DOUBLE ISSUE 02/03 FREE MAGAZINE
DOUBLE ISSUE
IMMUNE BOOSTING + FOOD & MOOD GIRLS ON FILM
TESTMAG.CO.UK LEADS THE WAY IN FASHION FILM
REPRIEVE
THE LAST CRUSADE OF DAME VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
2
facebook.com/foodsecret
twitter.com/foodsecret
CONTENTS Food Secret Magazine DOUBLE ISSUE
FOOD SECRET PEOPLE: Sergio Mottola, Founder of Food Secret
Originally from Milan, self-proclaimed entrepreneur Sergio Mottola holds an MSC in Finance and Strategy and a BA in International Business. He began his career as an Account Executive at Howden Insurance Brokers. Whilst with Howden, he worked for the Financial and Executive Risks Division where he achieved an enviably impressive client retention rate of 100%. Mottola then moved on to Willis Ltd and Aon Ltd, all the while continuing to build on his expertise in risk management, particularly in the international marketplace. Most recently, Mottola was Director of UK Business Development for American Invsco International. At the same time as his career was developing, Mottola was busily nurturing his passion for food, ultimately attending world renowned French culinary school, Le Cordon Bleu. Seeing an amazing opportunity to combine his entrepreneurial skills with his passion for cooking and a desire for a healthy lifestyle, Mottola decided to develop Food Secret. Having realised his goal of creating a totally new type of eatery, Mottola now plans to develop the brand both nationally and internationally.
IMMUNE BOOSTING + MOOD & FOOD COVER Giulia Maresca by Alfredo Violante Widmer
SECRET FOOD 2 4 8
Neil Armstrong, Food Secret Chef
Chef Neil Armstrong works with Sergio and the team at Food Secret to ensure that the ingredients used find their way from supplier to store shelf in a consistently fresh, nutritious and delicious way. His background as a trainer of chefs is invaluable in maintaining high standards of skills, knowledge and attitude amongst Food Secret staff. Neil enjoys working with such a young and vibrant food company and with his support Food Secret strives to improve its product, people and place to provide its clients with the very best healthy fast food in town. Neil Armstrong is a freelance chef, food business consultant, culinary tutor and demonstrator.
Discover Food Secret Immune Boosting Mood & Food
Sanna Anderson, Nutritionist
Sanna Anderson is a Nutritional Therapist trained at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London, a leading establishment in the field of nutrition education. Sanna spent the first 10 years of her career in the financial industry in the City enjoying the challenges of the corporate world. She has always been a keen cook and is passionate about good food, but it wasn’t until experiencing the dramatic effects of a diet change on her own health that she realised the impact good nutrition can have on the quality of life. Sanna has a special interest in stress related health problems, including digestive issues, chronic fatigue, anxiety and sleep problems.
ART
Girls on film: 12 testmag.co.uk leads the way in fashion film
Kate Cook, Nutritionist
STYLE
Kate is the director and founder of The Nutrition Coach, author and public speaker. Since training at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition over a decade ago and having provided face to face consultations for over 5,000 patients, Kate has become synonymous with making real and lasting changes to individuals across the UK from every walk of life by transforming their health, energy and mindset. Having appeared with Martine McCutcheon on UKTV’s “The Truth About Beauty”, and published a string of influential and critically acclaimed books (“Get Healthy For Good”, “Drop A Dress Size” and “An Unfit Mother”), Kate has established herself as the UK’s premier authority on personal reinvention in health.
14 Reprieve:
The last crusade of Dame Vivienne Westwood
IF YOU WISH TO CONTRIBUTE TO FOOD SECRET LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE CONTACT US AT
magazine@foodsecret.com
THE MAGAZINE: ART DIRECTOR Giulia Maresca HEAD OF DESIGN Alfredo Violante Widmer PUBLIC RELATIONS Alyn Horton
STAY IN TOUCH facebook.com/foodsecret twitter.com/foodsecret
STYLE EDITOR Cecilia Maresca
4
IMMUNE BOOSTING
SECRET FOOD
IMMUNE BOOSTING AT FOOD SECRET Our immune system is constantly on alert fighting off bacteria, bugs and infections. If we are a bit run down, tired, or stressed, or if our diets are lacking in nutrients we can easily come down with a cold. With the cold weather on the way, it can be harder to keep winter bugs at bay, and it can be difficult to bounce back particularly after a nasty bout of flu. Here are some ideas of how you can boost your immune system from the Food Secret menu.
