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Tarka Dhal Recipe

Dhals (dal, daal, dahl) are perfect comfort food for the winter months.  Dahls, made with lentils and spice, make a healthy meal providing a source of  protein, while the vegetables, spice and herb ingredients supply valuable vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

To create a warming dahl, it is recommended that it is cooked long and slow for maximum creaminess.  Spicy, aromatic tarka can be added to make a tasty garnish.  You can experiment with this recipe, you can make it as thin as soup or as thick as porridge.  You can add spices and vegetables to this versatile dish.

Serves 4

Prep 15-2o mins / Cooking 1.5 hours

Ingredients

400g mung dal (skinned yellow split mung beans)
4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
4cm piece of root ginger, peeled and cut into 4
1 tbsp turmeric
4 small green chillies, 2 finely chopped, 2 left whole
2 tbsp ghee or groundnut oil
2 shallots, finely sliced
1 tbsp cumin seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp crushed chilli
Fresh coriander, chopped to serve

Method

1. Wash the dal until the water runs clear, then drain and put in a large pan and cover with 2 litres of cold water. Bring to the boil and skim off any scum that rises to the surface.

2. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric and chopped chillies to the pan with a pinch of salt, turn down the heat, cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar, and simmer very gently for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until the dal has broken down completely and become creamy.

3. Add boiling water or reduce the dal further to achieve your preferred consistency if necessary, and season to taste.  You can add 1 tsp salt but season to your taste.  Add the whole chillies and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, heat the ghee or oil in a frying pan over a medium high heat and add the shallots. Stir until golden and beginning to crisp, then add the dried spices and cook for a couple of minutes until the mustard seeds are beginning to pop. Tip over the dal, stir in, and top with chopped coriander.

5. You can add vegetables to this recipe if you wish to experiment, sweet potatoes, potatoes, spinach.  Or oven-roast a whole cauliflower, chopped into small pieces, for 15-2o minutes and stir the roasted cauliflower into the cooked dhal, top with the tarka and serve.

6. Serve with plain rice or flatbreads.

 

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Cardamom Kheer

Pistachio nuts for cardamom kheer recipe

I love cardamom kheer, it takes me right back to India.  One of my favourite places to order kheer is Ayur Pak restaurant in Tapovan, Rishikesh.  This restaurant is a hidden delight and is a tranquil place to escape the hustle and bustle of the surrounding streets.  The lush gardens are an escape from the sunshine and the peaceful environment always helps to reset your system.

The tasty and homely food served at Ayur Pak is prepared in the Ayurveda tradition.  It is believed that food is a medicine and their nutritious dishes are prepared following Ayurveda principles.  Their dishes avoid strong tastes and are simple and light.

Ayur Pak’s traditional kheer dish is highly recommended as well as the nourishing pumpkin soup with a side order of paratha.

Make your own tasty cardamom kheer at home.  It’s a super easy recipe to make.

Serves 4

Prep 5 mins / Cooking 30 mins / Chill in fridge

Ingredients

100g basmati rice
1 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
90g caster sugar, plus 1 tbsp to decorate
700ml whole milk, plus extra if needed
150ml double cream
20g unsalted pistachios
1.5 tbsp dried edible flowers (such as marigold, roses, lavender)

Method

1.  Place the rice, spices, sugar, milk and cream in a large saucepan and set over a medium-low heat.  Bring to the boil ensuring it doesn’t boil over.

2.  Then turn heat down and cook for about 30 mins, stirring frequently to make sure the rice doesn’t stick and burn.  If the mixture is getting too dry, add more milk, a little at a time.

3. When the rice is nearly done, it will start to bubble more furiously and will need more attention.  When the the rice is tender (ie there’s no chalkiness in the centre), take it off the heat and spoon into a serving bowl.

4. Allow to cool, then cover and chill in the fridge until cold.

5. Just before serving, grind the remaining tablespoon of sugar, the pistachios and the editable flowers as finely as you can, using a mortar and pestle or electric spice grinder.  Sprinkle over the top, and serve.

