Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

In my post about coffee yesterday I mentioned that a moderate amount of caffeine is considered okay – but what’s a moderate amount? For an adult, this is generally considered to be between 300 and 400mg per day of caffeine, with over 600mg classed as excessive. Four cups of espresso coffee gives about 360mg of caffeine, so falls within the bounds of moderate intake. I know these are the generally recognised guidelines, but I still believe this is a …

Read more 15 June, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• Easy, tasty dinner: I do like Sue’s idea for an easy mid-week dinner. Soba noodles, with a peanut and ginger sauce, vegetables, eggs. Lovely meal. * Recipe nutrient information: Martha Rose Shulman has posted a piece about why she doesn’t calculate the nutrients in her recipes. The article includes thoughts from Marion Nestle as well. * How to freeze fruit: I love this guide to freezing fruit from Pikelet and Pie. I regularly buy back-up boxes of frozen fruit. …

Read more 02 October, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

If you’re in Sydney and interested in coming along to one of my seminars, I’ve updated the schedule on the Balance2health website. h3. Cooking for one or two I’ve added two new dates to the Cooking for One series – a second Saturday afternoon and a Thursday evening. You can see all the details here. h3. Controlling your weight after 40 Once you hit 40 most women start noticing changes to their body and it seems to become more and …

Read more 06 October, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

This week’s Friday Quicklinks are bought to you . . . on Saturday. * One chicken, three meals: I like this series from British Larder based on what you can do with one chicken. The food is not easy, but I think it’s an imaginative and different approach to cooking a chook. Here’s the second part and the third. * Oat and coconut pudding: Lovely idea from Health Nut of turning an Indian rice pudding into an oat pudding. And …

Read more 09 October, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• Easy salads: Jules from Stonesoup has been posting some easy salad recipes, including how to make salad with a teaspoon and this excellent warm lentil salad with beetroot and ricotta. * Cranberry harvest: I love these photos and the explanation of a cranberry harvest. The pools of red berries are particularly beautiful. Thanks to Ganga for pointing them out. * A radish recipe: I also like this radish idea – with a honey lime dressing. It’s from the _Figs …

Read more 15 October, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Lifestyle and Miscellanea

Quite startling news yesterday about a specific type of interval training that may encourage a higher degree of fat burning. A study conducted by the University of NSW and the Garvan Institute over 15 weeks, split 45 overweight women into two groups. One group cycled at a steady pace for 40 minutes, while the other group did a 20 minute regime including eight seconds of sprinting, followed by 12 seconds of cycling lightly. Neither group made any changes to their …

Read more 23 January, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Fish, Ethics & Sustainablity and Miscellanea

• Cauliflower & tahini: Great looking recipe from Martha Rose Shulman, for roasted cauliflower with tahini-parsley sauce. It would be lovely with some falafels and pita bread. * About meat: I loved Jonathon Safron Foer’s novel Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and he brings the same quality of writing to this essay on the New York Times website: Against Meat. Thanks to Lisa Dempster for pointing it out. * Chocolate & chickpeas? Instead of nutella, Bittersweet makes a "chocolate and …

Read more 23 October, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

A mushroom weighing 20kg has been found in Mexico’s southern state of Chiapas. It stands 70cm tall. Pictures are here and here . h3. Reminder Q & A Thursday is tomorrow – let me know if you have any questions about food, nutrition and health, either by sending an email or leaving a comment.

Read more 10 July, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

It’s a recipe packed Quicklinks this week! * Low maintenance pesto: I love this easy idea from Jules at Stonesoup – it’s a low maintenance way of making pesto. And Jules completes the post with a recipe – pasta with zucchini and pesto * Neatballs? Another excellent looking meal, this one from Monica of SmarterFitter fame. It’s a vegetarian “meatball” recipe: carrot and walnut tofu neatballs. I think these look fab. * Stewing apple: I like this idea of "stewing …

Read more 30 October, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

A quick post to let you know there are still spaces available in my Cooking for One or Two session next Saturday. h3. About the seminar If there’s just one or two of you at home, it can feel hard to get motivated to cook a proper meal in the evening. Instead many people fall back on take-away or toast. However no matter the size of your family, eating good food is fundamental to your health and wellbeing. And it’s …

Read more 02 November, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Healthbolt has a post and wonderful graphic on what happens to your body if you stop smoking right now. It includes the short-term and long-term effects. The health benefits of quitting kick in 20 minutes after your last cigarette and within 48 hours, your chances of having a heart attack have already started to decline.

