The Whole Connection plant-based cruise event

As you may know, it was my honour and privilege to have been invited to be a presenter on The Whole Connection plant-based cruise event – the first of its kind in Australia. The event’s creator, Paige Renshaw, had a vision to create an event which would bring together a diverse group of health professionals…

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Change your habits, change your life

I often joke to clients that I can estimate the probability of them enjoying good health now, and remaining vibrant and active into old age, using a simple mathematical formula: Σ GH – Σ BH = FAH where Σ is the mathematical symbol for ‘sum of’, GH stands for ‘good habits’, BH for ‘bad habits’…

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Couscous Stuffed Mushrooms

I love stuffed mushrooms. Portobello and field mushrooms are large enough to be stuffed with a hearty filling that, when accompanied by a salad or cooked vegetables, makes a complete meal. Don’t be afraid to pile the stuffing high in this recipe – it holds together very well. Ingredients: 1 cup wholemeal couscous 3 – 3…

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Breast cancer screening – when ‘talking to your doctor’ may mislead rather than inform

15 October 2018 Oh boy, October really is the month for ‘health awareness’! Aside from Sleep Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day, October – the entire month – also plays host to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thankfully, Cancer Australia no longer advocates non-evidence based practices such as breast self-examination and clinical breast examination (examination…

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Carob-Bean Pudding

Carob is a naturally sweet, caffeine-free alternative to cocoa. Derived from the pods of a tree that belongs to the legume family – the same family as chick peas, lentils, black beans and peanuts – carob powder is high in fibre, antioxidants and calcium. Traditionally used in the Mediterranean to treat digestive issues, carob has…

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Eat your way to better mental health?

October 10 has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as World Mental Health Day 2018, and I must confess to being somewhat less enthusiastic about this particular ‘awareness day’ than I was about last week’s Sleep Awareness Week. It’s not that I’m unconcerned about people’s psychological well being; quite the opposite. That’s why…

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Sleep and food – what’s the connection?

The Sleep Health Foundation has declared October 1-7 2018 Sleep Awareness Week. Finally, an ‘awareness week’ I can get behind!!!!! The ‘2016 Sleep Health Survey of Australian Adults’, a report prepared by the Sleep Health Foundation, has uncovered some deeply worrying findings on the sleep deprivation epidemic that is tightening its grip on Australians: 33-45%…

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Apple Cinnamon Buckola

I am a total fiend for cinnamon. I love the sweetness that it adds to recipes, with no empty sugar calories. It’s packed full of antioxidants, and improves insulin sensitivity which results in reduced blood glucose, triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure in people with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. That’s tasty medicine! Buckwheat…

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PBNHC 2018 Conference

Day 1 – Going to California with excitement in my heart (with apologies to Led Zeppelin) I’m writing the first part of this post in the departure lounge at Sydney Kingsford Smith airport, waiting for my flight to Los Angeles and then onto San Diego for the 6th International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference. This will…

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Cauliflower ‘Cheese’ Sauce

Creamy vegan sauces are usually based on high fat foods, such as cashews. Cauliflower makes the most lusciously creamy sauce, without the excess fat calories. This sauce is delicious poured over steamed vegetables or baked potatoes – or use it in a pasta bake. Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets 1/4 cup…

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