Recipe Inspiration: Meera Sodha – ‘East’ cookbook

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Book Review: The Practice – shipping creative work by Seth Godin

the practice seth godin

I don’t know about you but I’m enjoying the long stretch between Christmas and New Year to catch up on reading books, listening to podcasts, watching movies and taking rest.

I have finished Seth Godin’s new book, ‘The Practice – shipping creative work’ over the holidays.  An inspiring book that encourages creatives to do the work that matters.

The Practice Seth Godin

As we know creative work can be difficult at times and we need encouragement to keep going.  This book helps to drive creatives forward and helps people to get out of their own way.

This positive book is written in mini chapters so is a fast read and a perfect book to dip into when you need some inspiration.

Thank you Seth for mentioning “Morning Pages”, the creative practice featured in Julia Cameron’s ‘The Artist’s Way’.  I frequently use morning pages although I must admit I do dip in and out of this practice.  My focus can wander and I stop doing my morning pages even though I know that it is a valuable tool for discovering our creativity.  I’m now back to my morning pages practice.

Seth acts as supporter to all creatives and those wishing to explore their creativity.  It’s a call to action and is an easily digestible handbook for those taking this journey.  This book is about discipline and taking daily steps towards creative goals.  It is honest and supports creatives through the stages of self-doubt, fear, imposter syndrome and creative blocks.

creativity

Doing our creative work daily helps us move forward, work towards our goals, create new work, start a new business and get our work out into the world.

It’s Possible

“This book is for people who want to lead, to write, or to sing.  For people who seek to teach, to innovate, and to solve interesting problems. 

For people who want to go on the journey to become a therapist, a painter or leader.

It’s possible.  The people who came before us have managed to speak up, stand up and make a difference.  While each journey is unique, each follows a pattern – and once you see it, it’s yours.”

‘The Practice’ – Seth Godin

This is art

“Not painting, but art: the act of doing something that might not work, simply because it’s a generous thing to do.  The combination of talent, skill, craft, and point of view that brings new light to old problems.  The way we change our culture and ourselves.

Art is the work we do where there is no right answer – and yet the journey is worth the effort.  We might make art with a keyboard, with a paintbrush, or with our actions.  Mostly, we do it because we lean into a practice, trusting we have a shot at making a difference.”

‘The Practice’ – Seth Godin

How do we work with intention and create a regular practice?  According to Seth we can use this simple narrative

  1. This is a practice
  2. It has a purpose
  3. I desire to create change
  4. The change is for someone specific
  5. How can I do it better?
  6. Can I persist long enough to do it again?
  7. Repeat.

We can learn to trust – ourselves, our audience and our work.  This roadmap is designed to be revisited again and again as we do our practice and fine tune our creative work.

If you are ready to unlock your creativity and take daily steps to do your practice, I’d highly recommend this book to get you started and to encourage you on your journey.

zoom yoga

 

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Yoga Sleep for Children – Thank you letters from two young yogis

I love to hear from children who listen to my Yoga Sleep meditations.  Here are thank you letters from Jess and Josh, two young yogis based in the UK.  The drawings of yoga postures are fantastic!

Letter Jess

Letter Josh

All of my Yoga Nidra tracks are available for streaming with iTunes, Spotify and TIDAL.  Search under my spiritual name JAYADEVI.  You can also purchase as CDs or downloads via my online shop.

The Four M’s: Menarche, Menstrual Cycles, Menopause and Mature Life

“Menstruality is the female life process of menarche, the menstrual cycle, menopause and the mature years.

Menstruality is a means of naming and exploring the ineffable, mysterious forces within a woman—the hidden powers that are released when consciousness is brought to bear on our biological life changes.

Menstruality is both a woman’s unique Calling or Power and the evolutionary path by which she realises that Power. Menarche, menstruation and menopause are the key way stations of initiation or Awakening to the Power. The menstruating years are the practice ground for realising it, and the mature years a time of deep fulfilment of that Calling or Power.”

Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, redschool.net

I am waking up to the power of menstruality, understanding the spiritual process women experience each month as they go through the ‘seasons’ of the menstrual cycle.

