Posted by kathryn in Reviews

December is my quietest time in clinic. Virtually nobody wants to see their nutritionist before Christmas. However, the reverse is true in the new year. From mid-January through to March my professional life is full-on. The most common health statement from clients is: h3. “I want to lose weight and get healthy” For many people, they’re back exactly where they were last year and the year before and the year before. It’s the same 10 kilos they’re trying to …

Read more 4 comments 27 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

To all my lovely readers – have a very, very Merry Christmas. I hope you have a lovely day, full of good will, good cheer, good friends and fine food. I’m taking a couple of couple of days off blogging. But I’ll be back later in the week, to talk about the new year. For those of interested in Menu For Hope – WOW, the total has topped US$87,000. Thank you all for taking part and good luck with …

Read more 4 comments 24 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

For those of you in Australia (and possibly just those of you in Sydney?) . . . if you tune to Channel 7 at 6.30pm tonight, you will see me on Today Tonight talking about food labelling. I filmed it months ago. The first time I’ve ever done TV. So I’m about a quarter excited and three-quarters hugely nervous about it. Update – it’s now been scheduled for Thursday 27th December.

Read more 8 comments 21 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

Today is the last day you can buy Menu for Hope tickets. The total donated has already climbed over US$53k. So we’re hoping to topple last year’s total of US$60,925.12. Menu for Hope is raising money for the school lunch programme in Lesotho. A UN initiative that feeds children, keeps them in school and provides an income to local subsistence farmers. To meet the very people this programme assists, take a look at the photographs on Chez Pim (here …

Read more No comments 21 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

I wondered if this might happen. I haven’t received any Q & A Thursday questions! It’s that time of year. The time when everyone’s busy and focus is elsewhere. I’m therefore putting Q & A Thursday on hold until the new year. It’ll be back at the end of January. In the meantime if you want to know more about Q & A Thursday take a look at the introductory post or the Q & A Thursday archives.

Read more No comments 20 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Desserts and Dinners

Yesterday I posted recipes for an easy Christmas menu. Each dish takes no longer than ten minutes of prep – so you can get out of the kitchen and enjoy the day. I’ve put together the following preparation guide – to make the day even easier: h3. The night before * Baked cod with lime & summer vegetables: prepare the whole dish up to the cooking point, cover with clingfilm and leave in the fridge overnight * *Roast potato, …

Read more 2 comments 20 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

A reminder, this is Q & A Thursday week – a fortnightly burst of blogging, where you get to dictate the subject matter. This will be the last Q & A Thursday for 2007! Given we’re building up to the end of year, I thought I’d particularly focus on questions about surviving the silly season and new year’s resolutions. Let me know if you have a question you’d like answered, by leaving a comment below or sending me an …

Read more No comments 19 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Desserts and Dinners

This is a Christmas menu I developed for Life etc magazine last year. It’s an easy-summer Christmas menu. Each dish is designed to take no more than ten minutes of preparation and to keep the cook out of the kitchen. This also makes a light and healthy meal, with a few Christmas treats to follow. I’ll also post a preparation guide, showing what you can do the day before – to make Christmas day even easier! h3. The Menu …

Read more 2 comments 19 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

As of 8.30am this morning, Sydney time, the Menu for Hope total is nudging US$40,000. If you’re not sure which prize to bid on, Helen from Grab Your Fork has posted a list of all the Asia-Pacific prizes and the current number of bids they’ve attracted. There are still lots with only a few bids and some have none. So take a look at the full list on Grab Your Fork. Don’t forget the Limes & Lycopene prize: "a …

Read more No comments 19 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Christmas is usually a quiet time for me. Almost no one wants to see their nutritionist pre-Christmas and most of my writing work calms down. Given I work for myself and am not in the corporate sector, I usually have only a handful of Christmas functions. Normally this is the time of year I can relax, do some tidying and admin and clear my head. But not this year. For some reason 2007 is proving totally different. Yes clinic …

Read more 5 comments 18 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

Menu for Hope is galloping along. Over the weekend donations have topped US$27,000. This year all monies raised are going to the school lunch programme in Lesotho. This not only ensures children are getting a full meal each day, but also enables them to stay in school and get an education. Moreover, food for the lunches is sourced from local subsistence farmers. The Lesotho school lunch programme therefore feeds the kids, keeps them in school, AND supports their parents …

Read more No comments 17 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I’m busy, busy, busy the next couple of days. Saturday night we have 25 people coming over for a Christmas Party. Yikes! This year we’ve become a two-business family. Interesting times. But it’s something that could never happen without our supporters’ network. The family, friends and clients who’ve provided encouragement, employment, much needed good humour and excellent advice. Saturday night is our way of saying thank you. So I’ve got some cooking to do . . . There will be: …

