Summer is coming – The pro’s & cons of flip-flops

Body Plot • July 25, 2022

Flip-flops are super popular during the summer being so easy to take on and off and of course, a great-looking accessory especially when wearing shorts or after getting a lovely pedicure! But aside from these reasons, these are pretty much the only pros!


If you have any back, knee, or ankle pain, or wish to prevent these, you may want to avoid flip-flops! Flip-flops change the action of how you use your foot when walking. This is due to your feet having to grip the sandal harder in order to walk and prevent the sandal from falling off. The extra work causes fatigue in the feet, ankles and calves and can lead to overuse injuries. In the short term, this can create inflammation in the tissues of the feet. In the long run, however, it can cause chronic shortening of the tissue leading to changes in your posture and can overload many of the structures in your legs. Though many flip-flops are now being created to minimise these impacts, flip-flops are ultimately still slip-on shoes meaning these issues remain inevitable.


Some examples of issues created by flip-flops are plantar fasciitis, tibialis posterior tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, tight calves, heel bursitis and reduced big toe mobility. Whilst you may never encounter any of these, the initial pain isn't worth it and shouldn't be ignored.


So does this mean you can never wear flip-flops? Absolutely not! Instead, by simply being conscious of our footwear, we can reverse health injuries and prevent new ones. You may want to try the following:


  1. Purchase strapped sandals which will provide some ankle grip.
  2. Invest in strapped sandals with a bounce-back base.
  3. Balance wearing sandals and good-quality trainers on the same day rather than wearing sandals all day.
  4. Purchase sandals without heels so you don't double your pain.
  5. Give yourself a great ankle, calf and leg massage on a day that you do wear sandals - they'll need it!


Everything is connected! Don't neglect your feet and tick off another way to keep your body happy!