I have spent a powerful weekend on the “Menopause: Unveiling The Hidden Power” workshop hosted by the creator Alexandra Pope.  Thirty powerful, amazing, strong, courageous and sassy women attended this enlightening weekend.

Menopause is a key transition in a woman’s life.  Her cycling years are the preparation to the process of Awakening at menopause.  Menopause is often perceived as a ‘problem’ when in fact it is a powerful spiritual process that marks a woman stepping into her power, life calling and the next stage of her life.

On the workshop we explored the 5 stages of Menopause, used visualisation to understand what each stage means for us, shared our life experiences, provided non-judgemental support for each other, understood our uniqueness and how everyone’s journey is different, learnt that menopause is an “inside job” whereby we have everything we need within us.  This weekend reinforced how important self care is and guides us to take stock.

It will take some time to integrate the teachings and experience but I wanted to share a few resources and links so that others can access this information.  This is an opportunity to dive deeper into your own spiritual practice, examine the transformations occurring at key life stages, understand the internal spiritual calling and messages you are receiving.

Here are a few useful links:

1. RedSchool.net

Discover why women all over the world are joining Red School to engage with their menstrual cycle and live their feminine power.  Are you ready to become part of a new generation of women today?

2. Menopause Workshops in Devon – Sat 14 Apr & Sat 1 Sep 2018

Hosted by Julie Bladon & Christine Dumbelton.

“Menopause is an ending and a beginning, a time in which a woman deeply examines who she is, what she has done and who she now wants to be.” Alexandra Pope

An uplifting and informative workshop to help you understand the various stages of menopause and find tools to navigate this powerful change.  We will explore the physical, emotional and spiritual changes occurring at this time.  This workshop will discuss top self-care tips to support you at this time of great change.

The workshop is for all women, especially if you are in peri-menopause, menopause or post-menopause.

3. Red School Workshops 

With Alexandra Pope & Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, authors of Wild Power: Discover the magic of your menstrual cycle and awaken the feminine path to power.

4. The Map of the Menopause by Kate Codrington

Blog post on how to become a rooting-tooting, bad-ass, mighty powerful wise woman!

5. Making Pink Lemonade by Sarah O’Mahoney

Newly published book to guide girls through their menarche.

“Being a girl can be pretty traumatic at times. One minute your biggest worry is what outfit to dress Barbie in and the next thing you know, you’re sprouting hair in unmentionable places and having periods…Find out how 12 year old Kali learns to track her menstrual cycle with the help of her family, friends and even her cat,Mog!”

To order email: info@goodbeingagirl.com

Property Energy Clearing

Quantum physics has proved that everything in the universe is made up of energy which constantly flows and changes. Just as we can become unbalanced energetically so can our homes, land and offices. The energy of places can affect how our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Everything that has happened in a building – thoughts, actions and emotions – can be imprinted in the walls, floors and furniture. Past traumas, grief, depression, sadness, ill health, bad vibes can create stagnant energy which may affect the lives and comfort for the current people who live there.

Other factors, such as underwater streams, earth energy lines, energy channels, fault lines, stress lines, ley lines, spirit lines, chakra balancing, fabric of the building and so on, can also have a detrimental effect on the property and its inhabitants.

Energetic space clearing is a highly effective technique to clear the past energy of a home or land. By moving the energy to a more vibrant, positive, revitalised energy we can see improvements in the quality of life, health issues and promote a more positive outlook. The energy of a cleared space will have clarity and positivity.

Space clearing is a practice found in many traditional or native cultures. There are many tools to clear energy such as drumming, smudging with sage, sound, rituals, prayers and essential oils. De-cluttering to remove excess clutter is a form of space clearing and allows the energy to flow more freely.

Properties and land are also considered energetic entities so there may be stagnant energy to cleared. A property may have been built on sacred ground, on a battle field or may have a negative past history. The Energy Clearance can act to clear this energy.

I am in the process of selling a property and decided to commission a Property Energy Clearance in order to ensure a smooth selling process. I provided details of the property along with a detailed floor plan. The property was energetically cleared and I received a comprehensive report containing 40 points that had been reviewed and cleared.