Read more 2 comments 14 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

For the last two weeks I’ve been posting daily photos of what I eat. Much of this blog is aimed at encouraging you to eat well. But I thought it was about time I showed you what I did. The rhythms and patterns of my diet. The foods I choose. h3. There are many ways to be healthy While this is the way I eat, it’s not the only way. There are many other people out there with diets …

Read more 2 comments 12 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging and Miscellanea

Only two days in and the Menu for Hope campaign is edging towards US$10,000. The full list of prizes is now up at Chez Pim, while more prizes have been added to the Asia-Pacific pool. I can’t decide what to bid on. My mind is obsessing about the bag of world’s hottest chillies offered by Rambling Spoon. While Stonesoup’s cookery books and dinner at Perama are also sounding lovely. h3. The Limes & Lycopene prize And don’t forget the …

Read more 3 comments 12 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

A couple of weeks ago I was posting all about tahini. I thought a summary page would be useful, to finish off that series. Below are links to my posts on the nutritional content of tahini, plus how I use it. At the end are links to other recipes and tahini ideas. h3. All about tahini * What is tahini and is it good for you * How to buy and store tahini * "How much calcium is in …

Read more 11 comments 11 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

Menu for Hope is here. This an annual fundraising raffle, organised by Chez Pim, raises money for those who don’t know where they’re next meal is coming from. For two weeks in December, food bloggers from around the world join forces to offer a variety of food related prizes. Anyone can buy a raffle ticket and each raffle ticket represents a bid for one of the prizes. A full list of prizes will be posted on Chez Pim in …

Read more 2 comments 10 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

10.00: Breakfast – marmalade & tahini on toast * 2 pieces Afghan bread * 1 tablespoon tahini * 1 tablespoon marmalade * 1 ginger beer h3. 11.00: Coffee * 1 soy latte h3. 14.30: Lunch – mixed salad * 4 lettuce leaves * 1 hard boiled egg * 1 tomato * 0.5 carrot, grated * 20cm piece cucumber * 0.5 cups almonds * tahini salad dressing h3. 17.00: Beer * 1 light (low alcohol) beer h3. 19.00: …

Read more 8 comments 10 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

07.00: Breakfast – banana & honey on toast * 1 banana * 1 slice multigrain bread * 2 teaspoons honey h3. 10.30: Coffee & rice ball * 1 soy latte * 1 rice & tofu ball – didn’t take my camera with me, so no picture h3. 14.30: Lunch – mixed salad * 4 lettuce leaves * 2 hard boiled eggs * 1 tomato * 0.5 carrot, grated * 0.25 avocado * 10cm piece cucumber * 2 radishes …

Read more No comments 09 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

07.00: Breakfast – fruit & yoghurt * 1 banana * 1 peach * 200g yoghurt h3. 10.00: Coffee * 1 soy latte – no picture h3. 11.30: Lunch – mixed salad * 70g cottage cheese * 2 pieces pumpernickel bread * 1 tomato * 2 lettuce leaves * 0.5 avocado * 10cm piece cucumber * 15 almonds h3. 15.20: Coffee * soy latte h3. 17.00: Fruit * another peach/images/0000/0463/3AfternoonPeach.jpg! h3. 19.00: Dinner – tofu stir fry …

Read more 4 comments 08 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Vegetables

• Love food hate waste: I was shocked to read that a third of the food bought in the UK is thrown out. I’m sure this is true here in Australia – what a waste. I found this stat on the Love food hate waste website – which contains lots of tips about using leftovers and cutting food waste. * Ten Minute Kitchen recipes: I found out this week some of the Ten Minute Kitchen recipes I write for …

Read more 3 comments 07 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

07.00: Breakfast – nut muesli * 1/3 cup nut muesli made from walnuts, almonds, pecans, LSA, pepitas, sunflower seeds and dried apple * 1/3 cup soy milk * 2 tablespoons yoghurt * 2 teaspoons maple syrup h3. 09.30: Coffee * 1 soy latte – no picture h3. 13.00: Lunch – mixed salad * 0.5 bunches asparagus * 3 lettuce leaves * 1/2 tomato * 1 radish * 0.25 of an avocado * 5cm piece cucumber * 3 tinned …

Read more 2 comments 07 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Grains and Easier eating

Finally for this Q & A Thursday a reader has asked how to break an addiction to carbs? Second to tiredness, I think sugar and carbohydrate cravings are the most common complaint of clients at my clinic. A lot has been written about carbohydrate cravings. Some dismiss them as an emotional response, while others are convinced they’re a true addiction. I think it’s not a case of one or the other, but for most people it’s a bit of …

Read more 2 comments 06 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Next on Q & A Thursday a reader has asked: bq. I have heard that consuming too much soy can affect a woman’s fertility. Is this correct? There’s a lot of scarey stuff about soy on the internet, but most of it’s complete rubbish. While I do not recommend soy supplements, I’m very sceptical that soy foods could have any negative effect on fertility. The science simply doesn’t add up. I’ve blogged extensively about soy before, so I’m going …

