Yesterday, new GoodGymer Lynn and I teamed up with lead chef and fellow GoodGymer, David, to cook a vibrant meal for the Choir with No Name. On the menu was a colourful, vegetable-packed dahl served right after their Monday rehearsal, giving everyone a perfect opportunity to "eat the rainbow." Not only did I learn the true meaning behind that colorful phrase, but I also picked up a brilliant shortcut for peeling garlic quickly!

"Eat the rainbow" is a straightforward nutrition concept centered on plant pigments. The vibrant colours in fruits and vegetables come from powerful phytonutrients and antioxidants, with each colour profile offering unique health benefits:

• Red foods (like tomatoes and grapefruit) contain lycopene, which helps protect against certain cancers.
• Orange foods (like squash and carrots) are packed with beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A for healthy skin.
• Yellow foods (like sweetcorn and yellow peppers) provide carotenoids that actively protect our eyes.
• Green foods (like broccoli, kale, and spring greens) deliver iron and energy-boosting compounds to help prevent anaemia.
• Purple foods (like aubergines, red cabbage, and blueberries) offer anthocyanins, which serve as excellent anti-agers.

Energised by the prospect of this colourful feast, the choir beautifully rehearsed the repertoire for their upcoming summer gig with Soul in the City on Saturday 18th July.

The Ship Song - Song by Nick Cave from the The Good Son Album 1990

*Come sail your ships around me And burn your bridges down We make a little history, baby Every time you come around

Come loose your dogs upon me And let your hair hang down You are a little mystery to me Every time you come around

Mission Commencement: Tuesday, 1830 hours.

The Squad: Eight GoodGym operatives arriving via foot, bike, and bus.

The Objective: Clear a severe nettle insurgency to liberate the allotment’s blackberry and pear trees.

Tactical Execution The team deployed immediately upon arrival. Operatives Sarah, Stefania, and Ruth formed the frontline defense against the stingers, bravely cutting them back (smartly utilizing their advanced tactical gear: long trousers). The rest of the squad provided crucial support, handling general weeding duties to secure the area.

Meanwhile, Michael was sent on a solo side-quest to prep the allotment beds for incoming squashes. During the excavation, he uncovered some hidden assets: rogue potatoes and what local liaison Warren officially described as the "Biggest Garlic bulb we’ve ever seen."

Mission Accomplished With the enemy nettles decisively defeated and defensive cardboard successfully laid, all objectives were secured, and the squad stood down for a mandatory debrief inside the pub. The evening concluded successfully with some well-earned refreshing drinks and a bit of covert World Cup viewing.

Mission Status: 100% success