Edition 34
May 2025
Taking Action, One Step at a Time
By Shola Oladipo, Food for Purpose CEO
Taking Action, One Step at a Time
“You don’t have to conquer a month — just show up for today.”
Hello PY Family!
This May issue is packed with information to educate, inspire, and gently nudge you toward taking action for your health.
When we hear the word “action,” it can sometimes feel overwhelming — like it has to mean running marathons or achieving flawless fitness. But actually, it’s often the small, steady actions that matter most. One small step leads to another… and another… and yes, another.
Repeated actions become habits, and good habits help us thrive.
And here’s the truth — without action, our good intentions remain just that: intentions. It’s wonderful to reflect, to plan, and to hope, but at some point we have to move. Even the tiniest action is a signal to yourself that you’re serious about your well-being. It builds momentum. And momentum, even in small doses, is powerful.
In fact, health psychologists talk about something called the Stages of Change Model (also known as the Transtheoretical Model). It describes how we move through different stages when trying to change a health behaviour:
Pre-contemplation (not thinking about change)
Contemplation (considering it)
Preparation (getting ready)
Action (starting to make changes)
Maintenance (sticking with it)
What’s encouraging is that it’s a cycle — not a straight line. You might move forward, slip back, and start again. The key is to stay in motion.
Let me share a personal example.
One area I’ve had to work on is my sleep hygiene. Between writing my thesis and navigating menopause, my sleep was… well, let’s just say it left a lot to be desired!
I know many of you can relate. When we face challenges, it’s important to separate what we can control from what we can’t. Here’s how I approached it:
I made a deliberate decision that this needed to change.
I acknowledged where I currently was — sleep-deprived and exhausted.
I sought advice and practical help, and actually applied it.
I gave myself grace, knowing I wouldn’t get it right every night.
And most importantly — I kept going.
Kept going.
Kept going.
One thing I’ve learned is that looking too far ahead can be overwhelming at times.
The thought of keeping up a habit for a whole month, let alone a year, can feel like too much. So embrace each day. Focus on what’s in front of you — today.
You don’t have to conquer a month — just show up for today.
What one thing can you do today to move your health forward?
What choice will make you feel proud this evening?
What small step can you take before bedtime?
That’s where the real change happens — in the daily, ordinary moments.
Be kind to yourself in the process. Believe you can do it — I tell myself, “Shola, you can enjoy sound sleep again.” I pair that with affirming scriptures and positive declarations from the Bible to lift my spirit!
Speak well of yourself, even on days you miss the mark. Remember that your WORDS carry POWER! Celebrate every small win, and be grateful for where you are.
Let’s focus on each day as it comes, stepping forward gently, bravely, and joyfully. Because when we act, we grow. And when we grow, everything changes.
I would love to hear what small, meaningful actions you’re embracing today.
Well done, you - you are amazing!
Blessings
Shola
CEO Says - Taking Action, One Step at a Time
Physical Activity Tips - Happy National Walking Month!
A-Z of Soul Food - Ginger
Diabetes Tips - Understanding GLP-1 and GLP-1 Agonists
Let’s Talk - When Everything Tastes Like Chicken!
Bridging Hearts: Addressing inequalities in cardiovascular health and care
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has released a new report highlighting the steps needed to improve heart health and reduce health inequalities in care.
What’s especially encouraging is its focus on global majority communities and its intersectional approach. This involves acknowledging that individuals' experiences, influenced by race, gender, income, and other factors, intersect and frequently exacerbate health disparities.
By addressing these complex, overlapping factors, the report strongly advocates for more inclusive and targeted policy solutions.
At FFP, we’re proud to support this work and look forward to collaborating with the BHF and community partners to help shape services that truly work for everyone.
SEL Diabetes Project
In 2024, South East London Integrated Care System (ICS) commissioned Food for Purpose to collaborate with voluntary and community sector partners across all six boroughs. The aim was to engage individuals most affected by diabetes in a co-design process, with the goal of developing an action plan that addresses key concerns and recommendations identified through local engagement.
The results are being reviewed by the SEL commissioning team, and an action plan will be published soon! We would like to thank the following groups for their involvement: Bromley Asian Cultural Association, Seniors in Touch, Listening Ears, Hummingbird Group, Latin American Women Rights Services (LAWRS) and Stockwell Living.