By Sonali Dattani April 16, 2026
SOYA CHUNKS & PEAS CURRY (High Protein, Budget Friendly) Ingredients + Method Soak: 100g soya chunks in hot water for 10 minutes Squeeze out water and rinse. In a pan, heat 1 tsp oil. Add: 1 chopped onion Cook until golden. Add: 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste Add spices: 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp coriander powder ½ tsp turmeric Add: 2 chopped tomatoes Cook until soft. Add: 100g frozen peas Soya chunks Add 200–300ml water and simmer for 15 minutes. Finish with: Fresh coriander Squeeze of lemon
By Sonali Dattani April 16, 2026
GREEK / SOYA YOGURT SHRIKHAND (High Protein Dessert) Ingredients + Method In a bowl, combine: 300g 0% Greek yogurt OR thick soya yogurt (If using regular yogurt, strain overnight for thickness) Add: 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey or stevia powder 1/2 tsp cardamom powder ¼ tsp cardamom powder Few strands saffron soaked in warm water Mix well until smooth. Optional toppings: Chopped pistachios Almond slivers Chill for 1 hour before serving.
By Sonali Dattani April 16, 2026
PANEER TIKKA MASALA (Lighter, High Protein Version) Ingredients + Method Cut 250g Apetina paneer into cubes. Marinate with: 3 tbsp 0% Greek yogurt or Soya yogurt 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp paprika Salt Leave for at least 30 minutes. Air fry or grill at 200°C for 10–12 minutes until lightly charred. For sauce: In a pan, heat 1 tsp oil. Add: 1 chopped onion Cook until soft. Add: 2 cloves garlic 1 tbsp ginger Add spices: 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp garam masala ½ tsp turmeric Add: 1 tin chopped tomatoes Simmer 10 minutes and blend if desired. Stir in: 2 tbsp Greek or soya yogurt (off heat to avoid splitting) Add paneer and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Finish with coriander.
By Sonali Dattani April 16, 2026
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By Sonali Dattani April 15, 2026
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By Sonali Dattani March 26, 2026
🌱 What You’ll Need (Ingredients): Sweet Potato Puree: 1 ½ cups (Approx. 2 medium sweet potatoes, roasted and mashed) Nut Butter: ½ cup almond or cashew butter (creamy works best) Maple Syrup: ¼ cup (or honey) Cocoa Powder: ½ cup (unsweetened, good quality) Oat Flour: 1/3 cup (or almond flour for GF) Eggs: 2 large (or substitute with 2 flax eggs for vegan!) Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp Baking Powder: 1 tsp Sea Salt: ½ tsp + extra for finishing Chocolate Chips: ½ cup (dark is delicious!) Walnuts: ¼ cup, chopped (for the topping!) Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for that extra spring warmth! ✨ 👩‍🍳 How to Make the Magic (Method): Prep: Preheat your oven to 175°C. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper (leave overhang for easy removal!). Blend the Base: In a large bowl or food processor, combine the smooth sweet potato puree , nut butter , maple syrup , eggs (or flax eggs), and vanilla extract . Mix until perfectly smooth and creamy. Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the cocoa powder , oat flour , baking powder , and sea salt . Fold gently until just combined—don’t overmix! (The texture should be thick and dreamy). If you’re using cinnamon or cardamom, add it now. Fold in the Treats: Gently fold in most of your chocolate chips . Leave a few aside to sprinkle on top! Assemble: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with the reserved chocolate chips, the chopped walnuts , and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt . Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the center feels set but still soft. You want them fudgy! Chill (The Secret!): This is the hardest part, but it’s crucial. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate them for at least 1 hour (or overnight) before slicing. This locks in that magical, dense, fudgy texture. Serve & Celebrate: Lift the brownies out using the parchment, slice into squares, and enjoy! ✨ Perfect with a glass of milk (dairy or non-dairy!) or just as they are.
By Sonali Dattani March 16, 2026
20g Protein Dosa (Paneer or Tofu Filling) A comforting South Indian favourite with a high-protein twist. If you love dosa but struggle to hit your protein targets, this version is a game changer. By combining a traditional potato masala with either paneer or tofu, each dosa delivers around 20g of protein while still tasting like the classic comfort food we all love. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner when you want something satisfying, nourishing and simple to make. Serves Makes 4 high-protein dosas Protein Approx 20g protein per dosa Ingredients For the dosa batter 2 cups dosa batter (store bought or homemade with more lentils) 1 tsp oil or ghee per dosa for cooking For the high-protein masala filling 2 medium potatoes, boiled and roughly mashed 200g paneer or firm tofu, crumbled 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds 8–10 curry leaves 1 green chilli, finely chopped (optional) ½ tsp turmeric ½ tsp chilli powder 1 tsp garam masala Salt to taste 1 tbsp oil Juice of ½ lemon Handful fresh coriander, chopped Method Prepare the filling Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow them to pop. Add cumin seeds and curry leaves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Build the masala Add turmeric, chilli powder and garam masala. Stir for 30 seconds. Add the mashed potatoes and mix well so they absorb the spices. Add the protein Stir in the crumbled paneer or tofu and mix thoroughly with the potato masala. Cook for 3–4 minutes so everything heats through. Finish with lemon juice and fresh coriander. Cook the dosa Heat a non-stick or cast-iron pan. Pour a ladle of batter and spread into a thin circle. Drizzle a little oil or ghee around the edges and cook until the bottom is golden and crisp. Assemble Place a generous scoop of the protein masala in the centre of the dosa. Fold and serve hot with chutney or sambar.
