London, as the gastronomic capital of the Americas. Peruvian cuisine is a melting pot of different cultures which have come together to form a unique blend of flavours and techniques. The restaurant is the creation of world-renowned Peruvian chef, Virgilio Martinez and his partners, Gabriel & José-Luis Gonzalez. Robert Ortiz, Virgilio’s long-time friend, runs the kitchen. The restaurant in Fitzrovia showcases the very best Peruvian flavours and ingredients in a clean and contemporary style. Team Coco’s menu tip: Make sure you try the Octopus Olivo

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlLLEB2AYHH/?hl=en&taken-by=lima_london

  1. Andina and Ceviche family: Serving fresh, colourful and well balanced dishes and drinks inspired by the Peruvian Andes with a healthy London twist, the Andina/Ceviche family restaurants are calm and comfortable by day and buzzing by night, located in Shoreditch, Old Street, Notting Hill and Soho. On 28th July, Ceviche Old Street will be pouring out the pisco sours for the Peru Independence Day Fiesta. For one day only, they are bringing together the diverse flavours of coastal Peru, the mountainous Andes, and cosmopolitan capital Lima for a celebratory feast, with DJs including Martin Morales himself manning the decks late into the evening. If you prefer a brunch, the Ceviche Soho team has introduced a brunch menu, including exquisite sweet and savoury dishes like any style eggs served on their signature Choclo corn cake, and decedent pancakes with dulce de leche cream. Team Coco menu tip: Go for the Lychee-Guanabana Bellini at Ceviche Soho

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkSudx_glJb/?hl=en&taken-by=andinalondon

  1. Pachama: Pachamama is a Peruvian-inspired bar & restaurant in Marylebone that is dedicated to making the most of the extraordinary ingredients available in the UK. The cocktail menu is Pisco-focused and don’t fear, their cupboards are fully stocked with Mezcal. There is a weekend feast menu, a vegetarian menu, and the tastiest Peruvian bar snacks around – we love it and are sure you will too. Team Coco menu tip: Be sure to taste the cheddar tequenos bar snack

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhuG_S-BhGV/?hl=en&taken-by=pachamamalondon

  1. Chicama: Chicama is a seafood restaurant in Chelsea with a menu inspired by the coastal food of Peru and the bold-flavours of Peruvian cuisine – it is also the sister restaurant of Pachama. The restaurant is based on Chicama beach in Northern Peru, hence the name. Here, there is a laid back vibe; the smell of the seafood drifts through the restaurant and the pale pink shell tiles creates a beach hut atmosphere, if you close your eyes, you can almost hear the ocean as you sip a Pisco sour. There is a daily delivery of fresh fish and the innovative veggie dishes illustrate how wonderful British produce really is. The bar has a pretty impressive and vast booze menu, including Pisco, Mezcal, Japanese Whiskey, Sake by the glass and a varied wine list to accompany the vibrantly-flavoured food. Team Coco menu tip: The crispy battered fish bun is like eating a cloud of deliciousness

https://www.instagram.com/p/Blf1ANjgV9T/?hl=en&taken-by=chicamalondon

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Destination Inspiration: a round up of alternative less discovered global places to visit

Here at House of Coco we are always on the look out for off-the-beaten-track alternatives and less discovered global destinations. So when we stumbled across Rome2rio’s ‘Not Spots’, a nifty new tool to help globetrotters discover the road less travelled we decided to put it to the test and find some new destinations away from the tourist-heavy hot spots that will deliver a flavour of the local culture and a more authentic travel experience.
If you find you’ve been to most of the popular traditional holiday destinations and are looking for some fresh ideas, here’s a roundup of alternative suggestions:

Beach lovers

If you love the beaches of the Greek Islands, for example, switch it up and try the sandy stretches of the Albanian Riviera. Albania’s southern coast has everything to rival its Mediterranean neighbours. Here you’ll find miles of breath-taking coastline, vibrant sunsets and golden beaches lapped by turquoise waters – with a fraction of the crowds and at a fraction of the cost. From seafood feasts in Ksamil to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Butrint, this less-developed part of the Med has everything you need for a low-key, yet still-perfect, beach holiday

Architecture fans

If architecture is more your thing and you are bored of Prague’s stag culture then head to Sighisoara in Transylvania. In a region fuelled by myths and legends, this place is straight out of a fairy tale. Located in Romania’s Transylvania region, the Unesco-protected fortified old town is a dreamscape of medieval splendour, a rainbow of pastel-hued houses, a tumble of church spires and a maze of cobblestone lanes, all tucked within the ancient city walls. Be sure to climb the Clock Tower for exquisite views over the city that is said to be the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula.

