Salt and Minerals – The Daily Dose    Minerals are an important part of our health, yet they are often overlooked.  Minerals become part of tissue structure, like in bone and teeth, they help maintain acid base balance, to keep the body pH neutral they help regulate body processes, as in enzyme systems and minerals function in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.  Many people still evaluate ingredients based on their macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates and proteins) rather than looking at their micronutrients (minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients, antioxidants ..read more

How to easily boost your immune system In today’s world, maintaining a robust immune system is crucial for overall health and well-being. This article outlines ten essential tips that can help enhance your immunity, support mental health, and promote a healthier lifestyle without expensive trips to the chemists. Expect practical advice on sleep, sunlight exposure, nutrition, mental health, decluttering, gardening, supplements, and more. Prioritize Sleep: Aim to get to bed early and avoid screens, such as phones, tablets, and televisions, at least an hour before sleep. Exposure to blue light ..read more

The Significance of Iodine The critical role of iodine has been well acknowledged. In 1924, the United States introduced iodised salt to address deficiencies and prevent various diseases, with Australia soon adopting the practice. Iodine was among the first trace elements recognized as essential, meaning it must be provided to the body to ensure optimal functioning. Approximately 70-80% of the body’s iodine is concentrated in the thyroid gland, with the remainder found in the blood. Iodine is indispensable for the production of thyroid hormones, which are vital for energy production, cellular ..read more

There are plenty of ways to spoil our mamas – from a classic afternoon tea to a spa day. There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate, but we’ve rounded up our favourite ways to incorporate a few little wellness touches in there to make Mother’s Day even more special. Schedule a Digital Detox: Rally the troops to take a break from screens and digital devices for the old ‘disconnect to reconnect’. Spend quality time together without distractions so you can engage in meaningful conversations and live in the moment, let the only exception be for a group photo. Go for a Nature Walk: Spend some qua ..read more

What is your proudest achievement / moment in your career? There are so many amazing achievements in my 44 year career as a nutritionist, it’s hard to pick just one.  But something that I never get sick of hearing is from the people who have followed me or read my book and tell me how it changed their way of eating, their health and their families health.  Just the other day I was messaged by a follower who told  me she met a woman in her 40’s who was completely self-sufficient and big on homesteading. When this woman was asked what made her get into this lifestyle in the fi ..read more

I’ve just returned home after travelling for nearly 3 months through different countries and continents. The food and habits of the different countries and areas are remarkably different. Diets and circadian patterns differ from place to place.  I noticed that in Eastern and Western Europe the diet was filled with real food but as I made my way through some supermarkets as opposed to the fresh food markets, there were ultra-processed foods filled with additives and vegetable oils creeping into the local diets.  The European lifestyle is waking late, siesta in the afternoon then up ..read more

The Dietitians of Australia believe that everyone should have free access to nutritional advice through the Medicare system, at least 7 visits a year, unsurprisingly, I agree that people need more information and education on nutrition. This free access to support and advice is all well and good but the potential issue is already glaringly obvious to me insofar as to assume that the dieticians will no longer be working for themselves but rather be working for the government and, therefore have to follow the guidelines of the government including how many tests they can request and what they ..read more

The arrival of a new year brings with it the promise of a fresh start, a chance to embrace positive changes and set intentions for a healthier, happier life. As you embark on this new chapter, you may want to take a look at our top 10 tips to help you set meaningful intentions and foster a commitment to your well-being. 1. Reflect on Your Health Journey: Before setting new intentions, take a moment to reflect on your health journey from the past year. Celebrate your achievements and acknowledge areas where you can grow. Reflecting on both successes and challenges can provide valuable insight ..read more

Nourishing Your Health During the Festive Season: Your Simple Guide to Smart Holiday Eating The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, often, indulgence. While it’s perfectly normal to enjoy special treats, it’s essential to prioritize your health and maintain a balance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you stay health-focused during the holidays without missing out on the festive fun. 1. Start with Smart Choices: Begin your holiday gatherings by making wise food choices. Opt for a vibrant and diverse selection of whole, nutrient-dense foods that will nourish your body. Load y ..read more

A recent study published has found that ‘not all ultra-processed foods are bad for you.’  The study highlights a correlation between consumables such as sugary artificial sweetened drinks and processed meats and the increased chances of cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, while no such correlation between foods higher in fibre including breads, cereals, sweets, desserts, prepared meals, plant-based meats and milks, and savoury snacks was mentioned. The study begins with this statement. “It is currently unknown whether ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption is associated with a ..read more