Food Secret top 10 tips IMMUNE BUSTING CAMPAIGN
1. 2. 3. 4.
Start your day with either the Berry Compote Granola Pot or the Red Fruit Pot mixed into some natural yoghurt for a boost of those deeply coloured berries that are packed with immune boosting nutrients. For an all-in-one immune booster meal, go for the Crunchy Vegetable Detox Soup. It contains shiitake mushrooms that have been shown to invigorate the immune function, wholegrains which are a good source of many immune boosting minerals such as zinc, garlic puree for its antiviral and antibacterial activity, and a selection of vegetables for the all important boost of vitamin C and other antioxidant nutrients. If you want to load up on a variety of health boosting funghi, go for the Japanese Miso Soup. It contains two types of mushrooms, enoki and shiitake, both great for revving up your immune system. The fermented miso paste is great for boosting the friendly bacteria in your gut, giving your immune system a bit of a leg up! If salads are more your thing, the clear winner is the Wholegrain and Super Vegetable Salad. It’s full of antioxidant rich vegetables, and also contains pea shoots. They are highly nutritious and contain seven times more vitamin C than blueberries and four times more vitamin A than tomatoes. The wholegrains and mixed beans will add a good array of B vitamins and a number of minerals to round this great dish off. But don’t forget the humble sandwich either. You will find a number of choices to help fend off the colds and flus this winter. The Crunchy Vegetable Detox Wrap is packed with Food Secret’s superfood mix. It contains the immune boosting shiitake mushrooms, highly nutritious pea shoots, and pomegranete which has been shown to also have antiviral properties and good levels of antioxidants. And don’t forget the tomatoes, spinach and carrots, all of which will boost the vitamin C levels of this invigorating sandwich.
5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Get your five a day. Fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene. These nutrients are vital for helping us fight off infections. Eat more purple, red and orange foods. The deep colours denote good levels of immune protective antioxidant nutrients. Blueberries and blackberries are packed with nutrients, as are beetroot, sweet potatoes, apricots, papaya and red peppers. Add onions and garlic to your cooking. Both have natural antiviral and antibiotic properties that make them great for warding off germs. If your social life allows, have onions and garlic raw whenever you can. Eat curry. Turmeric and coriander, both key spices used in curries, contain antioxidants. Ginger and cinnamon are wonderful warming herbs and have traditionally been used to help relieve colds, plus cinnamon has the added benefit of containing anti-bacterial properties. But before you reach for the takeaway menu, have a go at making your own curry - many takeaway curries are full of saturated fat and salt. Also consider other spiced dishes such as Moroccan, Turkish and Lebanese food. Snack on nuts and seeds. They are packed with essential fats and immune boosting minerals such as zinc and selenium. Have live natural yoghurt for breakfast. The probiotic bacteria from the yoghurt will boost the friendly bacteria in your gut. The stronger your friendly colonies are, the stronger your immune system! Reduce sugar and excess alcohol and caffeine as they deplete the body of nutrients, reduce levels of friendly bacteria and can depress the immune system. Add some ginger to your food, as it can stimulate digestion and helps sooth irritation in your gut. Drink green tea. Although green tea contains some caffeine, drunk in moderation it may help boost immunity, as it is high in a group of potent antioxidants called flavonoids. Know your funghi. Shiitake mushrooms particularly have healing benefits due to their ability to power up the immune system, strengthening its ability to fight infection and disease.
10.
De-stress. Excess stress can lower our body’s immunity so take time out to relax and get away from it all. Curl up and read a good book, watch a funny film, or wrap up warm and get outside for a long calming walk in the countryside or by the coast.