Culture vultures

Culture vultures who have been captivated by Rio’s iconic Carnival should consider returning to South America but to Bolivia next time to experience the nine-day Carnaval de Oruro. Millions of travellers have made the pilgrimage to Rio to experience the five-day spectacle, but considerably fewer travellers are aware of Bolivia’s equally vibrant, colourful and historic answer to Rio Carnival: the Carnaval de Oruro. Taking place over nine days, starting the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, Carnaval de Oruro dates to the 17th century when Spanish settlers banned the traditional ceremonies of the native Itu people. Today, the Carnaval de Oruro is an homage to the Virgin of Candelaria, bringing together some 28,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians in at beautiful and spectacular celebration that’s an important touchstone of Bolivian culture.

Music fans

Music fans who find Austin, Texas too ‘hipster’ can head to Omaha, Nebraska and discover the city’s history of jazz, funk and rock as well as today’s indie rock ‘Omaha Sound’.

Thrill seekers

Thrill-seekers who have “done” Machu Picchu should consider Choquequirao – a similar Incan site abandoned in 1572. The fabled Inca citadel of Machu Picchu makes a regular appearance on travel bucket lists for good reason: hiking the Inca Trail to the ancient city is once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, the ever-growing crowds have led to increasingly restricted access to Peru’s most famous ruin, which was never meant to host thousands of people each day. Although you’ll still be able to visit by booking a timeslot in advance, consider visiting Peru’s lesser-known ‘lost city’ instead.

The Inca ruins at Choquequirao are even bigger than its more-popular sibling, with a towering citadel swathed in cloud and tumbling terraces sprawled over multiple mountain slopes. The site, still only partially cleared, is buried deep in the jungle, meaning the only way to currently get there is via a challenging four-day return hike. This is true adventure and authentic exploration at its best; be sure to go before the proposed cable car to the site is built, when numbers will undoubtedly soar.

The “Not Spots” guide pinpoints the most popular holiday hot spots across the globe and recommends alternative destinations that offer a comparable experience but without the tourist crowds. Visit www.rome2rio.com/not-spots.

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When in Las Vegas; 6 Outdoor Activities to You Must Experience

If this is your first time in Las Vegas, you might spend your days like many other first-timers who rarely set their foot outside the Strip. However, if you do a little research, you’d find that Las Vegas has a thriving community of climbers, hikers, and adventure-loving UTVers.

So, if you love adventure and are always seeking a new experience, Las Vegas has many fun activities to offer you. And for this reason, the active community of Las Vegas has seen a rapid growth of visitors seeking adventure.

So, when you have spent a great deal of your time living in all the major cities of the United States, you would find Vegas to be one of the most adventurous cities in the country. Below you’ll find the most fun and exciting outdoor activities that you must experience when spending your days in the city called the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Let’s give you the dose of adventure you need:

Conquer the Dessert With All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

If adventure means to you riding a fast vehicle without caring about any speed limits, then Las Vegas has something great to offer you – and that something is ATV tours. On your maiden Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) will give you a chance to have a ride of your life as you ride on dry lake beds while you capture the beauty of the natural desert landscape, flashing fast through your eyes.

To conquer the desert, you can rent an extreme adventure with UTV rentals in Vegas. You can rent them online or directly on the spot. They will teach you everything about these powerful machines so you can have a safer and memorable experience while riding the UTVs.

The chances are, with your ATV rentals, you’ll have an immeasurable amount of fun driving over mounds as you learn how to fishtail and perform donuts. However, while having so much fun with your las vegas utv rentals, do not forget to pay attention to your exquisite surroundings. Make sure you wear clothes that don’t worry you if they get dirty with the dirt.

Find an Excuse to Climb at Mount Potosi

Have you ever heard of a star party? If not, allow us to explain. It is a party where a group of amateur astronomers finds each other to observe the sky and have a good time at the same time. Many people don’t know anything about it. However, this is still one of the most adventurous things to do when spending your time in Vegas.

It can be a lot of fun to gaze at stars under the sky with a powerful telescope that will instantly transport you into space. And to add more to your adventure, there is climbing on the top of Mount Potosi. Also, rising at the top of this mountain is a whole different experience than climbing with crowds at Red Rocks. There’s a huge possibility that you’ll have the entire place to yourself as it is not so crowded. So if you are planning to go there, make sure you first contact the Las Vegas Astronomical Society to find out about the upcoming events.

Travel to the Valley of Fire

We can confidently say that the Valley of Fire will quickly become your favorite place to photograph in Las Vegas. It’s a favorite spot for many tourists, and if you are here for the first time, you should not miss your chance to visit it.

