tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31638708977849651732024-02-20T20:24:47.753-08:00Unfussy FoodieA foodies guide to a healthy lifestyle despite limitationsUnfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-90873007938741880572012-10-21T15:22:00.000-07:002012-10-21T15:22:43.572-07:00Farmers as the NEW 21st Century RockstarsI have just spent a week touring through rural QLD with Rabobank, speaking with women, celebrating International Rural Women's Day.<br />
<br />
It has been a pleasure and a wonderful learning experience.<br />
<br />
During my travels I realised a few things: <br />
<br />
1. As consumers of food, most of us are totally controlled (though we don't recognise it) by major corporations...what we eat, when we eat, how we eat...we are now blindly accepting what we are marketed, believing what we read/see/hear about food and are being forced into purchasing patterns, which are not necessarily in our best interests.<br />
<br />
2. The producers in Australia are also being forced into a supply chain that is not in their - or our - best interests and this alone contributes to MASSIVE and UNNECESSARY food wastage on farm, that is sickening.<br />
<br />
3. There are few reconised mainstream Australian voices, loud ones anyway, in the Food Security conversation globally...we have the Food Inc, Food Matters, Jamie Oliver and Hugh Furnleigh Wittingstalls doing incredible work raising awareness, but we don't have the same in Australia - and our issues are just the same...but somehow it is easy to say, oh it is happening overseas, not here...well, I am afraid to say, it IS happening here!<br />
<br />
4. Issues that can be food related; like skin conditions, stomach pain, reflux, thyroid and lethargy are RIFE, scarily, scarily RIFE and people just put up with feeling like crap!<br />
<br />
5. Farmers and Producers should be 21st Century ROCK STARS!!!<br />
<br />
6. Women are AWESOME!!!<br />
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What this opportunity has provided me is further consolidation of my goals and mission and has refocused my Food Activism and inspired me to continue speaking out on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.<br />
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I am also more determined to raise the profile of FOOD as the cause and cure for many, many issues people face.<br />
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What a wonderful, whirlwind journey!Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-66893942121441312032012-10-12T08:00:00.000-07:002012-10-12T08:00:10.456-07:00Mother Earth
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBiVvFAotaDzDysf5wtJYJGFe8fxbCxg9FNptsPYuoJ7U2Iyui_0YPkSYVEtqK5s_6JPcnJ1YufVZInOqtJfJ_RIh8PW-ssJ43Iif2oTDbmUQURGev_uXWwJm8eHGer5DOaFUWpm8ARaE/s1600/garden,+good+soil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBiVvFAotaDzDysf5wtJYJGFe8fxbCxg9FNptsPYuoJ7U2Iyui_0YPkSYVEtqK5s_6JPcnJ1YufVZInOqtJfJ_RIh8PW-ssJ43Iif2oTDbmUQURGev_uXWwJm8eHGer5DOaFUWpm8ARaE/s320/garden,+good+soil.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rewards of good soil: Incredible produce in your backyard!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we teach vegetable gardening in our How to be an Urban
Hippy and Traditional Wisdom Rebellion Programs, the first thing we start with (after
planning your patch) is the soil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our soil is more important than many people realise; it
provides the opportunity for growth, the nourishment for survival and is the
basis upon which our entire existence rests.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The saying Mother Earth; is no lie and she is no measly contributor!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In each of the different farming systems there are different
perspectives on the soil; each allocating a different reverence to the stuff
the food is grown in!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Biodynamic and organic farmers believe the soil is crucial
and add organic matter, including manures and composts, to improve the quality
and nutritive value of the soil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In Biodynamic systems they also add fermented preparations
to the soil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These methods of farming exclude the use of artificial chemicals
and rely entirely on unique farming systems, crop rotation and care of the
soil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There have been shifts in the conventional farming methods in
the last 20 years also, to a minimum till approach, which minimises the
negative impacts of farming on the soil (breaking up and destruction of
microbes and hummus) and a greater recognition of the value of the soil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There has also been an improvement in understanding the importance
of crop rotation and the value livestock plays in adding nutrition to the soil
through their manure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The point of all this is to let you know, that when you
decide to start your veggie patch at home, no matter how small it is (even if
it is a tub on your verandah with a couple of herbs in it), pay particular
attention to the soil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are going to
scrimp on anything…don’t make it the soil. Start with the best quality you can
buy or find, beg or borrow and make sure you tend to it during the growing
season by feeding it and keeping it moist and protected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your plants will thank you for it and in turn you will be