6
IMMUNE BOOSTING AT HOME
60 Seconds with Chef Neil Armstrong
Can you give me some easy breakfast ideas that can help boost my immune system? Start your day with an immune boosting breakfast of natural yoghurt and a handful of frozen mixed berries. You can prepare it the night before by placing the yoghurt in the bowl, adding some frozen berries and mixing in a tablespoon of porridge oats. Store in the fridge overnight, mix everything well in the morning and enjoy. The live yoghurt will boost your friendly gut bacteria, the berries will provide a great boost to your antioxidant intake and the fibre from the oats will help keep you full until lunch time!
I’ve heard sugar is not great for a good immune system, so can you give me some alternative snack ideas that don’t contain sugar? If you are peckish between meals, go for 5-6 brazil nuts instead of a sweet treat. Brazil nuts are full of selenium, an important antioxidant nutrient which also help keep your immune system happy.
Are there any quick and easy ways of making my lunches more immune system friendly? I’m often very busy and find that sandwiches are easier than salads. Make sure your lunch includes at least two different coloured vegetables, and the more variety the better! If you prefer sandwiches, you could always bring some extra carrot sticks and sugar snap peas from home to crunch on. It’s an easy delicious way to increase your vegetable intake!
Pasta is such an easy evening meal and I often feel I don’t have the time or energy to cook anything more complicated. Do you have any suggestions for easy evening meals that contain more immune boosting nutrients? Swap your evening pasta for a delicious stir fry and remember to add plenty of onions and garlic for their antiviral and antibacterial activity. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even add a handful of shiitake mushrooms for extra immune boosting points.
FOOD HERO:
Mushrooms The Chinese have used mushrooms medicinally for more than 6,000 years. Shiitake mushrooms are a symbol of long life in Asia because of their health promoting properties. So what’s so special about mushrooms? In general, they offer an excellent range of a number of vitamins and minerals for very few calories. The common button mushroom for example is an excellent source of selenium, vitamin B2, B3 and B5 as well as copper and potassium. Selenium is a great anti-ageing nutrient, and has also been shown to have protective effects on the body against number of illnesses, including asthma, arthritis symptoms and certain cancers. Recent studies have found a compound called lentinan in shiitake mushrooms. Among lentinan’s healing benefits is its ability to power up the immune system, strengthening its ability to fight infection and disease. Lentinan has been shown to be even more effective against influenza and other viruses than some prescription drugs.
Wild Mushrooms
Q: Fondest mushroom memory? A: I’ll always remember the biggest wild mushroom I ever saw which was brought to my kitchen door one misty September morning by a vine worker when I was chef at Chateau Lascombes, Margaux. It was a near-perfect cêpe the size of a dog bowl! Word spread of the find and the mushroom became a kind of local celebrity. In the end it was grilled over vine twigs alongside some beef steaks and shared around the chateau staff accompanied by the excellent local red wine. Q: Ever been mushroom picking? A: I’ve enjoyed mushroom picking both here in UK and on the continent, always with an expert to guide me. The most memorable experience was white truffle hunting in the rolling oak-lined hills of Umbria where I was chef of a country-house hotel. The hotel carpenter had a mad mongrel dog that was specially trained to track down and dig for these fungal treasures. Some people don’t like truffles but personally I can’t get enough of the heady smell of fresh white truffle. Q: Has a wild mushroom ever made you ill? A: Thankfully no! You’ll hear reports every year of people who sadly die from eating the wrong species. In the restaurant we always know with 100% certainty that our source is trustworthy. In Switzerland you can take foraged mushrooms to your local pharmacy for identification. Unfortunately in UK no such service exists. Q: Favourite mushroom recipe? A: If I ever have a glut of mushrooms I’ll sweat them down with shallots and garlic, simmer them in chicken or vegetable stock with a splash of wine and a sprig of thyme and then puree the whole lot into a velvety soup with a little cream. It is the taste of pure liquid autumn! Q: Favourite wild mushroom species? A: Morel. They are earthy, smoky and meaty and go extremely well with offal and strong meats. Specifically, I love them as used in the stuffing and sauce of Pierre Koffman’s famous pig trotter recipe I used to demonstrate to my students. It’s a classic. Q: Final Mushroom tips? A: When preparing wild mushrooms remember that they are very fragile so clean them gently with a pastry brush and damp cloth and don’t immerse them in water. Use them as quickly as possible as both flavour and aspect generally deteriorate fast. Mushrooms freeze pretty well if you clean and slice or dice them before freezing. Defrosted mushrooms are probably best used in risottos, soups or stuffing rather than as a garnish. The same applies for rehydrated dried mushrooms. Since wild mushrooms are usually an expensive ingredient, don’t forget to use all off-cuts and trimmings to add flavour to stocks or sauces.