March 6, 2026
Quinoa Khichadi Feeds 4–5 people Ingredients 812 g cooked quinoa 120 g yellow moong dal (about ⅔ cup), rinsed 2 tbsp ghee or olive oil 1½ tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp mustard seeds (optional) 2 tsp grated ginger 1–2 green chillies, finely chopped (optional) ½ tsp turmeric 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin 2 medium carrots (about 200 g), diced 150 g peas 1 medium courgette (about 180 g), diced (optional) 1.2–1.5 litres water (adjust for texture) Salt to taste Fresh coriander to garnish Lemon wedges to serve Optional tempering 2 tsp ghee 1 tsp cumin seeds Pinch hing 6–8 curry leaves Method (with quantities included) Add 120 g rinsed moong dal and 500 ml water to a saucepan and simmer for 15–20 minutes until very soft. Heat 2 tbsp ghee or olive oil in a large pot. Add 1½ tsp cumin seeds and 1 tsp mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add 2 tsp grated ginger and 1–2 chopped green chillies and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp ground coriander and 1 tsp ground cumin and toast briefly. Add 200 g diced carrots, 150 g peas and 180 g diced courgette and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add the cooked moong dal, 812 g cooked quinoa, salt and 700 ml water. Stir well. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, adding more water until the khichadi is soft and spoonable. You may need up to another 500–800 ml depending on how thick you like it. Optional tempering: heat 2 tsp ghee, add 1 tsp cumin seeds, pinch hing and curry leaves, let splutter and pour over. Garnish with coriander and lemon juice before serving. Extra Body Plot Tips Add spinach at the end for iron and fibre Stir in tofu cubes for extra protein Serve with coconut yogurt and mango pickle Great for clients with gut issues, post-illness recovery, or reset weeks
February 27, 2026
A lighter, oil-controlled version of restaurant-style kurkure bhindi. Perfect as a crunchy side, snack, or topping for dal bowls - and great addition for every household on Friday Fakeaway night! Serves : 6–8 as a side dish Ingredients 1kg fresh bhindi (okra) 120g gram flour (besan) 60g rice flour 40g cornflour 2 tsp turmeric powder 4 tsp red chilli powder 4 tsp coriander powder 2 tsp cumin powder 2 tsp amchur (dry mango powder) 2 tsp chaat masala 2 tsp ajwain (optional) 2½–3 tsp salt (to taste) 4 tbsp oil (about 60ml) Light oil spray for air fryer Optional finish: lemon juice + extra chaat masala Method Wash the bhindi and dry completely. Moisture makes it slimy and prevents crisping. Slice lengthwise into thin strips. The thinner the slices, the crispier the result. Place bhindi in a large bowl. Add oil and salt and toss well. Add besan, rice flour, cornflour and all spices. Mix gently using your hands so each strip is lightly coated. The coating should be thin, not thick like pakoras. If mixture looks too dry, sprinkle 1–2 tbsp water. If too sticky, add 1 tbsp rice flour. Air Fryer Cooking Preheat air fryer to 180°C. Spread bhindi in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Spray lightly with oil. Air fry 14–18 minutes, shaking halfway. Cook until deep golden and crisp. For extra crunch: cook 12 minutes, rest 5 minutes, cook another 3–4 minutes. To Serve Sprinkle chaat masala and squeeze fresh lemon juice. Serve with dal, yoghurt dip, wraps, or as a crunchy topping on salads. Storage Cool completely before storing. Keep in airtight container up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer 3–4 minutes to crisp again. Body Plot benefits: High fibre and lower oil than traditional frying. Add crushed flaxseed or hemp seeds for extra protein. Pair with dal + salad for a balanced menopause-friendly meal and diabetes friendly meal with stable energy.
By Body Plot October 10, 2024
This recipe is such a delicious and nutritious take on pizza! If you've not enjoyed tofu previously, this recipe will change your opinion. Want to have your cake and eat it too? Try: have your pizza and eat it too! Key benefits: - High in Protein - Plant-centric with over 8 vegetables in this one dish - Can be easily made Vegan - Great for lowering cholesterol - Great for menopausal women Ingredients: - 1 block of Tofu [we used basil tofu] - Homemade or store bought tomato sauce - Protein cheese [Eat Lean or LIDL high protein] or Vegan Mozzarella - Vegetables of choice, we used: Aubergines, courgettes, sweetcorn, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions & red peppers - Lower in fat pesto Method: Drain tofu according to instructions on the pack. Cut tofu lengthways - this should result in approximately 3-4 tofu bases. Add these to a oil brushed air fryer or oven and bake at 190 degrees for 12 minutes, turning halfway. Finely dice the vegetables. Top with sauce, vegetables, cheese and pesto and add back into the air fryer or oven for a further 5 minutes until melted. Serve with a side salad and enjoy!