Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Fettuccine
I have recently discovered konjac pasta. Konjac is an Asian root vegetable which contains roughly 40% glucomannan, a type of soluble fibre that has been shown to lower cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity (thus reducing blood sugar level), largely by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and suppressing disease-causing ones. It also creates a…
Healing food addiction – an intimate conversation with Andrew ‘Spud Fit’ Taylor
I’m delighted to share an intimate and wide-ranging conversation with Andrew ‘Spud Fit’ Taylor, to celebrate the release of his new book (to which I contributed one of my favourite recipes, Sweet Potato Brownies), The Spud Fit Cookbook. In the interview we discussed: Why Andrew undertook his 1-year potato challenge, in which for the entire…
Organic vs conventional produce – is organic worth it?
One of the questions I’m most often asked by my clients is, “How important is it to buy organic produce? Should I only eat organic?” Here’s an excerpt from an email I received on the subject: “I’d love to buy 100% organic, but from the time I retired, I have found it increasingly difficult to…
Caramelised Coconut Plantains
I have been making up for the sad fact that I did not know about plantains for the first 46 years of my life, by experimenting with every conceivable way of preparing these delicious, nutritious beauties. When the remnants of the last bunch that I bought had reached the super-ripe state, I figured it was…
Pizza Pizzazz
I LOVE pizza night! I’ve experimented with all sorts of pizza bases, from Lebanese bread to polenta pizza crust to commercial wholemeal crusts. With a 5 kg bag of organic wholemeal spelt flour in the fridge, I decided it was time to try a spelt pizza crust. I followed the pizza crust recipe in my…
For an easier menopause, eat plants!
A recently-published study confirms what plant-based practitioners have observed in clinical practice over many years: women who eat a plant-based diet have an easier transition through menopause. The title of the study gives away the punch line: “Vegans report less bothersome vasomotor and physical menopausal symptoms than omnivores”. The authors surveyed female vegans, vegetarians, and…
Kale Pesto
My basil plant has continued to thrive despite Sydney’s recent spate of cold weather, enjoying its sunny spot on our front porch. As a result, we’ve been blessed with an abundance of fragrant basil leaves throughout winter, which inspired this recipe. Stir Kale Pesto through your favourite wholemeal or legume pasta, dollop it on baked…
Diabetes: ‘awareness’ vs action
The endless parade of ‘disease awareness’ days, weeks and months rolls on. This time it’s diabetes’ turn to twirl the baton, with Diabetes Australia declaring 8-14 July National Diabetes Week. Diabetes Australia summarises the mission of National Diabetes Week, and the broader ‘It’s About Time’ Campaign of which it forms part, as follows: “Diabetes Australia’s…
Depressing drugs
A recent US study has revealed a worrying trend: in the midst of growing concerns about rising rates of depression, nearly 40% of adults are taking prescription drugs that can cause depression as a ‘side effect’, and the number of people taking such drugs is steadily increasing. The study, conducted by researchers at the University…
Tangy Passionfruit Nice Cream
My favourite fruit and vegie shop had overripe bananas for $3 a box last week. Happy days! I peeled them, chopped them up and popped them in the freezer, and have been experimenting with different versions of Nice Cream ever since. Baobab powder is optional for this recipe, but it adds to the tanginess –…