Read more 13 June, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• How to cook a boiled egg: It’s one of those seemingly simple kitchen tasks that can actually be tricky to perfect. There’s a great article on boiling eggs at Serious Eats. It goes through a bit of the science and how to get the best results, with a lovely level of geekiness. Thanks to @freshtonic for sending it to me. * For those in the Northern hemisphere: While our temperatures are rising, I’m aware those of you on the …

Read more 07 November, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

A reader has just told me about the website menulog.com.au, which covers restaurants in Australia. The really nifty thing is you can search on dietary needs, for example you can find restaurants with gluten-free options in Sydney, vegan restaurants in Melbourne, or kosher places in Newcastle&the Hunter Valley. What a useful tool and thanks to Rachel for pointing me in their direction. Of course if you’re looking for vegetarian and vegan places, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, you can always …

Read more 17 November, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I posted last week about how much I loved the new Jamie at Home programme. Last night I sat down at 7.30pm, waited 20 mins, flicking between Channel 10 and the 7.30 Report, but Mr Oliver failed to materialise. While I found out all about the wonderful volunteers in Warnambool working to save koalas after the bush fires, the cooking show just wasn’t on. I wasn’t the only one annoyed and disconcerted by this. After speaking to Channel 10 today, …

Read more 16 February, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Look what I’ve been doing over the long weekend. Marmalade making is not part of my usual cooking routine, in fact it’s been at least three years since I last made some. However it was a cold and windy long weekend. Plus I’d recently acquired kaffir limes from one friend, a huuuuuge bag of oranges from another and some lemons from my parents. All of which equaled marmalade. So I now have four jars of intensely (and wonderfully) sharp …

Read more 13 June, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Over half the adult population and a quarter of children in Australia are overweight and obese. We’re heading towards serious long-term health issues if solutions are not found to this problem. An easy way to fix obesity is one of science’s hot topics – here take this pill, or eat this food and suddenly you’ll be able to eat everything you want and you won’t get fat. On the front page of today’s SMH there’s a report entitled "At last …

Read more 02 August, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The latest Source of Wellness newsletter has just come out – it includes some good advice on staying healthy and sane during the holiday season, as well as the clinic’s Christmas and New Year opening times. It also gives details of my pre-Christmas very special offer for new clients!

Read more 29 November, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

If only more staff cafeterias were like this one. Source: The Ethicurean.

Read more 29 January, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea and Labels & advertising

While I avoid supermarkets most of the time, by getting vegetables delivered, going to growers’ markets, as well as local shops and delis, I realise I’m in a lucky position. I live in the inner city of Sydney where there are small shops and grocers within walking distance, so it’s easy to pick up a few items on the way home. For most people, because of location or time, supermarkets are the only option. However supermarkets can be difficult places …

Read more 19 September, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The latest edition of Wellbeing magazine is out, complete with my article, dramatically titled, Glycemic Load: what the GI scale isn’t telling you . I’m not dissing the GI, it’s a useful scale, but unfortunately only gives limited information about the carbohydrate value of a particular food. The GI doesn’t take into account the realities of how we eat different foods. Whereas, the glycemic load (or GL) measures the affect on blood sugar levels of a normal serving. If you’re …

Read more 06 November, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Our latest Source of Wellness newsletter is out.  It contains articles on trans fats, acupuncture and ways to get a good night’s sleep.

Read more 28 February, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I’ve been reading a lot in the media recently about the Parents Jury. Set up by Diabetes Australia, the Cancer Council and the Australasian Society for the Study of Obesity, the Parents Jury is an online resource and forum enabling parents to discuss children’s food, health and physical activity. Through collective advocacy, they are targeting food industry marketing tactics, aiming to reduce the marketing of products to young children. And it’s not just about television adverts. The Parents Jury scrutinises …

Read more 19 March, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Interested in different eating patterns around the world? How does your diet compare with a family in Beijing, or one in South America? Time’s photo essay What the World Eats compares what’s on the dinner table of fifteen different families from around the world. h3. Which are you most like?

Read more 05 June, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

My favourite quote from yesterday’s Good Living came in Simon Thomsen’s review of Glebe Point diner: bq. My two-year-old son was enjoying his linguine with fabulous veal meatballs and olives ($18) until he tasted Daddy’s flash-fried baby squid ($16) – gently crunchy from a light salt-and-pepper dusting – and scoffed the rest. At least he left me some of the pungently garlicky aioli. It seems that not all kids are difficult eaters . . .

Read more 04 July, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I’ve just found out, not only have I been nominated for the Bell Awards . . . but I’ve actually received a Highly Commended in the category of Writer of the Year. This is for a series of articles I wrote for Wellbeing magazine. I’m very excited (and slightly overwhelmed) to have received this recognition. Of course I have to say a big thanks to the editors at Wellbeing – for commissioning me in the first place, for their support …

Read more 30 November, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The latest edition of Life etc came out today, with the Christmas recipes I was working on a couple of months ago. These were both a challenge and a joy to create. As per usual, with Life etc, it’s all about fuss free cooking – in fact the theme was don’t make it, fake it. Each dish is simple, easy and quick to cook. While not all of them fit in the Ten Minute category of my other recipes for …

Read more 23 October, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The NSW Health Department has released some tips on avoiding colds and flus. It’s sensible, practical advice, including the important tip of washing your hands frequently and properly: bq. It’s very easy to pick up cold and flu germs from things other people have touched – telephones, door handles or money, for instance – or from shaking hands with someone who is infected. Reduce your risk of catching a cold or flu by washing hands frequently . . . It’s …

Read more 29 June, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

From yesterday’s Good Living, a short article on buying cookery books in Sydney – they list: * Kinokuniya in the Galeries Victoria in the CBD * The Cookery Book in Northbridge * The Book Kitchen in Surry Hills I’ve never been to The Book Kitchen, although it sounds wonderful and I shall be down there soon. I have visited The Cookery Book, in its old Crows Nest home and Kinokuniya does also have a great range. Online I’ve always found …

Read more 09 August, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The latest issue of Life etc is out, complete with my Ten Minute Kitchen recipes using oily fish. The three recipes are: * Smoked salmon, dill and sour cream tartlets * Barbecued sardines with fennel & mint salad * Paprika crusted mackerel The latest issue is available from newsagents. Or you can download the recipes from their website – if you click on the link in the right-hand column. It’s about half way down this page.

