Posted by kathryn in Soups, Salads and Dinners

• Peanut allergies can cause people to limit their life and activities. Professor Robyn O’Hehir an allergy specialist from the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne has some simple and practical advice. * Family Therapist, Rod E Smith’s blog Difficult Relationships is a wonderful resource of compassionate and straight-talking relationship advice. * Since the beginning of July, Veggie Chic has been on a shopping strike. She’s only allowed to buy fresh fruit, vegies, tofu and milk – everything else has to come …

Read more 1 comment 31 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Well here we are at the final day of 31 Days to Better Energy. Since the beginning of August I’ve been writing daily blog posts, with short tasks, all aimed at boosting your energy levels. Tips during the 31 Days have included strategies for improving sleep, your diet, quick ways to get more exercise into your day, as well as methods for managing your mood. h3. The purpose of 31 Days to Better Energy My hope is that over the …

Read more 4 comments 31 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

That’s it for Q & A Thursday for this week. Next week I shall be up in sunny Queensland watching whales and catching up with my reading – so there won’t be a Q & A Thursday. However, if you have any questions, thoughts or dilemma, then leave them in a comment or send me an email and I’ll answer them in two weeks time. Thanks to everyone for another week of excellent questions.

Read more 1 comment 30 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Labels & advertising

Next in Q & A Thursday, Simone has asked about allergens in food products and why the phrase may contain traces of . . . seems to be on every packet you pick up. Since 2003 if a product contains one of the most common food allergens it has to be listed on the label, no matter how small the quantity. This means if a food contains peanuts, other nuts, seafood, fish, milk, gluten, eggs or soybeans this must be …

Read more No comments 30 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Vegetables

Next in Q & A Thursday, I’ve been asked about the article in last weekend’s Sunday Telegraph, Eating healthy fruit, vegetables won’t stop cancer. The evidence, presented at the CSIRO Prospects for Cancer Prevention symposium, has apparently “shocked nutritionists”. A group of Melbourne researchers has found there’s “zero evidence” that eating fruit and vegetables will prevent cancer. Well, to be honest this is actually not quite such shocking news. Numerous studies have been questionning the link between overall cancer prevention …

Read more No comments 30 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Myths

Kicking off Q & A Thursday today is a question from a friend: bq. What’s the healthiest chocolate? Ah chocolate, it’s such a popular food. There’s nothing more likely to grab a newspaper headline than when a group of researchers find something good in chocolate. h3. What’s chocolate made of? The basic ingredients of a chocolate bar are cocoa solids, fats like cocoa butter and sugar, although some brands have a list of ingredients as long as your arm. …

Read more 7 comments 30 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

We’re coming to the end of the 31 Days to Better Energy. On the second to last day your task is to do an energy audit. h3. How will an energy audit help? We’ve spent a month talking about boosting your energy levels. My posts have talked about how to get more, the things that affect your energy, plus strategies for managing energy lulls. While it can be tempting to think energy levels should remain static during the day, it’s …

Read more 2 comments 30 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Labels & advertising and Myths

In the world of food and health marketing “natural” is a well favoured world. Labels claim “natural goodness for the whole family”, “made from natural ingredients” and “fresh and natural”. There are “natural living” eggs and supplements promoted as the natural way to health. In a Choice survey 86% of people were influenced by the word “natural”. But, in the labelling world “natural” doesn’t actually mean anything. While it gives the impression that food is unprocessed and doesn’t contain artificial …

Read more 3 comments 29 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Tomorrow is Q & A Thursday, your chance to dictate the subject matter on Limes & Lycopene. If you have a food, diet or health related question, then let me know by leaving a comment or sending an email and I’ll answer it tomorrow during Q & A Thursday. In previous weeks the topics have been wide and varied and have included: * Can you refreeze thawed food? * The nutrient content of beetroot * Do artificial sweeteners cause cancer? …