Read more 2 comments 06 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Cooking

The first question in this week’s Q & A Thursday is from Jul at Veggie Chic: bq. What’s the difference between shoyu and soy sauce? A Japanese friend told me that “shoyu” basically means “soy sauce” in Japanese. So why do I keep hearing “shoyu” used by English-speakers as if it means something different? You’re right, shoyu is the Japanese word for soy sauce. However, Japanese soy sauce differs from that used in other countries. It’s made from fermented …

Read more 5 comments 06 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

08.00: Breakfast – muesli * 1/3 cup muesli * 1/3 cup soy milk * 2 tablespoons yoghurt * 1 banana h3. 10.00: Coffee * 1 soy latte – no picture h3. 13.00: Lunch – mixed salad * 4 lettuce leaves * 1 tomato * 0.5 avocado * 1 radish * 15cm length cucumber * 0.5 carrot * 5 tinned baby beetroots * 130g cottage cheese * 2 teaspoons seeded mustard h3. 16.00 Fruit * a peach …

Read more No comments 06 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

I’ve included some notes about yesterday’s eating in the comments below. h3. 08.00: Breakfast * 1/3 cup muesli * 1/3 cup soy milk * 2 tablespoons yoghurt h3. 09.30: Coffee * 1 soy latte h3. 13.30: Lunch – Pad Thai with tofu & vegetables * Rice noodles * Tofu * Egg * Vegetables: a combination of carrots, Asian greens, mushrooms, bean sprouts, herbs, snow peas, broccoli h3. 15.00 Fruit * a peach h3. 16.00: Afternoon snack – …

Read more 7 comments 05 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

A reminder, this is Q & A Thursday week – a fortnightly burst of blogging, where you get to dictate the subject matter. On Q & A Thursday I aim to post simple, practical answers to readers’ food and diet dilemmas. Let me know if you have a question you’d like answered, by leaving a comment below or sending me an email. For more information you can take a look at the Q & A Thursday archives.

Read more No comments 05 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

08.00: Pre-breakfast * 1 orange h3. 09.00: Breakfast – raisin toast & coffee * 2 slices raisin toast * butter * 1 soy latte h3. 14.00: Salad with eggs * 2 cups mixed herbs & leaves * 1 tomato * 1 small cucumber * 4 tinned baby beetroots * 2 hard-boiled eggs Dressing * 2 tablespoons fat free yoghurt * 1 teaspoon seeded mustard * 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar * 1 teaspoon olive oil * 1 …

Read more 1 comment 04 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Fruit, Summer and Vegetables

Summer produce is almost in full swing. Berries, cherries, peaches and nectarines are available and coming down in price. Asparagus is particularly good, as are eggplants at the moment. Enjoy the beginnings of summer here in Sydney. h3. Fruit * Apricots * Bananas * Berries – the berry season is coming into full swing. I bought three punnets of strawberries for $5 last night. Raspberries and blueberries are also looking good. However, continuing rain in Victoria may affect prices …

Read more 2 comments 04 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

10.30: Breakfast – French toast * 2 slices wholegrain bread * 1.5 eggs * 1 banana * mixed spice * 1 tablespoon maple syrup h3. 11.30: Coffee * Soy latte – no picture h3. 14.00: Lunch from the freezer * Chickpea, lima bean & tahini casserole * To this I added 1 tablespoon of frozen peas * 1 fresh tomato chopped * 1 tablespoon pepitas h3. 15.00 – 19.00: Met friends at the pub * I soda …

Read more 4 comments 03 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

08.30: Breakfast – fruit & yoghurt * 1 banana * 0.5 punnets strawberries * 2 tablespoons natural yoghurt * 2 teaspoons maple syrup h3. 12.30 – 15.00: Lunch – with friends * Spinach & haloumi omelette * Toast – I ate one slice * 2 glasses of white wine * Creme brulee tart * Soy latte h3. 19.30: Dinner – pasta * 0.5 bunches English spinach * 150g mushrooms * 400g tinned tomatoes * 4 cloves …

Read more 5 comments 02 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

07.30: Breakfast – tahini bar and orange juice * Tahini, fruit and nut breakfast bar h3. 09.30: Coffee break * Soy latte – no picture h3. 12.45: Lunch: re-vamped leftovers I bulked up the pasta sauce from last night by adding – more frozen peas, a tin of chickpeas and a few handfuls of mushrooms. * 0.25 eggplants * 2 cloves garlic * 200g tinned tomatoes * 0.5 cups frozen peas * 150g chickpeas * 150g mushroopms * …

Read more 1 comment 01 December, 2007