Read more 27 February, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The latest issue of Life etc is out, complete with my regular recipe column – Ten Minute Kitchen – three recipes that only take ten minutes to prepare. This month the theme is herbal flavour and the recipes include: * Rosemary veal with parsley salsa * Bocconcini, tomato, basil and walnut salad * Fish parcels with dill & mint

Read more 26 April, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

And if you want to know more about me, my approach to clients, or whether herbal medicine and nutrition can help you, then take a look at the info just uploaded onto the Source of Wellness website: * About me * About nutrition * About herbal medicine

Read more 28 November, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Every few months it seems there’s a different story about echinacea. One study “proves” it works, and then two months later along comes another that trashes the herb. Last week, results from a University of Connecticut (UConn) study were published, saying that echinacea reduces the chances of catching the common cold by 58 percent and reduces the duration of a cold by 1.4 days. Moreover echinacea, taken in conjuction with vitamin C, reduced the incidence of colds by 86 …

Read more 03 July, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I recently came across this article on the current top US food trends and it’s an interesting read. While we do follow many overseas trends, there are strong differences between the US and Australian food industries. Dining at home is on the rise in the US, because of economic concerns, however we’re in a different economic situation here in Australia, plus we still have so many reasonably priced eating out and take-away options. I do think we’re catching the US …

Read more 26 May, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Continuing the caffeine theme today, I thought I should just put in a note about pregnancy. Caffeine is metabolised by the liver, so the rate at which you get rid of caffeine is affected by the health of your liver. However, it also takes women on the oral contraceptive pill and pregnant women longer to metabolise caffeine, not because there’s anything wrong with their liver, but because the *same group of liver enzymes metabolise both caffeine and the hormones …

Read more 15 June, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The government announced a range of health and nutrition measures in last night’s budget, totalling almost $500 million dollars. The annoucement included: * $11.7 million over four years for a national nutrition and physical activity survey to focus on adults. This will include grants to community organisations to fund walking groups and exercise equipment and the programme will involve up to 14,000 participants. * the current after-school activity programme will continue to be subsidised for another three years. * $200 …

Read more 09 May, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

About a week ago I coyishly alluded to some news, about my writing . . . As you may know, since the beginning of the year I’ve been writing for Wellbeing magazine . So far they’ve published three of my articles (Label Lowdown, The Folate Debate and Glycemic Load: what the GI scale isn’t telling you) and there’s another on the way (about the new RDI). Anyway, Wellbeing have nominated me . . . as their entrant for the Writer …

Read more 07 November, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The December edition of Life etc is out. This month’s regular Ten Minute Kitchen features berries and as per usual includes three of my recipes, (which can all be prepared in under ten minutes).

Read more 15 December, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

News in the weekend herald of another organic school canteen, this time it’s Newtown High School of Performing Arts. They’re the first high school in NSW to have a completely organic canteen. Soft drinks, ice-creams and junk food have been replaced by nori rolls, juices and fresh fruit. In the last few years, the State government, through the NSW Canteen Association, has been actively encouraging school canteens to get healthier. While only a couple are going organic, many others are …

Read more 22 February, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

There was an interesting article in the Health&Science section of the Sydney Morning Herald this week – " The Hype Behind Herbs ":http://www.smh.com.au/news/alternative-health/the-hype-behind-herbs/2006/08/09/1154802959157.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1 . In many ways it’s a good report and makes some valuable points. Australians spend a lot of money on complementary health products each year and, as with any industry, there are both good and bad operators and products. For consumers, faced with rows and rows of bottles, it’s really hard to tell what’s going to work …

Read more 12 August, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Big article from The Guardian on Dr Gillian McKeith, the host of You Are What You Eat . It’s emotive, angry and contains a big serve against nutritionists in general – worth a read. And yes, I am a nutritionist myself, but I have some sympathies with the writer’s point of view. Thanks to Dietgirl for the link.

Read more 13 February, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The latest issue of Life etc magazine is now available. I have a regular recipe column in this magazine, called Ten Minute Kitchen. Three healthy recipes, using a featured ingredient, which can be prepared in ten minutes or less. The current issue is all about tomatoes. The recipes are: * Chicken with roasted tomatoes * Quick lentil and tomato soup * Beef & tangy tomato tortillas The magazine is available from newsagents, or you can download the recipes from the …

Read more 06 May, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Mr Oliver’s new cooking programme Jamie at home is back on TV. Having been tantalised by the first few episodes back in February, Channel 10 are now showing the rest of the series. It’s on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm. [Sorry about the day late notice, I meant to post this yesterday, but my internet connection was struggling!]