Read more No comments 29 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

Today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy also comes from my colleague Alexia Morris (see below for more about Alexia). For today’s task Alexia has come up with some easy suggestions to get you moving more at work. h3. Why? The most common excuse for not exercising is lack of time. While many people’s lives are very busy, there’s no reason why you can’t move more during the day. *Incidental exercise can make a huge difference to your fitness …

Read more No comments 29 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Ethics & Sustainablity

In today’s SMH there’s an article on one of my favourite local food stores – Alfalfa House in Enmore. Started 25 years ago, this food cooperative continues to provide minimally packaged, minimally processed, organic wholefoods at a reasonable price. Much of their stock is purchased in bulk, so you take along your own containers, fill them up and then pay by weight of volume. They sell a wonderful five-grain porridge, gorgeous dried apricots and one of the best olive oils …

Read more 2 comments 28 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

During a previous Q & A Thursday, Andrew asked about the causes of obesity. While the core of maintaining a healthy weight is about your personal habits, on a broader scale obesity is a complex condition. In my previous post I looked at some of the ways stress impacts obesity and today’s post is on how society can affect an individual’s health and weight. This is not a comprehensive study, instead I’m going to dip into two areas – city …

Read more No comments 28 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy is to keep a diet diary. h3. Why? One of the fundamental subjects of Limes & Lycopene is eating well. Food provides us with the nutrients and energy to live well and be healthy. The way you eat directly affects your energy levels. If you have a diet that’s full of fruit and vegetables, regular protein and small amounts of carbohydrates you are going to have more energy than if you’re …

Read more No comments 28 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy is very, very easy – it’s simply to make a cup of tea. h3. How does tea help your energy levels? There are many benefits to drinking tea, both normal and herbal. Herbal teas like peppermint and chamomille can calm and soothe your digestion, while black tea and green tea are full of antioxidants. As I’ve noted before during the 31 Days, you will have more energy if you are well hydrated. …

Read more 5 comments 27 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea and Dinners

The latest issue of Life etc, including my regular Ten Minute Kitchen recipe column. The theme for this issue is walnuts and the recipes include: * Barbecued flathead with walnuts * Walnut & egg salad with creamy eggplant dressing * Spiced lamb with walnuts For the next two months you can download the recipes from the Life etc website. The button is in the right-hand sidebar, about half way down. If you do pick up the magazine, I’m one of …

Read more 2 comments 27 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Today’s tip in 31 Days to Better Energy may seem like a strange one, but bear with me. Your task for today is all about small acts of altruism. h3. How does altruism improve your energy? So far in the 31 Days we’ve covered a number of different methods of improving your energy levels. From small diet changes, quick and easy exercise, through to strategies to improve sleep and making time for rest and relaxation. These are all small, 15 …

Read more 2 comments 26 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Ethics & Sustainablity

This week the Australian Marine Conservation Society released an updated version of its Sustainable Seafood Guide. The guide is available from their website (for $9.95) and includes a booklet and wallet sized summary of the best seafood choices, to avoid over-fished species. Since the 1990s the number of over-fished species in Australia has nearly quadrupled. A situation which is mirrored internatlonally, with the collapse of marine environments and loss of seafood stocks. Buying sustainably caught fish is one way in …

Read more 2 comments 25 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Melanie over at Dietriffic has just completed a fantastic series of posts on diabetes. She’s built up quite a resource of information and strategies for managing diabetes. Posts cover basic dietary advice; the importance of exercise; ways of adapting recipes to be diabetes friendly; as well as information on how to prevent diabetes. To make the information easier to accesss, Melanie’s put a summary of the diabetes series on an index page. If you’re at all concerned about diabetes, then …

Read more No comments 25 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy comes from a colleague of mine, Alexia Morris. Alexia has over 20 years in the fitness industry, is a pilates instructor, personal trainer and all round fitness guru. I work closely with Alexia at the Source of Wellness and she runs classes at The Gartlan Sports Centre in northern Sydney. For today’s task Alexia has designed an easy mini fitness circuit, you can do at home in 15 minutes. h3. Why? If …