National Days / Weeks / Month - May 2025
1st-31st National Walking Month
1st-31st Stroke Awareness Month
12th – 18th Mental Health Awareness Week
12th - 18th Salt Awareness Week
17th – World Hypertension Day
29th - World Digestive Health Day
🌟 Reintroducing the HCI in Greenwich!
We’re bringing health back where the heart is, the church! On 15 May, we will be reintroducing the Health Church Initiative (HCI) to local churches across Greenwich. Originally developed to support better health in Black African and Black Caribbean communities (where long-term health conditions are more common and culturally relevant support is often lacking) the HCI is now being opened up to diverse congregations across the borough.
Why churches? Because they’re more than places of worship, they’re the beating heart of our communities. This event is designed especially for church leaders who want to bring health to the forefront in a way that’s empowering, inclusive and non-judgmental.
Together, we’ll explore:
✝️ How health forms part of our spiritual and physical calling
🫀 The importance of being good stewards of our bodies
🗣️ How to talk about health from the pulpit with care and compassion
Whether you're part of a Black-led church or a multicultural congregation keen to prioritise health, this event is your invitation to lead the way. Get your tickets here!
Let’s build healthier communities together, from the inside out!
Happy National Walking Month!
By Precious Oladipo
FFP Director & Physical Activity Lead
May is National Walking Month, the perfect time to lace up your trainers, stretch your legs, and get moving! Whether it's a stroll through your local park or a scenic walk across the city, walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your health and wellbeing.
Why walking matters:
Walking counts towards the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week and can do wonders for both body and mind. It’s great for your heart, strengthens your bones and muscles, lifts your mood, and improves balance and coordination. Plus, it’s low-impact, free, and easy to build into your daily routine!
What’s FFP up to this May?
To celebrate National Walking Month, I’m heading off on a walking adventure across London! Starting Monday, 5 May, I’ll be setting out on a different walk each week, exploring new routes, soaking up the sights, and aiming for 10,000 steps a day (fingers crossed!).
Keep an eye on our socials to follow my journey, get inspired by the routes, and maybe even join in virtually! Here’s a sneak peek at my planned routes for the month – check out the graphic below!
Get involved!
We’re encouraging everyone to get walking this May. Whether you’re pacing through parks, uncovering hidden gems in your neighbourhood, or trying out a new scenic route, get those steps in and discover what your local area or city has to offer!
Tag us in your walks, share your routes, and let’s walk our way to better health, together! 🌼👟
Green Fig & Saltfish
This month, we are travelling to St. Lucia, a Caribbean island, to savour green fig and salt fish! This dish is a favourite throughout the year in St. Lucia. A particularly special occasion to indulge in it is during the annual Jounen Kweyol, or Creole Day, a cultural festival held on the last Sunday of October that honours the island's Creole heritage.
The star of this dish is the green fig, often associated with unripe bananas (green banana/plantain). These are meticulously chosen for their texture and capacity to soak up the flavours of the accompanying saltfish, resulting in a dish that harmonises the benefits of fig greens (green plantain) with the savoury pleasure of salted fish.
We hope you get a chance to try the dish. Enjoy!
Serves 4-5
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Ingredients
450g salt cod fish
10-12 green bananas
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large, sweet pepper, thinly sliced
¼ cabbage shredded (optional)
2 tomatoes, diced
2 spring onions, chopped
2 sprigs thyme
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Method
Preparing the salt fish
Soak the salted codfish in a large pan filled with water for a few hours, then drain the water.
Fill the pan with clean water and bring it to a boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the water, you might need to repeat this process at least once more, or until the water tastes slightly salty.
Drain the water from the pan and set the saltfish aside to cool. Clean the salted fish thoroughly to eliminate scales and bones. Flake the saltfish into small pieces, cover it, and set it aside.
In a medium to large pan heated over medium, add the oil and half of the large onion, along with the peppers and garlic. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until the seasonings become fragrant. Then, add the spring onions, stirring well until the mixture reaches a soft texture.
Add the flaked saltfish to the pan with the thyme, black pepper, and the remaining half of the onions.
Add the cabbage and stir.
Preparing the Green figs
Rinse the green figs (green bananas) and trim both ends. Make a lengthwise cut through the skin of each fig. Once prepared, place the figs in a pan filled with water and bring to a boil for approximately 10 minutes.
Remove the water from the pan, let the green figs cool, then peel their skin and cut them diagonally.
Add to the cod mixture.
Combine thoroughly to ensure the green bananas absorb the flavours of the cod and seasonings.
