We are heading down the home straight toward the end of term 3 and I am guessing your 'what to put in the school lunchbox' mojo is fading. Yes? Well, since I have been on a 6 week vacation from filling lunchboxes I am feeling all enthusiastic about not falling into my old end of term fruit and a sandwich rut. I thought I'd share my progress coming up with lunch box goodness...
Day one: River went off to school with a brown rice nori roll filled with tuna and avocado, seaweed rice crackers, mandarin, dried apricots and two pieces of Natalie's excellent apple, oat and maple syrup slice (one piece for River, one piece to share with a friend).
Day two: egg and carrot sandwich made with millet sourdough, 1/2 a dragonfruit, mango and strawberry fruit flat (dehydrated fruit), red capsicum sticks and seaweed rice crackers.
Day three: corn thins spread with butter and topped with parmesan cheese, pitted kalamata olives, apple, raw chocolate brownie from our local raw food cafe (raw on rye).
Day four: cheese and vege spread wrap, seaweed rice crackers, mandarine, carrot sticks, 1/2 raw chocolate and date bar.
Day five: cucumber and cheese wholegrain roll, an apple, a coconut date roll, corn thin with vege spread.
Happy to report completely empty lunch box coming home. yay!
For more inspiration take a look at Mona Hecke's book The Lunchbox Revolution and please share your lunch box faves in the comments, it helps if we think for each other :)
BY NIKKI FISHER
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
Monday, September 02, 2013
monday musings: on sugar: don't shoot the messenger
The quit-sugar message promoted by Sarah Wilson, David Gillespie, Robert Lustig is fairly unpalatable in that the majority of people want to have their cake and eat it too. Me included!
The language used in getting their message across ie. sugar is poison, addictive, toxic, sounds dramatic and some may wonder if it is necessary to use these words. Perhaps yes, perhaps no. I believe to some degree the language is tied up in marketing the message. The 'I Eat More Wholefoods' 8 week program doesn't sound as catchy as 'I Quit Sugar' does it? And titling a book 'Sweet Poison' is clever word play and makes good marketing sense: there isn't meant to be anything sweet about poison now is there? The title alone is cause for intrigue.
I was prompted to write this post after reading a series of posts on the quit sugar topic. First I read two well considered posts on the sugar topic over on naturopath Georgia Harding's blog, Well Nourished go here and here. Then I read Sarah Wilson's post about her 'lapse' when she ate two chocolate croissants, I read the post and each of the comments. A number of commenters on Sarah's post made reference to how banning certain foods or ingredients such as sugar can, for some people, lead to a cycle of binging and purging and an emotional and physical roller-coaster, that for some can be a symptom of an eating disorder. This thought has crossed my mind a number of times when considering the quit sugar message. I don't think in any way though it is Sarah's intention to set people up for developing or fuelling an eating disorder.
There is a problem though as I see it and that is the quit sugar program is promoted as 'one size fits all' so to speak, when in fact it doesn't really account too much for individual psychology and physiology. Sarah's reason for quitting sugar was to address her auto-immune disorder, from what I have read in the comments of Sarah's blog people go on her program for a wide range of reasons, including weight loss, and what might be working for Sarah may not be right for others and can result in a feeling of 'failure' for some that can then feed into self-esteem and body image issues. For another take on this aspect read this post on Mamamia.
I agree that in no amount does refined sugar provide nutritional value, however by my observation sugar is not addictive to every single person. There are people who can take or leave sweet food, people who can open a packet of biscuits or chocolate eat one and still have the packet in the cupboard a week later untouched. These people exist really they do!
I have written before that the positive side to the quit sugar message is that it is raising people's awareness about hidden sugars and encouraging people to include more real food and less processed food in their diet which is precisely the way to go for good health and longevity there is no arguing about that.
It was a National Geographic article Sugar Love (a not so sweet story) found via Georgia's blog that made the most impact on me. At the end of reading it I felt sad. Sad about the children included in the article who represent a generation of children being fed processed food and the diet related diseases and shorter lifespans they will experience as a result. I also feel motivated. Really motivated, to continue adding my thoughts to the sugar issue and to keep on finding ways to encourage and support people to eat real food and to especially feed their children real food even when it means going against the tide of a massive, dominating fake food culture.
Love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
The language used in getting their message across ie. sugar is poison, addictive, toxic, sounds dramatic and some may wonder if it is necessary to use these words. Perhaps yes, perhaps no. I believe to some degree the language is tied up in marketing the message. The 'I Eat More Wholefoods' 8 week program doesn't sound as catchy as 'I Quit Sugar' does it? And titling a book 'Sweet Poison' is clever word play and makes good marketing sense: there isn't meant to be anything sweet about poison now is there? The title alone is cause for intrigue.