Read more No comments 25 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

• The Morbid Me linked to a UK site with a photo gallery of foods totalling 120 calories. 120 calories is about 500 kJ – which is a snack portion. I find these pictorial guides quite useful as they give a clear idea of portion sizes and also how energy expensive junk foods are. A while ago Diet-Blog had a similar post on 300 calorie meals and you might also be interested in my guide to five serves of vegetables. …

Read more No comments 24 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

We’re into the last week of 31 Days to Better Energy here at Limes & Lycopene and today’s task is to give a friend a call. h3. Why? In my experience most people have particular times of the day when they suffer energy slumps, with the afternoon being the primary time. With some people it’s straight after lunch, while others have their energy slump about 3.00pm. At this time it’s easy to reach for coffee or a sugar fix. While …

Read more No comments 24 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

There’s one outstanding question from today’s Q & A Thursday, which I’m just waiting on clarification. Emma’s asked if vegetables lose nutrients when cooked in a crockpot? It’s a good question and while I’ve done some scouting around, I just want to check my facts before posting the answer. So, sorry Emma, but I’m going to hold your question over until tomorrow. Otherwise, that’s the end of Q & A Thursday for this week.THANKS TO EVERYONE for you fabulous questions. …

Read more No comments 23 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Grains

The next question I’ve received in Q & A Thursday is all about pasta. Fiona asks: bq. What is the healthiest kind of pasta? Is buckwheat/rice pasta a healthier option (even if we don’t have a wheat intolerance) or wholemeal wheat pasta? Personally, I seem to mix it up a lot and have buckwheat / rice, organic white pasta and wholegrain pasta? I have pasta probably twice a week and have started bulking them up with more emphasis on the …

Read more 2 comments 23 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Next on Q & A Thursday, Jesper asks: bq. I just had a delicious chop suey bought frozen from my local store, together with rice. On the packaging of said chop suey, is the text “Do not refreeze once thawed”. Why is that? Thanks for your question Jesper – the answer is going to be an it depends. h3. The problem with thawing and re-freezing foods Freezing foods extends their shelf life. While it stops the bacteria that cause …

Read more No comments 23 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Grains

Kicking off this week’s Q & A Thursday is a question from Kylie: bq. Are carbs that consist primarily of white flour something to be avoided, particularly for vegetarians? I’ve recently had a massage therapist recommend that I eat meat. I’m wondering if it’s more of a case that I need to cut back on the carbs (pasta, basmati rice, soy + linseed bread) and replace with quinoa, rolled oats, and wholegrain breads like pumpernickel. what do you think? h3. …

Read more 2 comments 23 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

More energy is what we’re all after and it’s the focus of August at Limes & Lycopene in 31 Days to Better Energy. Today’s task is about cultivating some exercise buddies – and it’s to start a walking, yoga or other exercise group h3. Why? While it’s easy to have good intentions with exercise, long days at the office and a busy life can mean those intentions are never quite acted upon. For many people, exercising with others is crucial …

Read more No comments 23 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

And welcome to the Passion for Health readers. If this is your first time on Limes & Lycopene, then you can find out more about me here, including a link to some of my core articles. Every Thursday on Limes & Lycopene I run a question and answer forum, called Q & A Thursday. For more information, take a look at the introduction to Q & A Thursday, or you can browse the archives to see the range of topics …

Read more No comments 22 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

My first guest post, titled 7 Life Changing Strategies My Clients Taught Me is up on the Passion for Health site. This is the blog of Mike and James and is one of my favourite health sites. They write some great stuff and I particularly admire they’re approach to breaking bad habits and developing good ones. I hope you enjoy the post and have a browse through the site while you’re over there.