And believe this when we say it, this place looks more beautiful than it looks in the pictures that you have seen on Instagram. Moreover, it also gives you another chance to hike and burn some of those extra calories.

So if your next plan is to visit the Valley of Fire, find all the information about it from the visitor center – from bathroom breaks to a break from the Sun at any time you need it.

Have a Great Time at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Whether you want to cool down in the water or hike a trail, you will find an answer to all your adventurous desires at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The good thing about this area is that you can go out on a self-guided tour by renting a boat from the lake. Also, you can enjoy water sports like kayaking, boating, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP).

When water adventure sports are on your priority list, give Lake Mead a chance. However, please do thorough research before you visit there as it covers a large area.

Grab a Bite at a Hollywood Style Diner

Find a hip and authentic-looking dinner that has the most delicious brewed coffee for its customers. These places will remind you of the golden age of Hollywood and the diners that you have seen in the movie. And on top of that, they will serve you some of the tastiest looking meals that you probably wouldn’t get at an expensive hotel in the Strip. The taste will add something unique to your experience in Las Vegas, making it a more adventurous trip for you. Depending on the time of your visit, you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner in these dinners. So next time you feel hungry, find a dinner that can fix you with a rich meal.

Find the Secrets of the Nuclear Age at the National Atomic Testing Museum

Right, walk into the most exciting and scary time in the history of the world and experience the birth of the nuclear age with your eyes. The National Atomic Testing Museum will allow you to witness and experience the earth-shattering vibrations of an A-Bomb blast imitation at the Ground Zero Theater.

After that, you can walk through the mind-boggling collection of nuclear and atomic devices and memorabilia. And if you are staying at the Strip, you’d be happy to know that it’s only 1.7 miles away from the Strip. Moreover, every display you’ll find there will take you to a whole era, as you get a new perspective on technology, ammunition, and the culture of the historical atomic age. Without a doubt, this will be an adventure of a lifetime.

In the End

When in the world’s entertainment capital, you have several activities that you might find attractive at first. However, with so many things to do, you might find yourself confused and end up wasting your time on things you don’t care about. Make sure you get the taste of adventure the way you intend to by following the above-mentioned outdoor activities and make the most of your time.

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Amazing Argentina

Take a handful of European chic, mix it with breath-taking landscapes, delicious food and wine, bundles of gaucho culture and a sprinkle of Latino flair and you have the beaut that is, Argentina. Whether you dance the tango in Buenos Aires or sip and ski in Mendoza, this South American country is rich in adventure and will seduce you from the moment you arrive.

Where to stay

Buenos Aires is a beautiful, buzzing and bustling city. Palmero Soho is a chic district in the Palmero neighbourhood, small and local enough to discover the authentic side of the city and is bursting with fabulous places to eat, some great bars and vibrant nightlife. Located in the heart of Palermo Soho is Mine Hotel. This contemporary, cosy boutique hotel has a beautiful courtyard curtained by lilac bougainvillea and a heated outdoor pool, perfect for relaxing or catching a siesta. If you want to explore it’s perfectly located and is walking distance from Plaza Serrano close to the city’s designer shops and a stone throw from the renowned La Cabrera steakhouse. The staff at Mine are exceptional and deliver an outstanding service.

Mine Hotel, Gorriti 4770, Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires, Tel: (54 11) 4832-1100

What to do

Argentina is an amazing place to explore, there are so many things to see and do that you’ll need a couple of weeks to get around and do it all which is why we’ve picked out some of the best things to try out.

You can’t travel to Argentina without trying out the tango, it’s a way of life and a rich part of the heritage. Buenos Aires is the tango capital and where best to learn this sultry dance than at Los Laureles. This legendary tango bar dates back to the early 1900s and its dancefloor has been host to some of the biggest names in tango. If you don’t fancy dance lessons why not visit the World Tango Museum, located above Café Tortoni. This museum is dedicated to everything tango, covering aspects of different styles and generations from De Caro, Gardel and Contursi, through to Discépolo, Pugliese, Goyeneche, Mores, Piazzolla, Avant-Garde and Contemporary.

Los Laureles, Avenue Iriarte 2290, Buenos Aires 1295

World Tango Museum, 833 Av de Mayo, Palacio Carlos Gardel, Buenos Aires

Argentina is home to an expansive natural wonderland. The Iguazú Falls is a UNESCO Word Heritage site, located about 800 miles NE of Buenos Aires. This natural border wedged between Argentina and Brazil is made up of 275 interlocking waterfalls spanning 1.7miles in width and is one of the most awe-inspiring sights on the planet. Hike along the trails, take a boat tour to the mouth of Garganta del Diablo (the devils throat) or get a bird’s eye view on a breath-taking helicopter ride. Whatever route you take you’ll be guaranteed to be overwhelmed by the beauty.