This report confirmed thoughts that I’d had in relation to the property and identified clear actions that I needed to take. Once I made the decision to take action and instigated the changes, I received an offer on the property within a few days!

Even if you do not own the property you are living in, you are still considered in ‘energetic’ ownership of the property so an Energy Clearance would still be valid in this situation. In addition objects in the home may be causing energy disturbances and this will be identified within an Energy Clearance.

Negative energy may cause businesses to have financial difficulties, organisational challenges and employee conflicts. It may also cause you and your staff to experience ill health, emotional outbursts, unclear thinking, indecisiveness, and ineffectiveness. A Property Energy Clearance will help to clear any stuck energy in business premises.

I’d highly recommend a Property Energy Clearing to cleanse your home or business environment. Issues and negativity can be easily cleared. It’s a great way to create a healthier, happier and positive home or office.

I recommend Margaret Hunt (MHlifebalance.co.uk) Email  Margaret@mhlifebalance.co.uk.

 

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The 6 Phase Meditation

6 phase meditation

This infographic is based on the core meditation from The Envisioning Method, a daily practice designed by Mindvalley Founder, Vishen Lakhiani.

The 6 Phase Meditation is a distillation of hundreds of books on personal growth and is designed to create the most remarkable transformation in your state of being — in the shortest amount of time.

The 6 Phase Meditation (Infographic)

Designed by Vishen Lakhiani based on his own daily practice, the Envisioning Method is a distillation of hundreds of books on personal growth and designed to create the most remarkable transformation in your state of being — in the shortest amount of time.

 

Book Review: Big Emotions – Mindful Music for Little People by Laura Loft

Laura’s ‘Big Emotions – Mindful Music for Little People’ book and audiobook couldn’t have arrived at a more timely period.  We are 10 weeks into lockdown and everyone, including children and their parents, are needing extra support at this time.

‘Big Emotions’ is a musical wellbeing book for 3-7yr olds (EYFS & KS1).

Emotions can be difficult to navigate especially for children.  How can they express feelings of excitement, surprise, fear, disgust, sadness, anger, trust and joy when they don’t yet have the vocabulary and understanding.

This beautifully illustrated musical book helps young children learn about their emotions and how to regulate them.  The delightful audio book provides a fun soundtrack to explore and understand the emotions.  Laura has written and recorded the calming and peaceful song ‘I am Calm’ to help soothe the emotions.

It’s a journey to understand our own feelings and emotions.  Children develop self-awareness and understanding as they learn and experience the world.  We learn how our emotions affect ourselves and those around us.  We learn that its ok to have feelings.

Children can explore and develop tools to help them navigate the emotions and to know that all emotions are valid.  This book creates a safe and fun way to explore emotions all supported by the wonderful soundtrack.

Singing and music can play a big part in a child’s development.  Parents instinctively know to use music to calm and soothe their child.  Music helps the body and mind to work together.  The book coupled with sound helps children to learn the sound and meaning of words including the big emotion words.

Laura Loft is a musician, singer-songwriter and educator based in Devon, UK.  Having enjoyed a portfolio career in music she now focuses on using music for wellbeing in children and young people’s lives.  The creative idea for this book came out of caring for her young son whilst dealing with her own challenging experiences with CFS/M.E/Fibromyalgia.  Together with her young son she spent a lot of time creating stories, adventures and games from the comfort of a bed or chair.  And this is how the story of the Little Boy and Cat was born.

Laura is a music educator using music as a creative tool for behavioural, emotional mental health and wellbeing.  “In order for children to regulate their emotions they need to be able to firstly recognise them.  They need to know that it is ok to feel these big emotions, that they will come and go and the need to know how to deal with them” said Laura.  Big Emotions has been a therapeutic tool for Laura personally, as part of her healing journey she would slowly, very slowly write the book and the accompanying music.

Internationally recognised artist and illustrator Nia Gould has provided the delightful illustrations for the book and audiobook.  This is Nia’s third book and unsurprisingly features a cat, something in which she focuses on in her art, books, pins, prints and greetings cards through her design studio and shop.