Read more 1 comment 22 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Ethics & Sustainablity

For those of you in Sydney this weekend, Saturday is the Live Green festival. Focussed on sustainable living in urban environments, Live Green will feature stalls, workshops, seminars, bands and lots of local food. Jared Ingersoll and Kylie Kwong will be there cooking local and organic produce. Plus theres’s a panel discussion titled Sydney – the city that must feed itself. As well as food stalls there’s a produce market. * Date: Saturday 25th August * Time: 10am – 4pm …

Read more No comments 22 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

Q & A Thursday is tomorrow – Limes & Lycopene’s weekly burst of blogging where you get to dictate the subject matter. If you have any questions about food, diet, health and nutrition, then let me know, by leaving a comment or sending an email. If you want to know more, then take a look at the Q & A Thursday introductory post. In the last few weeks I’ve covered a whole range of different topics, including: * "The truth …

Read more 3 comments 22 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Nutrition

Today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy is to eat some iron-rich foods. h3. Why? One of the main places you’ll find iron in the body is in the molecule haemoglobin. As you’ll see from the picture on the right, haemoglobin is a complex protein. It’s found in red blood cells and contains four heme units, each of which includes iron – you can see these in green in the picture. Haemoglobin is important for your energy levels, …

Read more 1 comment 22 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Myths

In last week’s Q & A Thursday, I included a link to a podcast interview with Barry Glassner. He’s the author of two books: The Culture of Fear and The Gospel of Food. One of Barry’s central ideas is that we worry about the wrong things. For various reasons, we get topics out of perspective and end up worrying about big scale problems and not seeing the day-to-day risks. I see this every day in the health arena: * where …

Read more No comments 21 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy is to cross something off your to do list. h3. Why? Sometimes the sheer weight of all the things we have to do can get us down. There’s work, the kids, the housework, tax returns, organising your paperwork, RSVPing to invitations . . . the list goes on. It can feel way too hard and like a burden on your back. These tasks nag away at the back of your head, bringing …

Read more 2 comments 21 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

Two-thirds of the way into 31 Days to Better Energy and I thought it was time to check-in with how everyone was feeling? h3. What’s happened so far? The last ten days of posts have included eating more vegies, starting the working week with a clean desk, planning a holiday and getting some exercise. However, probably the hardest task was Friday’s, when I challenged you to an alcohol-free weekend. I’d love to know how you went. h3. How do you …

Read more 2 comments 20 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Grains

Today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy is a dietary tweak, and it’s to switch to low GI carbohydrates. h3. Why? If you’re suffering from low energy levels, it can be due to a number of causes. Lack of sleep, not exercising and having a busy, stress-full life will all contribute. On top of that though, for some people, their diet just isn’t helping. Much of our diet revolves around grain-based carbohydrate foods. We have toast or cereal for …

Read more 1 comment 20 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

It’s a rainy Sunday here in Sydney, what better time to to plan a holiday? So that’s your task in 31 Days to Better Energy. h3. Why? I booked myself a holiday this week. Taking advantage of some cheap flights, I’ve organised a week up in sunny Queensland. It isn’t a long time since my last holiday and I’m certainly not tired and stressed out. However, since booking my trip I’ve noticed an improvement in my energy levels. I’m excited …

Read more 2 comments 19 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

For Australian readers, on Sunday night Compass will be exploring happiness and its causes. The programme was filmed during the recent visit of Dalai Lama. It’s a panel discussion featuring His Holiness, actor/comedian Magda Szubanski; author and Executive Director of The Australia Institute Clive Hamilton; Canterbury MP and first indigenous women elected to NSW Parliament Linda Burney; and Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute Professor Gordon Parker. bq. Just how much can material possessions and wealth make you happy? …

Read more No comments 18 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Fruit and Dinners

• I’m becoming a fan of Half of Me’s regular Lick The Produce section. I’ve linked to it before – hoping to inspire the vegie- and fruit-phobics out there. In this episode she tries mango, kiwi fruit and purple cauliflower for the first time. * The Guardian blog asks if you’re vegetarian and have given up meat then why do you eat so many meat-substitutes_? The post is beautifully titled Hard-core Quornquorn.html. * Those of you following the "31 Days …