rewarded with delicious and nutritious food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-90043509861545071702012-10-05T08:00:00.000-07:002012-10-05T08:00:09.141-07:00Opal October
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRFmLxb5kpKFMXNM18BMvR79IqTHxZAarf-sI-RfpLRIFD1aYXDfiDt2Njk6kLETDy8o5wHjJQHjhZm8gSlzIRGhh_PZ8vhRBdjUryi7qHXmHz8RL6YyE-DADb8HWMc6vb04Vz2TnumJN/s1600/IMG_4644bii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRFmLxb5kpKFMXNM18BMvR79IqTHxZAarf-sI-RfpLRIFD1aYXDfiDt2Njk6kLETDy8o5wHjJQHjhZm8gSlzIRGhh_PZ8vhRBdjUryi7qHXmHz8RL6YyE-DADb8HWMc6vb04Vz2TnumJN/s1600/IMG_4644bii.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to start this month with an insight into the incredible
stone that my husband has spent most of his life searching for and bringing to
the surface to provide pleasure to those who eventually come to wear it. It
also happens to be the birthstone for October AND is drawn from Mother Earth,
which is what our months theme is!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Opal has a story that is 100 million years in the making.
This illusive and incredible gemstone has captured the imaginations,
fascinations and lives of miners, jewellers and lovers of colour for more than
100 years and has sustained communities across three states in Australia,
consistently, for the same length of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to be honest and say that before I moved to Lightning
Ridge, I had little interest and no knowledge of the stone, other than the
memories of a hot and stinky trip to the place I now call home when I was a
child…and the reminder of a wait in the car outside the Opal Cave whilst Mum
and Dad chose the perfect remembrance of the trip. My Mum still has that stone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And now I am in love with it, opal that is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I could tell you yarns about all kinds of things…namely that
the stone has magical healing properties or that, if worn close to the skin it
can cure all ills – I am sure that there are people who believe these things –
those and the superstition that Opal is bad luck (which the industry believes
was a myth created way back in the day by the diamond industry…). Whatever your
beliefs, or mine, what I do know for sure about this stone is that it is
magical and that it dances in the sunlight and plays with your eyes. Its colour
and vibrancy will bring a smile to your face and the whimsical patterns created
within the stone reminiscent of days lying on your back looking up at the sky
and making pictures in the clouds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is also addictive, for the miner. Much like a gambler or
a shopaholic, it is the next big find that lures them and keeps them…and
curiously, it is never about the money, only about the stone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If opal were personified, I would liken her to the mythical Sirens
who woos men to the sea with their incredible song, only to find that what
awaits is a watery grave. But what a blissful journey it is!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I encourage you to seek out and find good opal and come to
understand it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is our national gemstone and is also one of the most incredible
things you will ever see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are building a national keeping house for this treasure…a
place where the stories, imagery and proof of beauty will be held and preserved
for all future generations. Why not join us on this mystery and allow yourself
to be wooed…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://australianopalcentre.gofundraise.com.au/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://australianopalcentre.gofundraise.com.au/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-24865964615553927372012-09-28T17:40:00.000-07:002012-09-28T17:40:00.416-07:00Soft on yourself this Spring
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t believe how busy I have been for the past few
months, I have barely had time to stop and smell the roses (or in my case, the flowering
veggies in my patch!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So my note to self at the end of September is to take some
time for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spring is the month of rejuvenation and life and energy and
wonder….one should really make a conscious effort to spend some time reflecting
on that and savouring it rather than rushing through it like a bull at a gate!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We so often bounce from one month to the next without really
taking the time to experience the joy of each subtle change they bring. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">September is a sneezy time no doubt, but is also when the
air gets lighter and the breeze takes on a new lazy coolness that prickles the
skin ever so slightly as it dances over you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is the month when you can wear beautiful skirts and wraps
but still need to snuggle a little under the covers in the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is when you can spend lazy afternoons enjoying the
sunshine with good friends and a chilled glass of something fizzy and revel in
the new life that springs up around you and the bounty of the harvest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So…next month I am going to be more mindful of the
environment around me…take the time to notice the subtlety and indulge in the bliss
that provides.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-70987565155596302552012-09-21T17:29:00.000-07:002012-09-26T14:15:40.894-07:00Recipes for Springtime!<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love beetroot and think it is a real celebratory vegetable