Read more 16 March, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

This is one for the readers living in Sydney . . . As you may know I co-run the Balance2health clinic in Gladesville. My clinic partner is Alexia Morris, pilates instructor and personal trainer extraordinaire. And we’re looking for a massage therapist or aromatherapist, to complement our clinic. We have a large, bright and light-filled room, available all day on Mondays. We’re looking for someone experienced, self-motivated, who will thrive on working independently. Obviously you must be a fully qualified, …

Read more 27 May, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I’m going to tread carefully here – commenting on the nutritional value of an Australian icon. Despina has asked – is vegemite healthy? The short answer is – it’s not too bad. There are better foods and there are worse foods. Vegemite is a dark brown paste made from yeast extract, that was first invented in the 1920s. For those living in the UK and New Zealand, it’s similar to marmite. Vegemite is a concentrated source of some of …

Read more 08 May, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I’m very pleased to be letting you all know that I’m joining a new clinic – The Source of Wellness . This is a great natural therapies clinic in Gladesville (just off Victoria Rd, near the shops), which offers a variety of healing, relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. There are three other practitioners, covering a range of modalities: Ally is a remedial masseur and craniosacral therapist, Ani does kinesiology and breathwork, while Andrew is a counsellor , coach and runs workships …

Read more 27 November, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea and Dinners

The latest issue of Life etc, including my regular Ten Minute Kitchen recipe column. The theme for this issue is walnuts and the recipes include: * Barbecued flathead with walnuts * Walnut & egg salad with creamy eggplant dressing * Spiced lamb with walnuts For the next two months you can download the recipes from the Life etc website. The button is in the right-hand sidebar, about half way down. If you do pick up the magazine, I’m one of …

Read more 27 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The latest issue of Life etc is out, including my regular recipe column, Ten Minute Kitchen. This issue is all about chocolate and includes: * Berry and ricotta tiramisu * Orange, mint and chocolate salad, and * Ten minute Mexican mole You can download the recipes from the Life etc website – the button is about half way down the right-hand column. h3. Reminder Q & A Thursday is tomorrow – let me know if you have any questions about …

Read more 04 July, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The latest issue of Life etc magazine is out, complete with my Ten Minute Kitchen recipes. These simple, no-fuss recipes are designed to take minutes. They also provide a well balanced meal and at least two of your daily vegetables serves. The theme ingredient this issue is avocado and the recipes are: * herb fishcakes with avocado salsa * warm lima bean and avocado salad with ginger * chilli chicken skewers with chickpea and avocado salad. You can download these …

Read more 22 October, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I’ve been asked recently about the drug Xenical (also known as orlistat) and whether I’d recommend it for weight loss. I’ve been concerned, because the questions have been from people who, while they may need to lose a few kilograms, are in no way obese. Xenical is a pharmaceutical drug manufactured by Roche. It was originally supplied in Australia as an S4 medication, ie it had to be prescribed by a doctor. However, in 2003 it was re-scheduled as an …

Read more 24 February, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

As well as running Healthy Shopping Tours, over the next few months I’m joining together with psychotherapist and life coach Andrew Callinan and registered fitness instructor, Alexia Morris to run a programme called Life Plan. I’m really excited about this wonderful six-week programme – which approaches health and life change from the three crucial angles: motivation, diet and fitness. Participants will work with Andrew to overcome obstacles, set new goals and establish strategies for fulfillment in both personal and business …

Read more 24 May, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

In June I’m running another Healthy Shopping Tour in Gladesville. I find that for most people eating well starts with the shopping. If your house is full of healthy, tasty and easy-to-use foods, then it’s more likely you’ll eat well during the week. However, for many people the supermarket can be a minefield, there’s just too much choice, too many products and too little time to read food labels, and make informed decisions. The Healthy Shopping Tours are run …

Read more 14 May, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The latest Wellbeing magazine is out and features my article on the the new RDIs and Suggested Dietary Targets, entitled Rebuilding the Food Pyramid. This issue has a definite environmental bent, with a special report on water; an article on how palm oil plantations are threatening orangutan habitats; as well as an update on sustainable transport.

Read more 01 February, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Nutrition and Miscellanea

I have been talking today about folate – what it’s used for, why we need it, where we get it from and so on. My next article in Wellbeing magazine is also on folate. Folate is one of the B vitamins (B9), which we all need, it’s integral to DNA replication, cell growth and repair, as well as the formation of red blood cells. Folate is found in a wide variety of foods including lentils and legumes, green leafy vegetables, …

Read more 11 July, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Having bought your packet of wattleseeds, here are more ideas for how to use them . . . The GI newsletter has some information written by Vic Cherikoff. It includes eight suggestions for different ways to use wattleseeds and a recipe for Sweet potato & wattleseed pudding. For more information take a look at the GI newsletter published by Sydney University:

Read more 20 August, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Desserts, Miscellanea and Dinners