Read more 5 comments 20 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

I’m sure you’ll like this task a lot better than yesterday’s. Today in 31 Days to Better Energy I want you to take at least 15 minutes out for yourself. h3. Why? It’s very easy to get caught up in your “to do” list and leave no time for yourself. You may work all week and then spend Saturday ferrying the kids around, doing the grocery shopping, tidying the house, mowing the lawn. This doesn’t leave a whole lot of …

Read more 2 comments 18 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

I feel I’m running the risk of losing half my audience with today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy – how does having an alcohol free weekend sound? h3. Why? While the odd glass of wine does have some health benefits, most people tend to over-indulge. Here in Australia, alcohol is an important part of most social occasions. We meet friends for a drink, share a glass of wine with our partner at the end of the day, and …

Read more 8 comments 17 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Q & A Thursday is over for this week. Thanks to everyone for your fabulous, juicy questions this week – I’ve really enjoyed the day of blogging. Of course, if you’d like to pose a question for next week, then send me an email or leave a comment below.

Read more No comments 16 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Finally on Q & A Thursday, Paul asks what seems like a simple question: bq. What does health mean? To me health is both an esoteric concept, but also a very practical and integral thing . . . and it’s a hard word to define. Traditional definitions say health is simply not being sick, but you know, that just doesn’t work for me. Surely health is so much more than that. Health is about feeling good, being happy, having lots …

Read more No comments 16 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Next on Q & A Thursday Andrew has asked a big, big question. He directed me to this podcast, featuring Barry Glassner, author of The Gospel of Food and then asked: bq. I was specifically interested in the role stress, economic and social environment has regarding body fat and diets. Do you further understand Barry’s idea’s and can you write about these points a bit more? The solution for obesity often gets reduced down to a simple message – _people …

Read more No comments 16 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Vegetables

Next on Q & A Thursday we’re looking at the nutritional value of my favourite vegetable – beetroot. Mariana asks: bq. What nutritional value is there in fresh beetroot? Is there a significant difference between eating it raw, boiled or roasted? In your opinion which preparation method offers the greatest nutritional benefit? I have noticed beetroot bleeds when cooked in water; is there much or any nutritional loss from the vegetable into the water? h3. The nutritional value of beetroot …

Read more 3 comments 16 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Today in Q & A Thursday, we’re entering the murky world of artificial sweeteners. Big pavlovalova has asked: bq. Do artificial sweeteners contain carcinogens? Also, can they cause diabetes by fooling the brain that a sugar rush is on its way, prompting it to produce insulin? Hmm, big question, so deep breath . . . h3. The controversy around artificial sweeteners. The debate about artificial sweeteners has at times resembled the hysteria around soy. If you google the subject, …

Read more 2 comments 16 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy is to eat a different food. h3. Why? It’s easy to get into a food rut. You have toast for breakfast, a cheese and tomato sandwich for lunch and then one of about three options for dinner. While we tend to mix things up a bit on the weekend, during the week it can be pretty much the same every day. Yes, eating the same way every day is easy. In a …

Read more No comments 16 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

Today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy might take some explanation – it’s to take some time out from the energy drainers in your life. h3. What are energy drainers? Have you ever noticed the effect the people around you have on your energy levels? Interact with one group of people and you walk away with a spring in your step, feeling good not only about yourself, but also the world in general. In contrast, even five minutes with …

Read more 2 comments 15 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Tomorrow is Thursday, which means . . . Q & A Thursday. It’s the day of the week when you get to dictate the subject matter on Limes & Lycopene. Send me your questions about heatlh, diet and nutrition and I’ll attempt to give practical, clear answers. If you’ve seen any confusing food adverts, read some contradictory health reports, or simply just don’t know what to eat, then Q & A Thursday is the forum for you. I already have …

Read more No comments 15 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

I get quite a lot of questions about nuts – are they good for you, what about the fat, how many should you eat? In my opinion, nuts are great and most people could do with eating them more regularly. Just don’t eat too many at a time. All nuts are good, but this post is about almonds. h3. What are they Almonds come from the Prunus amygdalus tree and are in the same botanical family as apricots and …

Read more 19 comments 14 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Grains

