Men are just as conscious about their health and waistline as women are these days. The difference is we don’t like to admit it, we don’t feel the need to talk about it and we’d rather not know if something is fat-free or low in carbohydrates. And even if our shopping baskets are filled with muesli, super berries and bio yoghurt, there are times when we need to feel like bacon buttie-eating males.

So, guys, if you’d like to maintain your masculinity, a balanced diet and get spoilt on Father’s Day, try leaving this page open on your breakfast table. Come dinner time you could be sitting down to a three-course menu that’s not only good for you, it will put the hairs back on your chest.

Chilled pea and mint soup

Serves 4

I’ve made this soup with low-fat crème fraîche, but you can use natural yoghurt instead. Either way, it’s a lot lighter than if it were made with the usual double cream. You can chill it down even more with a few ice cubes just before serving.

2 tbsp olive oil

2 shallots, sliced

500g fresh or frozen peas, podded

2 tbsp chopped fresh mint

2 tbsp dry white wine

400-500ml vegetable or light chicken stock

85g fresh spinach leaves, washed

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