The latest issue of Life etc magazine is out, complete with my Ten Minute Kitchen recipe column. This month the three recipes all feature ricotta: * Lemon chicken with pea & ricotta puree * Lentil, ricotta & rocket tarts * Toasted brioche with warm fruit salad The magazine is available from newsagents and ABC shops. You can also download the recipes from the Life etc website – simply click on the link about half way down the right hand sidebar. …

Read more 01 July, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

For those of you in Australia (and possibly just those of you in Sydney?) . . . if you tune to Channel 7 at 6.30pm tonight, you will see me on Today Tonight talking about food labelling. I filmed it months ago. The first time I’ve ever done TV. So I’m about a quarter excited and three-quarters hugely nervous about it. Update – it’s now been scheduled for Thursday 27th December.

Read more 21 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

It’s Good Food Month and strangely the first “event” I went to didn’t involve eating a single thing! Shoot the Chef is a photographic exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW. I had some free time on Friday and thought I’d take a look. Known last year for its fabulous picture of Simmone Logue in a dress made of cupcakes, Shoot the Chef gives a rare and fascinating insight into the world of the professional (and some non-professional) chefs. …

Read more 07 October, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Over the last 150 years life expectancy has constantly been on the rise. For most people it’s a given – we eat better, are wealthier, have better health care, science has brought us more drugs and medical procedures, meaning we’ll have a longer life span than our parents and grandparents. Surely? Well not necessarily. According to Professor Ilona Kickbusch, the rise in childhood obesity is putting this at risk. The World Health Organisation estimates there are over one billion people …

Read more 19 March, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Something for the Sydney-siders . . . Cooking at home is one of the best ways to ensure you’re eating a healthy diet. However, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut, repeating the same old recipes week-in and week-out. Alternatively in the rush of work, kids, public transport and daily life, food can get pushed to the bottom of the list – meaning you end up eating take-away or frozen meals again. Are you fed up with this …

Read more 08 July, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I’m busy, busy, busy the next couple of days. Saturday night we have 25 people coming over for a Christmas Party. Yikes! This year we’ve become a two-business family. Interesting times. But it’s something that could never happen without our supporters’ network. The family, friends and clients who’ve provided encouragement, employment, much needed good humour and excellent advice. Saturday night is our way of saying thank you. So I’ve got some cooking to do . . . There will be: …

Read more 14 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging and Miscellanea

Only two days in and the Menu for Hope campaign is edging towards US$10,000. The full list of prizes is now up at Chez Pim, while more prizes have been added to the Asia-Pacific pool. I can’t decide what to bid on. My mind is obsessing about the bag of world’s hottest chillies offered by Rambling Spoon. While Stonesoup’s cookery books and dinner at Perama are also sounding lovely. h3. The Limes & Lycopene prize And don’t forget the …

Read more 12 December, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

This seem to be shaping up as the Good Food Month (GFM) I didn’t quite make. I pored over the programme when it was released, picked out classes (ice-cream making at Serendipity); tours ( Sydney Markets with Jared Ingersoll); and various events. However, by the time I actually tried to book, places were taken, classes were full, there was no room at the table. No problem, I thought, there are still loads of outdoor and general entry events, plenty that …

Read more 10 October, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I’ve been at the ABC today, talking to staff about Keeping Well Over Winter. It’s bucketing down with rain and cold, so it’s a timely subject. I’ve done a few of these sessions with the ABC in the past couple of years and they’re always a lot of fun. Plus I always really enjoy the Q and A at the end, good questions, ranging over a wide variety of health topics – it keeps me on my toes! During winter …

Read more 21 June, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

It’s cold and wet today. I’m working from home, but I’ve had to go out several times. I now have more pairs of wet shoes and socks then I care to think about. Trilby is in her current favourite position – curled up asleep on Richard’s laptop. And I’ve been making my way through a big pot of ginger, lemon and honey tea. h3. The many uses of ginger In herbal medicine ginger is a really useful herb. It’s …

Read more 22 June, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Blogging and Miscellanea

Happy new year to you all and welcome to 2008. I’m back to work this week. I’ve had a lovely Christmas and new year. Spent the time showing overseas visitors around this gorgeous City, catching up with my family, playing scarey-sea-monsters with my two nephews and making a solid dent in my reading pile. Definitely a good holiday. Now it’s back to a new year and some changes. h3. New year new clinic Firstly, I’m starting the new year …

Read more 08 January, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The latest issue of Life etc is out, complete with my Ten Minute Kitchen recipes, this time using yoghurt. The three recipes are: * Mango, maple and yoghurt tarts (these are also really good with banana – as in the picture) * Lamb balls with tzatziki and tabbouleh * Chick pea, couscous and pumpkin salad with a mustard yoghurt dressing As per the name, the recipes only take ten minutes to prepare – super-quick and easy.