SECRET FOOD
IMMUNE BOOSTING FACTS How does the immune system actually work? Your body’s first line of immune defence are the skin and the mucus membranes which act as physical barriers to harmful organisms and substances. The body has over 50 million white blood cells that work to protect the body’s immune defences system. You may lose five billion white blood cells when donating blood and still be left with enough to fight a fully-fledged immune response.
Apart from the foods that I eat, are there other factors that affect my immune system? Our living environment can have an important role in our immune strength. Toxins, pollutions, pesticides and cigarette smoke can all have a negative impact on our immune system. It is also very important to get your beauty sleep. Aim for at least 8 hours a night as under 5 hours of sleep can significantly depress the immune function.
I find that when I’m very busy and stressed I tend to come down with more colds. Why is that? Psychological stress can have an impact on certain parts of the immune system. It can suppress parts of the immune system, making you less able to fight off infections.
Sometimes life just gets stressful, so is there something I should do during times of increased stress to help support my immune system? A great way to overcome stress and fatigue is by regular massages. The massage can also help increase the number and activity of the natural killer cells and protective antibodies. This boosts the immune system to fight any invaders more efficiently. And don’t forget - laughter is the best medicine. A good laugh a day induces a proactive immune response that leads to a healthier body.
Secret Recipe WILD MUSHROOMS OMELETTE Preparation time 15 minutes Kitchen Resources Chopping Board, Pastry Brush & Chef’s Knife Medium Frying Pan Comments The humble omelette makes a great vehicle for all sorts of different ingredients. In this case the egg really sets off the earthy tastes of the wild mushrooms. Upon return from mushroom foraging or the local market with a basket full of wild mushrooms. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INGREDIENTS Serves 2 Mixed Wild Mushrooms 300 g Unsalted Butter 25 g Olive Oil 25 g Large Free Range Eggs 3 Flat Leaf Parsley, Chopped 1 tbs Sea Salt & Freshly Ground White Pepper -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STEP BY STEP 1. Clean, trim and thickly slice the mushrooms. 2. Heat the butter and oil together in a medium sized frying pan until the butter starts to foam.
REFERENCES If you want to find out more about how to look after your immune system, here are some useful books: Boost your immune system by Jennifer Meek and Patrick Holford A great book on how to prevent disease and fight infections using food and nutrients as your weapons. The Top 100 Immunity Boosters: 100 Recipes to Keep Your Immune System Fighting Fit by Charlotte Haigh Great ideas for simple immune boosting meals. Boost Your Child’s Immune System by Lucy Burney Practical tips and ideas for keeping your children healthier.
3. Add the clean mushrooms and cook on a high heat for 5 minutes, turning them over in the pan occasionally until evenly golden brown. Season to taste with a few twists of sea salt and pepper. Strain the cooked mushrooms onto a plate lined with kitchen paper and keep warm until needed. 4. Crack the eggs into a medium sized bowl, season with sea salt & pepper and add the finely chopped parsley. Whisk briefly with a fork. 5. Wipe out the frying pan and add a little more butter. Place on a low heat until the butter is just foaming. Add the egg mixture and cook slowly for 1-2 minutes until the base of the omelette starts to firm up. Drag a wooden spoon or spatula in a criss-cross pattern through the omelette mixture to create folds of cooked egg mixture. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes over a low heat until the base of the omelette is firm but moist.