Trips to Iguazú Falls can be booked via www.guazufalls.com

The country’s wine capital is Mendoza. Nestled at the foot of the Andes you’ll find a plethora of bodegas (wineries) where you can sample some of the finest Malbec. Regardless of whether or not you are a wine lover you’ll enjoy Mendoza. The city is host to some fantastic restaurants and the streets are jam-packed with bars. If you don’t want to book one of the many wine tours then you can tackle a hike up Mount Aconcagua or try your hand at rafting, cycle around Mount Aconcagua national park and in the winter months ski.

Where to eat

A glorious mix of diverse cultures, the food scene in Buenos Aires is fabulous. Steak is obviously a must here, the ubiquitous parrillas (grill houses) are on every corner offering up the finest cuts of beef but Argentina’s capital also has buzzy pizza joints, fine-dining and Latin fusion restaurants.

Nardar Comedor

Plant-based ingredients are at the heart of the menu at celebrity chef, Narda Lepes’ restaurant. With a super-cool interior and friendly, attentive service this place is worth a visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu serves locally sourced healthy dishes packed with global flavours.

Nardar Comedor, Sucre 664, Buenos Aires 1428

Chan Chan

This cosy Peruvian cantina serves authentic, tasty plates of ceviche, big enough to share. They don’t skimp on the sides either; big bowls of rice are dished up with huge plates of papas a la huancaina (sliced potatoes in cheese sauce) or fried yuca (cassava).

Chan Chan, Hipólito Yrigoyen 1390, Congreso, Buenos Aires 1085

i Latina

Chef-patron Santiago Marcías perfectly combines fine dining with tasty food at this Latin American restaurant. Their tasting menu is a culinary journey that brings together dishes from Mexico to Patagonia, the impossibly tender beef cheek is to die for and the Oaxacan mole is bursting with flavour.

i Latina, Calle Murillo 725, Villa Crespo, Buenos Aires

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Coco Kitchen: 9 Foods to Promote Wellness

As we look towards the future and begin to take control of our lives once again, health and wellbeing are upmost in our thoughts and plans as we move forward.

Food is always on our minds at Team Coco HQ, especially foods that promote wellness, comfort and balance. We have put together some examples of exciting, tasty produce that can be enjoyed throughout the day as a fulfilling snack, a hearty meal, or a substitute for something less healthy.

Snacks

Tobia Teff Meksess Bars, £32 for 12 bars, tobiateff.co.uk

Bursting with an abundance of vitamins and minerals, Tobia Teff Meksess Bars are the perfect pick-me-up for all health conscious snackers!

The bars are made from a simple recipe of teff flakes and coconut oil mixed with agave syrup or honey to make a wholesome, gluten free alternative to sugary flapjack bars. They come in 4 flavours including Organic Milk Chocolate Swirl Honey, Organic Dark Chocolate Agave Swirl, Plain Organic Agave and Cinnamon, and Plain Organic Honey

Chiquita Bananas, prices vary, supermarkets, outdoor markets, fruit and veg shops

The humble banana as a true hero – peel back that lovely yellow skin and underneath you will find genuinely super amounts of important vitamins and minerals, packed into a sweet, delicious fruit. You’ll find that a Chiquita banana offers superior taste and quality that you won’t forget.

Amazingly, Chiquita bananas are not only the tastiest of the bunch, they’re also good for you. Bananas are one of the best fruit sources of “happy” vitamin B6, and are also a good source of vitamin C. The manganese in bananas is great for your skin, and their generous helping of potassium is good for heart health and blood pressure. Bananas can aid digestion and help beat gastrointestinal issues thanks to a helpful amount of soluble fibre, and their natural sugars provide a long-lasting boost of energy. Best of all, they don’t contain any fats or cholesterol.

Nairns Oatcakes, £1.39, Tesco and Waitrose

Nairn’s Organic Super Seeded Oatcakes use a mix of delicious flax and chia seeds, which are a great natural source of protein as well as being rich in omegas 3 & 6. The seeds make these oatcakes even more crunchy and tasty! These oatcakes attribute great health benefits such as the slow release energy properties from the oats ensuring you are energised throughout the day, and did you also know that two oatcakes contain double the amount of fibre than one slice of white bread!