I was prompted to write this post after reading a series of posts on the quit sugar topic. First I read two well considered posts on the sugar topic over on naturopath Georgia Harding's blog, Well Nourished go here and here. Then I read Sarah Wilson's post about her 'lapse' when she ate two chocolate croissants, I read the post and each of the comments. A number of commenters on Sarah's post made reference to how banning certain foods or ingredients such as sugar can, for some people, lead to a cycle of binging and purging and an emotional and physical roller-coaster, that for some can be a symptom of an eating disorder. This thought has crossed my mind a number of times when considering the quit sugar message. I don't think in any way though it is Sarah's intention to set people up for developing or fuelling an eating disorder.
There is a problem though as I see it and that is the quit sugar program is promoted as 'one size fits all' so to speak, when in fact it doesn't really account too much for individual psychology and physiology. Sarah's reason for quitting sugar was to address her auto-immune disorder, from what I have read in the comments of Sarah's blog people go on her program for a wide range of reasons, including weight loss, and what might be working for Sarah may not be right for others and can result in a feeling of 'failure' for some that can then feed into self-esteem and body image issues. For another take on this aspect read this post on Mamamia.
I agree that in no amount does refined sugar provide nutritional value, however by my observation sugar is not addictive to every single person. There are people who can take or leave sweet food, people who can open a packet of biscuits or chocolate eat one and still have the packet in the cupboard a week later untouched. These people exist really they do!
I have written before that the positive side to the quit sugar message is that it is raising people's awareness about hidden sugars and encouraging people to include more real food and less processed food in their diet which is precisely the way to go for good health and longevity there is no arguing about that.
It was a National Geographic article Sugar Love (a not so sweet story) found via Georgia's blog that made the most impact on me. At the end of reading it I felt sad. Sad about the children included in the article who represent a generation of children being fed processed food and the diet related diseases and shorter lifespans they will experience as a result. I also feel motivated. Really motivated, to continue adding my thoughts to the sugar issue and to keep on finding ways to encourage and support people to eat real food and to especially feed their children real food even when it means going against the tide of a massive, dominating fake food culture.
Love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Friday, August 30, 2013
friday back in the nest
It's been a week of feathering our nest here. Arriving home from our winter northern escape to a taste of Spring weather makes me feel happy and lucky!
On with today's list...
If green smoothies are your thing, meet the alkaline sisters
Do you think Suzy Spoon's Vegetarian Butcher sounds as crazy as I do?! I've never understood why vegetarians would want to eat faux meat.
I do love a good teatowel. And it's on sale.
Natalie's oat, apple and maple syrup slice was a lunchbox hit this week.
Going gluten free and need some inspiration? Visit Mamacino for a good dose of honesty and some delicious looking recipes.
I bought Lee's Super Charged Food for Kids this week and recommend it. Great info and tips for getting children to eat well, looking forward to trying out the recipes.
One for the romantics nothing to do with food, have you seen Jonas Peterson's wedding photography?! Dreamy.
Way off topic but very important and close to my heart, have you viewed the Culture is Life campaign that my husband Pete is working on with Indigenous Elders around Australia? Please share, raising awareness is the beginning of change.
And so our first week home comes to an end. I'm looking forward to the weekend as always. Any plans for father's day? Not many plans here. Pete is working photographing a wedding but we have a couple of small presents for him tucked away. Sol has been asking all week if we can bake a cake so I think I will pull out Jude's Wholefood Baking book and happily satisfy his wish.
Happy Father's day to all the dads. Have a beautiful weekend xx
On with today's list...
If green smoothies are your thing, meet the alkaline sisters
Do you think Suzy Spoon's Vegetarian Butcher sounds as crazy as I do?! I've never understood why vegetarians would want to eat faux meat.
I do love a good teatowel. And it's on sale.
Natalie's oat, apple and maple syrup slice was a lunchbox hit this week.
Going gluten free and need some inspiration? Visit Mamacino for a good dose of honesty and some delicious looking recipes.
I bought Lee's Super Charged Food for Kids this week and recommend it. Great info and tips for getting children to eat well, looking forward to trying out the recipes.
One for the romantics nothing to do with food, have you seen Jonas Peterson's wedding photography?! Dreamy.
Way off topic but very important and close to my heart, have you viewed the Culture is Life campaign that my husband Pete is working on with Indigenous Elders around Australia? Please share, raising awareness is the beginning of change.
And so our first week home comes to an end. I'm looking forward to the weekend as always. Any plans for father's day? Not many plans here. Pete is working photographing a wedding but we have a couple of small presents for him tucked away. Sol has been asking all week if we can bake a cake so I think I will pull out Jude's Wholefood Baking book and happily satisfy his wish.
