tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24182687848976017152024-02-21T04:04:38.035+11:00Harvest HealthVickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-36501031889953037442015-02-09T11:30:00.000+11:002015-02-09T11:30:16.144+11:00New Year's WordI know New Year's Eve was over a month ago now. I also know that New year's resolutions have been done to death over the last month. During January, many newspapers, magazines and blogs seemed to talk incessantly about making and keeping resolutions. I got quite tired of it. I also got quite cynical. I'd like another round of resolution articles in June or July, just to check in and see how people are going with the resolutions they proudly proclaimed, full of enthusiasm in January. I wonder if many could even remember them!<br />
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I've been reading, however, about an alternative to resolutions, and that is a New Year's Word. A word for the year sets your intention for who you want to be, or what you want to create more of in your life. It's a word for you to focus on and to help guide you when making decisions. I love the simplicity of this notion. If the word is chosen well it can influence your day to day life and your bigger picture decision making.<br />
<br />
It took a little while for me to find my word, but once I had it there was no doubting it was the right one. My word is mindful. I know mindfulness has been a bit of a buzzword lately and there are mindfulness workshops aplenty. I'm keeping it simple at this stage. For me it means a real need to slow down and focus on just one thing. I want my word this year to help me not live in such a constant state of mental distraction. As a small example, I would like to read and focus on one book at a time instead of several, complete one task on the computer at a time instead of having several windows open. <br />
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I'm well aware that mindfulness is not a new concept; indeed it's an ancient practice that has been written about over the centuries by many learned and wise people. There is much to know and learn, but I'm focussing on taking small steps. I'm hopeful that remaining aware of my word for the year will keep me focussed and present in my life.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-66041431310655600472014-09-11T14:28:00.000+10:002014-09-11T14:30:37.271+10:00Green Smoothies……The Good and the Bad.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The green smoothie
phenomenon has been sweeping the world for a few years now, and it looks like
it’s here to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with most health
fads, it has its good and bad points.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span lang="EN-US">The Good:</span></h3>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCbqkge8kzSvz2PKYS1huDAZpKQM6tSII3su-ewqs729H015I-1NaCTKMil0R_WfAI620FHXrPFaZPnREFb9bYDu5Kvcz63dgezdo9HW7i_LFZJpnxYU0JFJyBCwCjANBl8cRByUkWvxO/s1600/Green+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCbqkge8kzSvz2PKYS1huDAZpKQM6tSII3su-ewqs729H015I-1NaCTKMil0R_WfAI620FHXrPFaZPnREFb9bYDu5Kvcz63dgezdo9HW7i_LFZJpnxYU0JFJyBCwCjANBl8cRByUkWvxO/s1600/Green+smoothie.jpg" height="305" width="320" /></a>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 110%; text-indent: -18pt;">v<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 110%; text-indent: -18pt;">Drinking
regular green smoothies can dramatically increase your vegetable intake over a
day, and over the week.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 110%; text-indent: -18pt;">v<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 110%; text-indent: -18pt;">Portable
- a good option for ‘eating’ on the run. A quick, nutritious snack</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 110%; text-indent: -18pt;">v<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 110%; text-indent: -18pt;">Often
kids will happily have vegetables in a smoothie that they wouldn’t normally eat</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 110%; text-indent: -18pt;">v<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 110%; text-indent: -18pt;">Contains the
whole vegetable, including the fibre, unlike juices where the fibre is left
behind.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<h3>
<span lang="EN-US">The Bad:</span></h3>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">v<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Most of
the greens used in green smoothies are traditionally eaten cooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some contain chemicals called oxalates that
are neutralised when cooked, but not when eaten raw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oxalates can block mineral absorption and
potentially cause kidney stones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">v<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 110%;">There is
no chewing involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chewing is the
first part of digestion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although a
blender will do some of the work for you by making the food into tiny pieces,
the saliva involved with chewing has enzymes which begin the process of
digestion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">v<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 110%;">They can
cause digestive disturbances in some people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is no point in having a green smoothie if it gives you diarrhoea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">v<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 110%;">They are
often made with a lot more fruit than veg, meaning they are sweet, and will
cause a spike in blood sugar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 110%;">So, as with many health fads, green smoothies can be
good, but not for all people, and not all of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spring, however is the ideal time to increase
your intake of greens and give the occasional green smoothie a go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 22.0pt;">Green Smoothie
Recipes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">There is no exact
recipe, although you will find many on the internet.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Experiment with different greens, veg and
fruit to find combinations you enjoy.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Ideally, make sure that the amount of veg is greater than the amount of
fruit.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Greens to try include:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">spinach,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">silverbeet,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">kale, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">beetroot greens, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">parsley, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">celery and </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">cucumber.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">If adventurous, you can try greens from the
garden such as dandelion, mallow or purslane!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The following is a basic green smoothie recipe:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">1 orange, peeled</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">1/2 banana</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">3 kale leaves, stripped off stem</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">1 tbl chia seeds (optional)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Or for a more tropical flavour, try:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">1/2 cup pineapple</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">1 stick of celery and/or 1/2 cucumber</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">1/2 apple</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">twig of mint</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">2 - 3 big handfuls of leafy green veg</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-55509221084880901152014-09-08T13:42:00.000+10:002014-09-08T13:42:27.798+10:00A thousand steps. In a day, and over a lifetimeMore beautiful Spring weather over this past weekend motivated my husband and I to take the family outdoors to celebrate Father's Day. We went to a well known walk called the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk in the Dandenong Ranges National Park on the outskirts of Melbourne. It is a memorial to the soldiers who fought and defended the Kokoda trail in Papua New Guinea in the second World War. So, it is narrow, steep and challenging.<br />
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My children are 10 and 13, and I have to admit they were not willing participants in this activity that they were dragged into by their parents! My 13 year old son in particular was most challenged by the steepness of the steps. It gave me cause to reflect, as I waited for him and tried to encourage him. Indeed, I think the steps are designed to make you reflective. <br />
<br />
I reflected on the difficulty of the challenge and how it can be a metaphor for the challenge of life and for our health. I likened each step we took on the path to the steps we take during our life. We find some steps really difficult to take, and others require less effort. Sometimes we need to rest before taking the next step, and other times we can keep going with less effort. Meanwhile we are surrounded by other people on their own journeys. Some finding it a greater struggle than us, and others seemingly taking effortless strides to pass us. (If you do this walk, you will see people of all different abilities on it).<br />
<br />
