CUTTING back on booze, getting some steps in, and eating right are top of many people’s lists this January. 

After weeks of relying on tins of Roses and Heroes for nutrition, January brings a fresh start and a pledge to eat healthier. 

It can seem daunting to anyone trying to overhaul their diet, but top dietician Ciara McNulty has said there are a specific group of foods to try to work into your meals this January.

She called them her ‘magnificent nine’ – and they are guaranteed to help your body detox and stop bloating. 

Ciara said: “January is the perfect time to reset after the indulgences of the Christmas season.

“The key is not extreme dieting or deprivation but focusing on nourishing, whole foods that support your body’s natural detoxification processes and promote overall health.”

She added: “By incorporating nutrient-dense foods like the ones I’ve recommended, you’ll not only feel better but also set a positive tone for the rest of the year.”

Here Ciara tells Nicola Bardon what to add to your shopping cart on your next spin to the supermarket. 

SPINACH

HIGH in fibre and rich in iron, this is the perfect dark leafy green to support gut health at the time we need it most.

You can easily work spinach into your diet with smoothies, salads, or sautéed as a side dish.

BEETROOT

THE richer the colour, the more potent the antioxidant!

Beetroot boosts “polyphenols” and antioxidants to combat stress such as lack of sleep.

It’s easy to add to your meals too, as roasted slices, grated into salads, or even blended into a vibrant smoothie.

As beetroot contains nutrients and compounds that support the liver in detoxification and overall function, this is a superfood for the post Christmas season!

SALMON

THE fish boasts high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and is a natural source of vitamin D.

Omega-3s are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Enjoy it in sushi or as a baked main to accompany your roast potatoes. It’s a perfect ingredient for a balanced meal.

LIVE YOGHURT

OUR gut, or, our “second brain” need all the TLC they can get post festive season.

Introducing healthy bacteria is an easy step to promote a flourishing gut.

Make sure to pick up live yoghurt with added cultures and a no-added sugar granola to create the perfect breakfast or snack.

BERRIES

LOADED with antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre, berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries help neutralise free radicals, protect cells from damage, and aid digestion.

Use them as a healthy sweet snack or add them to porridge, yoghurts, or smoothies.

OATS

A whole grain that supports heart health, stabilises blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full.

Swap out the fry this January for a delicious bowl of overnight oats.

Add cinnamon, berries, and vanilla drops for a nutritious start to your day.

ACAI

THE superfood star, acai is packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients for an energy boost and is great for overall health.

To stay healthy on the go, my favourite acai bowl option is Oakberry, and by the end of 2025 there will be 18 Oakberry stores nationwide, so there is bound to be one near you to help you keep on track.

CHIA & FLAX SEEDS

THESE versatile toppings are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, fibre, and antioxidants, helping to reduce stress, support digestion, and provide slow-releasing energy.

Sprinkle them over smoothies, yoghurts, acai bowls or oatmeal for a crunchy and nutritious boost.

MATCHA

RICH in antioxidants, matcha contains caffeine, but also high levels of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calmness and focus.

This combination provides a slow and sustained release of energy without the jittery feeling or sudden crash often associated with coffee, making it perfect for busy individuals who are in dire need of a healthier energy boost.

The morning show host of Angel FM and TV in Accra, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, has resigned from the media entity. Announcing this decision in a post shared via social media on January 8, 2025, he indicated that he decided to resign due to differences between him and the management of the organization. Okatakyie Afrifa expressed […]

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Imphal, Jan 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Manipur's opposition Congress on Wednesday said that actual normalcy cannot return in the state unless the violence-hit displaced people are allowed to return to their respective homes and villages. After meeting...

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Mumbai, Jan 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian journalist turned director Pritish Nandy passed away due to cardiac arrest on Wednesday at his residence in Mumbai. The news was confirmed by veteran actor Anupam Kher. The actor took...

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WELSH drivers have been warned of a change to the hated 20mph speed limit that could see even more fines.

