Mind teams up with Wagamama to promote mindfulness in Exeter
Our move to Exeter is one of the best things we’ve done. But while we’ve been living in this amazing city, exploring and making new friends. Behind the gloss, the fun times and the smiling photos we have had a difficult journey. When depression beat me and I sunk to the bottom. I was grateful for my husband, family and friends who picked me up, supported me and helped me find my way again.
BUT, what if they hadn’t?
What if I had no one?
Who would I talk to?
Who would help with the kids, the house?
A staggering 1 in 4 people suffer from mental health issues. This means that we all must have someone close to us (or not far removed) who struggles. Mind in Exeter are a charity who “make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone”. They have teamed up with Wagamama to connect the dots between mental health and good nourishment.
In January I was invited along to the restaurant to hear all about it and to sample the delicious menu.
Wagamama’s menu boasts “fresh, lively food (with soul)”. As Karl Thomson (Wagamama’s development chef) showed us around and talked us through their dishes, I was at home with the simplicity and healthiness of the food. He even convinced me to try two dishes for my main.
Here are some of the dishes we tried:
Wok-fried greens – tenderstem broccoli and bok choi, stir-fried in a garlic and soy sauce, simple but SO tasty!
I tried the mixed mushroom and panko aubergine buns for the first time, delicious fusion of texture and flavour.
I do love some steamed edamame beans and so do the kids so they are always on the menu for us.
The bang bang cauliflower blew my mind. The crispy, wok-fried cauliflower coated in firecracker sauce has a real kick to it.
You can’t go to Wagamama’s without trying their best selling dumplings, these are the yasai gyoza – veggie ones.
The chilli squid was VERY moreish – crispy fried squid dusted with shichimi and served with a chilli coriander dipping sauce, I was finding it difficult not to eat them all.
The first main course I had was the Seafood ramen with sea bream, grilled shell-on prawns and breaded tilapia on top of noodles in a light vegetable broth. It’s a warm hearted bowl of goodness and the samphire really lifted the dish. Then I tried the tuna…
This was the dish of the night for me, delicious, fresh, beautifully seasoned and low in calories. The seared nuoc cham tuna steak on a bed of quinoa with stir-fried kale, sweet potato, edamame was amazing! I have been to Wagamama’s lots but I had never tried it before – highly recommended.
Feed your inner good
If there is one thing I’ve learnt over the last few years (late to the party I know). It is that it’s REALLY important to treat your body respectfully, and give it good fuel to help stay well physically and mentally.
Given the last few years we have had, this campaign has really resonated with me.
In Wagamamas Exeter this January & February,For every ‘positive juice’ sold at wagamama until 6 march, 25p will be donated to the mental health charity, Mind (the cost of a phone call to someone in need).
You can also make time for yourself at wagamama with their colouring placemats. It is said that concentrating in this way may help to reduce stress levels and help train thoughts and attention.
More info here.
2 comments for Mind teams up with Wagamama to promote mindfulness in Exeter
Great idea & lovely article. #ChickenSoupForTheSoul
Isn’t it great! Thank you 😘