Articles » Food

Low Starch Diet also helps prevent calcium loss from bone

A diet low in starch (like the one I recommend) has been proven by a recent study at the University of Illinois to not only assist with weight loss, but prevent calcium loss from bone which can happen with other diets.

Acid forming foods

Our body likes to be in a state of steady balance (homoeostasis). We prefer our blood pressure to be within a certain safe range, same goes for blood sugar levels, hormone levels, temperature and pH levels. pH is a measure of acid/base (alkali).

Tea and Health - the lastest

My day begins with copious quantities of freshly brewed tea. This ritual used to be a guilty pleasure, but now that tea has been promoted to health superstar, I now drink my morning cuppa(s) with pride.

The wheat trap

Our digestive tract has remained in much the same state for hundreds of thousands of years. Although humans have the incredible ability to adapt intellectually, our biology binds us to the past. Physical adaptation is painstakingly slow.

What is tea?

I am a tea girl from way back, unable to start the day without a full pot of tea under my belt. A tea snob too, none of this tea-bag nonsense for me, I insist on tea leaves for my cuppa. Unfortunately, I am rarely able to enjoy my preferred beverage away from home.

Chickens, hormones and the end of an urban myth

I am guilty of perpetuating an urban myth - the one about chickens being force-fed hormones. For years I believed the story. What else could explain chicken breasts the size of Arnold Schwartzneggers pectorals? Those chooks had to be on ‘roids.

Coffee

Directly below my clinic is a coffee shop. I often see victims furtively gulping down a cappuccino before their appointment with me, obviously thinking that coffee and naturopaths don’t mix.

Coffee can be compatible with good health. However, some people are definitely better off without it. Coffee is a frequently used negotiating tool by me when designing diets. I’ll let you have one cup of coffee a day if you sacrifice the camembert and chocolate.

Life's a peach

Furry, firm and smells good. What’s not to love about a peach? Originating in China 4,000 years ago, peaches are members of the Rose family that also includes, plums, apricots and cherries.

Don't toss the salad

The Renaissance saw a return of the preprandial salad, restoring a custom from ancient Rome where bitter green leaves and herbs were dressed with salt (‘salata’ - salad), vinegar and the ubiquitous drizzle of olive oil.

Kingdom fungi - mushrooms

Commonly grouped with vegetables, mushrooms are neither plant or animal, but are classified in a kingdom apart … Fungi.

Fall in love with garlic

I have always had the utmost respect for garlic. Even so, I was surprised when I fell in love with it.

Salmon superfood

Once only found only on plates of the posh, salmon now has a regular gig in the Australian diet. There are a couple of reasons for the popularity of our best slimy friend.

What is naturopathy?

A history and guide to naturopathic medicine in Australia. Naturopathy endeavours to find out and treat the underlying cause of an illness, not just the symptoms. Naturopathic medicine aims to improve your sense of wellbeing in all areas.

Chocolate - redeemed

To say that chocolate is confectionary is like saying a diamond is a hardened lump of carbon. Both statements are true, but they totally miss the point. Chocolates are not food in the same way as diamonds are not rocks (unless the ‘rock’ is over 2 carats and you also call your Palm Beach Mansion D’amour, ‘the cottage’). Chocolate is bliss incarnate. It represents comfort, desire, love, reward - and it tastes pretty good too.

• Try Indispensable