Read more 22 February, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I really wish I’d seen this before Christmas, but I still think it’s worth linking to, for birthdays, etc. Focused Distractions have a gift-buying guide for kids with ADD / ADHD. As Terry, the blogger, writes bq. In many cases, ADHD kids have already had their fill of feeling they’ve let others—and themselves—down. School is often a struggle, as are social situations. Many have difficulty playing quietly. Others have problems regulating their emotions. When picking out gifts for your youngsters, …

Read more 02 January, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I’m off to Melbourne today. Very excited about my trip. Haven’t been down there for about ten years. So I’m looking forward to updating myself on as much of the health, food and natural therapies stuff as possible. I’m going to be meeting up with some practitioners and taking a look at some nutrition and naturopathic centres. This is particularly interesting now I’ve set up my own clinic. Richard is also coming down, to attend the geek-fest that is …

Read more 28 January, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Last week Jamie Oliver’s new cooking programme started on Channel 10, called Jamie At Home. I must admit to being a big fan of Jamie Oliver, from his style of cooking, through to the work he’s done in the UK to improve school dinners, plus the Fifteen Foundation. Moreover, unlike a lot of TV celebrity chefs, Jamie Oliver’s recipes are ones that you can actually make at home. Last week’s programme was a corker – a handful of beautiful recipes …

Read more 08 February, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

For those of you unable to attend my previous Mid Week Meal Planning seminars, I’ve decided to add a fourth session. This one will be in September, details below. All the other sessions are now fully booked, so let me know if you’re interested in taking part in the new time. * Date: Thursday 10 September 6.30pm – 8.00pm * Venue: Balance2health * Cost: $20 * Bookings essential as spaces are limited – to reserve a place "send me …

Read more 06 August, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

From the latest Grand Rounds, a guide to natural ways of helping heartburn and indigestion by Jolie Bookspan. Many people with stomach acid problems are prescribed a class of medicine called proton pump inhibitors, which are often taken in conjunction with antacids. However, this medication regime has been linked to a decrease in calcium absorption and an increased risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures. Jolie recommends a range of foods, spices and herbs that can reduce and alleviate stomach acid …

Read more 11 January, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

The Herald reports today about concerns over the use of bio-identical hormones – that they may increase the risk of breast and uterine cancer and also of blood clots. Bio-identical hormones are used by some menopausal women to reduce the symptoms associated with the menopause. They are usually prescribed in the form of troches, or small lozenges and are made by compounding chemists , based upon a prescription from a doctor and pathology test results. They can contain differing quantities …

Read more 13 August, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Many people who run their own business spend a lot of the working week on their own. While I see clients at a great clinic, I’m not there every day, so the rest of the week I work from my home office. Running your own business is not for the faint-hearted, but there are many positives – autonomy, the heightened sense of achievement, doing something for yourself, flexible working hours, having much more control over your working day and career …

Read more 21 December, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

A lovely idea to encourage littlies to cook (and be more interested in good food) – buy a subscription to Clever Little Cooks. Each month they’ll send your child a cooking package through the post, which includes two recipe cards, an easy-to-use kitchen implement, newsletter, as well as information on healthy food choices. Each package is themed, for example around seasons or upcoming cultural festivals. This month’s recipes are based around Australia Day and include mini meat pies and a …

Read more 16 January, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Briefly interrupting Q & A Thursday – there’s an interesting looking programme on Catalyst tonight. With the dramatic title of Don’t Die Young, it looks at how the body works and what you can do to keep healthy. As the Herald says: bq. In this entertaining and informative series from the BBC, anatomist Dr Alice Roberts takes a tour of the body’s organs, looking at what happens when things go wrong and what we can do to keep them in …

Read more 07 June, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

From May of this year I’m going to be doing Nutrition Tours . Run over two sessions, this programme aims to give you the practical information, tools&resources to make it easier to shop&eat well. For most people, eating well starts with the shopping. If your house is full of healthy, tasty and easy-to-use foods, then it’s more likely you’ll eat well during the week. However, for many people the supermarket can be a minefield – too much choice, too many …

Read more 01 March, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

This week is Autism Awareness Week. There’s lots going on Neil over on At My Table is writing a series of blog posts about autism.

Read more 16 May, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Blogging and Miscellanea

Hi there, I’m Kathryn and this is my blog, welcome. I live in the inner west of Sydney (with my partner, Richard, our cute-but-dumb cat Trilby and two pet ratties – Baguette and Espresso). And I’m a naturopath . I see clients privately at the beautiful Strand Arcade, and I also write and teach about all things food, health and naturopathy related. Ever since I can remember food and health have been central to my life. Snippets from childhood include: …

Read more 04 June, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Blogging and Miscellanea

Long term readers of Limes & Lycopene will know I’m not posting as often as I used to. Over the last six months, my blogging time has been squeezed. I even missed this blog’s third birthday. So if I haven’t been blogging as much, what have I been doing? Over the last six months my clinic has boomed. We’ve never been busier. The business has been open 18 months and we’re becoming known in the suburb. Alexia and I have …

Read more 17 June, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Phew, I think that’s quite enough about carbohydrates and grains for the moment. I just have two more questions to answer and then I’m calling it a day. I’m really enjoying reading and researching the questions you’re sending in for Q&A Thursday, so keep them coming. I’ve been asked the difference between a dietician and a nutritionist. Please note, I can only really talk about the situation here in Australia and my background. I’m not aware enough about what happens …