and I am always looking for new ways to cook it!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My favourite way to eat it is raw of course…just coarsely grated
and tossed with some extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and cracked black pepper
and a whisper of vinocotto or rich balsamic vinegar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also love to pickle it. Firstly boiling it in its skin and
then removing the skin once they are tender. They can then be pickled in a
mixture of vinegar (I like to use verjuice too) and water (1:1), black pepper
corns, bay leaves and a tbs or two of sweetness (sometimes I use sugar, other
times I use a syrup like maple or agave)…they last for ages in a sealed
container in the fridge soaking in this brine and are delicious served with a
salad, on a cheese and nibble plate or as a sneaky treat!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have made a few really good dips out of beetroot too. Cook
the beetroot and then skin and all blitz together in a food processor (I use my
vitamix) with a hint of cumin, dill and about a 1/3 of the quantity of beetroot
to plain or green yoghurt… Serve with homemade flat breads and a series of other
dips as a delicious mezze starter to any special springtime occasion!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The most celebratory thing to do in spring is indulge in a
little sweetness and the other FAB thing to do with beetroot is to sneak it
into your chocolate muffins or cakes! It adds a surprising moistness and earthy
flavour that everyone loves!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I LOVE Stephanie Alexanders recipe…and have replaced the
gluten based flours with gluten free and always use raw cacoa/chocolate in the
recipe and replace dairy with soy or almond!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 10pt 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Ingredients <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 51pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><!-- class:cN-simpleList listIngredients listIngredientsFirst --><span style="font-family: Calibri;">250g
raw beetroot<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 51pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">175g plain flour<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 51pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tsp baking powder<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 51pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tbsp cocoa powder<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 51pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 free-range eggs<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 51pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 cup milk<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 51pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">60g softened butter<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 51pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 cup vegetable oil<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 cup caster sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 cup soft brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">100g best-quality dark chocolate<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><!-- class:cN-simpleList listIngredients -->Method</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lightly grease a 12-hole muffin tin, or drop paper
cases into the holes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Preheat oven to 180 degrees celcius.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Peel beetroot and grate in food processor with grating
disc. Set aside and wash processor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sift flour, baking powder and cocoa into a large
mixing bowl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lightly whisk eggs with milk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Process butter, oil and sugars until creamy. Gradually
add egg/milk mixture, alternating with flour mixture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tip into the large bowl and stir in beetroot. Mix
well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Spoon mixture into muffin holes. Break chocolate into
12 pieces and poke a piece into the top of each muffin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bake for 20-25 minutes until well-risen and springy to
the touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cool in tin for a few minutes then turn onto a rack. </span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> </div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>So, what are you going to do with your beetroots this spring?</strong></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Whatever it is....enjoy them, they are so good for you!</strong></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> </div>
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="720" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/526242_4554511941094_1980565831_n.jpg" style="height: 631px; width: 514px;" width="585" />Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-18395880096950708542012-09-14T17:08:00.000-07:002012-09-14T17:08:01.068-07:00Spring is THE time to be in the garden!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You should have prepared your soil at the end of winter and
be ready for planting…how exciting!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">September is the time to plant your summer veg; beetroot,
cucumber, eggplant, lettuces, capsicum, tomatoe, silverbeet and spuds! Don’t