Happy Father's day to all the dads. Have a beautiful weekend xx
Thursday, August 29, 2013
7 ideas for spring cleansing
We are close to leaving the dark and cosy days of winter behind and welcoming Spring in all its sun and blossom filled glory. Spring brings a fresh sense of possibility. It is time to step out into the sunshine and light, the perfect opportunity to sync with nature and cleanse ourselves of anything we are carrying that is no longer serving us - physically, emotionally and, possessions in our homes.
I started a spring cleanse on Monday, nothing drastic just a few doable changes that I will stick to for the next 3 weeks and am already feeling the benefits of after 3 days. 'Doable' is the key word in that sentence. Most mamas I know have enough on their plate without stretching themselves to go through a drastic cleanse. Also, it is important to consider the season of motherhood you are in, for example if you are in the season of having a newborn baby and are breastfeeding then doing a juice fast wouldn't be suitable but perhaps if you have teenagers and therefore have less demands on you physically then a juice fast might be doable. Before we go on, remember I am not a health practitioner what I write here is from my own research and personal experience if you'd like to embark on a cleanse or detox and haven't done so before you may want to seek professional advice first.
I wrote on Monday that I don't believe in all or nothing approaches to eating, I do though think there is benefit in abstaining from certain foods in your diet for a period of time particularly ones that may have a hold over you. It gives you a chance to regain perspective on the role they play in your life and how you feel when you eat them and it gives your digestive system a well earned rest.
Below are some ideas to get you started. Feel free to share some of your ideas in the comments.
1. Take a break from caffeine. I love my daily coffee, it punctuates my day. I enjoy whichever cafe I visit to have a coffee and I enjoy a rare moment of solitude if I escape by myself and just as much I enjoy the company of whoever I may be with. In place of my morning coffee I have been loving - carrot, apple, lemon and ginger juice. I only ever have one coffee a day usually in the morning, if I am looking for a lift in the afternoon I make a dandelion 'coffee' which is caffeine free, liver cleansing and satisfying.
2. Start your day with a glass of warm water with the juice of 1/2 a lemon. I have started my day with this drink for a number of years now. This too is liver cleansing and a great way to wake up. I also like it because it kicks starts my water drinking for the day, drinking enough water throughout the day is a challenge for me so starting the day with a big glass has become a good habit.
3. Drink 2 litres of water per day. This is such a simple step that can have a huge impact on the way you feel and how your body functions. Every cell on your body relies on water to function at its best. My Chinese doctor suggested every time I go into the kitchen or walk past the water filter to drink some water, it is about making it a habit. My aunty sets the alarm on her phone to ring every hour to remind her to drink some water.
4. Jump on the green smoothie train. I think most of us would benefit from eating more leafy greens and green smoothies are a delicious way to up your intake and your family's too. Freeze some bananas so you have them on hand whenever you feel like making one, grow or buy some leafy greens such as kale, spinach, parsley and mint, you will need a blender for this. If you don't have a high powered blender I find it best to use a soft leafy green such as baby spinach because it blends to a smooth texture, I don't enjoy pulpy green smoothies but you might! My usual recipe is: one banana, a good handful of baby spinach, as much parsley and mint as I feel like, filtered water and whatever other fruit I have perhaps berries in summer, or mandarines or orange in winter. Blend and serve. Meg at My Wholefood Romance has written a really helpful post on making green smoothies for beginners. (while you're over at Wholefood Romance check out the 21 day wholefood cleanse Meg has on her sidebar I haven't done it but it looks like a good place to start if you are looking for something detailed).
5. Drink liquid chlorophyll. If you haven't tried liquid chlorophyll this is a simple addition to your day that your body will love you for. It gives me an instant lift when I drink it. Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants. Liquid chlorophyll concentrates the benefits, it is an antioxidant, aids digestion and is alkalising. (I buy the Swisse brand it has a spearmint flavour, each brand tastes slightly different).
6. Try these Spring eating tips inspired by Chinese medicine
7. I recommend Cyndi O'Maera's 21 day program. It is titled as a weight loss, get healthy program but even if weight loss is not your goal it is a good program to do because it helps to focus your awareness on how the foods you eat make you feel, plus it contains lots of great, easy, family-friendly recipes. Cyndi has a very balanced approach to health and nutrition.
So, how does all that sound? Doable? I hope it kick starts you into some good new habits or revives some you had forgotten about. Happy, healthy day to all of you. Thanks for reading xx
Join me on facebook for some September spring cleansing encouragement.
I started a spring cleanse on Monday, nothing drastic just a few doable changes that I will stick to for the next 3 weeks and am already feeling the benefits of after 3 days. 'Doable' is the key word in that sentence. Most mamas I know have enough on their plate without stretching themselves to go through a drastic cleanse. Also, it is important to consider the season of motherhood you are in, for example if you are in the season of having a newborn baby and are breastfeeding then doing a juice fast wouldn't be suitable but perhaps if you have teenagers and therefore have less demands on you physically then a juice fast might be doable. Before we go on, remember I am not a health practitioner what I write here is from my own research and personal experience if you'd like to embark on a cleanse or detox and haven't done so before you may want to seek professional advice first.