So wherever we are in our life, a large part of it is due to steps we have taken to reach there. Each day we are faced with decisions on which steps to take. Steps that will lead to greater health and vitality, or steps that take us further away from good health. It's a daily challenge for us, wherever we are on our health journey.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-88223981240815424132014-09-06T13:04:00.000+10:002014-09-08T13:15:57.716+10:00Spring…….finallyTwo weeks ago I sighted my first cherry blossom, and the effect on my mood was immediate. It made me feel very happy as it heralded the end of what has felt like a long and particularly cold winter here in Melbourne. <br />
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This year there seemed to be greater number of days that have been particularly cold, especially the early morning and evening. The first signs of spring along with some blue skies and an increase in the temperature seems to have had an effect on the whole of the city and those of us that live here.<br />
<br />
Spring brings an upsurge in nature's energy. We are surrounded by visual evidence of this rising of energy in the appearance of leaves and unfolding of flowers. As human beings we cannot help but be affected by this energy. I don't know whether it is just that I am feeling better with the appearance of the sun, but it seems as though everyone is a little bit happier, a little bit more relaxed. It as though we have been holding our breath, and can now finally breathe out.<br />
<br />
Winter is a time of contraction, where we withdraw and are more inclined to stay at home. This is not necessarily a bad thing as we hopefully use this time to pause and reflect. The arrival of Spring means we breathe deeper, exhale, straighten our shoulders and feel a sense of expansion.<br />
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Embrace the change of seasons. Become aware of the effect of different seasons on your mind and body. At the very least, take a few moments to relax your shoulders, open your arms and breathe deeply, welcoming the energy of Spring.<br />
<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-45765713334548056832014-04-25T11:13:00.001+10:002014-04-26T21:39:10.206+10:00Don't forget the BasicsLately, in my work with some lovely new clients, I've been reminded how easy it is to overlook the basics of good health. By this, I mean the simple things that we are in control of for ourselves, but due to their simple nature they are often overlooked or not given any importance. Here are my top two basics of good health:<br />
<br />
<b>Sleep</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvoLsVmqTk10CBokl7wDlZVofEd3aFzutPu0PRaOKdwE80DEICnCJ0DpfI6r2BwHZsm4WDo6WZtu3c4Zn7fSsHol2R9ewVB4ZHpJbcwecV_Zwp16UY1twQbZjuvOdkIAgbuDD0M170SeM/s1600/sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvoLsVmqTk10CBokl7wDlZVofEd3aFzutPu0PRaOKdwE80DEICnCJ0DpfI6r2BwHZsm4WDo6WZtu3c4Zn7fSsHol2R9ewVB4ZHpJbcwecV_Zwp16UY1twQbZjuvOdkIAgbuDD0M170SeM/s1600/sleep.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>Sleep is the cornerstone of good health. It doesn't matter how good your diet is, or how many times a week you're exercising, if you're not getting enough sleep you will not feel as vital, or energetic as you could. Many people get caught in front of the TV, or on social media several nights a week, and their bed time gradually creeps later and later. <br />
<br />
A viscious cycle is created when we induce a chronic lack of sleep. In order to feel awake each morning (and possibly each afternoon),we reach for caffeine and sugar. These two substances can wreak havoc on our health and create their own set of health problems. Going to bed earlier and having a restful night's sleep can mean we have less of a dependence on stimulating substances, and can keep them as an occasional indulgence.<br />
<br />
<b>Breakfast</b><br />
Perhaps if you have not had a good night's sleep, you sleep in and don't allow enough time for breakfast in the morning. Or perhaps you are so busy taking care of your family's needs in the morning that you neglect your own. We have all heard the mantra that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, it's true! If you skip breakfast, or just have a cup of coffee, you are much more likely to eat unhealthy foods at 10 or 11 o'clock. This then becomes its own negative habit or pattern. <br />
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<br />
It is important for your health to create a morning routine that enables you to eat a healthy breakfast. Be careful not to overdose on sugar by having fruit juice and sugar-laced cereals. It is easy to create a balanced breakfast by eating simple things such as egg and/or avocado on toast, porridge, or yoghurt, fruit and nuts. If you are interested in some more healthy breakfast ideas, I have written extensively <a href="http://theharvestofhealth.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/healthy-breakfast-ideas-part-1.html" target="_blank">here,</a> <a href="http://theharvestofhealth.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/healthy-breakfast-ideas-part-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://theharvestofhealth.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/muesli-recipe-well-sort-of.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://theharvestofhealth.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/crunchy-granola.html" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="http://theharvestofhealth.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/joy-of-eggs.html" target="_blank">here</a>. (Mmmm...there is definitely a recurring theme on this blog! Perhaps it's time to move onto other topics, such as lunch?) If you really can't face eating breakfast, try a smoothie or at least a couple of pieces of fruit, so your body is fuelled before you leave the house.<br />
<br />
So there you have it, two simple basics of good health. Get these two right, and you are well on your way to enjoying good health.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-15623910088661592982014-02-28T12:08:00.000+11:002014-02-28T12:08:28.513+11:00Chia Pudding in a jarThere has been a bit of a buzz in health circles lately on the concept of creating meals in a jar. The ones that have taken my interest are 'salad in a jar' and chia puddings in a jar. I'm not sure who came up with the original idea, so unfortunately I can't credit or link to them here. The basic premise is the layering of healthy ingredients that can then be either eaten straight from the jar, or tipped into a bowl before eating.<br />
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Firstly, a word or two about chia seeds. Chia seeds are right up there with quinoa in terms of a new 'superfood' that has been embraced by the wider community. Initially when the craze began I was skeptical that chia seeds were just a fad, and stuck to my more humble flaxseed (or linseed). I now think they both have their place as they have different properties. One of the beneficial properties of chia seeds as you will see in this post, is their ability to swell in size until gel-like. The beauty of this is that with very minimal effort and absolutely no cooking you can create a pudding.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Chia goodness (or why they're worth eating):</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>High in fibre</li>
<li>Full of protein</li>
<li>High in omega 3s</li>
<li>Contain potassium and calcium</li>
<li>Gluten free</li>
</ul>
When soaked in a liquid the seeds swell and become gel like. Make sure to drink plenty of water when you eat them as they are so full of fibre.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">You can sprinkle them on breakfast cereal or salads.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">You can add them to a smoothie to make it more filling<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">You can mix them with warm milk to make a porridge<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">You can mix them with cold milk to make either a cold porridge or a pudding.</span> </li>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">The great thing with chia seeds is that you don’t have to cook them, you just mix them with a liquid.</span></b></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US">Chia Pudding in a Jar<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Chia
pudding can be eaten for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack. It packs a
powerful nutritional punch and is extremely easy to make. This recipe
fills a 250ml jar or glass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfafxSK98L1t-Vx-r159uY5uTskMi8pxojzojO1hLlwng6ruvlNnhimzqMJVlg6wKm8ejdF_wSKpHvCFz7EuZ_ywsrlGjzJnp6KudLm0o5NaLEx2gjlQn8Q5lm9o_YwN-loNezBWPwJi4/s1600/IMG_0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfafxSK98L1t-Vx-r159uY5uTskMi8pxojzojO1hLlwng6ruvlNnhimzqMJVlg6wKm8ejdF_wSKpHvCFz7EuZ_ywsrlGjzJnp6KudLm0o5NaLEx2gjlQn8Q5lm9o_YwN-loNezBWPwJi4/s1600/IMG_0165.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">1tbl chia seeds<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">¼ cup milk of your choice (cow, almond,
oat, coconut)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Splash of maple syrup (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">½ cup mixed berries (or other seasonal
fruit)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">½ cup chopped nuts such as walnuts
and/or pecans<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">¼ cup yoghurt<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">In a jar combine the chia seeds, milk
and maple syrup if using and stir well.
The pudding will set in 5-10 minutes, or can be put in the fridge
overnight. You will need to stir a few times until it's set.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Place your berries (or other fruit)
over the chia pudding.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Layer the nuts over the berries. Dry roasting the nuts beforehand adds
another level of flavor<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Finish the pudding with a layer of
natural yoghurt.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">When ready to eat mix it all together