This weekend there’s a gluten free expo in Sydney. Organised by the Coeliac Society of NSW, it’s one of the only Sydney events that’s completely gluten free. You’ll be able to both taste and buy gluten free foods, find out where to shop and get lots of information about excluding gluten from your diet. * Dates: 17 & 18 August 2007 * Venue: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park * Show hours: Friday 17 August 4pm-8pm and Saturday 18 August 9am-5pm …

Read more No comments 14 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Day 14 in 31 Days to Better Energy and today’s task is another sleeping strategy – find some time to wind down, before going to bed. h3. Why? Sometimes it’s easy to rush, rush, rush all day. At work, at home, we’re constantly trying to fit more into our days. Time for ourselves and time to sleep are two things that get pushed aside in this busy-ness. *Not enough sleep and problems sleeping are two direct consequences of this, which …

Read more 3 comments 14 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

To start the new week, today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy is to do some de-cluttering and tidy up your desk. h3. Why? It’s Monday morning, the beginning of a new working week. However, have you arrived at work, only to feel your heart sink at the sight of your desk? If you’re in-tray is overflowing and your desk is covered in stuff, it can make you feel out of control and overwhelmed – especially if you’re already …

Read more 3 comments 13 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Vegetables

Today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy is to eat at least three different vegetables with your dinner. h3. Why? Any of you who are regular readers of this blog know I’m a big fan of vegetables. While I definitely love cooking and eating them, it’s also because they’re immensely good for you. Vegetables are full of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, all of which are important for the efficient running of your body. To feel your best, you need …

Read more No comments 12 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

We’re now about a third of the way into 31 Days to Better Energy and I thought it was time to check in with how you’re feeling? The whole point of the project is that by spending a small amount of time on your health every day, in one month you’ll feel better than when you started. It’s about the small, incremental steps you can take to improve your health. 31 Days to Better Energy is not about me collecting …

Read more 2 comments 11 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

A small snipped in this week’s SMH pointed to a New York Times article, outlining the growth in ordering meals over the internet. bq. Who has never been put on hold while trying to order pizza, hot wings or moo shu pork? Who has never opened a delivery bag and discovered a Coke instead of a Diet Coke, or that the brown rice is as white as the napkins the restaurant neglected to include? Restaurants are investing in the technology …

Read more 4 comments 13 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

It’s the weekend, so how do you feel about a 20 minute task for today’s 31 Days to Better Energy tip? Here in Sydney it’s another beautiful day, so your task is to go for a 20 minute walk. h3. Why? We all know the benefits of activity, but sometimes it feels like a big deal to start an exercise programme. While some people love the gym, jogging and more intense forms of exercise, that doesn’t suit everyone. It’s easy …

Read more 3 comments 11 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Dinners and Ethics & Sustainablity

• For all of you having problems with those afternoon munchies, Chew On This has some good advice on taming food cravings. Paula quotes research from the Journal of Applied Psychology which found “rather than actively trying not to think about the food you crave, it’s better to focus on an image of something completely different”. * Despite it’s salt content, I’m a big, big fan of haloumi – which means this dish from Figs, Olives and Wine is going …

Read more No comments 10 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

We’re now up to day 10 of 31 Days to Better Energy. I’m going to post a summary of what’s happened so far tomorrow, but for now it’s on to today’s task – go and chat to a colleague. h3. Why? This task has two benefits. For most people working in an office, your day is pretty sedentary – I know mine is. We have telephones, email, computers, printers and apart from exercising your fingers over the keyboards, you barely …

Read more 2 comments 10 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

I had every intention of blogging lots today, but I’ve been a bit side-tracked from Q & A Thursday. A big sorry, but a couple of jobs came in from magazines and the clinic. Short lead times mean they’ve taken priority! So Q & A Thursday is a bit stunted this week. I’ll be back blogging tomorrow and over the weekend. Plus I’ll hold the extra questions I have over, until next week.

