If you struggle with grains and are feeling bloated, the healthy alternatives you can try are seeds. Seeds are very nutritious pack with protein and fat and if you sprout them, you increase their bioavailability considerably. Grains are worth soaking too before use.

Mini Fodder

Sprouting is so simple to do and a glass jar will suffice. Soak seeds in filtered water for a few hours, place a piece of muslin over the jar and secure with a rubber band and drain. Water daily – then drain and watch the magic. Before you know it you will have mini fodder for you and your family and they are super nutritious. Place the lid on when the seeds are at the desired length. Pop them in the fridge and use as required.

To make sure so you have an endless supply, you should start off other seeds a few days later.

Hero Seeds

Amaranth: High in protein this seed must be cooked and can be used as flour.

Buckwheat seeds: Brilliant levels of fibre and protein, this super seed is also known as a groat is full of antioxidants and can be used as flour. I love this seed and it’s my favourite for making crackers. Great deep taste too.

Chia seeds: Packed with protein, fibre, antioxidants and minerals.

Coriander seeds: Help control cholesterol, blood sugar and is helpful for inflammation and also high in phytonutrients.

Cumin seeds: Aid circulation and metabolism.

Fennel seeds: Are calming and sooth the stomach.

Flax seeds: Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids; high in phytochemicals, protein and fibre. Do not buy milled flax. Always use fresh seeds and grind your own. They go rancid very quickly when exposed to oxygen. Soaking flax is a great option. Soak overnight and consume in the am. Fabulous hydration.

Grapeseed: Good for heart health and can withstands high temperatures. But if you can avoid heating oils.

Hemp seeds and seed oil: High in healthy fats and in a perfect ratio of omegas 3,6,9. High in minerals, complete protein and a great choice. Cold pressed oil only.

Millet: High in protein and must be cooked or used as flour.

Poppy seeds: Good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. They just get stuck in your teet, not great on a first date!

Pumpkin seeds & pumpkin seed oil: Packed with healthy fats, vitamins and minerals

Quinoa: Complete protein and must be cooked or used as flour.

Sacha inchi seeds & seed oil: Amazonian seed usually only available roasted; richest known source of omega-3 fatty acids; broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

Sesame seeds, seed oil and seed paste (tahini): Rich source of calcium and healthy fats, raw tahini and black tahini are seriously a must in your fridge.

Sunflower seeds & seed oil: Rich in protein and many vitamins. Only ever use cold pressed. Do not heat.

I like UK based Sky Sprouts for all my organic seed.