This final instalment of my analysis of popular dieting trends investigates whether it is necessary to “quit” sugar. In this article I’ll discuss what “quitting” sugar requires, analyse the scientific evidence available and give you my verdict on whether it is worthwhile or not. The diet Unless you have been living under a rock for the past 10 years, I’m … Read More
Dietary Analysis – Detox and Cleansing Diets by Tania Logan, Dietitian and Diabetes Educator
Spring has sprung, and with it has come another onslaught of misinformation about dieting and weight loss. You may have noticed an increase in articles on how you can lose that “winter weight” and get your body ready for summer. Over the next few months, I am going to analyse some of the more popular diets, discuss the scientific evidence , and give … Read More
Eat, Drink and Be Mindful by Tania Logan, Dietitian and Diabetes Educator
Christmas is my favourite time of year. I love the fresh, seasonal produce, time with family and friends, and of course the special foods that we associate with Christmas. It is a time filled (often to overflowing) with socialising, but it doesn’t have to be associated with overeating or drinking too much. It is also definitely not a time for … Read More
Nanna’s Shortbread
Nanna’s shortbread 250 g butter 1 ½ cups plain flour 1 cup self raising flour 2 tbsp rice flour 170 g icing sugar ½ tsp vanilla extract Preheat the oven to 180o Lightly grease a rectangular baking tray with butter and line with baking paper. Sift flours together into a large mixing bowl.Use your fingertips to rub the … Read More
Stroke Awareness and Blood Pressure (Part B) by Tania Logan (Dietitian)
This week is Stroke Awareness week and I am encouraging everyone to make simple changes to their diet that can help reduce their blood pressure, which is the biggest risk factor for stroke. In my last article, I discussed the top 5 foods that help lower blood pressure. Today, I will focus on the 5 things that we need to … Read More
Stroke Awareness Week and Blood Pressure (Part A) by Tania Logan (Dietitian)
This week is Stroke Awareness week, and this year we want to encourage everyone to see how easy it is to fit healthy habits into their day to reduce their risk of a stroke. The Stroke Foundation has lots of helpful information on their website at www.strokefoundation.org.au. Blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke. Blood pressure is the … Read More
Using food as a reward – not a recipe for success by Tania Logan, Dietitian and Diabetes Educator
I was at an athletics carnival a few years ago, and heard a child boasting that she would be allowed to have one dessert over the coming week for every personal best she achieved in her events that day. I was absolutely astounded, but I probably shouldn’t have been. While the details are not always the same, this situation is … Read More
Mindful Beetroot Soup – by Tania Logan (Dietitian and Diabetes Educator)
I enjoy watching children creating healthy relationships with food and truly connecting with the food they eat. The year 6 students at our local primary school have been looking after the vegetable garden this year, with the help and guidance of a very generous staff member. There are a group of them that can be found there most lunch times, … Read More
Happy Easter
Some holidays and special occasions can invoke really strong food memories, and many of us have our own family food traditions. For me, hot cross buns are synonymous with Easter. I love these not too sweet, spiced buns made with dried fruit and peel. And I know I am not the only one. These delicious treats have stood the test … Read More
White chocolate hot cross buns (makes 12)
This recipe requires a bread maker. Bread maker ingredients: 2 tsp yeast 475 g bread flour 260 ml milk 45 g butter 2 tbsp sugar 1 egg Additions: 200 g white chocolate chips 1 cup icing sugar 1 tsp butter 1 tbsp water Place the first 6 ingredients into your bread maker pan. Select the “dough cycle” or … Read More