To find out more and to purchase a copy of ‘Big Emotions – Mindful Music for Little People’ visit this website.  School activity packs are available to accompany the book.  You can also access a free copy of the audiobook and instrumental track.  Check out Laura’s YouTube channel for a copy of the audiobook and workshop songs to accompany this project.  Laura is available to host ‘Big Emotions’ packages for schools in Exeter and the surrounding area.  Contact Laura directly at lauraloftmusic@outlook.com.

 

 

‘Reading Well for children’ booklist launched to support children’s mental health and wellbeing

Libraries Unlimited and The Reading Agency launch ‘Reading Well for children’ book list to support children’s mental health and wellbeing.

The Reading Well for children booklist has been created in response to concerning data about children’s mental health in the UK. In 2018, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health reported that schools were on average making 183 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) referrals every school day, with 56% of those referrals coming from primary schools.

Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs Devon and Torbay libraries works in partnership with the Reading Agency to bring the Reading Well for Children project to our local libraries.

The list covers areas such as anxiety, bereavement and bullying with books by Michael Rosen, Tom Percival, Zanib Mian and Joseph Coelho selected by leading mental health experts to support the mental health and wellbeing of children.

This new Reading Well for children booklist responds to concerning data about children’s mental health in the UK. One in eight (12.8%) 5 to 19 year olds had at least one mental health condition when assessed in 2017.[1] In 2018, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health reported that schools were on average making 183 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) referrals every school day, with 56% of those referrals coming from primary schools.[2] In 2019, BookTrust reported that over a third of parents of children aged 4 to 11 worried about their child’s mental health at least once a week.[3]

The Reading Well for children booklist contains 33 books covering topics relevant to the children of today, including grief, anxiety, bullying and staying safe online. In recognition of the potential impact of living with diagnosed conditions and physical disabilities, the booklist explores living well with conditions including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyslexia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and physical disabilities. The booklist is targeted at children in Key Stage 2 and includes titles suitable for a wide range of reading levels to support less confident readers, and to encourage children to read together with their siblings and carers. The expert endorsed reads are available free in Devon and Torbay as well as in other participating libraries across England.

Recognised by leading health bodies including the Royal Society for Public Health, the new Reading Well for children booklist has been developed by The Reading Agency, health professionals, and children with experience of the topics covered and their families and carers. The book selection panel included experts from public libraries, NHS England, Mind, the Royal College of GPs and the School Library Association. Created in partnership with Libraries Connected, the expert endorsed booklist is completely free to access from public libraries.

The books on the list, by authors including Michael Rosen, Tom Percival, Zanib Mian and Joseph Coelho, have been selected to help Key Stage 2 children (aged 7-11) understand and talk about their mental health and wellbeing. The books have been selected to encourage conversation about feelings between children and their parents or carers and to offer support outside of a clinical setting or whilst waiting for treatment.

Reading Well booklists have been created to add value to health services, and to support early intervention and prevention. The Reading Well for children booklist follows the success of the programme’s existing booklists: Reading Well for mental health, Reading Well for young people’s mental health, Reading Well for long term conditions and Reading Well for dementia. Since the launch of Reading Well in 2013, 1.2 million readers have borrowed over 2.3 million of the scheme’s expert endorsed books from libraries.

All 54 of Devon and Torbay libraries will be taking part in Reading Well for Children in order to support the wellbeing of children and their families.