and ENJOY!</span></li>
</ol>
The variations on the above recipe are endless. Use this as a guide only and experiment with different combinations of fruit and nuts.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-70127124127174379292013-07-09T11:31:00.000+10:002013-07-09T11:31:24.371+10:00Weekend pancakesEvery weekend for the last few years, my family has made pancakes for Sunday breakfast. I've always tried to make them as healthy as possible, while also trying to make them enjoyable for my children. While most things can be made to taste good with maple syrup or jam, I have to admit that often what I served up was a bit heavy and not what would be accepted as pancakes in most households. The reason being that I was using buckwheat flour to make them gluten free. Although, to be honest, sometimes, I would throw in a 1/4 cup of wheat flour, just to make them a bit lighter. <br />
<br />
I'm extremely happy now though, after a bit of experimenting to serve light and fluffy, yet filling, gluten free pancakes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSouGVfmTC0CYltMBpADN-T9rELuKO60A3RI5jY1o0IbVXTKPCZgi5INwHotorEBWMRkHKoHD0FxIs3l6FGZ0VKT3LXH-FxzxOfNxEIec5i4jRwCcuRO1DAARgMZRblOxyZkc5Rwfus0e7/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSouGVfmTC0CYltMBpADN-T9rELuKO60A3RI5jY1o0IbVXTKPCZgi5INwHotorEBWMRkHKoHD0FxIs3l6FGZ0VKT3LXH-FxzxOfNxEIec5i4jRwCcuRO1DAARgMZRblOxyZkc5Rwfus0e7/s320/IMG_2073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The addition of two things - ricotta and baking powder has made a world of difference.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Recipe for Buckwheat and ricotta pancakes:</u></b><br />
<br />
2 cups buckwheat flour<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
pinch of sea salt<br />
1 1/2 cups milk (more if you like a thinner pancake)<br />
1 cup ricotta<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil or butter.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">In another bowl, combine the milk, ricotta and egg together with the melted butter or coconut oil. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry until combined. Let sit for 5 minutes.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Heat up a frypan, grease it lightly with butter or coconut oil and drop batter (about 1/4 cup for each pancake) onto the pan. When bubbles form on top and the slides look almost set, turn over to cook the other side. Remove and repeat. Unfortunately there's no getting around the fact that butter (or coconut oil) needs to be added to the pan before each batch of pancakes!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These are delicious with yoghurt and maple syrup. The addition of the ricotta makes the pancakes much higher in protein and more filling.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-46140748046100561432013-06-07T15:04:00.001+10:002013-06-07T15:04:04.618+10:00Embracing WinterAfter a summer that was relentless in its heat and that seemed to extend into a large part of Autumn, Winter is finally upon us here in Melbourne. After such an intense Summer it is with some relief and delight that I welcome Winter. Of course, it brings its own challenges - feeling tired, suffering with illness, and longing for sunshine being top of the list.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytWepgvvtprS3tIgvnc4QawcYumGzeUTEgKrNTcIRciOcmqLJafiXhlrb1CQ3WqlVf4IVg_YxmuG4WdQrwh5tRGiOLJKlEBq6JdaEVmeiSHPBurfE20KM7jVIZRmT_1IeYQos-BuArsFM/s1600/Winter_wallpapers_37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytWepgvvtprS3tIgvnc4QawcYumGzeUTEgKrNTcIRciOcmqLJafiXhlrb1CQ3WqlVf4IVg_YxmuG4WdQrwh5tRGiOLJKlEBq6JdaEVmeiSHPBurfE20KM7jVIZRmT_1IeYQos-BuArsFM/s320/Winter_wallpapers_37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are many things we can do to make sure Winter is enjoyed, and not just endured. Here are the top things on my list. Please share any others you may have in the Comments.<br />
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<h3>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Strategies for a Healthy Winter:</span></b></h3>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Move your body</span></h4>
Although there is a natural inclination to hibernate during Winter, it is also important to get regular exercise. As well as helping to stop us becoming sluggish and put on weight, regular exercise is important for our immune system<br />
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Wash your hands!</span></h4>
This may sound a little odd, or obvious, but regular hand washing is an effective strategy against contracting infectious illness. Special anti-bacterial soap is not necessary - just plain soap and water, with a proper scrub of the hands is all that's needed.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Warming foods</span></h4>
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Ok, so it's fairly obvious that at some point I was going to mention food! During the colder months it's important to eat warming foods - this includes soups, casseroles, roasts. The root vegetables come into their own during winter and can form the basis of a meal by just cutting up and roasting in a pan, with some olive or coconut oil and a sprinkling of herbs such as rosemary. Garlic is immune enhancing and can be added near to the end of cooking lots of soups and casseroles for maximum benefit.<br />
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<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Orange</span></h4>
It is no coincidence that many of the vegetables in season now are orange, such as sweet potato, pumpkin and carrots. Orange vegetables are high in Vitamin A which is strengthening to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">Raw and green are good too</span></h4>
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As well as enjoying the delights of winter comfort food, include some greens on a daily basis. Winter provides an abundance of green veggies - silverbeet, spinach, parsley, broccoli and salad greens all grow well. Some raw greens will give your body beneficial enzymes and fibre.</div>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Drink warm drinks</span></h4>
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Remember Enid Blyton books always contained the characters having 'steaming mugs of hot chocolate'?? A warm drink is very comforting. Beyond the usual tea and coffee, there is a whole world of herbal teas to try. Some good ones to start with are Licorice, Ginger, Dandelion root and Y.E.P (yarrow, elder and peppermint). The occasional hot chocolate is a winter treat to be enjoyed, not to feel guilty about!</div>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">My favourite immune nutrients</span></h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><u>Vitamin C</u></span><br />
Vitamin C is effective in preventing and treating common respiratory infections such as the common cold and the flu. It is most effective when taken right at the start of the infection, when you first suspect you might be ill. It is possible to take quite high amounts by taking small doses regularly over the day. Vitamin C is absorbed in the bowel, and maximum absorption is attained when taken in divided doses rather than one large amount.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><u>Zinc</u></span><br />
Zinc is an essential trace element that is involved in many aspects of immune function. It is essential for the normal development and function of many immune cells. Zinc lozenges are very useful at the start of a cold, and can be taken in conjunction with Vitamin C. Just be careful when taking Zinc, not to take it on an empty stomach as it can make you feel nauseous.<br />
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWgWOnbklHqqvdKo6wUAEia9HDFfkwTIDOu4fDjVDdgkJshYQRh03yVjBv7hq-LyV6YBVMM4_Je5aLef9TewH0mNpOByV7X8lvCMWcB03uTUw22FPRMWbs7-X8rXwTZ71e9IHwXa6ZtVK/s1600/Echinacea+Purpurea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWgWOnbklHqqvdKo6wUAEia9HDFfkwTIDOu4fDjVDdgkJshYQRh03yVjBv7hq-LyV6YBVMM4_Je5aLef9TewH0mNpOByV7X8lvCMWcB03uTUw22FPRMWbs7-X8rXwTZ71e9IHwXa6ZtVK/s200/Echinacea+Purpurea.jpg" width="105" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">My favourite immune herbs</span></h4>
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If taken early and often enough, the immune enhancing herbs can stop a cold from developing. At the very least they can lessen the duration and severity of a cold. My favourite ones are Andrographis, Echinacea, Elder and Ginger. They can be taken in tablet form or as liquid extracts. In order to be effective though, they have to be quality herbs taken at the right dose.</div>
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A cold or two over the winter months is to be expected. However, by taking care of yourself and boosting your immune system, you can make sure they are mild and not debilitating. Embrace the goodness of winter while it's here.</div>
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<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-84139578758338479902013-02-19T12:15:00.000+11:002013-02-19T12:15:00.106+11:00Gluten free Zucchini frittersNot wanting to waste any of our <a href="http://theharvestofhealth.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/zucchinivegetable-of-summer.html" target="_blank">zucchini</a> bounty, we have been eating it a few to several times a week. It is possible that I was getting just a tiny bit sick of it. That is, until, in an effort to use up several zucchinis in one meal, I made zucchini fritters. They were delicious and restored my love for the vegetable of this summer.<br />
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It's also possible that the world doesn't need another zucchini fritter recipe, but they're so easy and so yummy I feel compelled to share.<br />
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<b>Zucchini fritters</b><br />
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3 medium zucchini<br />