Read more 07 June, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

While we’re on the subject of caffeine, remember it’s not just in coffee – caffeine pops up in a few different foodstuffs. h3. Green tea and black tea These both contain similar amounts of caffeine, given they come from the same plant. A 150ml cup of tea contains between 30 and 90mg of caffeine, depending on how strongly you brew the tea and whether you use loose leaf or tea bags – with strongly brewed, loose leaf tea giving the …

Read more 15 June, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Another seminar for the Sydney-siders . . . If there’s just one or two of you at home, it can feel hard to get motivated to cook a proper meal in the evening. Instead many people fall back on take-away or toast. However no matter the size of your family, eating good food is fundamental to your health and wellbeing. And it’s possible to make it easier. In October and November I’ll be running some seminars on _Cooking for …

Read more 15 September, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Blogging and Miscellanea

I have another Menu For Hope prize to tempt you. Although this one is only for people who are in, or who can get to Sydney. At Balance2health, the clinic where I see clients, we’re offering a New Year Health Package – to jump-start your health in 2009. All the details are on our brand, spanking new Balance2health website which can be found here. As with all the Menu For Hope prizes, raffle tickets can be purchased at "First …

Read more 17 December, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Breakfast, Vegan, Vegetables and Miscellanea

• Vegan lasagne: I do like this recipe from Messy Vegetarian Cook for a vegan lasagne. It contains tofu, vegetables and a creamy sauce made of cashews. * Hospital food: Via The Guardian is Hospital Notes. Traction Man posts photos of hospital food and asks readers to guess what it is. It’s hard to tell sometimes. * Home made granola: Most shop bought granolas are high in fat. Shauna from The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl has posted a "healthier, …

Read more 22 September, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• Something different to an everyday spag bol: It’s Mallika from Quick Indian Cooking’s aloo keema or mince with potatoes and Indian spices. Serve with a big green salad and you have a delicious meal. * A corn recipe: When The Wednesday Chef says something is “the most wonderful ten-minute, four-ingredient recipe you’ve made all YEAR” then I sit up and listen. She’s the person who first taught me about Heston Blumenthal’s amazing broccoli and she knows her vegies. So …

Read more 27 November, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

An ultra quick Quicklinks this week, as I just haven’t had many wedges of time available for online reading. * Change your thinking: I’m new to the Redefining Diet blog. I first found out about it from Sophie and have been exploring ever since. The writing is powerful, the thoughts are challenging, but if you want to change the way you think and relate to food then it’s a wonderful resource. For example, this piece called "We are what we …

Read more 04 December, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• A different type of taco: I like this idea from Spice and More about using lettuce cups instead of taco shells. Add salad, diced tomatoes, cheese and whatever other toppings you want and then roll them up in lettuce leaves. Delicious. * Baked apricots: A simple idea, but such a lovely way to use dried fruit in winter – Wendy from A Wee Bit of Cooking bakes dried apricots in the oven with water, a bit of sugar and …

Read more 11 December, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• Is Santa naughty or nice? A bit of headline grabbing, tongue-in-cheek research from Australia this week, asking if Santa is a good health role model?. He’s overweight, eats an awful lot of cookies and milk on Christmas eve, drinks and drives and has never been seen wearing a seat-belt. * Edible gifts: If you’re still after low cost and interesting Christmas gifts, then take a look at Fern’s DIY garden inspired gift ideas from Life on the Balcony. …

Read more 19 December, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Before I get into this Friday’s Quicklinks – a couple of notices for the Sydney-based readers. I am running some new seminars and programmes through my clinic in Gladesville. h3. Seminars and programmes Over the next couple of months I will be running three separate seminars: * How to cook vegetabes so they taste great – Saturday 6 February 3.00pm – 4.30pm * The GI (glycemic index) – Saturday 20 February 3.00pm – 4.30pm * Food labels: traps and tricks …

Read more 15 January, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Next we’re moving into the area of food safety, with a question from Alison: bq. I cook lasagne fairly regularly, and generally I cook a batch of bolognaise, assemble the lasagne and then put it in the fridge. At dinner time I cook it in the oven and serve it. So the meat has now been cooked, cooled, then reheated. bq. The next day, when I go and look at the leftover lasagne in my fridge, I’m reminded of my …

Read more 05 July, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• More soups: I’ve spotted some more cracking soups this week. First up Jess from Sweet Amandine has posted a Roasted carrot with fennel recipe. While I’m not a huge fan of carrots I reckon I’d love this soup. * Sauerkraut in a soup? This morning I also read The Wednesday Chef’s recipe for Leek soup with peas and sauerkraut. To me this sounds like a strange combination, but I’ve learnt to trust Luisa’s tastes. After all she’s behind "my …

Read more 21 January, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• Wonderful stuffed capsicums: I made this recipe twice last week, both times for picnics. It’s Ganga from A Life (Time) of Cooking’s adaptation of a Nigel Slater recipe for capsicums stuffed with tomatoes. It’s good. I mean really, really, really good. * Becoming a Selectarian: Great piece from the Redefining Diets blog on avoiding those calls from the kitchen cupboard of chocolate/chips/biscuits saying “eat me”. * Noodles with walnuts: A gorgeous looking recipe from Ottolenghi for "Udon Noodles with …