I wrote on Monday that I don't believe in all or nothing approaches to eating, I do though think there is benefit in abstaining from certain foods in your diet for a period of time particularly ones that may have a hold over you. It gives you a chance to regain perspective on the role they play in your life and how you feel when you eat them and it gives your digestive system a well earned rest.
Below are some ideas to get you started. Feel free to share some of your ideas in the comments.
1. Take a break from caffeine. I love my daily coffee, it punctuates my day. I enjoy whichever cafe I visit to have a coffee and I enjoy a rare moment of solitude if I escape by myself and just as much I enjoy the company of whoever I may be with. In place of my morning coffee I have been loving - carrot, apple, lemon and ginger juice. I only ever have one coffee a day usually in the morning, if I am looking for a lift in the afternoon I make a dandelion 'coffee' which is caffeine free, liver cleansing and satisfying.
2. Start your day with a glass of warm water with the juice of 1/2 a lemon. I have started my day with this drink for a number of years now. This too is liver cleansing and a great way to wake up. I also like it because it kicks starts my water drinking for the day, drinking enough water throughout the day is a challenge for me so starting the day with a big glass has become a good habit.
3. Drink 2 litres of water per day. This is such a simple step that can have a huge impact on the way you feel and how your body functions. Every cell on your body relies on water to function at its best. My Chinese doctor suggested every time I go into the kitchen or walk past the water filter to drink some water, it is about making it a habit. My aunty sets the alarm on her phone to ring every hour to remind her to drink some water.
4. Jump on the green smoothie train. I think most of us would benefit from eating more leafy greens and green smoothies are a delicious way to up your intake and your family's too. Freeze some bananas so you have them on hand whenever you feel like making one, grow or buy some leafy greens such as kale, spinach, parsley and mint, you will need a blender for this. If you don't have a high powered blender I find it best to use a soft leafy green such as baby spinach because it blends to a smooth texture, I don't enjoy pulpy green smoothies but you might! My usual recipe is: one banana, a good handful of baby spinach, as much parsley and mint as I feel like, filtered water and whatever other fruit I have perhaps berries in summer, or mandarines or orange in winter. Blend and serve. Meg at My Wholefood Romance has written a really helpful post on making green smoothies for beginners. (while you're over at Wholefood Romance check out the 21 day wholefood cleanse Meg has on her sidebar I haven't done it but it looks like a good place to start if you are looking for something detailed).
5. Drink liquid chlorophyll. If you haven't tried liquid chlorophyll this is a simple addition to your day that your body will love you for. It gives me an instant lift when I drink it. Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants. Liquid chlorophyll concentrates the benefits, it is an antioxidant, aids digestion and is alkalising. (I buy the Swisse brand it has a spearmint flavour, each brand tastes slightly different).
6. Try these Spring eating tips inspired by Chinese medicine
7. I recommend Cyndi O'Maera's 21 day program. It is titled as a weight loss, get healthy program but even if weight loss is not your goal it is a good program to do because it helps to focus your awareness on how the foods you eat make you feel, plus it contains lots of great, easy, family-friendly recipes. Cyndi has a very balanced approach to health and nutrition.
So, how does all that sound? Doable? I hope it kick starts you into some good new habits or revives some you had forgotten about. Happy, healthy day to all of you. Thanks for reading xx
Join me on facebook for some September spring cleansing encouragement.
Monday, August 26, 2013
monday musings: on what to eat
Deciding what to eat and what to feed your family for optimal nutrition AND pleasure is no easy feat in these modern times of fake food, misleading marketing and information overload.
Thanks to easy access to research and opinions that conflict and contradict one another we are all highly likely to make food choices we thought were nourishing, or follow a particular way of eating - paleo, vegan, no sugar, to name a few - only to discover a piece of information, or experience an adverse reaction to our chosen path that causes us to change our ways and beliefs.
A couple of ingredients I have gone down this path with are stevia and Bragg's Liquid Aminos. After doing a 3 month medically supervised detox - no wheat, dairy, sugar, salt, caffeine, dairy or alcohol - I jumped on the stevia train and tried to tell myself I liked it. I baked with the powdered version, in the end I had to admit to myself I didn't like the taste or texture it gave to cakes or biscuits. Similar experience with agave. My preferred sweeteners for baking now are maple syrup, honey and occasionally when I bake something that calls for sugar I use rapadura or coconut palm sugar.