forget your peas and snow peas – there is nothing better than harvesting those
babies on a warm summers morning – a couple of years ago I picked 5kg in one
day from our bushes…oh those days!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year I have been so busy teaching everyone else how to
reconnect with traditional wisdom, that my garden work is well behind…but I am
determined to get back into the garden before the month is out so I too can be
sharing in the bounty of the harvest!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are still picking leeks, beetroots, tomatoes, broccoli
and cauliflower from our patch – and the most exciting thing recently was
harvesting our first asparagus!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Talk about delayed gratification – theses babies take 3
years to grow…so patience is definitely required, but there is nothing more
exciting than harvesting your first REAL asparagus spear after it has stretched
out from under the ground!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You should definitely plant some!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/488286_3897378545753_903924685_a.jpg" style="height: 631px; width: 474px;" width="180" /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-59476043186786085112012-09-12T16:59:00.002-07:002012-09-12T16:59:51.349-07:00Spring Senses
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have never really suffered with hayfever, but today, my
head is foggy, my eyes are blazing itchy, I feel like someone has punched me in
both eyes and cheeks and my nose won’t stop running….this is NOT a pleasant
springtime!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The pollen in the air is incredible this year!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have had 3 years of floods in January which means that the
vegetation, even in the outback, is abundant and blossoming at its best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wilga and sandalwood trees are incredible, their tiny
little flowers are so pretty, but deadly for anyone who gets hay fever!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My garden looks amazing at the moment too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The nasturtiums have taken over and are sharing their
vibrant and fragrant blooms with the birds and the bees and with us – they have
such a delicious visual appeal and such a wonderful peppery sweetness that I am
just so happy to have them there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="405" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/387008_4592607253453_2093507993_n.jpg" style="height: 520px; width: 924px;" width="720" /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, back to the hayfever…there are some foods that are
good for hay fever and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought you
might be interested in giving them a go…I certainly am!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 10pt 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;">Top
foods for hay fever <o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 35.7pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -17.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <strong>
</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Onions:</strong> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">people
often go the pharmacy to get antihistamine tablets. However antihistamine can
be found naturally in food. Quercetin is a natural antihistamine found in
fruits and vegetables, and is highly concentrated in onions. To get the most
Quercetin as possible, remove as few as possible of the outer layer when
preparing the onion. </span><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 35.7pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -17.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <strong>
</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Honey:</strong></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
there are many long time hay fever sufferers that claim that taking honey
everyday helps. It's often recommended that taking a small quantity like one
and a half teaspoons is the most helpful. </span><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 35.7pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -17.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Nettle Tea</strong>:</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
nettle tea mixed with honey is also said to reduce the mucus caused by hay
fever.</span><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 35.7pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -17.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Spicy Foods:</strong> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">eating more peppers and strong spices may provide
natural hay fever relief as a lot of the pollen is flushed out due to the runny
nose caused by spicy foods.</span><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-39981853104165070792012-08-27T23:13:00.000-07:002012-08-27T23:13:00.933-07:00Have you ever over indulged?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is easy to get caught up in indulgence in winter, isn’t
it? I know that the warmth of a cup of tea at night with a couple of dark
chocolates is a real treat…or those hearty stews with mashed potato and extra
rice with your stir fry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The thing about winter is that it is cold and our body needs
more energy to keep warm, it is working harder to keep our outer limbs from
freezing…but it isn’t necessarily a good excuse to over eat!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What our body needs is additional nutrition – quality instead
