Isabel de Lima, pictured, knows why Brazil are tipped to win their fifth World Cup against Germany tomorrow - a healthy diet of rice and beans.

And it's this type of high protein meal football stars such as Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho grew up eating while practising their ball skills for hours on the streets close to their South American homes.

Now Mrs de Lima, who moved to Bradford six years ago with husband Ian Gordon, is planning to pass on those silky culinary skills to the public by introducing them to some samba-style cooking lessons.

Mrs de Lima, of Tong, who tips her yellow-shirted heroes to trounce Germany by 3-0 in the final in Yokohama tomorrow, said the lessons were aimed at adults.

"The English gave the Brazilians football and now a Brazilian wants to give the English rice and beans," said Mrs de Lima.

"Anyone interested in learning about a healthy diet is welcome to get in touch. A lot of people are losing their cooking skills with so many ready-made meals available and it is a matter of striking a balance.

"I want to say to people that cooking is as easy as anything else. It doesn't take a lot of time and many Brazilian dishes don't take long to cook and include lots of vegetables."

The 35-year-old said her children, Daniel, aged four, and Mi-Mi, aged two, have grown up on a Brazilian diet.

"I remember going to the supermarket when I first got to England and seeing so many freezers and I thought 'Oh my god!' I'm going to starve!' But I wasn't aware there were markets around and I soon settled into making the traditional meals.

"Beans are full of protein, vitamins and fibre and are low in fat," she said. "Brazilians prefer to eat their beans, usually black or rose coco beans, with rice which makes a very healthy meal."

Mrs de Lima moved to England from the Brazilian region of Parana 12 years ago. She worked at a university in London as a secretary before meeting IT consultant Ian and moving to Bradford.

The lessons are planned to begin at her house in August.

"I hope to have a maximum of four people at each lesson and teach them things so they can go home and have a go themselves. If the lessons are successful I hope to begin classes with children next year."

Anyone interested in attending the lessons can contact Mrs de Lima by telephoning 07947 795651 or by e-mailing her at bel@ThinkingFresh.net.