How working on bad memories helps you build a better future
I get two types of response from my clients and program participants when I start talking about working on past events that shaped their body image, relationship with food, cravings and other weight-related issues: The first category of response is from those who have already done a fair bit of personal growth work. They really…
Curried Cauliflower and Lentil Soup
Cauliflower and curry spices are a match made in heaven! Make a big batch of this soup; you’ll find the leftovers are even better, as the flavour develops on standing. Served with steamed greens, this soup makes a complete meal. Ingredients: 1 medium onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp ground turmeric 2 tsp…
Cauliflower ‘Cheeze’
Most vegan versions of this childhood favourite are nut-based and high in fat. I’ve been experimenting with replacing some of the nuts with brown rice flour, and have come up with a perfectly creamy Cauliflower ‘Cheeze’ with a whole lot less fat! Savoury yeast flakes, known in the US as nutritional yeast, add a cheesy…
Why are salt, sugar and fat so addictive?
In last week’s post, I introduced you to John and Ashleigh, who both struggle with food cravings when they become anxious. As I pointed out in that post, “It’s not about the food”, many people overeat, or eat when they’re not genuinely hungry, to quell uncomfortable feelings. But why is it that, as John humorously…
Pumpkin Muffins
My daughter is always nagging me to make muffins that she can take for school lunches. I adapted this recipe from John and Mary McDougall’s fantastic book The Starch Solution. These moist, satisfying muffins are so delectable, I’m now under orders from Imogen to make them every week! This recipe is a great way to…
Deluxe Breakfast Buckinis
Having mastered the art of the basic buckini, I’ve moved on to bigger and better things! Prompted by my daughter’s kit list for an upcoming Guide camp , which included BYO breakfast cereal, I got to work on creating a delicious breakfast combo that would put Cornflakes and Rice Bubbles in the shade. I think…
Fear-based medicine and the concept of risk
Last week’s Deep Dive webinar on cancer screening was a pretty wild ride; many EmpowerEd members expressed surprise and outrage after learning about the shockingly poor evidence base for common cancer screening tests. Fun fact from the webinar: No randomised controlled trial to determine whether colonoscopy is effective for either early detection of colorectal cancer…
Sweet Potato, Kale and Buckwheat Ragout with Tamarind Yoghurt
My previously-confessed love affair with buckwheat is still burning hot. Here’s this week’s buckwheat creation: a hearty and flavourful main course stew. Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 1 tbsp maple syrup 1 tbsp black cherry vinegar (or use balsamic vinegar – preferably caramelised – if you can’t find black cherry) 2 tsp…
Waking up to the power of food
A month or so ago, the indefatigable Greg McFarlane, who has been involved with the animal rights and vegan movements for the last 10 years and is currently a director of Vegan Australia, approached me for help. The Australian Department of Health was calling for submissions on its draft National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions,…
Cinnamonny Brekky Buckinis
Buckwheat, where have you been all my life???? I’ve known about this nutritious, gluten-free pseudo-grain for years, and dabbled with a few recipes for it. But it wasn’t until I was placing an order with Honest to Goodness that I decided to go all out and buy a 5 kg bag of the stuff. That…