Broken down thematically, the full Reading Well for children booklist includes:

Healthy minds

What’s Going on Inside my Head? by Molly Potter, illustrated by Sarah Jennings – through talking about positive self-image, emotional intelligence, relationships and mindfulness, this book develops healthy habits and good coping strategies

Healthy for Life: Self-esteem and Mental Health by Anna Claybourne, illustrated by Dan Bramall – stress reduction and mindful techniques to deal with topics such as mental illness, phobias, and eating disorders

How Not to Lose It: Mental Health Sorted by Anna Williamson, illustrated by Sophie Beer – healthy habits for staying in control of stress levels

Feelings

How Are You Feeling Today? by Molly Potter, illustrated by Sarah Jennings – a dip-in book which allows children to explore and deal with particular feelings, including notes and strategies for parents and carers

Mindful Me: Exploring Emotions by Paul Christelis, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli – mindful exercises to encourage exploring a range of emotions and relieve stress

Feeling Angry! by Katie Douglass, illustrated by Mike Gordon – using everyday situations, this book explores different reasons why children might become angry and offers advice for remaining calm, including notes for parents and teachers

Sometimes I Feel Sad by Tom Alexander – this book helps to show children that feeling sad is part of everyone’s life, and they are not alone in feeling this way

Worries

Ruby’s Worry written and illustrated by Tom Percival – an exploration of anxiety which aims to open up discussions about feelings and show that a problem shared is a problem halved

Questions and Feelings About: Worries by Paul Christelis, illustrated by Ximena Jeria – a book to help children to recognise signs of worry, featuring mindful coping tips

Grobblechops by Elizabeth Laird, illustrated by Jenny Lucander – embodying fears to help turn them from frightening to friendly

Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna – using the examples of moving to a new country and school, this picture book shows the importance of talking about feelings of fear and worry

All Birds Have Anxiety by Kathy Hoopmann – using colourful images, explanations and gentle humour to explore living with anxiety day-to-day and how to deal with it

Worry Angels by Sita Brahmachari, illustrated by Jane Ray – this fiction book looks at dealing with your own and other people’s worries, and is particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers

Outsmarting Worry by Dawn Huebner, illustrated by Kara McHale – practical advice to help shift from thinking about worries and fears to dealing with them

The world around you

At school

Dealing With Bullying by Jane Lacey, illustrated by Venitia Dean – an interactive book offering examples of verbal and physical bullying and methods to deal with bullies and peer pressure to bully others

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik – a fiction book about being different, growing friendships and dealing with bullying behaviour

Ella on the Outside by Cath Howe – in addition to dealing with change (new school, physical changes) this book explores the pressures of trying to please people and struggling to fit in

Online

#Goldilocks by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross – a humorous cautionary tale for a new generation of internet users

In the news

Something Bad Happened: A Kid’s Guide to Coping with Events in the News by Dawn Huebner, illustrated by Kara McHale – offers advice for having tough conversations with children about world events such as natural disasters, terrorism and war. It addresses common questions and provides tools to calm fears

Dealing with tough times

When someone dies

Mum’s Jumper by Jayde Perkin – this picture book tackles coping with the loss of a parent. Developed in collaboration with Cruse Bereavement Care

Michael Rosen’s Sad Book by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Quentin Blake – acknowledging that sadness is not always avoidable, this book deals with death and loss

If All the World Were by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Allison Colpoys – a poetic picture book about coping with the death of a loved one, specifically a grandparent

Clownfish by Alan Durant – this book follows a boy who believes that his father has been reincarnated seven years after his death as a fish and is now in his local, soon to be shut down, aquarium

Tough times at home

The Boy Who Built a Wall Around Himself by Ali Redford, illustrated by Kara Simpson – using a simple metaphor to explain how some children cope with painful and traumatic experiences, this book encourages exploration and communication around feelings

Up and Down Mum by Child’s Play, illustrated by Summer Macon – this book helps to understand the causes of mental illness and how to live with someone experiencing it. Developed in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust

The Colour Thief: A Family’s Story of Depression by Andrew Fusek Peters and Polly Peters, illustrated by Karin Littlewood – for children living with parents with depression, this book helps them to understand the causes and effects of depression, and offers reassurance that it can pass and that their parents are not lost to them

When you have a condition

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Can I Tell You About ADHD? by Susan Yarney, illustrated by Chris Martin – written from the perspective of someone with ADHD, this book encourages readers to learn about ADHD, how it feels and how others can help someone experiencing it

Check Mates by Stewart Foster – this fiction book explores dealing with ADHD and concentrating in school

