Are Health Star Ratings Mandatory?

Health Star Rating is now Mandatory in Australia. The Dietitians of Australia are beyond pleased that the Food Ministers have greenlighted the mandate for the Health Star Rating (HSR). The Dietitians of Australia call themselves the leading voice in nutrition and dietetics. If this is leading the way by giving 5 HSR to ultra-processed foods […]
Gourmet Convenience Foods

“Theres nothing gourmet about gourmet foods.” I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to house sit for some friends recently. And yes I’ll admit it, the first thing I did was rummage and poke around in their pantry, fridge and freezer to see what ‘normal’ people are currently eating. I was quite shocked when […]
Losing Weight ≠ Getting Healthy

I was at a party recently. There were many women there around my age. This is the time when the middle-age spread sets in, and for many at the party, it had begun. There were also complaints of sore knees and hips, as well as not having enough energy and other maladies. Some of the […]
Protein Powders – Not Just Another Supplement Story

For many years people have asked me what is the best protein powder on the market. I found this really hard to answer as I was dubious about many of them, especially considering most of them had high amounts of artificial ingredients, fillers, additives, colours, flavours and synthetic nutrients. When I did find a pure protein powder I was concerned as to how they were made.
First, We Had Cultured Oil, Now It’s Cultured Meat

The USDA has just allowed for lab grown meats otherwise known as cultured meats (not to be confused with plant-based meats) to be available in the US human food supply. FSANZ, the Australian food regulatory body has received an application from an Australian company – Vow, to have cultured meats allowed in our food supply. […]
Glutamine; Hoax or Healer?

I’ve been in the nutrition world far too long to see a new supplement trend on TikTok and become a best seller not to be a little suspicious as to its ability to do all the things claimed. I also wonder how the demand for this nutrient can be maintained worldwide. Is it an extract, […]
Does Organic Mean Nutrient Rich?

Before I talk about what I don’t like about certified organic foods, it’s important that you know that I do support this industry. Despite some of the Australian organic standards being archaic, the ACO (Australian Certified Organic) certify many brilliant foods. Despite this, there are some loopholes and some big players in the food industry […]
What Actually is Lab-Grown Meat?

What actually is lab-grown meat? The USDA has just allowed for lab grown meats otherwise known as cultured meats (not to be confused with plant-based meats) to be available in the US human food supply. The Australian equivalent has received an application from an Australian based company to have cultured meats allowed in our food […]
What Have We Done To Dairy?

Let’s talk milk and all things dairy and non-dairy. But before I start, I want you to know that I believe moo dairy is, inherently, a great food for humans – it’s what we’ve done to this food that is the problem. For many, many years, ancient tribes (think Himba, Maasai and Kyrgyz) have had […]
What Do Abortion and Food Flavours Have in Common?

What Do Abortion and Food Flavours Have in Common? The right to choose – my body, my choice is now very much in the news. It is now illegal in the US to choose to terminate a foetus. Just so you know, this article is not a debate on abortion, it is simply highlighting what […]
The Dangers of a Sugar-Filled Diet

Silent Assassin: Don’t turn a blind eye to the dangers of a sugar-filled diet. I doubt there are any children these days who think smoking is healthy. Back in the 1950s though, cigarettes were considered socially acceptable. In the years following World War II, 80 percent of men smoked. The realisation of the health dangers […]
Be the change you want to see in the world this Mother’s Day

Have we lost our way as mothers? Being a mum for the first time is a daunting process, and it doesn’t get any easier as the next lot of siblings arrive. As mothers, we have the ability to change the trajectory of not only our own children but the world. We for the most part […]
Easter is a time to nourish your family with food and love

Easter, a time for togetherness and wholesome foods. Anything that brings a family together is my favourite time of the year. Easter, Christmas, family dinner, birthday parties and family holidays are my greatest joys. This is also a time for me to nourish my family, not make them sick with ultra-processed foods, like commercial chocolate […]
When is a fruit or vegetable not a fruit or vegetable?

Last week I went to visit my brother in The Blue Mountains. Every day we hiked the glorious walks of the area, my favourite was the Grand Canyon track. It was a wonderful week. My brother likes to eat like me; quality real foods made from scratch with the family surrounding the dinner table. I […]
Let’s talk all about synthetic biology – a synthetic route to natural

What is Synthetic Biology? Synthetic biology, bioengineering, biodesign and biotechnology are just some of the names that are being used to describe the production of a relatively new wave of ingredients in our food supply. This science behind synthetic biology is not new. Insulin, the life-saving medication required for people with type 1 diabetes, is […]
Sugar Alcohols

Does the World Need so Many Sugars? A recent monthly webinar with my students and graduates of The Nutrition Academy, was all about sugar. We covered lots of interesting information, so I thought I’d share it here. Natural Sugars From History There are many sweeteners on the market – in fact, sugar is known by […]