For your catering CALL US ON 020 7434 2596 6. Add the cooked mushrooms and fold the omelette over on itself, sandwiching the mushrooms into the middle. Serve immediately. OR VISIT WWW.FOODSECRET.COM
8
MOOD & FOOD
SECRET FOOD
BETTER MOOD AT FOOD SECRET
Food Secret top 10 tips
It is a well known fact that there is a huge link between diet and mood, and certain foods can really transform how we feel. If you’re in need of a boost, check out some great choices from Food Secret detailed below.
MOOD & FOOD
Get a great tryptophan boost from the Greek Chicken and Feta Salad which contains chicken and feta cheese, both great sources of the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan converts into serotonin, your body’s ‘happy hormone’
3.
Or try the delcious Tuna, Mixed Beans and Pasta Salad to give you a boost of omega 3 – the essential fatty acid that can help boost your mood and brain function. This high protein salad will also ensure that your blood sugar levels stay on an even keel, in line with your mood! If you prefer a sandwich, try the Free Range Egg and Salmon Croissant. Salmon is a great source of the mood boosting omega 3 fatty acids, and eggs are high in brain boosting fats called phospholipids. For a vegetarian option, go for the Feta and Roasted Aubergine Focaccia. The feta cheese is not only a good vegetarian protein source, supporting steady blood sugar levels, but will also give you a dose of tryptophan. Soups are often a great comfort food in their own right, and especially lovely during the colder winter months. Choose the Salmon and Spring Vegetable Soup for the omega-3 boost. In addition you’ll get some all important B vitamins from the brown rice and a good dose of antioxidants from the vegetables. Russians know how to keep warm in the winter, so go for the Russian Beetroot Broth for the soothing and warming vegetarian option. You’ll get the mood boosting phospholipids from eggs, and plenty of helpful antioxidants from the beetroot, tomatoes, carrots and fennel in this soup. To round off your meal, why not treat yourself to the Valrhona Chocolate Pot. The dark chocolate contains compounds called theobromine and phenethylamine which have been linked to increased serotonin levels in the brain.
1. 2.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Eat oily fish such as mackerel, herring, trout or salmon at least twice weekly. Oily fish are a good source of the important omega 3 essential fatty acid that are needed by your brain and can help boost your mood. They contain the second important essential fatty acid for the brain, omega 6, as well as being a great source other brain boosting nutrients such as zinc and magnesium. Choose complex carbohydrates - oats, brown rice, rye bread, pulses, vegetables. These foods help to stabilise your blood sugar levels fluctuations in blood sugar can cause mood swings, irritability and depression. Complex carbohydrates also contain key brain boosting nutrients such as the B vitamins, zinc and magnesium. Get your protein - eggs, fish, chicken, pulses, nuts, seeds, and red meat and dairy are an important part of your diet. Protein is vital for good brain health and for maintaining blood sugar levels so include some at each meal. Tryptophan is a great mood boosting nutrient found in fish, chicken, turkey, oats, eggs, cheese and beans. Tryptophan is an amino acid (protein is broken down into amino acids), which our body converts into serotonin, your ‘feel good hormone’. If you want to boost your mood include some of the tryptophan foods in your diet every day. Eat your greens. Include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet. The antioxidants contained in fruit and vegetables will have a protective effect on your brain. Avoid excess amounts of white sugar. High sugar diet will not only lead to depleted nutrient stores, but will create more marked blood sugar fluctuations which often go hand in hand with dips in your mood. Go easy on caffeine and alcohol. They both depleted the body of B vitamins and some minerals such as chromium, which can lead to lower moods. Not to mention the blood sugar fluctuations, which can put you on an emotional roller coaster. Dark chocolate in small quantities can be beneficial to your brain and mood. It contains natural compounds that have been linked to inceased levels of serotonin (your ‘happy hormone’) in the body. The antioxidants in dark chocolate can help preserve the precious brain fatty acid structures keeping your memory fresh for longer..
10.
Stress can have a detrimental effect on mood. Include gentle exercise or other activities that you enjoy in your weekly routine to help reduce your stress levels.