We started using Bragg's Liquid Aminos after Dr. Gruba who we did the detox with recommended it as an alternative to salt. From the outset I wasn't mad about the flavour and the more I thought about it the more I thought about how highly processed it would have to be to go from a soy bean to a salty tasting liquid state! Not to mention the food miles coming from America and the plastic packaging. I started doing some research on the net and came across some highly emotive opinions about why not to eat Bragg's and some other more balanced voices too. In the end I decided to trust my instinct and have opted for decent sea salt used wisely is a much better choice.
As for deciding upon a 'style' of eating I've never been a fan of all or nothing approaches such as the quit sugar movement. I agree that over-eating refined white foods is not nourishing and can have a detrimental effect on long term health but I think that all or nothing diets such as the no sugar one, or no carbs, or no cooked food (100% raw) can come with a lot of hype that needs to be analysed. All or nothing diets can cause people to feel like failures if they can't stick with what they set out to do, this sense of failure can affect self-esteem and body image especially if weight loss was an initial goal. What I do think is good about the work that people such as Sarah Wilson and David Gillespie are doing is that they are raising awareness about things like hidden sugars and encouraging people to eat real food over processed food that is great! The highly emotive language that surrounds their message is a bit alienating to me.
Discovering and staying connected to what is nourishing, energising and satisfying for each of us, as unique beings is the aim. And the challenge.
What can we do to decide with confidence the best foods for ourselves and our family?
I've written some guidelines here based on my experience, research and dare I say good old-fashioned common sense! I hope they are useful. I am not a scientist, doctor or nutritionist if you are unwell please consult a qualified health practitioner, but even then listen to what they have to say with an open mind and if it doesn't feel right to you consult another and compare opinions. It can get confusing but just because someone has a qualification doesn't necessarily mean they are the practitioner for you. I would love for you to share your experiences and thoughts on this topic.
A guide for eating well
Trust Mother Nature: organically grown foods from the earth are real, your body will recognise this and soak up the nutrients.
Stick to what is local and seasonal. Consider those food miles.
Whatever you can afford to buy organic do.
If a particular way of eating is promising you the world - more energy, optimum health, ideal body weight, anti-aging and so on. Be curious AND skeptical. Look beyond the hype! Ask yourself is this way of eating sustainable for me and my family in the long term? Or is it more of a short term detox?
Read the fineprint on packaging always. Packaging can be decorated with many 'health' claims that are outweighed by the sugar, salt or trans fat content of a product. These 'health' foods can even be endorsed by high profile health organisations such as the Heart Foundation. Even if a food product claims to be healthy it is still important to always read the ingredients.
When researching, consider the source. Does the person writing or speaking have a vested interest in what they are promoting?
Trust your intuition and judgement, if an ingredient, way of eating, or recommendation from a health practitioner either in the media or one you meet in person genuinely doesn't feel right for you then go with your gut feeling and check out other options.
Useful resources:
I am a fan of Sally Fallon's book Nourishing Traditions. Although, I have to say I don't think it is necessarily the best book for beginners to wholefoods because there is so much information it could easily be overwhelming.
I think that Jude Blereau brings a great voice of reason and wisdom to this topic, in particular I highly recommend two of her books Coming Home to Eat and Wholefood for Children.
A few blogs I love for their recipes and their grounded approach to this 'what to eat?' conundrum are:
Natalie's blog The Little Gnomes Home, visit her facebook page Digestible Kitchen.
Vanessa's blog Slow Heart Sing, Vanessa's facebook page is here.
Meg's blog My Wholefood Romance, facebook page here.
Nutritionist and chef extraordinaire Samantha Gowing's blog Bitter Sweet Sour.
Sonia at Natural New Age Mum, facebook here.
Kristin at Mamacino, facebook here.
**update: My clever friend Renee McCready is a natural medicine practitioner with a balanced approach and just happens to be an incredible creator of scrumptious raw food deliciousness minus the dogma! Find Renee's recipes on her facebook page or in her ebook.
Via Natalie I have found Emma The Nutrition Coach's blog to be really thought provoking, providing great detail and information. From what I understand from Emma's blog her focus is on an individual's metabolism and digestion taking into account hormonal balance and thyroid function, from what I've read this approach makes sense to me.
I'm sure I have left some other places I visit off this list, if I have let me know in the comments, leave a link to your site or favorites.
We all need help and support in making the best food choices for ourselves and our families and although information on the internet can be bewildering it is also a fantastic place for sharing great information and inspiration.
Thanks for reading xx
apologies for no photo today my camera has a grain of sand wedged in the lens and won't open and getting photos off my new phone is proving to be technologically challenging for me! photos again soon.
Thanks to easy access to research and opinions that conflict and contradict one another we are all highly likely to make food choices we thought were nourishing, or follow a particular way of eating - paleo, vegan, no sugar, to name a few - only to discover a piece of information, or experience an adverse reaction to our chosen path that causes us to change our ways and beliefs.