2 eggs, lightly whisked<br />
1/2 cup chickpea flour (besan)*<br />
1/2 tsp sea salt<br />
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Choose any combination of the following depending on what you like or have on hand:<br />
1/2 onion, sliced thinly<br />
3 spring onions cut into 1cm pieces<br />
1 cup peas<br />
Handful of chopped mint and/or parsley<br />
Zest from 1 lemon<br />
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Grate zucchini either with a grater or food processor. Place in a colander and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. After a few minutes grab handfuls and squeeze out the liquid. Place in a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Add more flour if mixture is too wet.<br />
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Cook fritters in olive oil for about 2 minutes each side, or until golden brown. You can then either eat straight away or put into a low to medium oven to keep warm.<br />
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Delicious served with a green salad or tomato salsa.<br />
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*Chickpea flour can be found at most whole food shops and even the supermarket. You can also use almond meal or coconut flour to keep it gluten free. Or simply use plain flour if gluten in not a problem.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-78039865784151472142013-02-16T13:20:00.000+11:002013-02-16T17:04:28.870+11:00Chamomile - a small herb with big actions!First up in my series of common herb profiles is one that is known and used world wide - Chamomile. Chamomile (<i>Matricaria recutita; Chamomilla recutita) </i>is a herb that has been used since ancient times. Traditionally it was considered to have two specific fields of action: the nervous system and the digestive system. It works particularly well therefore on nervous conditions that affect the digestive system. Chamomile has always been used with children, indicating that it is considered a very safe and gentle herb.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwztZGoQvgtj3ltxD_EI9665lNVcZBxVRXYARtpeTVPYYLY4E9y0ReqqEjsj8z5FxlelfGVEc9-LDCaLRS6weMBSCgij8TGkw4JM7uJ2aR3ok_Wn_cAvLV_GH2SvM5HFlUfHLbh1ILkpnP/s1600/chamomile+in+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwztZGoQvgtj3ltxD_EI9665lNVcZBxVRXYARtpeTVPYYLY4E9y0ReqqEjsj8z5FxlelfGVEc9-LDCaLRS6weMBSCgij8TGkw4JM7uJ2aR3ok_Wn_cAvLV_GH2SvM5HFlUfHLbh1ILkpnP/s200/chamomile+in+garden.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>Actions:</b><br />
Chamomile has the following actions:<br />
anti-inflammatory<br />
antispsamodic<br />
carminative (soothing to the gut wall, and reduction of gas),<br />
mild sedative,<br />
antimicrobial,<br />
vulnerary (wound healing) and<br />
diaphoretic (promoting or inducing a sweat).<br />
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You can see that is a lot of actions for a little common herb! Do not under-estimate the humble chamomile.<br />
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A herbalist might use chamomile to treat the following conditions:<br />
<ul>
<li>Irritable bowel syndrome</li>
<li>Food sensitivities</li>
<li>Flatulence and colic</li>
<li>Diarrhoea</li>
<li>Gastrointestinal inflammation</li>
<li>Infantile colic</li>
<li>Gastritis, peptic ulcers, reflux</li>
<li>Restlessness and anxiety</li>
<li>Topically for eczema (dermatitis)</li>
</ul>
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<b>Quality</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5b9_BJWppANAXqzwgLyVzfsGCbkOGuBYtkX0opurAHgHYJUyt7PiMVZAAoHDxCAbv-ZKIza0Nw30J_qj88rss5E_OgapJc7Xm9tbZA5FkY5aM_RJiYb8RmzX6CkXTG1YITRrLy7ucTDG/s1600/chamomile+dried.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5b9_BJWppANAXqzwgLyVzfsGCbkOGuBYtkX0opurAHgHYJUyt7PiMVZAAoHDxCAbv-ZKIza0Nw30J_qj88rss5E_OgapJc7Xm9tbZA5FkY5aM_RJiYb8RmzX6CkXTG1YITRrLy7ucTDG/s200/chamomile+dried.jpg" width="200" /></a>You can use chamomile yourself at home to also treat the above conditions. A cup of chamomile tea may not seem like strong medicine, but if it is made correctly with quality dried herb, it can have the same actions as outlined above. Beware though, a cup of chamomile tea made with a teabag from the supermarket is not the same thing! We are very lucky here in Victoria to have <a href="http://www.southernlightherbs.com.au/" target="_blank">Southern Light Herb</a>s, a family run business that grows and sources the very best quality herbs for their teas. Visiting their farm made me aware of the vast difference in quality between their organic loose leaf herbal tea, and what is packaged and sold as tea in teabags. Their tea is available from organic whole food shops, health food shops, and many naturopaths.</div>
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<b>Making a cuppa:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNV-2Ee8xU7IwCPnyjzzSO8K_bFBJlwU0zOPGzZk2_lqZ4t4-GdaNZoDd7OVshOG2FyJLo5znyNj4MSyfrtWRT_6as1SvvnzCOFXQcgehbhoBXM01GXsJPjSYUtNDFi4zSTGKTZXnoHeG2/s1600/chamomile+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNV-2Ee8xU7IwCPnyjzzSO8K_bFBJlwU0zOPGzZk2_lqZ4t4-GdaNZoDd7OVshOG2FyJLo5znyNj4MSyfrtWRT_6as1SvvnzCOFXQcgehbhoBXM01GXsJPjSYUtNDFi4zSTGKTZXnoHeG2/s200/chamomile+tea.jpg" width="200" /></a>Get yourself some real dried chamomile flowers. Add 1 - 2 tsp per person to a teapot or a cup with a lid. It is very important when making a cup of chamomile tea that the tea is enclosed either by a lid or in a teapot, or else many of the active constituents may escape. Leave to steep for at least 5 minutes. Make it as strong as you enjoy, but I think the stronger the better!</div>
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Although night time is the classic time to drink a cup of chamomile tea to help with sleep, it can be enjoyed at almost any other time of day. Make a cup to soothe an upset stomach, to decrease period pain, or to relieve a tension headache.</div>
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<b>Chamomile - small herb - big actions!</b></div>
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Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-10364305938823540022013-02-12T12:45:00.003+11:002013-02-12T12:45:59.061+11:00Herbal MedicineIf you have never been to a naturopath, or are new to the naturopathic world, you may be unfamiliar with how we treat. The main modalities I practice are Herbal medicine, and Nutrition. Both are wonderful and effective entities in themselves, but when used therapeutically together, they can be outstanding in their effect on people, helping them to become well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqT33jMWhZiWtsWlY-oms7v411bhnPPyfspQ40G2Nrvtju8KM2qmXDFaj7VuOL12Ob4e6Ayrv97cNgcbTGGGpmrhXUJq3-bZqoYxpm0Qa9gdvxwM8hW29nD16b-0L39Q17nLvlmsRmwWl/s1600/Herb+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqT33jMWhZiWtsWlY-oms7v411bhnPPyfspQ40G2Nrvtju8KM2qmXDFaj7VuOL12Ob4e6Ayrv97cNgcbTGGGpmrhXUJq3-bZqoYxpm0Qa9gdvxwM8hW29nD16b-0L39Q17nLvlmsRmwWl/s320/Herb+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a>Herbal medicine is under utilised by our largely Western society in Australia. However, from a world-wide point of view, the majority of medicine taken around the world are herbal remedies. Herbal medicine is not a primitive form of treating that has been superseded by modern medicine. It still has relevance and so much to offer to people in the 21st century. It is my wish that more people are going to learn about and turn to herb medicine. The 'world of the weed' has so much to offer!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r-aZN5_shpvx7wJDu76Jr2znWg1sclRxy3kKNhSYbXuLOWhlv2byp-5RJ2YFLyWPIn3M88OQoaMZGUfOuJmXty9CT8bwnlb6zRj1c2G6l9ClGU_Kb9Hu4SWHFIDxyMTaXcVQkBvOLpcW/s1600/herb+garden+overgrwon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r-aZN5_shpvx7wJDu76Jr2znWg1sclRxy3kKNhSYbXuLOWhlv2byp-5RJ2YFLyWPIn3M88OQoaMZGUfOuJmXty9CT8bwnlb6zRj1c2G6l9ClGU_Kb9Hu4SWHFIDxyMTaXcVQkBvOLpcW/s200/herb+garden+overgrwon.jpg" width="200" /></a>Some of the herbs I use in my dispensary would have been familiar to, and used by the Greeks and Chinese 3000 years ago. This is exciting. Remedies would not be handed down over thousands of years if they weren't effective. Our ancestors had a different concept of illness than today's modern medicine. Back then they viewed diseases as imbalances to be corrected, rather than invasions to be attacked. Herbal remedies were used to adjust patterns of disorder, and gently nudge a body back to health.<br />
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One of the most wonderful things about the herbal world is that herbs behave as more than just an assembly of chemicals. Whereas many drugs are used for only one action on a specific disease state, many herbs can be used across different body systems, and have multiple actions. I may be a bit biased, but I think that's tremendously exciting.<br />
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I am going to run an occasional series on some of the more common herbs that I have in my dispensary, so that you can get a sense of just how amazing these common plants, or weeds are.</div>
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Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-58603391398059224802013-02-01T14:37:00.000+11:002013-02-01T14:37:13.672+11:00Zucchini....vegetable of the Summer<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkDZLbklGu9AvixF_zaXZ-ouBuZpgJdxh_-AX_xswyfbXWJuPO0anCkg2xMaKxOKeMl05kt7RIFPQHNcOWSZfv4yjsJvTLSsXuQSP7_26_Z_mwXq48XiJbCC4y_jvcTZj3YMkFl7iNt3i/s1600/IMG_1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkDZLbklGu9AvixF_zaXZ-ouBuZpgJdxh_-AX_xswyfbXWJuPO0anCkg2xMaKxOKeMl05kt7RIFPQHNcOWSZfv4yjsJvTLSsXuQSP7_26_Z_mwXq48XiJbCC4y_jvcTZj3YMkFl7iNt3i/s200/IMG_1600.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