of quantity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now is the time when you should be adding in some super
foods (raw cacao, goji berries, acaci) and stocking up on plenty of fruit and
vegetables to keep your vitamin and mineral count up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are going to indulge, indulge in food that is going
to do you good, rather than harm!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my food coaching practice I support people to make these
changes, provide cooking lessons, recipes and advise about how to avoid winter
weight gain and achieve instead winter health gain!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would love to support you to change your health outcomes
with good food!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.imnotfussy.com.au/FoodCoaching.aspx"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.imnotfussy.com.au/FoodCoaching.aspx</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-88094520496387781262012-08-20T23:10:00.000-07:002012-08-20T23:10:00.451-07:00What to do with a winter veg glut?<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am sad to admit that at the moment, our veg patch is not
looking like it has in past years, I have been so busy keeping everyone else
inspired through our programs: Cook Well Be Well, How to be an Urban Hippy and
through the I’m Not Fussy Food School, that I have not had much spare time to
tend to it….I do dream of the day when I am like Jamie Oliver or Hugh Fernleigh
Wittingstall and have a full time gardener that I can bounce around with when I
have a few spare minutes….but who takes care of all the hard work in the patch!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All that aside though, we are still reaping rewards from the
work I have managed to squeeze in <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>–
beetroots, leeks, silverbeet and parsley are still abundant. Our nasturtium
looks incredible and we have parsnips that went haywire and a few carrots. Of
course the pumpkins from the autumn harvest are still perfect and we have a
handful of spuds left from the last crop!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The best thing to do with this is to roast them….I love to
throw in some sumac and pepitas/sunflower seeds for flavour and extra crunch
and serve with a side of steamed spinach and a glass of rough red!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This roasted veg makes a FAB soup too, blitzed together with
homemade veg stock it is delicious and hearty, especially when served with a
homemade sourdough from the wood fired oven (yes….yum!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a truly delicious celebration of the winter veg!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvRUSq4FV0zUxFz_GxMUh_31fZZI9vyu8iaisnZnR1ps_0bBcunNf_pIOgNfJmHP6lrtKjztNq0R6mbLjBGCpO3GvNP28FOJAQQHaKvGYQm3UgsZTzTeOsJeizYxi5WX4sko6e49aRw4z/s1600/Winter+Veg+Glut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvRUSq4FV0zUxFz_GxMUh_31fZZI9vyu8iaisnZnR1ps_0bBcunNf_pIOgNfJmHP6lrtKjztNq0R6mbLjBGCpO3GvNP28FOJAQQHaKvGYQm3UgsZTzTeOsJeizYxi5WX4sko6e49aRw4z/s320/Winter+Veg+Glut.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-52554348875264514782012-08-13T23:04:00.000-07:002012-08-13T23:04:00.813-07:00Binging on the good stuff<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I definitely eat too much cheese sometimes…I am a member of
a cheese club in Tasmania and they make the BEST cheeses….I order them in and
simply can’t help myself…my body definitely does not like it, but somehow the resistance
is too great and I just can’t avoid it…I eat too much! Worse yet is when I make my own haloumi or bocconcini...bring on the indulge!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is an irregular (treat?) occurrence so is not a problem
in my life, but it is easy for this occasional splurge to become a regular
habit if there is something more sinister driving behaviour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We regularly hear and read about binging in its well-known
forms – including bulimia and binge eating disorder, but we don’t often hear
about the over indulgence on health…is it possible?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are there people out there who overdo the exercise regime,
to the point of obsession; or people who take food restriction to extreme? Yes
and for all the same reasons that bulimia and binge eating disorder are
damaging, so is this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What the behaviour is masking, or reflecting, is deeper emotional
issues that need to be exposed and managed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did a great interview with Dr Joann Lukins earlier this
month and we explored this idea together – she provided some really useful
guidance for people who might be worried about their binging behaviour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is worth listening to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.imnotfussy.com.au/Fans/DrJoannLukinsPodcast.aspx"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.imnotfussy.com.au/Fans/DrJoannLukinsPodcast.aspx</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-85517193065689374402012-08-06T23:03:00.000-07:002012-08-06T23:03:00.640-07:00Augustus Gloop – the modern day dilemma?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of my all-time favourite movies as a kid was Willy Wonka
and the Chocolate Factory. I LOVED the crazy Wonka and the extraordinary world he
created <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Gene Wilder is still my fav, but
Johnny Depp did a pretty great job too) </i>complete with edible trees and