Plans to slash the threshold for drivers being fined on 20mph roads have been branded “utter madness” as the Welsh Labour Government continues to develop the controversial policy.

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Welsh drivers have been warned of a slight tweak to the 20mph speed limit zones that could see even more fines[/caption]

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Currently, drivers get a little bit of leeway as they adjust to the new policy[/caption]

Motorists across Wales are still getting used to the 20mph speed limits on restricted roads as the Government works with local authorities to make necessary changes.

Following the heavily criticised rollout, Labour announced it would look to amend the policy so it was more focused on roads that actually need it – instead of it being a blanket measure.

To that end, the standard threshold for drivers to be slapped with a speeding fine is 10 per cent plus two miles per hour.

This was changed to four miles per hour for the new 20mph roads, as requested by GoSafe, who called on chief police officers to be more lenient on drivers as they adjust to the nationwide proposal.

This means that if a driver is caught speeding at 24mph in the 20mph zone, they will not be fined.

However, a penalty charge notice could be issued if they’re caught at 26mph.

But reports now suggest changes could be introduced to amend this threshold and could see drivers fined if they’re travelling at 24mph.

According to Wales Online, chief police officers are set to review the policy in March.

The former leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central, said: “Dropping this threshold would be utter madness.

“The 20mph policy is crackers enough without implementing a low threshold which is hard to match at low speeds.

“Labour’s failed 20mph experiment should be dropped.”

In 2024, 48,203 offences were recorded in Mid and South Wales, while 36,710 were given out in North Wales.

In total, 84,913 offences were recorded across the country.

Average offence speeds peaked in April for Mid and South Wales at 30.4mph, while North Wales saw the average offence speed peak at 32.7mph in May.

Throughout 2024, the GoSafe road safety partnership revealed that 13,443 engagement sessions had taken place in which the Welsh Fire and Rescue Services delivered a 10-minute presentation about the speed limit changes.

A spokesperson for GoSafe said: “While the public get used to the change in default limit, chief police officers have allowed us to increase this to 10 per cent plus 4mph in 20mph only, meaning we start to prosecute at 26mph in a 20mph limit.

“This allows us to concentrate on offences more significantly over the speed limit.

“The increased enforcement threshold is scheduled to be reviewed by Chief Officers in March 2025, however, they will continue to monitor it and may review it before this date. Any change will be communicated in advance through official sources.”

ITV has confirmed its commissioned a third series of hit comedy drama The Dry.

The BAFTA-nominated comedy features Roisin Gallagher will return as recovering alcoholic Shiv Sheridan, with the third series seeing the Sheridan family unearthing a huge family secret that throws everyone off kilter.

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RTÉ and ITV have confirmed a commission for series three of The Dry[/caption]

Mark Sheen

The BAFTA-nominated series sees Roisin Gallagher return as Shiv Sheridan[/caption]

The acclaimed comedy will return to the delight of fans, but the third season comes with a twist – as it will be available exclusively on ITVX instead of ITV1.

The second season has already been available on ITV1 from Sunday 12th January, but it’s already been streamed 2 million times since its ITVX launch in 2024.

The first and second series have enjoyed over 8.2 million streams combined.

Nana Hughes, Head of Scripted Comedy at ITV said: “I’m so excited to be returning for a third series of The Dry with the excellent Element Pictures, Nancy, Paddy and the brilliant cast.

“It’s such a special show and we look forward to bringing more of the Sheridan family to screens later in the year on ITVX.” 

Executive Producer, Emma Norton at Element Pictures added: “The Dry team are all so excited to be able to give the Sheridans their grand finale.

“This season is going to be full of the show’s signature irreverence and pathos and we’re thrilled to be bringing our brilliant cast back together for one last blow out.”

Writer Nancy Harris commented: “I am truly thrilled The Dry is coming back for another round with Shiv and the Sheridan family.

“It’s been a joy to work with Paddy Breathnach, Emma Norton and this truly gifted ensemble cast to tell this story.