10
BETTER MOOD AT HOME
60 Seconds with Chef Neil Armstrong
Are there any key areas I should be thinking about to help keep my mood positive? One of the best ways to support a happy mood is to look after your blood sugar levels. It’s much harder to feel bright and positive if you are on a constant energy roller coaster of high energy peaks followed by slumps. The first thing you can do is have a good breakfast. It will help set your energy levels for the day and reduce the likelihood of sugar cravings later in the day.
Sounds good, but can you give me some easy breakfast ideas? Try porridge with blueberries – the porridge oats are a good source of tryptophan, helping to increase your ‘happy hormone’ serotonin.
Apart from keeping my energy levels steady, what other ways can my diet affect my mood? Food intolerances can also cause changes in moods. Many people find that they do better on a lower wheat diet, so for lunch, instead of a sandwich, make yourself a quick bean salad instead. Beans are a good low fat source of protein, so help keep your energy levels steady. They also contain tryptophan, therefore giving your mood a further boost. Try aduki beans mixed with chopped spring onion, avocado, chopped red or yellow peppers and some green olives. Make a dressing with some balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Do you have a favourite ‘good mood’ food? Dark chocolate is the classic good mood food as far as I’m concerned. If you need a pick-me-up during the day, have a couple of squares of dark chocolate together with some cashew nuts. By combining the protein from the nuts with the chocolate you can get the beneficial mood boosting effects of the chocolate without creating too much of a blood sugar burst.
FOOD HERO:
Nuts
Research shows that nuts and seeds are not only great for boosting your brainpower but can also help balance your mood. They contain a number of nutrients that can help regulate the mood in their own way. Both nuts and seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have great anti-depressant effects by influencing the brain’s serotonin levels. Serotonin is an important brain chemical that controls both your moods and your appetite. Walnuts in particular are high in this important fat, but it is also found in almonds, cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and many others. Many varieties of seeds and nuts also contain tryptophan, an important amino acid that the brain converts to serotonin. Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are an excellent source, as are cashew nuts, pecans and almonds Cashew nuts and almonds are also high in magnesium, which is a relaxing mineral. It can help increase blood flow into your brain, nourishing it so that it operates better.
Pesto variations
Q: What is the original pesto recipe? A: Pesto originates from Genoa in North-West Italy. Our Food Secret recipe sticks to the original ingredients but in the modern kitchen we use a food processor instead of the traditional pestle and mortar. We have inherited the word ‘pestle’ from the same root as the word ‘pesto’ from an Italian verb meaning ‘to crush’. Q: And how can you vary it? A: If you look at the recipe you have three principal ingredients to vary: the herbs, the nuts or the cheese. In addition to this you could vary the oil or add a completely new ingredient. Q: What herbs might you use to vary the recipe? A: I’d stick to the leaves of soft fresh herbs such as parsley, coriander, tarragon, dill or oregano avoiding the harder ‘garrigue’ herbs like rosemary and thyme which have both a bitterness and texture unsuitable for this sauce. From personal experience I’d also avoid blending in chive, however if you’re looking for an allium twist then the addition of a handful of fresh wild garlic makes a pungent spring-time addition. Q: What about the nuts? A: I’ve successfully made pesto variations with the following nuts: pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds and walnuts but of course there are many more out there to try. I’d suggest that whatever nut you use, make sure that it is not of the salted kind and already peeled, and ideally toasted, before being blended into the sauce. Q: And the Cheese? A: You might stick to hard cheeses, ideally Italian such as pecorino or romano style but practically you could use any hard cheese you like. I’ve used all sorts to suit my cooking location from Manchego in Spain to Ossau-Iraty in the French Basque country to Mull Cheddar in my native Scotland. Q: What other ingredients might you add? A: The most common addition besides the classic recipe is that of sun dried tomatoes to make a red pesto. Other ingredients you might try are roasted red peppers, lemon zest, anchovies, capers, pitted olives or hot chilli peppers. Q: Final pesto tip? A: Try not to jumble up too many ingredients together. For example I do not recommend making a pesto using all of the ingredients mentioned above at one time! Often culinary success involves sticking a known recipe so that the finished result is recognisable but by introducing one additional ingredient you can compliment a dish or surprise the palate. For example I would recommend making a classic pesto with a twist of lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest to marinade and serve with a griddled chicken breast. Often in the kitchen less is truly more.