Oompa Loompas! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course Charlie is the hero of the story and we are
compelled to gasp as we watch in horror as the other horrid children get
justice for their badness, but how far from ourselves are those wicked children?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The one who is particularly gross is Augustus Gloop, who
gets stuck in the chocolate river drain pipe whilst gorging on all that liquid
sweetness! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whilst is angry mother berates the crazy Wonka, I have
always asked myself; what role did she play in her child’s over indulgence and
why is she not punished whilst her son is? I think Grandpa makes mention of it
sometime in the script, but has always puzzled me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In many ways, we now live in a version of the Chocolate
factory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our every dream and desire has been created and provided at
our very finger tips are sweets and treats and foods beyond our wildest
imagination. They can be purchased, freely and easily – in store or
conveniently online.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a sense, the opportunity to indulge in binging behaviour,
like that displayed by Augustus Gloop, has become easier, more accessible and
in a strange way, somehow encouraged through marketing and purchase portals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you let your indulgences become out of control?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Binging by definition is <span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">a period of unrestrained,
immoderate self-indulgence, which of course we are all prone to and definitely participate
in at some time/s in our life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The concern is not that behaviour, in one off instances, but if
the indulgences become regular or more frequent and becomes a habit, or
something that happens in response to something else.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This month at </span><a href="http://www.imnotfussy.com.au/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.imnotfussy.com.au</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
we are exploring Binging and have some fantastic articles about it. I would encourage
you to take a look!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-46735278848943097282012-07-28T20:31:00.000-07:002012-07-28T20:31:00.352-07:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beat the Winter Blues
with the Mind<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a wonderful Sunday morning chat with Dr Louise
Greenstock a while back (you can download it at </span><a href="http://www.imnotfussy.com.au/Fans/Freedownloads.aspx"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.imnotfussy.com.au/Fans/Freedownloads.aspx</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">)
and she was talking about the power of the mind in managing mood, happiness and
a whole range of other things that impact on us daily. It got me thinking that
winter is a time when our anxiety can increase and our mood can spiral down;
shorter days and dwindling light can contribute, but so can being closed inside
or getting cold. It is important to take care of oneself and nurture the body
and mind at this time of year – and particularly to find a personal mantra that
shifts the focus from what you don’t want to what you do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One strategy I use is positive self talk and gratitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have developed a short ritual in the morning that speaks
to the truths I know about myself and the vision that I have for the day ahead.
I repeat the words to myself quietly, reiterating the positive and kick
starting a productive frame of mind – almost like a computer reboot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am also mindful that when things get tough, the days are
short and the sunlight and time seem more limited and nothing seems to be going
right…I am to be grateful rather than resentful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is sometimes easier said than done, but definitely
works and is something I have had to keep reminding myself to do for many
years. For instance, instead of getting anxious and uptight about traffic jam
(not a problem for me personally as I live 100m from my workplace), be grateful
that the universe has provided you the opportunity for reflection or has saved
you from a potential accident that may have awaited otherwise. If a work deal
falls through, be grateful for the new opportunities it has presented and the
time it has freed up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is worthwhile listening to the podcast with Louise, I
have listened to it quite often since we recorded it, just as a reminder of how
important the mind is to your overall wellness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-55522550658348669022012-07-21T20:30:00.000-07:002012-07-21T20:30:01.038-07:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What to plant in
Winter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Winter often gets the cold shoulder in the veggie patch as
it does require a bit of extra fortitude to rug up and brave the breeze to get
into it, but it is worth it AND if you are going to eat out of your patch into
springtime, definitely necessary!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are plenty of veg you can get started from seed at
this time of year (July), and it is worth investing the $40 or so to buy a
small plastic covered hot house, just to give them a bit of protection.