For the first time, this Summer, I have been growing Zucchini. I can't believe I've never grown it before. Without much effort on my part, the plants have grown lush and green, and provided a bumper harvest of zucchinis that just keeps giving. The vegetables seem to grow centimetres overnight. Despite some, which have become bulbous and hard, most are delicious. Luckily I have been craving zucchini many lunch and dinner times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWvUqGF0vRB6RnNjhriV8HHXQBE3QwOXgNbjkml-DGvizSUDZBKBWiwEu6YIJOPug2P24lt48oA0GqAJvSYqcAfSroVp1ASWPPO9cm844Cr0Vczse-U2mpZkMMXmdGwj0M9k-TqMyDebW/s1600/IMG_1601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWvUqGF0vRB6RnNjhriV8HHXQBE3QwOXgNbjkml-DGvizSUDZBKBWiwEu6YIJOPug2P24lt48oA0GqAJvSYqcAfSroVp1ASWPPO9cm844Cr0Vczse-U2mpZkMMXmdGwj0M9k-TqMyDebW/s200/IMG_1601.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Here are some of the ways we have been eating zucchini over the Summer:<br />
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<b>Raw</b><br />
This has been a revelation for me. Prior to the last year, I have to admit I have never considered eating zucchini raw. Now I can't believe what I've been missing for so long. Raw grated zucchini is delicious just with just a pinch of salt and pepper, lemon juice, olive oil and shredded mint. Also, whenever I am making a 'thrown together' salad for my lunch, I grate in about half a zucchini.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpNPx1UdaLtJsn0-p7jxSOpwEuGXiRQjtPy_hXZpIgtEaL32SroL5lzDbsXNcLQuhNMwD91KD4hdkSY2QU45EvnPV7HsBKt3gBhgEt1_uqit1PzFldxzCI7dSPwZo_1l2Dmr7evl5Uyc6/s1600/IMG_0528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpNPx1UdaLtJsn0-p7jxSOpwEuGXiRQjtPy_hXZpIgtEaL32SroL5lzDbsXNcLQuhNMwD91KD4hdkSY2QU45EvnPV7HsBKt3gBhgEt1_uqit1PzFldxzCI7dSPwZo_1l2Dmr7evl5Uyc6/s200/IMG_0528.jpg" width="150" /></a><b></b><br />
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<b>Zucchini spaghetti</b><br />
This is a nifty little trick to decrease carb content and increase nutrient content of pasta meals. It's very easy to make spaghetti like shapes from zucchini to have in place of traditional pasta. Use a mandolin if you have one, otherwise using a vegetable peeler, (or I find a cheese slicer works really well), slice zucchini into thin wide strips. Then pile the strips on top of each other and cut into thin strips. They can either be used raw, or lightly fried in oil and garlic before placing the pasta sauce on top.<br />
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<b>Cooked minted zucchini</b><br />
Finely slice zucchini and add to a pan with olive oil and 2 cloves of crushed garlic, and salt and pepper. Add a chopped handful of mint and chilli if desired. Cook until soft.<br />
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As you can see, not really recipes, but just some ideas of how to enjoy abundant zucchini.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-45046256883567193662013-01-12T12:31:00.000+11:002013-01-12T12:31:06.187+11:00A New YearIt is usual at this time of year to be thinking in terms of resolutions, or 'intentions', and many people are busy making resolutions in relation to their health or fitness. It is timely however, to remind ourselves that the basis of good health is actually simple. It is not the latest superfood, or super expensive supplement that is going to make you healthy, it is the foundation of health that is created by a few simple habits that will increase your vitality and make you feel really well.<br />
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Being healthy requires effort. You have to take control of your own health and make the necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle. By looking at four key areas though, you can make a big difference to your health.<br />
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<b>1. Food</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_YBZbckCKEcicM7dr3Qd3yJ21PhkidK7EqHDzet72lTtjPby4nwxJgofhpc95h9p89pk-yvNHqD8dKykuyVvwoKaPhLPCNGJ0373qSlRQG-mSrI-FlX_gDoOpXOPGzKPFi3l1ZvWFMMy/s1600/Vegetables+in+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_YBZbckCKEcicM7dr3Qd3yJ21PhkidK7EqHDzet72lTtjPby4nwxJgofhpc95h9p89pk-yvNHqD8dKykuyVvwoKaPhLPCNGJ0373qSlRQG-mSrI-FlX_gDoOpXOPGzKPFi3l1ZvWFMMy/s200/Vegetables+in+basket.jpg" width="190" /></a>Is the majority of what you're consuming making a positive or negative contribution to your health and well being? It is an un-avoidable fact that vegetables are the cornerstones of good health, closely followed by fruit. Make vegetables the main component of lunch and dinner, and then add some protein (animal or vegetarian) and a good quality oil for a salad dressing. For example, eat a large salad for lunch and enjoy plenty of veggies at dinner time. You don't want to be hungry, so add enough protein, and good quality fats (such as avocado) and oils.<br />
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Remove all white products (flour, rice and sugar) from your pantry and diet, and replace with whole grains e.g. brown rice, quinoa, oats, millet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8ss2A7O8sBkGTdV_nAOAwJUcr4M1Wv1ivUwi5vjfBfn6a1E4SY7ISbPaYDSUOq7E0m27qo8VSMkXUOOk5la5xr8Ida6whwO2-KVPuyXHJ5Xas6sghTpGCwOFSKEgnLJ7Wc8Gz6Ri7zo9/s1600/ID-10041679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8ss2A7O8sBkGTdV_nAOAwJUcr4M1Wv1ivUwi5vjfBfn6a1E4SY7ISbPaYDSUOq7E0m27qo8VSMkXUOOk5la5xr8Ida6whwO2-KVPuyXHJ5Xas6sghTpGCwOFSKEgnLJ7Wc8Gz6Ri7zo9/s200/ID-10041679.jpg" width="138" /></a><b>2. Exercise</b><br />
Our bodies are designed to move, not sit for long periods of time. As well as creating specific exercise times during the week, make a determined effort to move more during your normal day. The extra movement over a day really adds up.<br />
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<b>3. Hydrate</b><br />
Many people are living in a state of partial dehydration. Our bodies need for fluids to be replenished is often overlooked. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day, plus some herbal teas. Start each day with a glass of warm water with squeezed lemon juice, and be mindful of how many caffeinated drinks you drink.<br />
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<b>4. Rest</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXeZTqRB10zSve1F-Gy7bAuXLfFeA60Svr9KBq8lbjByn2qEmEsQ1dp9jEMeR65W3EXykiJSix0Od7okAORnv5e-jKSRc4jIaChGM1wMmWreyoQRkz6OoOpE9_nK_fY5dGW2PwF3wY-wD/s1600/ID-10037676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXeZTqRB10zSve1F-Gy7bAuXLfFeA60Svr9KBq8lbjByn2qEmEsQ1dp9jEMeR65W3EXykiJSix0Od7okAORnv5e-jKSRc4jIaChGM1wMmWreyoQRkz6OoOpE9_nK_fY5dGW2PwF3wY-wD/s200/ID-10037676.jpg" width="200" /></a>The best diet in the world, or the highest quality supplements aren't going to be able to do their job and make you feel great if you're not getting adequate sleep and rest. Sleeping well is the cornerstone of good health. Address any sleep problems you have, and get help if necessary. Our bodies need between 7 - 8 hours sleep most nights. <br />
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The New Year is a great opportunity to get serious about your health goals. Instead of doing it on your own, experience the difference it makes letting a professional help you achieve your goals and guide changes to your diet and lifestyle. A naturopath is in a unique position to help you achieve the best health possible.<br />
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<b>Make this year different</b><br />
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Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-80275669035181121722012-11-21T14:25:00.000+11:002012-11-21T14:25:28.613+11:00HayfeverThis Spring in Melbourne has seen many people suffering with hay fever. Even people who have never had hay fever before are experiencing symptoms. So, what exactly is hay fever?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_4wd9F5vwIMJE4W4x-lIVjzdgR6h0DxYjtnGbFKtC3o2S1_euu7q5vXlMQYqZhU8C5SxuO1K0it-T66NNC_mLSQDZiUFGY-cW99wOlUzeVsxLCvjoR2NAd95yo00Xo5LUTzRJNwEOMLQ/s1600/ID-10057572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_4wd9F5vwIMJE4W4x-lIVjzdgR6h0DxYjtnGbFKtC3o2S1_euu7q5vXlMQYqZhU8C5SxuO1K0it-T66NNC_mLSQDZiUFGY-cW99wOlUzeVsxLCvjoR2NAd95yo00Xo5LUTzRJNwEOMLQ/s200/ID-10057572.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
It's correct name is seasonal allergic rhinitis, and it is the result of the body mounting an allergic response to pollens and grasses that are present at certain times of the year - particularly late winter and spring. Symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose, irritated eyes and itchy ears or mouth. The exhaustion that many people experience is a result of the immune response that the body mounts in response to the pollen. The body views the pollen as an invader, and releases cascades of inflammatory chemicals.<br />
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There are many things you can do apart from taking anti-histamine medication, to reduce your symptoms. They include:<br />
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<b>Vitamins</b><br />
Take a good quality vitamin C tablet or powder regularly during the day. Up to 3g of Vitamin C over a day should be fine. Vitamin C in conjunction with the bioflavonoid <u>quercetin</u> works best, as quercetin is a natural anti-histamine.<br />
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<b>Herbs</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nettle<br /></td></tr>
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Elderflower tea can be very effective, especially for nasal symptoms. Choose an organic, loose leaf tea, and drink several cups throughout the day. Nettle tea is also very useful. You can make it with either fresh nettle leaves (use gloves!), or buy it as a dried organic tea. <br />
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<b>Liquid herbs</b><br />
One of my favourite things as a naturopath is being able to create individualised herbal tonics for people. Herbal tonics can be formulated to be anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating so are great for helping the body reduce its immune response to pollens.<br />
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<b>Diet</b><br />