Read more 04 February, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• Recipe formulas: Piece from Michelle of Find Your Balance on recipe formulas. It’s about taking the structure of a recipe and then changing it to suit what you have in the fridge and pantry. I find this a useful way of approaching meals in my house. * Food labels: An article from the NY Times on how the US is encouraging food manufacturers to include nutritional information for real serving sizes on their packets. Discusses some of the …

Read more 11 February, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• Five ingredients: Jules from Stonesoup has started a new weekly series of recipes which can be prepared in under 10 minutess and use no more than five ingredients. She kicks-off with a a lovely zucchini pasta recipe. * Saturated fats: There has been a lot of talk about saturated fats in the last week, following the release of a new study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Here’s Leslie Becks summary and thoughts on the research. * *Kashmiri …

Read more 18 February, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• Iran’s minestrone: I haven’t made this soup yet, but boy it looks good. It’s Yotam Ottolenghi’s chickpea and noodle soup. He describes it as the “Iranian answer to minestrone”. * Why do you cook? There’s an interesting series of posts on Cooking with Amy about why people cook. I particularly like Andrea Nguyen’s list. * Salad dressings: This morning Zoe from Progressive Dinner Party via Twitter (@crazybrave) pointed me to this post on vegetable salad dressings. It includes a …

Read more 06 March, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I’m back after a really fun, productive and food obsessed few days in Melbourne, working with Lucy on Autumn. You’ll see some of the results come through on our Flickr group. In the meantime, here, as usual, are the Friday Quicklinks: * Baked butterbeans: I’ve been reading a lot of Nigel Slater recently and his mustard obsession is rubbing off on me. Which means I got a tad over excited about Wendy from A Wee Bit of Cooking’s "Baked butterbeans …

Read more 12 March, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• Granola recipe: Lovely, lovely breakfast idea from Vincci of Ceci n’est pas un food blog – it’s an Indian Infusion Granola. Unlike many granola recipes Vincci’s is low in oil and sweetened with apple juice. She also adds a smattering of Indian spices to perk up the flavour. * Eating tempeh and tofu: Kim O’Donnel at True Slant has started a Tempeh and Tofu Challenge. It’s a week long experiment where home cooks, who are unused to cooking with …

Read more 19 March, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Linking to lots of recipes today: * Vegie curry: I do like Tresna’s Vegetable Masala recipe on Duty Free Living. You can use a variety of vegetables. And Tresna also has a lovely way of laying out and explaining a recipe, which makes it quite user friendly. * Garlic soup: Lovely and simple soup that’s thoroughly good for you, from Martha Rose Shulman. It’s a Garlic, Thyme and Pasta Soup * Breakfast couscous: It was thanks to Anh that I …

Read more 26 March, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea and An Honest Kitchen

• Bone friendly recipes: In the past few weeks Sophie has posted a couple of recipe gems. Two meals which despite having no dairy are still high in calcium. A couple of weeks ago I linked to her Tofu with a Moreish Tomato and Ginger Sauce. While the latest is White Beans with Figs, Leek and Rosemary. It’s lovely food. * Food safety: Interesting piece from The Independent on sell-by dates. There’s a good round-up at the end of what …

Read more 09 April, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Friday’s Quicklinks . . . on Saturday. * May and June Seminars: For those of you in Sydney, I’m taking bookings for the May and June Healthy Eating Seminars I’m running at clinic. There are two different seminars to choose from: Low GI Cooking and Five Meals in Under 20 Minutes. I’ve also scheduled some mum/dad and baby friendly sessions. For more information click here. * A preview of Ottolenghi’s new book: If you’re a fan, like me, of Yotam …

Read more 24 April, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

• What could be worse than the Double Down? You may have read about the kerfuffle over KFC’s new sandwich – the Double Down. It’s a nutritional horror, but as Yoni Freehoff points out there are several fast food sandwiches which are worse. * The rise of ingredientism: Interesting piece from NPR on restaurant menus where the Adjectives Overpower the Entrees. They call it the “tyranny of the ingredient” and chart the history of ingredientism. * *Should we be talking …

Read more 21 May, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

I’ve recently being playing with a site called Organized Wisdom, as a way of curating the articles and recipes I’ve been reading. It collects together everything I’ve linked to on Twitter and then organises that information into one, easy-ish to view digest. Here’s the list of what I was reading last week. Useful?

Read more 16 November, 2010

Posted by kathryn in Miscellanea

Today I want to point you to three really good articles I’ve read recently. I have already posted them on Twitter (@KathrynElliott), but wanted to include here as well. h3. 1. Weight loss struggles An excellent article from Leslie Beck on Common Diet Blunders. I regularly see people who are frustrated at their inability to lose weight, and confused about what’s not working. As Leslie says: bq. People often wonder if their inability to lose weight is the result of …

Read more 28 April, 2011