“Season 3 digs into the roots of the Sheridans dysfunctional dynamic, unearthing long held secrets and taking our characters in new and unexpected directions.

“It’s going to be a wild ride and we can’t wait to share it with our audience.”

Dermot Horan, Director of Acquisitions & Co-Productions for RTÉ added: “The first two seasons of The Dry were hugely popular with our audiences.

“Nancy Harris has created in the Sheridan’s that most recognisable and dysfunctional of Irish families, to which we can all relate through their ups and downs.

“Paddy Breathnach will once again get the very best of the outstanding ensemble cast led by Roisin Gallagher as Shiv.

“RTÉ is once again delighted to be working with Element Pictures, ITVX and Screen Ireland on this highly popular award-winning series who are bringing this very local Irish story to UK and global audiences.

“The Dry has reached over 1.2 million streams on RTÉ Player to date, which demonstrates the huge demand for local Irish drama.”

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The third series will be exclusively available on ITVX[/caption]

Element Pictures/Screen Ireland

The third series of The Dry will see the Sheridan family unearthing a huge family secret that throws everyone off kilter[/caption]

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The second series of The Dry is set to air on ITV1, but it’s already had 2 million times since its ITVX launch in 2024[/caption]

CIVIL servants were handed nearly 900 extra taxpayer-funded spending cards in just one year, official figures reveal.

The number of Government Procurement Cards in the Foreign Office surged from 4,590 in January 2023 to 5,472 in January 2024.

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Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice[/caption]

The rise, which occurred under the Tories, marks a staggering 19 per cent increase and has been slammed by Reform UK.

Deputy leader Richard Tice hit out: “The Tories took taxpayers for a ride. They talked so about cutting waste and wanting lower taxes yet the reality is that they bloated the civil service and hammered taxpayers.

“No matter what the Tories say now, they are the reason for many of the issues we face today as a country.

“Only Reform UK are serious about cutting waste, cutting taxes and streamlining the civil service.”

The figures were obtained through a parliamentary question and Labour ministers defended the increase.

Foreign Office Minister Catherine West said: “Government Procurement Cards provide an efficient route to enable key staff to procure goods and services, necessary to the promotion of British interests overseas and the maintenance of our embassies and high commissions.

“All purchases are subject to authorisation by managers and audit checks.”

The Foreign Office has been contacted for comment.

THE final footsteps of a missing couple who vanished together from a high street have been revealed as cops released CCTV images of their last sighting.

Rebecca Smallcalder, 26, and Louis Bond, 31, were last seen in Brompton, Gillingham, but new evidence shows them walking around a mile away from this location in Kent.

kent police

kent police

The couple, who went missing on Monday, January 6, were last seen at around 3.25pm.

Now, CCTV footage shared by Kent Police on Tuesday, January 7, has provided enough material for a map to be created, outlining the couple’s last movements.

After leaving their home in Gillingham, they were seen in Chatham town centre walking on the high street towards Rochester.

Then they were seen for a second time in Chatham.

Previously, images showed Louis to be wearing a reflective jacket and lugging a black rucksack.

While Rebecca wore a black top, black trousers, black hat and white trainers.

She also carried a grey handbag and pale green plastic carrier-bag.

Earlier on Monday, the day she was reported missing, Rebecca had been wearing a striped scarf, CCTV showed.

However, the new footage shows Louis carrying what seems to be the same plastic bag.

Louis also wears all black clothing and a pale blue woolly hat.

Along with black gloves, thick black shoes and the mysterious pale green carrier bag.

While Rebecca wears a black bomber-jacket, a hat and has a bag slung round her shoulder.

She also wears what seems to be the same white trainers.

In an updated statement, Chief Inspector Garry Cook said: “Our enquiries to locate Louis led us to identify that Rebecca had not been seen after leaving work on the same day.

“We have identified they were together in Gillingham High Street during the afternoon of Monday 6 January and then later that day around Chatham town centre, where they walked in the High Street in the direction of Rochester.

“We are very concerned for their welfare and are urging members of the public to contact us if they see either of them.”

