The gut microbiome. You’ve probably heard of it. It is the community of trillions of microbiota (also referred to as microbes or microorganisms) residing in the intestinal tract, their genes, and the products they produce. The microbes coexist with us so we can function. Amazing.  The composition of different bug populations residing in the gut … Continued

Credit: Canva Our brain is our best friend. A friend we often take for granted!  To keep the brain healthy, we need to eat healthily. That means more whole foods, less ultra-processed foods, and limiting consumption of added and free sugars. Why? Read on.  Activating reward centre When eating sugary foods, the brain’s reward system … Continued

We get asked a lot about alternatives to sugar. This is warranted, as individuals look for ways to reduce intake but confronted with mixed messages about the health effects of consuming sugar substitutes.  Are they helpful or harmful? For a simple answer, here is what we advise:  Alternative, intense sweeteners and sugar substitutes are fine … Continued

However, an often overlooked – yet important – component of the food experience is how we eat it. Is it rushed and on-the-go? Has it been prepared with care and love? Is it shared with those you care about? Dinner is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a homemade meal slowly and at the table with … Continued

Mid-afternoon is here and the chocolate craving steam train is ready to steer you toward your nearest 7-Eleven. Despite all your best intentions, you jump on board, and for a moment you feel the energy-slump lift, only to slump again shortly after. Sustaining energy throughout a day can be a challenge. We have demanding lives … Continued

A celebratory cake is likely to contain some sweet stuff, and the occasional slice for most is perfectly okay! However, adding to that the sugary foods typically found at a kid’s birthday party can result in sugar overload. Here we have a selection of no added sugar food and drink ideas perfect for a party, … Continued

Let’s not beat around the sugary bush – soft drinks are not good for health. Period.  Initially, regularly knocking back liquid sweet stuff can result in energy and mood fluctuations, tooth decay, and disturbed sleep.  Over time, the impacts are extensive and significant. Long term, regular drinking of the sweet stuff can contribute to non-alcoholic … Continued

Went overboard on the sweet stuff? Lose the guilts and help your body through the post-sugar slam! While we aren’t advocating that doing the below negates a regular sugar binge, for the occasion it does happen (think the festive season!), know that your body can survive this and you can help it manage the overload. … Continued

You have finished your evening meal and have a hankering for a little something extra. The problem is, tucking into a typical dessert can mean a heap of added sugar. Doing this every day, for several reasons, is not ideal. One. We are all becoming too aware of the problems for consuming excessive amounts of … Continued

As awareness around limiting added and free sugar intake increases, food manufacturers are innovating and testing alternatives to provide (what they believe to be) a better, yet still sweetly satisfying, option for consumers to delight in. Nestlé has recently announced it will be using the white pulp of the cocoa pod — the fleshy part … Continued