If hay fever symptoms are still getting you down, it may be a good time to review your diet. To decrease the load on your immune system, reduce any foods that could be potential allergens. This could involve avoiding or reducing wheat products such as bread, pasta, cakes, biscuits, pastries, etc. Dairy products may also be increasing the allergenic load on your body so need to be reduced. Food additives such as the sulphur that is in non-organic dried fruit, and wine can worsen or trigger hay fever symptoms, so are best avoided.<br />
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<b>Preparation</b><br />
The best results are achieved by preparing your body for hay fever season a good 6 weeks before you expect symptoms to start. However, if it is already upon you, taking good quality herbal and nutritional supplements will still greatly decrease your symptoms.<br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-71735156690640619142012-07-10T21:51:00.001+10:002012-07-10T22:31:00.848+10:00Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.These seven words sum up the philosophy of professor and journalist <a href="http://www.michaelpollan.com/" target="_blank">Michael Pollan</a>. On Sunday night Michael Pollan gave a talk for the Wheeler Centre at the Melbourne Town Hall. He was an excellent, entertaining speaker, but I have a feeling his talk was falling on the ears of the already converted. If only his message could be spread further to the general public, and not just be received by those with already strong or professional interest in food and diets.<br />
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His message is very simple, but has a lot of research behind it. He believes that if we got back to our traditional food wisdom, and didn't look to big corporations to feed us, we would dramatically improve our health. He doesn't claim to be an expert on nutrition, but can see very clearly that we have gone horribly wrong with our current western diet. <br />
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<img alt="" class="alignright" height="279" src="http://michaelpollan.com/images/food-rules-illustrated-edition.jpg" width="186" /><br />
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I think the first part of his message is the most powerful, but at the same time it is easy to miss. <strong>Eat Food</strong>. The processed food products that make up much of the western diet are not, in fact food, but rather 'food like substances'. These products have many additives, and scarily long shelf lives. To make his point, Michael brought with him a bag full of products he had bought from Woolworths. None of them were what people from a generation or two ago would recognise as food. And interestingly, most of them were in brightly coloured packaging that was making some form of health claim, or boasting the addition of the latest talked about nutrient (e.g. omega 3's).<br />
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If any 'food' makes a health claim it is probably wise not to eat it. The foods that are genuinely good for us don't make any health claims. Fruit and vegetables will not come in bright wrappers broadcasting their health giving properties. If any food product contains an ingredient that a third grader wouldn't be able to pronounce, don't eat it. If a product contains more than five ingredients, don't eat it.<br />
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Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-75385703196887355922012-03-14T21:46:00.000+11:002012-03-14T21:54:33.533+11:00Naturopathic WisdomLast night I went to a talk given by a woman who was one of my lecturers during my Naturopathy degree. I hadn't heard this woman speak for many years, and it was a wonderful experience to sit and listen to her wise words again. She trained as a naturopath in the 'old' days, over 30 years ago. Back then Naturopathy hadn't been complicated by the need to be evidenced based and scientifically valid, which is now the case. Most courses now only teach evidence based treatments. It is considered progressive and more desirable to make naturopathy more scientifically accountable. Prior to the last 10 -15 years, there was a strong emphasis on teaching students naturopathic philosophy. Naturopathic philosophy hasn't changed for the last couple of hundred years, but is at risk of being forgotten, or over-shadowed, by evidence based treatments, and dare I say it, a need or desire to sell lots of products or supplements. <br />
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If naturopaths are focused on prescribing products to their patients, they may not be focused on understanding their patient, and viewing their disease or condition through a naturopathic paradigm. In this instance there is little to distinguish a naturopath from a medical practitioner. The only difference will be in the prescription - drugs versus herbal and nutritional supplements.<br />
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A naturopath that remains true to naturopathic philosophy will not sell you a product to treat each symptom that you present with. Naturopathy has so much more to offer. A good naturopath will investigate how the condition or illness you present with is being experienced in your body. The basis of naturopathic philosophy is that the body is self healing. Therefore, what processes have occurred or not occurred to allow this condition to take hold in your body? How do you operate energetically, metabolically, and emotionally? It is the job of the naturopath to determine how healing has failed for their patient, and what processes are not functioning well to allow the disease process to take hold.<br />
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This is the strength of naturopathy. We are able to do this through having a longer consultation time with people, and asking many questions, and also through using Iridology. Sometimes a thorough case history may provide all the information, and sometimes Iridology can be used to understand a person and what is happening in their body more deeply. <br />
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Knowledge of scientific research and evidence based treatments is necessary, but allowing naturopathic philosophy to determine a patient's treatment protocol is essential to provide good naturopathic care.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-20412756630279154692012-03-07T21:56:00.000+11:002012-03-07T21:56:30.036+11:00Jamie's Ministry of FoodLast night I went to see a talk given by one of my heroes - Jamie Oliver. It was just a one hour talk put on by the <a href="http://wheelercentre.com/" target="_blank">Wheeler Centre</a> here in Melbourne. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><img alt="" border="0" class="video" src="http://www.jamieoliver.com/jamies-ministry-of-food/images/video.jpg" /></a></div>
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Jamie was here to promote his <a href="http://www.thegoodfoundation.com.au/ministry-of-food/" target="_blank">Ministry of Food</a> initiative which has begun operating in Australia. I love the simplicity of his approach. What he hopes to achieve is a decrease in obesity rates by teaching people at a grass roots level about food and how to cook it. The focus is on basic, wholesome food on a budget, not fancy 'chef' food that people find intimidating. This is trying to create change at a micro level.<br />
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His other focus is on teaching children about food, where it comes from and how to make healthy eating choices. He made the pertinent point that children won't die an early death by not doing their Geography homework, but we are doing them a disservice if we don't teach them about food and how it affects their body.<br />
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Here's hoping the Ministry of Food is successful here in Australia, and changes many people's lives.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-88819293695962917242012-02-08T19:30:00.000+11:002012-02-08T19:30:02.063+11:00DisorganisedThe New Year induced desires to cull, toss and organise. One of the jobs which I have to admit to starting but getting nowhere near finishing involves this recipe book:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CbqP1DKYRxNkQ0otvamVOFEEHZooAEhyp97SlWQxp0ozzMGdYEClSKwk7e4UaFsk_tq-5VlR3pxetHK6OmGEazkiZC31Vn-V2Thn8RQVYuf8nm7TmvLqHgvkCTpUMPqacONut-tAN_49/s1600/Recipe+Journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CbqP1DKYRxNkQ0otvamVOFEEHZooAEhyp97SlWQxp0ozzMGdYEClSKwk7e4UaFsk_tq-5VlR3pxetHK6OmGEazkiZC31Vn-V2Thn8RQVYuf8nm7TmvLqHgvkCTpUMPqacONut-tAN_49/s320/Recipe+Journal.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Which unfortunately is crammed full of loose papers, and looks like this:<br />
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There are lots of newspaper cuttings and computer printouts, - all recipes that I thought at one time or another I would like to make. Needless to say, with them all jammed in like this, I haven't made many of them. I know there are some good recipes in there. I think that I would find good recipes for family meal planning, and <a href="http://www.theharvestofhealth.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/year-of-vegetable.html" target="_blank">new vegetable recipes</a>, if I could get this in working order. It appears to be, however, one of those jobs that is started with enthusiasm, but ends in a muddle soon after.</div>
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Does anyone else have a recipe book that looks like this, or even better, does anyone have any good ideas on how to store random recipes to increase their chance of being cooked?</div>