A couple of ingredients I have gone down this path with are stevia and Bragg's Liquid Aminos. After doing a 3 month medically supervised detox - no wheat, dairy, sugar, salt, caffeine, dairy or alcohol - I jumped on the stevia train and tried to tell myself I liked it. I baked with the powdered version, in the end I had to admit to myself I didn't like the taste or texture it gave to cakes or biscuits. Similar experience with agave. My preferred sweeteners for baking now are maple syrup, honey and occasionally when I bake something that calls for sugar I use rapadura or coconut palm sugar.
We started using Bragg's Liquid Aminos after Dr. Gruba who we did the detox with recommended it as an alternative to salt. From the outset I wasn't mad about the flavour and the more I thought about it the more I thought about how highly processed it would have to be to go from a soy bean to a salty tasting liquid state! Not to mention the food miles coming from America and the plastic packaging. I started doing some research on the net and came across some highly emotive opinions about why not to eat Bragg's and some other more balanced voices too. In the end I decided to trust my instinct and have opted for decent sea salt used wisely is a much better choice.
As for deciding upon a 'style' of eating I've never been a fan of all or nothing approaches such as the quit sugar movement. I agree that over-eating refined white foods is not nourishing and can have a detrimental effect on long term health but I think that all or nothing diets such as the no sugar one, or no carbs, or no cooked food (100% raw) can come with a lot of hype that needs to be analysed. All or nothing diets can cause people to feel like failures if they can't stick with what they set out to do, this sense of failure can affect self-esteem and body image especially if weight loss was an initial goal. What I do think is good about the work that people such as Sarah Wilson and David Gillespie are doing is that they are raising awareness about things like hidden sugars and encouraging people to eat real food over processed food that is great! The highly emotive language that surrounds their message is a bit alienating to me.
Discovering and staying connected to what is nourishing, energising and satisfying for each of us, as unique beings is the aim. And the challenge.
What can we do to decide with confidence the best foods for ourselves and our family?
I've written some guidelines here based on my experience, research and dare I say good old-fashioned common sense! I hope they are useful. I am not a scientist, doctor or nutritionist if you are unwell please consult a qualified health practitioner, but even then listen to what they have to say with an open mind and if it doesn't feel right to you consult another and compare opinions. It can get confusing but just because someone has a qualification doesn't necessarily mean they are the practitioner for you. I would love for you to share your experiences and thoughts on this topic.
A guide for eating well
Trust Mother Nature: organically grown foods from the earth are real, your body will recognise this and soak up the nutrients.
Stick to what is local and seasonal. Consider those food miles.
Whatever you can afford to buy organic do.
If a particular way of eating is promising you the world - more energy, optimum health, ideal body weight, anti-aging and so on. Be curious AND skeptical. Look beyond the hype! Ask yourself is this way of eating sustainable for me and my family in the long term? Or is it more of a short term detox?
Read the fineprint on packaging always. Packaging can be decorated with many 'health' claims that are outweighed by the sugar, salt or trans fat content of a product. These 'health' foods can even be endorsed by high profile health organisations such as the Heart Foundation. Even if a food product claims to be healthy it is still important to always read the ingredients.
When researching, consider the source. Does the person writing or speaking have a vested interest in what they are promoting?
Trust your intuition and judgement, if an ingredient, way of eating, or recommendation from a health practitioner either in the media or one you meet in person genuinely doesn't feel right for you then go with your gut feeling and check out other options.
Useful resources:
I am a fan of Sally Fallon's book Nourishing Traditions. Although, I have to say I don't think it is necessarily the best book for beginners to wholefoods because there is so much information it could easily be overwhelming.
I think that Jude Blereau brings a great voice of reason and wisdom to this topic, in particular I highly recommend two of her books Coming Home to Eat and Wholefood for Children.
A few blogs I love for their recipes and their grounded approach to this 'what to eat?' conundrum are:
Natalie's blog The Little Gnomes Home, visit her facebook page Digestible Kitchen.
Vanessa's blog Slow Heart Sing, Vanessa's facebook page is here.
Meg's blog My Wholefood Romance, facebook page here.
Nutritionist and chef extraordinaire Samantha Gowing's blog Bitter Sweet Sour.
Sonia at Natural New Age Mum, facebook here.
Kristin at Mamacino, facebook here.
**update: My clever friend Renee McCready is a natural medicine practitioner with a balanced approach and just happens to be an incredible creator of scrumptious raw food deliciousness minus the dogma! Find Renee's recipes on her facebook page or in her ebook.
Via Natalie I have found Emma The Nutrition Coach's blog to be really thought provoking, providing great detail and information. From what I understand from Emma's blog her focus is on an individual's metabolism and digestion taking into account hormonal balance and thyroid function, from what I've read this approach makes sense to me.
