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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

Fibre. Most people are aware of it, yet it is worthy of more attention than it gets. Broadly speaking, this component of whole plant foods provides a huge array of health benefits. Take a minute and read a little on why fibre is great, and why you should love it. 1. Cleans and clears Fibre … Continued

Incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is increasing. NAFLD is the build-up of excess fat in liver cells and often associated with insulin resistance, overweight, and high blood triglycerides.1 NASH can be considered the more extreme end of the NAFLD spectrum, where severe inflammation can lead to irreversible damage, fibrosis, and … Continued

We have all been there. Those times when we cannot get past the allure of that super-sweet/deep-fried/extra-salty something.  No matter your logic, reasoning or “willpower”, you just need it. Sugary and other hyper-palatable foods have been thought to “hijack” our brain chemistry, making us want more. In the words of Dr Robert H. Lustig, “No … 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

For big and little kids alike, getting prepared with a wholesome, healthy lunch can be time-consuming, difficult to plan, or require a level of creativity we are sometimes too weary to get our head around. Buying out all the time means we have little control over the ingredients or the way it is prepared or … Continued

We have long been encouraged to fuel up at breakfast. Yet, research sits on both sides of the fence as to whether breakfast is the most important meal of the day, or whether we ‘need’ to eat anything at all. Have you taken notice of how you feel when you skip on the morning feed? … Continued

Tucking into a tub of Häagen-Dazs, a packet of Skittles, or a slice of Aunty Val’s pavlova, without question you are eating added sugar. However, excessive amounts of the sweet stuff can creep into everyday foods without us realising, even in products that appear ‘healthy’. In fact, Australians over-consume free and added sugars, surpassing the recommended limit of … Continued

It’s party time! And along with pass-the-parcel, treasure hunts and birthday candles, a party bag souvenir of the fun-times had is a common feature. Often filled with an assortment of Chupa Chups, Jelly Babies, Cadbury Favourites and the like, this additional serve of sugar may be overload following an event that typically entails birthday cake … Continued

Too much added sugar is not great for health. This is widely accepted. The question is, how might excess added sugar intake impact the immune system? Sugar and the immune system Past research indicates immune system activity is suppressed following the consumption of free sugars, particularly fructose (though some scientists feel more studies in humans … 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