SECRET FOOD
MOOD FACTS How are our moods controlled? Are there some compounds in the body that affect how we feel? Brain chemicals (neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine) influence the way we think, feel and behave. They can be affected by what we eat.
Can nutrients or other chemicals from the outside world affect how we feel? Some chemicals and additives in foods can affect behaviour and mood. Low levels of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids can affect mental health, and some symptoms are associated with particular nutritional deficiencies. For example, links have been found between low levels of certain B-vitamins and symptoms of schizophrenia, low levels of the mineral zinc and eating disorders, and low levels of omega-3 oils and depression.
Are there any particularly important foods for looking after my mood? The most vital food for the healthy mind and body is water. Up to 60% of the human body is water, the brain is composed of 70% water. You need to drink at least 1.5 litres a day to help maintain a good water balance.
Are there some natural alternatives to medications that can help with my mood? A herb called St John’s Wort is the best researched herb proven to be effective for mild to moderate depression. It’s safe and natural and doesn’t have the side effects sometimes associated with pharmaceutical anti-depressants. It shouldn’t be taken if you are already on medication.
Secret Recipe FOOD SECRET PESTO Preparation time 15 minutes Kitchen Resources Food Processor, Stick Blender or Pestle & Mortar. Comments We make all our pastes and dressings from house recipes in the Food Secret kitchen. This takes time and skill but in the end we know that this is the only way to serve the freshest-tasting hand-crafted food we care about. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INGREDIENTS Serves 2 Basil Leaves 1 bunch Pine Nuts toasted 30 g Parmesan Cheese grated 50 g Garlic 1 clove Sea Salt 1 pinch Olive oil 100 ml -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STEP BY STEP 1. Pulse the basil leaves into a food processor with the toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese and garlic.
REFERENCES
2. Continue to blend the pesto in the machine, adding the olive oil in a steady stream. The more you add the looser and smoother the sauce will become.
If you want to find out more about how to boost your mood naturally, here are some useful books:
3. Season to taste with sea salt.
The Food and Mood Handbook by Amanda Geary Great book with clear explanations on how certain foods can affect the mood, and practical tips on how to boost your mood. The Kitchen Shrink by Natalie Savona Lots of great mood boosting recipes together with some explanation on how you can modify your diet to achieve better mood. Optimum Nutrition for the Mind by Patrick Holford A more detailed manual of different areas of mental health and how nutrition can help.
4. Serve with pasta, white meats or mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice as a salad dressing. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chef’s Tip: The blended basil will oxidize in time, turning this vibrant green paste brown. Pesto is intended to be a fresh sauce so the first tip is to make only as much as you need and use it immediately. Secondly, if you can keep all your ingredients chilled before and after mixing this will slow the oxidation process. And lastly, the addition of a handful of flat leaf parsley to the pesto introduces a natural boost of Vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant which will keep your pesto vibrant green for longer.
12
GIRLS ON FILM TESTMAG.CO.UK LEADS THE WAY IN FASHION FILM
‘Food Secret recently caught up with Test founder and art director Jaime Perlman to find out more about her online project, her collaborators and what it’s like to be at the forefront of the new fashion film movement’
ART
What is Test? Test is an online platform for a continually changing combination of creatives to showcase fashion films and photo shoots. The site was born from the concept of the ‘test shoot’ – when teams of photographers, film-makers, stylists, makeup artists, etc. come together to work on an image-led project free from the constraints of a client-led brief.
What prompted you to start Test? I was in contact with so many brilliant creatives through my main role (art director of British Vogue) but was unable to work with everyone. Test provides another outlet so double the opportunity to produce and showcase further work. Test also opens up opportunities to work with emerging young British designers in a new capacity. This fashion week, for example, Test produced films for designers including Holly Fulton, design duo Ostwald Helgason and newcomer Cecilia Mary Robson.