Gosh!, £2 – £2.95 each, Morrisons, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s

Gosh! Is a plant-based food range, which is free-from the top 14 allergens including gluten, nuts and soya. The full range includes falafels, burgers, sausages and bites, perfect cold and on the go or as a nutritious ingredient in a recipe.

Gosh! is ideal for those that are eating a flexitarian or plant-based diet. The whole Gosh! range is completely natural with absolutely no hidden additives, using only ingredients that you will recognise – which is why the range is fully registered by the Vegetarian, Vegan, Coeliac and Kosher food societies. With foods that are delicious, nutritious and free-from, as well as brand initiatives that encourage a kinder way of living, Gosh! are on a mission to bring truly nourishing experiences to as many people as possible. Whether it be for dietary reasons, health or a reduction in meat consumption to preserve the planet.

Meals

PEP Kitchen Frozen Ready Meals, £5.75 each, pepkitchen.co.uk

PEP Kitchen is a start-up food business led by chef founders Joe Coulter & Ben MacAndrews who, after eight years working in restaurants and street food, have teamed up with the aim of inspiring people to eat more plant-based food.

In the PEP range dishes like; ‘Gunpowder Roasted Roots with Coconut Dhal’, ‘Szechuan Mapo Tofu’ and ‘Jackfruit Massaman Curry’ strive to stand up alongside all ready meals on the market, vegan or otherwise. They are created with inspiration from some of the pair’s favourite street food experiences, using unique and bold flavour combinations.

All dishes are perfect portions for one, created to be super bold, tasty and equally nutritious; dishes largely come in under 400 calories, are gluten free, are high in fibre, and offer good sources of protein.

RE-NOURISH Soup, £2.89 each, renourish.co.uk, Waitrose, Co-op, Ocado, Selfridges and Planet Organic

Vegan soup brand, RE:NOURISH, recently launched two new soups to add to their existing range of flavours; FUEL – Yellow Split Pea & Turmeric Daal soup and ENERGY – Pea, Basil & Lemon soup.

RE:NOURISH has created a new occasion for soup with their carefully designed heatable, recyclable, and innovative grab-and-go bottles. Their delicious soups can be enjoyed with or without utensils and the entire range can be consumed warm or cold and can be frozen up for up to 3 months.

The company offers a number of uniquely convenient options, which are high in protein and contain up to half of the recommended daily intake of fibre. Each soup is intentionally designed with functionality in mind, from boosting the immune system with the flavorsome IMMUNITY – Kale, Spinach & Turmeric soup, to reducing stress with CALM – Tomato, Basil & Passion Flower soup.

Barilla Pasta, prices vary, Tesco, Asda, Co-op, Amazon and Ocado

Pasta is a staple carbohydrate in the UK, with 90-100g consumed per person, per week. Pasta has become somewhat of an indispensable item during the pandemic crisis, however many people still believe that pasta is bad for your diet and contributes to weight-gain, which is not the case if eaten correctly.

Barilla Pasta, the largest producer of dried pasta in the world want to let you know that pasta is good for you, and it’s good for the planet as it features high on the recommended consumption list with a low impact on the environment with all Barilla’s packaging now 100% recyclable. Pasta is a pillar of the Mediterranean diet, which is one of the healthiest in the world. Pasta keeps you fuller for longer thanks to its steady release of carbohydrates. It’s a myth that pasta leads to weight gain, excess calories cause this, so pasta can be enjoyed healthily.

Substitutes

YaconViva, Yacon Syrup, £9.99, yaconviva.co.uk and Amazon

Naturally delicious, with fibre-rich natural sweeteners, YaconViva Yacon Syrup is ideal for a variety of everyday uses, such as drizzling on desserts, yoghurts, smoothies, cereals and pancakes. A great alternative to maple syrup or honey, it can be used in baking as a substitute for sugar.

YaconViva Organic and Vegan Yacon Syrup comes from the Yacon plant, native to Peru and the Andes, yielding naturally sweet syrup that has a Glycemic Index (GI) of just 1. With low GI levels, the syrup has a slow sugar absorption meaning you won’t have the typical negative side effects, like headaches and increased thirst, associated with other sugars and sweeteners.

Natvia, £5.00, Tesco

Natvia is a great tasting sweetener made from 100% naturally sourced GMO-free ingredients. It tastes deliciously sweet, with no bitter aftertaste, or nasty chemicals – typical of other artificial sweeteners. If that wasn’t enough, Natvia has zero calories per serving. That’s 100% less calories than sugar. It almost sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? By simply swapping to Natvia, you can have more control over your sugar intake, in a healthy and natural way, whilst still enjoying the sweet taste that we all love.

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