Cook for 5 minutes, then add the tomato and parsley. Stir, cover the pan, turn off the heat, and serve.
Recipe and picture courtesy of:
https://www.196flavors.com/green-fig-and-saltfish/
https://www.islanderkeys.com/green-fig-and-saltfish-national-dish-of-st-lucia/
Ginger
This month, we’re celebrating Ginger for the letter G!
Ginger is a popular spice and medicinal root known for its warm, mildly spicy flavour and notable health benefits. Native to Southeast Asia, it is typically utilised in fresh, dried, powdered forms, or as an extract in teas, curries, sauces, baked goods, and drinks. Its unique flavour and scent are derived from natural compounds such as gingerol, which play a significant role in its various health benefits.
Nutritionally, ginger:
Has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to gingerol, which may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Aids digestion and soothes nausea, making it a popular remedy for motion sickness, morning sickness, and digestive discomfort. It also promotes gut health by stimulating digestion.
May support immune health, as ginger has antimicrobial properties that help the body fight infections and may reduce symptoms of colds and flu.
Where to Find Ginger in the UK
Supermarkets and Local Markets: Fresh ginger root, dried ginger, and ginger powder are available in most grocery stores and farmers' markets. For the best quality, look for firm, smooth roots.
Understanding GLP-1 and GLP-1 Agonists
By Modupe Peters
FFP Director & Diabetes Lead
You have probably heard about GLP-1 receptor agonists: the injections, the weight loss, etc., and perhaps you are confused! This is a simple guide to clarify what is what!
Let’s start with GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide. It is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, appetite, and digestion. It has gained popularity recently due to a wave of new medications that mimic this hormone, aiding people with type 2 diabetes and, more recently, those looking to lose weight. These medications are called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications that primarily help manage blood glucose levels in individuals living with type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1 agonists can also assist in treating obesity. GLP-1 agonists are most often injectable medications, which means you inject a liquid drug using a needle and syringe. You administer the shots in the fatty tissue just beneath your skin. Other names for this class of medication include glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, GLP-1 receptor agonists, incretin mimetics, and GLP-1 analogs.
How Does GLP-1 Work?
GLP-1 is released in the gut after eating, it prompts the pancreas to produce insulin (which lowers blood sugar) slows down how quickly food moves in the gut and sends signals to the brain that makes us feel full. This helps to reduce appetite and improve blood sugar levels.
GLP-1 agonists, such as Semaglutide (brand names include Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus – tablet form), are now available on prescription in the UK. They have been around for a while and were originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes but are now available for the treatment of obesity.
Another commonly mentioned medication is Mounjaro, which works slightly differently. It activates two receptors: the GLP-1 receptor and another called the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. Quite a mouthful, right?
It helps the body produce more insulin when needed, reduces the amount of glucose, or sugar, produced by the liver, and slows down the digestion of food. All of this contributes to lowering blood glucose levels and improving overall long-term diabetic control.
Why all the buzz?
Research has shown that GLP-1 agonist medications can lead to significant weight loss, drawing attention from the public and media alike. Many people have reported reduced hunger and easier portion control on the medication. However, these medications aren’t quick fixes; they work best alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
It is important to know that the NHS or private providers prescribe these medications under specific conditions. Typical side effects are nausea & vomiting though these often settle over time.
Final thoughts
Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 agonist medications represent exciting developments in diabetes and weight management. However, they should be used under proper medical guidance. If you are curious about whether they are right for you, speak to your health care provider.
When Everything Tastes Like Chicken!
I love our food. Nobody seasons like us — we season chicken, fish, rice, and even veg. But you know what gets my goat? When everything ends up tasting exactly the same.
The trinity of seasoning — all-purpose, Maggi, and thyme — somehow sneaks into every single dish.
Curry goat? Tastes like jerk chicken. Jollof rice? Same. Steamed veg? Still tastes like seasoned chicken. It’s like our taste buds signed an exclusive deal with mixed seasoning.
Now I’m not calling for bland food. You know we are not about that! But when we drown everything in salt-heavy powders, we lose not just variety, but our health too. Too much salt raises blood pressure, increasing our risk of heart disease, strokes, and kidney problems — and our community’s already too high up on that list.
What if we gave fresh herbs, spices, and natural flavours a chance? Ginger, garlic, rosemary, coriander, lemon zest… bursting with flavour and health benefits. Let’s switch up the players and let our ingredients shine.
Because sometimes, a carrot just wants to taste like a carrot…
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