There seems to have been an explosion of online fashion films since Test launched a year ago. What do you think has prompted this movement? The internet – its multi-media capabilities in particular and the growth of the online sector as a whole. Print media will never go out of fashion as it provides a number of emotional and physical stimuli that cannot be effectively reproduced online (the feeling when you first get a pristine new magazine, its weight, the smell of the paper….its general physical presence). Online media differs from print in that it can utilise both sound and movement too, so it provides a different medium for people to experiment with (but there’s plenty of room online for everyone!)
Test recently celebrated its first birthday – what are you aiming to have achieved by birthday number two? I have numerous plans in mind. Since we launched, we have had film screenings in both London and New York each fashion week and held a week-long print and film exhibition last season. I’m exploring the possibilities of taking Test to a broader audience and applying the visual content from the fashion films we produce to a different medium. Although Test has developed a reputation for being a fashion film site, I’m keen to illustrate the opportunities for showcasing the visual content we produce through other means. Food Secret will be showcasing the Test designer collaborated films in-store throughout November. For more info on Test, go to www.testmag.co.uk By Alyn Horton Alyn is a creative PR and brand consultant, founder of Alyn UK Ltd and fashion director at creative agency Margaret London. www.alynuk.com www.margaretlondon.com
14
REPRIEVE THE LATEST CRUSADE OF DAME VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
STYLE
Food Secret meets the Queen of Fashion Vivienne Westwood at her last Red Label show in London. The designer tells us about her latest campaign and explains us the reasons behind Reprieve. What is Reprieve’s fundamental reason and mission? Reprieve provides frontline investigation and legal representation to prisoners held outside the rule of law in secret prisons, or on death rows around the world. We investigate secret detention and torture in the ‘war on terror’ - from Guantanamo Bay and Bagram Airbase to new frontiers such as the Horn of Africa - and ensure that wherever possible, we bring these cases to the courts.
How does Reprieve differ from other human rights charities? Reprieve is different from other human rights charities in the UK: it provides frontline investigation and legal representation to individual clients. Reprieve investigators are deployed around the world to bring to light the facts that can make a difference in an individual case, or expose the frailties of an entire justice system. Then by litigating these cases, Reprieve works on the frontline to enforce human rights principles just when they are most likely to be cast aside by the courts.
How does Reprieve work? Reprieve works around the clock defending prisoners who find themselves in the worst places, accused of the worst crimes, where cases are often aggressively, and sometimes mendaciously, prosecuted and weakly defended.
What success have Reprieve had with the cases they have been involved with? Reprieve has secured the release of over 60 prisoners from Guantánamo Bay (including every British prisoner) and we still act for 20 more. This phenomenal number is more than any other NGO or law firm. In addition, over 300 prisoners are no longer facing the death penalty because of Reprieve’s work. We currently assist 60 prisoners facing the death penalty worldwide. One of our most famous cases is that of Binyam Mohamed - released from Guantanamo Bay in 2009 after a transatlantic court battle.
What are you doing today to support Reprieve? My friend Jacquetta (Wheeler) and I designed a special pendant in the shape of a heart that I am also showing today in my Red Label collection. All proceeds from sales will go to Reprieve. Vivienne Westwood together with supermodel and Reprieve volunteer Jacquetta Wheeler has designed a special ‘Reprieve’ necklace (available to buy in Vivienne Westwood London stores and www.viviennewestwood.com from the end of November) with all proceeds going to Reprieve’s work for prisoners on death rows and in Guantánamo Bay. For more info www.reprieve.org.uk By Cecilia Maresca
DON’T MISS OUR
EVENTS MOOD & FOOD with food evangelists
NEIL ARMSTRONG SANNA ANDERSON 09 NOV 5pm to 7pm 23 NOV 5pm to 7pm 08 DEC 5pm to 7pm
59 BROADWICK STREET SOHO LONDON W1F 9QQ facebook.com/foodsecret twitter.com/foodsecret