I'm sure I have left some other places I visit off this list, if I have let me know in the comments, leave a link to your site or favorites.
We all need help and support in making the best food choices for ourselves and our families and although information on the internet can be bewildering it is also a fantastic place for sharing great information and inspiration.
Thanks for reading xx
apologies for no photo today my camera has a grain of sand wedged in the lens and won't open and getting photos off my new phone is proving to be technologically challenging for me! photos again soon.
Friday, August 23, 2013
friday back in melbourne
We landed back in Melbourne last night to wind and rain, full blown winter. It is always bittersweet when our time in Northern New South Wales comes to an end and we leave sunshine and Northern Rivers friends to return to our Victorian home.
Today the boys and spent the morning at the Melbourne Museum while Pete went to a meeting for the Culture is Life campaign he is working on. I haven't been to the museum since I was in primary school. It must be one of the best value days out with children that there is. $10 entry for adults, free if you have a concession card, and free entry for children up to age 16. I managed to get a four hour park across the road $3.60 per hour is pretty good for city parking and spent $20 on lunch for the three of us in the museum cafe. Word of advice: avoid the gift shop. Saying no to requests to buy over-priced stuffed Australian animals and similar was tiring for me and frustrating for River and Sol so unless you have budget for toys/books or dvds keep on walking.
Now that we are back to the cooler weather soup is on the menu in a big way. Lamb shank and barley, and chicken are favorites, Georgia's minestrone looks good to try too.
I've been away from the blog this week not because I've wanted to, I have recipes to share, but partly because I was soaking up real life in Northern Rivers while I could, but mainly because a grain of sand has lodged itself in my camera and the lens will not open. And recipes just aren't the same without photos are they? What to do? Use your phone camera I hear you say. Well, I will do some experimenting with that idea over the weekend and in the meantime if you have any camera model suggestions (that is a camera that you love) let me know, I think I'm in the market for an upgrade...Jodi I did ask you a while ago but I have misplaced details if you are reading and can leave details again in the comments I'd be grateful.
Catching up on some blog/facebook reading with a cup of dandelion this raw chocolate peppermint slice looks tempting and how about this show-stopping raw vegan caramel slice?
Well that seems like a nice sweet note to finish on for this week. Bear with me on the photography front over the next couple of weeks until I can either get my camera repaired or purchase a replacement.
Oh, only to add I am inspired by Maxabella's Friday Rewind to invite you to share a link you like from this week it can be from your own blog or from somewhere else on the net something that you read and loved, that inspired you, or a winning recipe. For this week share it in the comments and I'll see if I can switch my brain into techno gear and work out the link up gizmo for next Friday.
Have a beautiful weekend wherever in the world you are. Thanks for reading xx
Monday, August 19, 2013
monday musings: on parenting
Its true children don’t come with their own personal
instruction book explaining how to raise them. No, parenting is very much a
learning by doing experience. I’m sure that sometimes children wished their
parents came with instruction books too!
From the moment River was born I felt simultaneously in
bliss and over-awed, in bliss that this precious little being was ours to love
and nurture, and over-awed by the responsibility to ‘get it right’. By get it
right I mean parent him to be the best that he can be.
River turned seven a few weeks ago (we celebrated with sushi see above and a bonfire), and I can feel and
see the shift in him from childhood to boyhood. I watch him taking the world
in, soaking up every nuance of life and the people around him. He is hungry.
Hungry to learn, hungry for life. At the end of this next seven year cycle
River will be fourteen and heading into the heart of his adolescence. I am conscious of giving him every opportunity, now, at this age, to grow in his confidence and capabilities.
As each birthday comes around for my children I find myself
reflecting on the ways they’ve grown and how Pete and I have grown in our
parenting. Or not grown. Its a good time to be mindful about what needs some
work.
Over-thinking things is something I've done too often in the
past, including how to parent. I’ve learned to let that go and
found a happy place of being mindful rather than overwrought with analytical
thinking that leads to second guessing myself.
I approach parenting with the adage ‘begin with the end in
mind’, that is, think about the men and women you’d like your children to become
and lay the foundations from birth. Pete and I want our boys to have
respect for themselves, for others and for the world they live in. We are
raising them to use their initiative and to realise from a young age that they
are part of a bigger picture and that starts with contributing in our home.
I look around at the young men and women I know and am
curious about how they have been parented, I ask their parents for tips and
advice and file them away ready to put into practice.
The biggest obstacles I see on the path of parents and their
children in these times are technology, fake food, and added to that for teenagers is the alcohol culture that
has become an unfortunate excuse for a rite of passage. How to deal with these
obstacles are posts for another day.