The force is also urging residents and businesses in the area to check for more potential CCTV – and for motorists to check their dashcam footage.

Louis is described as being white, 5ft 5ins and of slim build, with a shaved head.

Rebecca is described as being white, of slim build, and 5ft 11ins with dark hair, which she wears in a ponytail.

kent police

kent police

BLACKPOOL Pleasure Beach Resort in the north of England has been named the best family-owned theme park in the country.

The seaside theme park, which first opened in 1896, has broken records and won prestigious awards.

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort in the north of England has been named as one of the world’s best family-owned theme park[/caption]

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The theme park was praised of its vintage rides, including the Big Dipper[/caption]

And it was recently named one of the best family-run theme parks in the world by Blooloop.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort was the only UK theme park named on the list, making it the best in the country.

Other global theme parks on the list include Europa Park in Germany, Siam Park in Tenerife and IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai.

Popular theme parks in the UK, like Alton Towers and Thorpe Park, weren’t named on the list because they’re owned by larger companies.

Writing about Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort, Blooloop, said: “What makes the Pleasure Beach of today unique among British parks is its surviving collection of vintage rides.

“These include four wooden roller coasters, Sir Hiram Maxim’s Flying Machine, the River Caves and the Steeplechase, one of many attractions installed under the reign of the late Geoffrey Thompson OBE.

“Some of these are the last remaining types of their kind worldwide.”

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort was founded by William George Bean, the current owner’s great grandfather.

Boss and owner of Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort, Amanda Thompson OBE, added: “We’re honoured to be recognised as one of the best family-owned theme parks in the world, and the only UK park to make the list.

“My great grandfather founded Pleasure Beach and it has remained in our family ever since, where we continue to keep his passion for innovation and entertainment at the heart of everything we do.

“As ever, this recognition is a celebration of our incredible team and the loyal visitors who make Pleasure Beach Resort a truly special place, year on year.”

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort is home to the only two rides in the country to have been given a prestigious global award.

Last year, the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) awarded two rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach with Rollercoaster Landmark Plaques – a special recognition reserved for rides of historical significance.

Both the Big Dipper and the Grand National were awarded Rollercoaster Landmark Plaques.

Back in 2023, the Big Dipper, the theme park’s well-known wooden coaster, celebrated its 100th anniversary.

The seaside theme park is also home to The Big One, the UK’s tallest coaster.

Revolution, the country’s first looping roller coaster is also found at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.

Icon and Infusion are two other roller coasters that are also the first of their kind in the UK too.

Some of these are the last remaining types of their kind worldwide

Meanwhile, younger guests are also very well catered for, with Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-o-matic, the Alice in Wonderland dark ride and Nickelodeon Land all on offer among many others.

Its line-up is set to get better when the seaside theme park reopens a much-loved ride later this year.

Formerly known as Ice Blast, the 210ft tower ride will reopen under the new name of Launch Pad.

It’s been given a new pressure cylinder, meaning the ride is faster than before.

And last year, theme park filed a registration of a charge with Companies House, which stated that the a new feature is set to be located somewhere at the park.

In the descriptions on the charge, it discusses an “Intamin Gyroswing located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach” – although not much else is known about the new ride.

Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort will open for its summer season on March 2, with prices from £28 for kids and £30 for adults.

At the end of last year, Alton Towers announced it would be closing its oldest ride permanently.

Meanwhile, here’s an exciting new look at the nearly-completed Epic Universe, which will open later this year.

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort reopens for its summer season at the beginning of March[/caption]

  Урожай смачних, соковитих та м’ясистих помідорів – мрія багатьох городників. Щорічно дачникам доводиться вдаватися до всіляких хитрощів, щоб виростити хороший урожай томатів і зібрати великі помідори, відмінної якості. Подробиці При висадженні томатів у відкритий ґрунт важливо правильно підготувати грядку та своєчасно внести у ґрунт органіку. У цьому випадку кущі виростуть міцними і кремезними, з […]