WELLNESS

Our Acting Wellness Director, Elizabeth Bennett, shares new research, strategies and wisdom on all aspects of wellbeing, from activity and nourishment to meditation and conscious beauty

Eat well

Eat your avocados

We’ve talked previously about the vibrant avocado’s superstar status in the age of social media, but the fruit (yes, technically it’s a fruit!) is much more than just a pretty picture. A 30-year study published in the Journal Of The American Heart Association found that participants who ate at least two servings of avocado a week had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who rarely ate avocados. Luckily, you can add avocados to many a meal. Try it topped on toast for brekkie, in a filling salad for lunch, or as a side with chilli con carne for dinner.

What’s cooking?

If you love cooking, we have some good news – and, if you don’t, some inspiration to pick up those pans! New research from Australia’s Edith Cowan Universit y has discovered that being confident in the kitchen isn’t just good for your diet – it’s also beneficial for your mental health. Participants who took part in a seven-week healthy cooking course witnessed significant improvements to their mental wellbeing.

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK; EMMA LEE

Roast asparagus, feta and almond salad with sourdough croutons

Typically, the short asparagus season ends around the summer solstice, so the last of the crop heralds the start of summer. For this salad, the spears are roasted to enhance their amazing flavour, while retaining a good crunch.

Serves 2 as a main, 4 as a starter

● 2 slices of slightly stale sourdough or good-quality wholemeal bread, crusts removed

● 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

● Sea salt and black pepper