At this moment, in this season of my parenting I am filled
with joy watching my boy’s personalities and passions unfold. River the actor,
fisherman, surfer, guitarist, such a social being, always asking ‘what I have to eat mum?’ Sol the artist, painting daily is his meditation, colour
and drawing held his attention from a young age, lost in imaginary play,
boundless energy from the moment his eyes pop open, such physical strength, in
awe of his big brother.
I am also challenged and tired by hearing ‘no!’ from them and
when they squabble and whine.
Above all, I am beyond grateful.
Grateful for the opportunity to parent these boys and to do so with Pete who is
a wonderful father, who is fully present in every sense of the word. The three
of them challenge me to grow, to be the best I can and to dig deeper. Even when
I feel exhausted, thinking I can dig no more, I find more and I thank them for
that.
Where are you at with parenting? Share your tips and experiences in the comments...
Friday, August 16, 2013
friday before home
In the morning I'm hoping to make it to Mullumbimby market for a final scout around, looking at local designers wares, enjoying a coffee most likely while River and Sol indulge in an organic donut (believe me, the word organic does not negate the fat and sugar indulgence).
Sunday may see us heading south near Evans Head for a picnic with friends, or staying local...
By next Thrusday when we leave I will be feeling ready to be back in our own home, ready to reconnect with our southern family and friends. That said, there is much to miss about being here but I am not going to dwell on that because we still have five whole days ahead of us.
Let's get on with the list. Posts and blogs that have caught my attention and/or imagination this week...
We celebrated River's 7th birthday recently and were very happy when Jay and her family made the trip from Bellingen to join us. Click on over to view Jay's beautiful photography from our bonfire celebration. Thank you Jay xxx (love your new header too by the way)
Loved this post from Jodi on creating a bedtime for YOU
At the local library this week I discovered a brilliant new book - The Artful Parent - I will write a review at some stage but in the meantime you have a chance to win a copy, quick go now entries close Saturday August 17 11.59pm EST. I love this book because the focus is on the art making process not the outcome and it is filled with realistic beautiful art projects and ways to slot the making into your day.
What's that you're hungry? So far none of these links are to food I hear you say. Have you tried my buckwheat, banana, walnut and maple syrup porridge? It surprises me that it is one of the most read posts on my blog. Who knew porridge was so interesting?! For something savoury, nourishing, easy, delicious AND crowd pleasing try Liana's one pot chicken and rice.
Got a favorite post from the week to share? Head on over and link up at Maxabella's weekend rewind. Thanks Maxabella. Great way to discover blogs and bring new readers.
Happy weekending everyone xx
Thursday, August 15, 2013
spaghetti circus
This year Spaghetti celebrates its 21st year and is hosting a circus festival from 4-6 October.
And just so you are not left hungry from this post here is the Spaghetti Circus chocolate dipped version of anzacs:
oH Spaghetti Circus you are reason alone to live here all year round.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
pasta is not a dirty word
What to do?
Well, when River was about 3 years old I talked to my Chinese doctor about this very situation and her response was to vary the grains that the pasta is made of.
The majority of pasta you see on the supermarket shelf is made from wheat which more and more people are finding that they have a sensitivity to or realise that their diets are too heavily based on wheat like for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wheat is a whole topic in itself but for starters go here .
We eat pasta about once a week or every ten days and avoid eating wheat, I buy gluten-free rice or corn pasta, spelt, amaranth or kamut pasta. The health food aisle in your supermarket stocks pasta that is made from grains other than wheat and your local health food store will most likely have an even wider range.
Now for the vegetables. Well, the good news is pasta sauce is a wonderland for concealing vegetables. If it isn't already, the grater should be your best friend. Grated carrot and zucchini are two of my favorites to include. That said, I don't really believe in hiding vegetables at every meal to get children to eat them.
Raising happy, healthy eaters begins with us the parents. Our attitude to good food, the example we set and having clear, consistent expectations are the foundations in my book. Speaking of books, for more tips on curing fussy eaters read 'French Kids Eat Everything' by Karen Le Billon.
There's no force feeding at our table but what we serve for dinner is dinner, there are no other options. When it comes to veggies most children go in and out of liking carrots, pumpkin, broccoli - insert vegetable name - one day and screwing their face up at the sight of them the next. The key is not to make a big deal out of it and not to give up putting vegetables on their plate. Yes it gets a bit boring having the same old 'eat your veggies' talk but it is our work, laying solid nutritional foundations for our children is an important job. Don't give up!
Back to the pasta. The dish pictured above is corn spaghetti (500g) tossed with roasted veggies, a whole jar of Meredith Dairy goat cheese (including the olive oil and herbs from the jar thrown in), semi dried tomatoes, fresh peas and roasted pine nuts. Roasted veggie pasta is one of my favorites, quick and easy.
Now, tell me your favorites? Or have you given up grains? Tell me why and how that's going.
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