Read more No comments 09 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Briefly interrupting Q & A Thursday, to bring you today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy – drink more water. Health specialists are always talking about drinking more water. Here in Australia, the general message is to have between 1.5 and 2 litres per day, more if you’re exercising or it’s very hot. However, the 31 Days is about improving your energy levels and what’s water got to do with that? h3. What’s the deal with water? While …

Read more 1 comment 09 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Next in Q & A Thursday Lindsey from Oh Sunday School asks: bq. I love cheese but I’m aware of the high fat content in most types. Do you have any info on the nutritional benefits of cheese (if there are any) and which types might be better to eat than others? Or are they simply one of those foods that should only be eaten in moderation? Cheese seems to be one of those foods that most people LOVE. …

Read more 3 comments 09 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Q & A Thursday is open. My weekly burst of blogging where you get to dictate the subject matter. I have a couple of questions, but am open to receiving more. Let me know your food, health and nutrition dilemmas by leaving a comment or sending me an email. For more on Q & A Thursday, see this introductory post.

Read more No comments 09 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

While tiredness is the number one complaint of patients that see me in clinic, sleeping problems are often a big part of this. Today’s task for 31 Days to Better Energy is therefore another sleeping strategy – stop night-time clock watching. h3. What’s the problem? Do you wake during the night, look at the clock and start worrying about the day ahead? Do you get frustrated and stressed that you’re awake? Does the thought "oh no I HAVE to get …

Read more 2 comments 08 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Tomorrow is Q & A Thursday, so let me know if you have any questions about food, nutrition and health, either by sending an emai or leaving a comment. Then tune back in tomorrow for all the answers. I’ve had a couple of questions already, but have space for plenty more.

Read more No comments 08 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Snacks

Day seven of 31 Days to Better Energy and today’s task is to have a healthy snack this afternoon. h3. Why? Generally I find most people need to eat about every four hours. After that, your blood sugar levels start falling and you’ll feel tired and have difficulty concentrating. Despite this I’ve also noticed many people think they shouldn’t eat anything in the afternoon. The belief seems to be, once you’ve had lunch, that should be enough before dinner. However, …

Read more 8 comments 07 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

I’ve blogged before about school canteens and different measures being taken by schools and communities to improve the food they offer. One class in Las Vegas have taken the matter into their own hands and a quiet revolution is occurring. The problem was the kids hated the reheated frozen green beans offered during lunches. Instead of staying silent, they organised a polite letter-writing campaign, with their teacher. While complimenting the canteen staff on the food they cooked, all the kids …

Read more No comments 06 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

If you’re in Sydney, did you know it’s a BEAUTIFUL day out there? It’s sunny and there’s not a cloud in the sky. Therefore, today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy, is simply to get outside in the sunshine for 15 minutes. h3. Why? While I could quote you studies and complex research into neurotransmitter levels, vitamin D production and hormone functions, I’m not going to. Simply put, I think a bit of sunshine is good for the soul. …

Read more 5 comments 06 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging

I’ve been having a few problems with spam, since updating my blogging software. Richard has installed CRM114 which is like having a new dog and requires some training. It’s still a baby and so may make a few errors, but after a while will become better and better at its job. If you leave a comment and CRM114 over-zealously decides it’s spam, don’t worry I’m regularly checking all comments and will be able to re-post any that have slipped through …

Read more No comments 03 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Fruit

I’ve talked about the importance of fruit before, on many occasions. It’s full of fibre, vitamins and antioxidants – all of which are important for your energy levels. However many people seem to just forget about it. Therefore, today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy is to eat two pieces of fruit. h3. What fruit should you eat? All fruit is good, so eat what you like. I don’t see any point in being a nutritional martyr and forcing …

Read more 5 comments 05 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

Your task today, in 31 Days to Better Energy, is to spend five minutes breathing – mindfully. Strange task you might think, after all we breath all the time and it’s specifically something you don’t have to think about. However, concentrating on your breathing for five minutes is a powerful stress management technique. When you’re stressed, one of the first things that happens is you start breathing more quickly and more shallowly – which contributes to the whole stressed out …