<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0Australia-29.5328037 145.491477-57.0770087 105.0617895 -1.9885986999999972 -174.07883549999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-65242120436244643402012-02-07T18:42:00.000+11:002012-02-07T18:42:26.069+11:00The Joy of Eggs <strong>Why Eggs are good:</strong><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. <strong>Eggs are a great source of protein.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eggs are a complete sources of protein. This means they contain all the essential amino acids we need from our diets.</div>
2. <strong>Eggs keep you full</strong><br />
The protein and fat in eggs keep you satiated. Unlike a breakfast of processed cereal or white bread which will leave you feeling hungry again in an hour or two.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-K_n1jfSUULHkdQxvkht2kl9uIeftCl6UbFHIDu0Wn-ifgz6bA9BiYA7Hz2AxOwHo7AP7Rn3OcoyclSEw8x_awjau5U4RzKAEQC5Mk2vO-22dDnbTBrPBWtLD8V26XoUXAhsbNIusG0PD/s1600/Egg+breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-K_n1jfSUULHkdQxvkht2kl9uIeftCl6UbFHIDu0Wn-ifgz6bA9BiYA7Hz2AxOwHo7AP7Rn3OcoyclSEw8x_awjau5U4RzKAEQC5Mk2vO-22dDnbTBrPBWtLD8V26XoUXAhsbNIusG0PD/s320/Egg+breakfast.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. <strong>Eggs are relatively inexpensive</strong><br />
Compared to other complete protein foods such as meat and fish, eggs are quite inexpensive<br />
<br />
4. <strong>Eggs don't make your cholesterol worse</strong><br />
Eggs got a lot of bad press in the 1960s when doctors linked high cholesterol with heart disease. Not all cholesterol is bad, in fact cholesterol is an essential component of every cell membrane of your body. High cholesterol problems are more likely to do with high sugar consumption, and lack of exercise.<br />
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5. <strong>Eggs can assist weight loss</strong><br />
This is related to eggs keeping you full. Also, eggs are low GI, so they don't cause your blood sugar to spike.<br />
<br />
6. <strong>Eggs contain Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)</strong><br />
EFAs are essential for our health. They are particularly important for brain, heart and immune health<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE83l50JboKXmf410X2mRTcHzT1icPmut5SrPRpkaFS5yYUQxb72OSTqDWiGqitJ38LuD7AXybf4okPYBnfhjjhs_r2n52qP_in09fchv_NLOu-yUzz9Zms9fL1bG8ZcShSbJpohWRFFa/s1600/Chook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE83l50JboKXmf410X2mRTcHzT1icPmut5SrPRpkaFS5yYUQxb72OSTqDWiGqitJ38LuD7AXybf4okPYBnfhjjhs_r2n52qP_in09fchv_NLOu-yUzz9Zms9fL1bG8ZcShSbJpohWRFFa/s320/Chook.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my (happy) chooks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong>Not all eggs are equal</strong><br />
This had been said many times before. But factory farmed eggs are not only bad because of the living conditions of the hens that produce them, they are far inferior in their nutritional profile. The egg from a hen that has been able to forage in daylight and eat grass has a much higher nutrient content, in particular the amount of omega 3 it contains. Eat free range and/or organic eggs.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-28553968969986603162012-01-21T15:20:00.000+11:002012-01-21T15:20:37.417+11:00Sweet Potato WedgesThe unseasonal cold weather we've just had made me feel like warm, comforting foods. To be honest, it made me feel like eating chips! Luckily I was able to satisfy this craving with some delicious sweet potato wedges, in place of regular potato chips. It felt good to be getting good nutrition from what is usually an unhealthy indulgence.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuk_nmUww-iLQFkf1_lL0Vaff5pPglLi4XJrE2BoDuCj30jc6uTPmrVgwdKZBraIkoSSGMeiegu9PWewG-V4K_SZrdal1ENr4iU0zrzQWbYONX4nxzKaEfRnPJD_zLTDSzYv0G7EjQvPsr/s1600/Sweet+potato+wedges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuk_nmUww-iLQFkf1_lL0Vaff5pPglLi4XJrE2BoDuCj30jc6uTPmrVgwdKZBraIkoSSGMeiegu9PWewG-V4K_SZrdal1ENr4iU0zrzQWbYONX4nxzKaEfRnPJD_zLTDSzYv0G7EjQvPsr/s320/Sweet+potato+wedges.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet potato wedges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Wash 2 sweet potatoes well, but don't peel them</li>
<li>Cut them into wedges by cutting lengthways into quarters, and then into desired size</li>
<li>Line a baking tin with baking paper, and brush lightly with olive oil</li>
<li>Brush the wedges with olive oil and sprinkle with a mixture of ground coriander and salt</li>
<li>Roast for about 25 minutes in a reasonable hot oven (190 - 200C), until tender and golden brown.</li>
</ul>
Yum!<br />
<br />
Sweet potatoes are one of the richest source of beta-carotene - a precursor to Vitamin A. Not only is Vitamin A necessary for good eyesight, it is also necessary for a strong immune system and healthy skin.<br />
Sweet potatoes also have a lot lower GI (Glycaemic Index), so are good for those trying to lose weight.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-81049641408272136292012-01-15T22:41:00.001+11:002012-01-15T22:41:47.168+11:00New Years' PromiseI'm still loving the feeling of it being a new year. I can't help feeling there is a sort of 'fizziness' to this time of year. The new year feels like a new start, and without being 'New Agey', it as though there is a fresh energy. The end of a year, with all its busyness and commitments is exhausting. It is always such a relief to get through the Christmas period and come out the other side in a brand new shiny year. <br />
<br />
Making a few resolutions has increased my feelings of excitement and promise. I think perhaps that is what is exciting - the potential of what lies ahead. There is the potential for changing lifestyle, shifting priorities, new learning and new patterns.<br />
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Of course, these feelings of promise and energy might just be due to the fact that it's Summer and school holidays here, and we have been able to spend some lovely days in the sun!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSwu8d83oBuoWJa7RGpMOeiFMG_RuAnCk0jp3vbPkV-5X4lvyvMD3jFFFwgQNzau25BznuBTZXzQwBKaDskA0DM7HnL0e5FG9pyDMEO466mbDBCrP7ufcdCa8LVydf1oiFNf-EO8eYoGV/s1600/IMG_0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSwu8d83oBuoWJa7RGpMOeiFMG_RuAnCk0jp3vbPkV-5X4lvyvMD3jFFFwgQNzau25BznuBTZXzQwBKaDskA0DM7HnL0e5FG9pyDMEO466mbDBCrP7ufcdCa8LVydf1oiFNf-EO8eYoGV/s320/IMG_0138.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diamond Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjuh1WgMn0Z3_yTHY1cY_msJI19lxR0yptVTd9DIx0xYLHLCvLEzXOgmoxBQHtedOMLION-JRtTIGW9-NM0PUq_8wuO6OmEIL6jUmXV6sogZ5repwqkvhyphenhyphen-lNTSev_UmKUpzdLQ5nCVPa/s1600/IMG_0196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjuh1WgMn0Z3_yTHY1cY_msJI19lxR0yptVTd9DIx0xYLHLCvLEzXOgmoxBQHtedOMLION-JRtTIGW9-NM0PUq_8wuO6OmEIL6jUmXV6sogZ5repwqkvhyphenhyphen-lNTSev_UmKUpzdLQ5nCVPa/s320/IMG_0196.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lionshead beach, Werribee Gorge<br />
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</tbody></table>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-67574714586514573212012-01-11T22:49:00.000+11:002012-01-11T22:53:47.929+11:00The humble CabbageOK, it's not the sexiest, or most fashionable of vegetables, but cabbage has a lot going for it. It is part of the brassica family (which includes broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts), and this group of vegetables receive a lot of attention for their liver cleansing abilities. It's the high chlorine and sulphur content in cabbage which together exert a cleansing action. You can spend a lot of money on liver cleansing packs from the chemist or health food shop, or you can regularly eat cabbage! Cabbage is beneficial for good intestinal flora, which means it's good for your digestion. It also contains high amounts of Vitamin C. <br />
<br />
The only potential problem with cabbage is that it can be detrimental to people with thyroid problems, as brassica vegetables contain goitrogens, which depress thyroid function. This is only an issue if you have low thyroid function, and eat cabbage several times a week.<br />
<br />
As a child I really disliked coleslaw, but times have changed, and now I love it. This Summer I have been craving it. There are countless coleslaw recipes, but here are two I have made and enjoyed in this <a href="http://www.theharvestofhealth.blogspot.com/2012/01/year-of-vegetable.html" target="_blank">Year of the Vegetable</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBG2Fo3cVdG8jBxgQtFMSwcCfOuy7qQBExfyAt7K490MMszkhnKMlOVxPThKCSM4fjqZulU57VIzHqjgWkfYadD5dm20GPGtSH3cp-DVKVt_qT0UITn3MU5Ra49oFu2AlRyxAlG-uqyIh/s1600/Basic+slaw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBG2Fo3cVdG8jBxgQtFMSwcCfOuy7qQBExfyAt7K490MMszkhnKMlOVxPThKCSM4fjqZulU57VIzHqjgWkfYadD5dm20GPGtSH3cp-DVKVt_qT0UITn3MU5Ra49oFu2AlRyxAlG-uqyIh/s200/Basic+slaw.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<strong>A Basic Slaw</strong><br />
<u>Mix together in a bowl</u>:<br />
1 small cabbage, or 1/2 a larger one, shredded finely<br />
1/2 small red or white onion, sliced as thinly as possible<br />
1 apple diced or grated<br />
<br />
<u>Make a vinaigrette by mixing together</u>:<br />
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar<br />
Salt<br />
Freshly ground pepper<br />
Then adding and mixing:<br />
3 tablespoons olive oil<br />
<br />
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and mix well. Sprinkle with parsley or coriander if desired.<br />
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I used savoy cabbage in this, which I think was the main reason it was so delicious. You could also use normal green cabbage or purple cabbage, or a mixture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7fEdWznR0XgoT7dnuZCoR2rAhrvz8FL3PaoXjh8cESdJ0A_TrhLF5Im6-mbewYZlWXCNuHSGxjsFS3u30dQF_nRD0ckh_5mrfBi3rcpcguTRYPV60nuBiADHWwUvXpoe3Pj3JKyXGhQx/s1600/Asian+Slaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7fEdWznR0XgoT7dnuZCoR2rAhrvz8FL3PaoXjh8cESdJ0A_TrhLF5Im6-mbewYZlWXCNuHSGxjsFS3u30dQF_nRD0ckh_5mrfBi3rcpcguTRYPV60nuBiADHWwUvXpoe3Pj3JKyXGhQx/s200/Asian+Slaw.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>Easy Asian coleslaw</strong><br />