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Questions and Feelings About: Autism by Louise Spilsbury, illustrated by Ximena Jeria –practical help, tips and advice as well as exploring everyday situations living with autism

M is for Autism by The Students of Limpsfield Grange School and Vicky Martin – drawing on real life experiences, this book explores the highs and lows of being different in a world of ‘normal’

Dyslexia

The Illustrated Guide to Dyslexia and Its Amazing People by Kate Power and Kathy Iwanczak Forsyth – by showing what dyslexia is and asking the reader how it applies to them, this book offers an engaging means of working out how dyslexia affects the individual specifically, and includes tools and tips to deal with it

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Double Felix by Sally Harris, illustrated by Maria Serrano – this fiction book explores what it is like living with OCD through the eyes of young protagonist Felix

Having a disability

Questions and Feelings About: Having a Disability by Louise Spilsbury, illustrated by Ximena Jeria – this hands-on picture book is designed to help children with their questions and feelings about having a disability

Cressida Cowell, UK Children’s Laureate says: “I’m delighted that The Reading Agency have put together their Reading Well list. The mental health of our children is vitally important, and books are a way into discussing lots of different issues kids and parents face every day. More widely, we know that reading anything for the joy of it gives huge mental health benefits: that’s why it’s so crucial children have access to new books in public and school libraries.”

There are additional Reading Well booklists for adults and young people on mental health, long term conditions and dementia. To find out more about this free resource please ask in your local library or visit

www.devonlibraries.org.uk/web/arena/health-readingwell

www.torbaylibraries.org.uk/web/arena/health-readingwell

[1] NHS Digital (2018). Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2017 [PAS].
[2] Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (2018). School referrals for mental health treatment rise by a third.
[3] BookTrust, (2019). ‘New BookTrust research shows half of children in the UK don’t discuss their mental health and wellbeing with their parents.’

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Healthy Granola Recipe

Here’s my recipe for super quick, tasty and healthy granola. Many of the shop bought granola is high in sugar, contains unhealthy fats and oils, and may contain unnecessary ingredients. The benefit of making your own is that you can mix up the flavours and experiment with ingredients.

Whole oats are full of good-for-you fibre, high in protein, and contain vitamins and minerals like iron and magnesium. Buy 100% pure whole rolled oats as “instant” or “quick cooking” will be highly processed.

Add nuts and seeds for flavour, texture, extra nutrients and added healthy protein. You can add unsweetened dried fruit and maybe added less sweetener if you are adding fruits to keep the sugar content down.

This recipe makes about three cups of granola – ½ cup is typically a serving. Serve it as cereal with milk (try it with unsweetened almond milk), unsweetened Greek yogurt and with fresh seasonal fruit. I like to add a sprinkling of chia seeds to add protein and nutrients. Plus chia seeds are very filling so will prevent mid-morning cravings!

Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe

Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 20 min
Serves 4-6

Use raw, organic ingredients whenever possible. These measurements are flexible; don’t worry too much about being exact.

Ingredients:

2 cups raw, whole rolled oats
½ cup raw nuts, chopped
¼ cup raw seeds (sunflower or pumpkin seeds are great)
½ cup unsweetened dried fruit, chopped (optional)
2-3 tablespoons raw honey
2 tbsp virgin coconut oil
½ tsp vanilla extract or almond extract
1 large pinch fine sea salt

Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas Mark 2.

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and use your clean hands to mix well and to coat.  The coconut oil might be liquid or solid depending on the temperature of the room you are in (it has a melting point of about 75ºF.) Your hands will warm it up and melt it into the mixture if it’s solid, just be sure to mix it all through the other ingredients so there aren’t any chunks of oil left. Spread the mixture in a thin layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until very lightly toasted.  Cool before serving or storing. This granola can be kept in an airtight glass container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.

Why not get creative and add your own combo of healthy ingredients.  Here are a few ingredient ideas to get you started:

Blueberries
Dates
Flaxseeds
Cherries
Almonds
Walnuts
Maple Syrup
Cashew Nuts
Pecans
Raisins
Cinnamon
Cranberries

The list goes on…. Enjoy creating your own flavour combinations!