Read more 2 comments 04 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Fruit and Vegetables

Time for my monthly round-up of what’s in season here in Sydney. The big price rises that occurred in July are starting to settle down, although a lot of fruit and veg are still more exy than usual. Next month we’ll be in Spring, so the fruit and veg selection should start expanding. You can track the latest list of seasonal fruit and vegetables in Sydney, by watching the what’s in season category. h3. Fruit * Apples * Cumquats …

Read more 3 comments 03 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Most people know that breakfast is important and yet there are still an amazing number of people who miss this meal. Your task therfore on day 3 of 31 Days to Better Energy is to have breakfast. h3. Why is breakfast important? Many people find having breakfast tricky on weekdays. In the rush to get ready and get off to work, it’s one thing that gets missed. If this is you, then you’re starting your day off with an energy …

Read more 3 comments 03 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

Moodgym is a fantastic online resource that I’ve referred countless patients to. It’s a free, interactive site which utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to explore issues around: bq. Why you feel the way you do? Changing the way you think. Changing ‘warped’ thoughts. Knowing what makes you upset. Moodgym includes information, demonstrations, mood exercises, all bound together in short interactive modules. You can do a few modules in one session, or simply save your answers and come back …

Read more 3 comments 02 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

I have received another question – what are the best foods to eat during pregnancy and why? While I’ve blogged before about some of the foods you shouldn’t eat in pregnancy (for example caffeine and the mercury in some fish), and I’ve discussed the importance of folate . . . I haven’t actually mentioned the foods you should eat. h3. What to eat when you’re pregnant The most important thing in pregnancy is to be eating a healthy diet, full …

Read more No comments 02 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration

Day two of 31 Days to Better Energy is all about getting rid of negative emotions. While lack of sleep and exercise are obvious causes of tiredness, most people underestimate the degree to which negative feelings can sap your spirit. Boredom, sadness, anger, anxiety, frustration and stress take a big toll on your vitality. If you’re feeling these emotions regularly, then it’s draining you of energy and wellbeing. h3. Today’s task At the end of today, *spend about 10 minutes …

Read more 5 comments 02 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

A question from Andrew on the topic of hayfever: bq. With spring only a month away, are there any gentle methods (ie not anti-histamine drugs) to reduce the impact of spring related allergies such as hayfever? Are there different options for daytime and nighttime? I’ve been a hayfever sufferer in the past, so I know all about the revolting experience it can be. Just as the weather starts warming up you’re hit with runny eyes, sneezing and a head full …

Read more 1 comment 02 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

So far I only have one question for this week’s Q & A Thursday. If you have any other food, diet and health dilemmas, then send them to me by 3.00pm Sydney time and I’ll write an answer. You can post questions in the comments section, or email them to me directly.

Read more No comments 02 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

The first task for August’s 31 Days to Better Energy is on the subject of sleep – get to bed on time tonight. h3. Why? On average adults need 7 – 9 hours sleep per night, but most people don’t get this on a regular basis. Watching TV, trying to pack too many things into the day, staying up playing on computers and reading blogs (gulp), are all regular reasons for not getting to bed on time. While everyone can …

Read more 8 comments 01 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Over at Problogger, August is Building a Better Blog Month. I love the focus of this idea, the sense that by following simple, practical tips, in one month’s time you’ll have a better blog. It’s about changing habits and re-invigorating what you’re doing. Which set me thinking about health, diet and what you could achieve in one month. August, here in Australia, is generally one of those terrible months for health. It’s the month when winter starts taking it’s toll: …

Read more 8 comments 01 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

A quick reminder – tomorrow is Q & A Thursday. This is your chance to get clear and practical answers on those tricky diet, food and health questions you’ve been pondering. Lodge your questions, either by leaving a comment or sending me an email. Questions can be big or small, frivolous or serious, general or specific – I’ll answer them all. I need to receive your questions by 3pm tomorrow (Australian Eastern Standard Time), to be included in this week’s …

Read more No comments 01 August, 2007