1/4 savoy cabbage, shredded finely<br />
1/4 purple cabbage, shredded finely<br />
1 lebanese cucumber, halved lengthways, deseeded and sliced thinly<br />
1 carrot , grated<br />
Handful of mint shredded<br />
Handful of coriander, shredded<br />
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted<br />
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<br />
<br />
Dressing:<br />
1/4 cup grapeseed oil<br />
1 tsp sesame oil<br />
1 tablespoon soy sauce<br />
2 tsp honey<br />
2 tsp mirin<br />
1/2 lemon or lime, juiced<br />
<br />
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Combine the vegetables and herbs. Add the dressing and toss to combine. Sprinkle on the sesame seeds.<br />
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Although the Asian coleslaw tastes good, I was surprised by how good the Basic 'Slaw tasted. I have been putting off making it as I thought it was too plain. Wrong. The simplicity of it was delicious.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-7289602697119991942012-01-10T10:30:00.000+11:002012-01-10T10:45:58.149+11:00The Year of the VegetableInitially I thought that I wouldn't write a blog post about New Years resolutions - too cliche, too common, and it has all been said before. But over one of many BBQ dinners with friends this Summer, an innocent comment led to me feeling inspired, and I have re-thought my attitude. My friend made the simple comment that she wished she ate more vegetables. It started me thinking. The result is a new found respect and interest in new years resolutions and how they can help us live the life we want to live<br />
<br />
The simple, but startling fact is that if we all ate more vegetables, the rates of many chronic illnesses would dramatically decrease. The need for so many pharmaceutical medicines would decrease. Digestive, reproductive, skin, joint, mental health and immune system problems would all decrease. I'm not saying they would be cured or disappear, but the overall incidence in our society would decrease. I can't help thinking that if there was a magic pill that could have the same effect, we would all go out and buy it! Eating more vegies, however, is somehow not as an appealing option to many people.<br />
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<img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-406" height="250" nodeindex="1" src="http://fairfield.welikesmall.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/vegetables.jpg" title="vegetables" width="167" /></div>
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<br />
Obviously eating more vegetables is not a new idea. Mothers have been banging on about it for decades. Somehow though the message is ignored. I should say - I'm not a vegetarian. I'm talking about eating more vegetables as well as being a meat eater. <br />
<br />
Personally, my new years resolution isn't about eating more vegetables, it's more specific. It's about learning new ways of preparing vegetables. I want to explore new recipes for salads, dips, stir fries, roasts, anything. (Initially I thought maybe I would try a new recipe each week, but I think maybe each fortnight is more realistic). It will be a challenge for me, as I often don't follow recipes, but make meals up as I go. Currently my meals will contain a pile of steamed vegetables, or sliced raw veg in a basic salad. I like, however, the idea of developing a vegetable repertoire.<br />
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So this isn't actually about needing to eat more vegetables, it's about learning new ways to prepare them. It's about feeling inspired to start the year with a new energy to learn new things to improve my health.<br />
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Back tomorrow with some salad ideas.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-87921681419980210932011-12-10T13:21:00.000+11:002011-12-10T13:21:15.464+11:00Staying healthy this Holiday Season<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmafiTb4pej7xPQWwI3lPRTMTXRpDutPKSHfHhW65cE83kQJy1UgZTAQuCbAbT8_QE6BTbNphirJ6_yS10BBPiwjRFo7COhZWZinDBl0C4z7N23Gq29Eoe1cK15Wl80s2UogQDmyM1MUJD/s1600/imagesxmas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmafiTb4pej7xPQWwI3lPRTMTXRpDutPKSHfHhW65cE83kQJy1UgZTAQuCbAbT8_QE6BTbNphirJ6_yS10BBPiwjRFo7COhZWZinDBl0C4z7N23Gq29Eoe1cK15Wl80s2UogQDmyM1MUJD/s1600/imagesxmas.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">'Tis the season to be jolly....fa..la..la..la..la'. And the season to be stressed, tired, indulgent, and for some, miserable. No matter whether you love or loathe this time of year, there is a good chance you will feel more stressed. Everyone seems to be really busy, trying to do, buy and see too much. The season of joy can all too often become the stressful season. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tense neck and shoulders, s<personname>lee</personname>ping problems, upset digestion, anger or irritability are all signs and symptoms of a body that is experiencing stress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> However, t</span>here are several things you can do to help your body and ensure you look forward to a fresh start in the New Year, feeling recharged, fit and healthy.:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="ltr">Learn to say ‘No’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not be good for your health to have a full social diary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Even during this busy time of year. or perhaps, <em>especially</em> at this time of year, s</span>chedule time in for down-time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="ltr">Ensure you have at least 2 early nights to bed each week. This means in bed by 10:30pm</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="ltr">Balance the festive food by making yourself a couple of dinners each week that are simple, and full of vegetables and salad.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="ltr">During periods of over-indulgence, and busy stressful times our bodies require more nutrients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> At the very least consider taking a good B vitamin. Magnesium is useful to aid the relaxation of tense muscles and help with fatigue and insomnia. Vitamin C may also be beneficial as our bodies use up a lot of this vitamin when stressed.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="ltr"> The world of herbs gives us many remedies to support our nervous system and adrenal glands. These include common herbs such as Chamomile, Lemon balm, St John's Wort and lavender, and lesser well known ones such as Withania, Skullcap and Rhodiola. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="ltr">Be kind to your liver. </span> The liver works very hard not only when we drink alcohol, but also when we eat a lot of sugary and processed foods. Having AFDs (alcohol free days) are very important for your liver's health. There are other things you can do to encourage the health of this vital organ - lemon juice in warm water is a lovely wake up for the liver each morning, including bitter greens with an oil and lemon juice dressing most days is also very beneficial to the liver. If you are going to indulge, the herb St Mary's thistle is a naturopathic secret - it helps the liver process and detoxify alcohol! It may be worth getting hold of some St Mary's in a capsule form if you are going to a few boozy christmas parties.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;">Often this time of year can be when we take stock, and prioritise - hence the popularity of making New Years resolutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Consider how important your health is in your life, and what you do on a daily basis to preserve and encouage it. </span></div><div align="left"></div>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2418268784897601715.post-72364845144353249912011-12-01T22:06:00.000+11:002011-12-01T22:06:37.773+11:00Tea or coffee?If you drink tea or coffee on a daily basis, do you know how much caffeine you consume? The information below may help you work it out.<br />
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A 250ml cup of instant coffee contains 80mg of caffeine. An espresso contains 107mg. A 250ml cup of tea contains 27mg of caffeine. You may be surprised to learn that green and black tea are produced from the same plant - black tea is made from oxidised leaves, whereas green tea leaves are not oxidised at all. The amount of caffeine in green tea is generally lower than in black tea. The overall amount of caffeine in a cup of tea will depend, however, on how long you leave the tea to brew.<br />
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If you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, the general guidelines on caffeine consumption are quite high - up to 500 - 600mg a day. I would argue that this is too high, and many people would experience symptoms of anxiety well below this limit. A safer guideline is to stick to no more than 1 cup of coffee a day, or 2 - 3 cups of tea. It is also important to have regular caffeine free days so that you are not creating a dependency.<br />
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It's important to remember that caffeine can have many unwanted side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, digestive upset, fast heartbeat and muscle tremors. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. If you're susceptible to the effects of caffeine, just small amounts - one cup of coffee or tea - may prompt unwanted effects, such as irritability and sleep problems.<br />
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If you feel that you need to reduce your coffee or tea intake, there are many wonderful herbal teas to try. Choose a good quality organic loose leaf tea, make a pot, and enjoy the ritual and pause in the day that making a cup of health giving tea can bring.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863119950570817400noreply@blogger.com0