Otherwise, find a nice, sheltered, warm place for the seeds to start their
germination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You will be rewarded at the end of winter with a garden
about to burst at the seam, the minute the sun lingers a little!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Winter is also a great time for planning and preparing the
soil – and for making new gardens! Make the most of sunny Sunday afternoons and
do yourself a favour by investing in a back yard veg patch…and improve your
Vitamin D intake at the same time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What can you plant at this time of year?<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cool and temperate
zones<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Broad been, beetroot, cabbage, capsicum, lettuce (seeling),
onion or leek (seeling), spinach (seeling)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tropical and
sub-tropical zones<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beans, beetroot , broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, carrot,
cucumber, leek, onion, silverbeet (seeling), spinach (seeling), tomato,
lettuce, pumpkin, pea, melon, corn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-50081939377918951502012-07-14T20:29:00.000-07:002012-07-14T20:29:00.218-07:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Super FAV Winter Veg
Recipe<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have an abundance of pumpkin this winter, delicious
varieties including jap, blue, golden nugget and another that I am not sure
about, it could be a hybrid that snuck out of the compost heap at the end of
summer!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have any number of pumpkin recipes, mostly they play to
the sweetness of this nutritious and highly underrated veg, but my favourite is
a very versatile and highly adaptable pumpkin soup.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The reason I say versatile and adaptable is that it
basically takes whatever you have left in the pantry or fridge and turns it
into a hearty meal for a hungry family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To make the soup base, start with any combination of garlic,
onion, leeks and celery and sweat in a large pot until nicely browned and
suitably fragrant. Then add ½ a decent sized pumpkin chopped into chunks. At
this point you can also add any other root veg you fancy, or have wilting in
the bottom of the fridge; parsnip, swedes and turnip are in season at the
moment and carrots, potato or sweet potato will also do just fine! They need to
be cut into similar size of the pumpkin, but be sure not to add so much that it
will overpower the flavour of the pumpkin, it is after all the hero of the
dish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now you need to add enough water to cover the vegetables –
and then add a bit more…because now you are going to add another pantry staple
– soup mix, barley, lentils, green peas, white beans etc… about 250g will be
sufficient, but if you want a really thick soup, add more!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These will all cook together in the soup, once the
ingredients are all soft – blitz it up and serve with crusty bread and a
squeeze of lemon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This soup is a great way to sneak in some extra fibre and
nutrients as it includes hidden legumes and vegetables which are very important
for a healthy diet – if you want to get really cheeky add an apple or a pear
for a bit of extra flavour and a serve of fruit! <o:p></o:p></span></div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-33875922456370707622012-07-07T09:00:00.000-07:002012-07-07T09:00:07.773-07:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Welcome to Winter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well it is time to rug up and get out your woollies, winter
is well and truly here. As long as I can stay warm, I love this season! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For me winter means a mesmerising log fire, hearty soups, warming
tagines and slow cooks, mittens, scarves and funky felt hats!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It also means consolidation in the garden. Winter is a time
to give a bit of extra love to the soil in the way of nutrients (compost or
soil improver, or in our case, cow poo and shredded newspaper) and extra mulch.
In our temperate climate we are also able to start planting new seeds for a
spring transplanting (we have a little greenhouse which helps this), it is so
exciting to see new growth…and imagine the possibilities for the table!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Winter is often the time when we do garden structural
adjustment or extensions –often, we have taken the opportunity during winter to
light a fire outside, rug up and get building.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There have been many an afternoon where I have come home
from work, just on dusk, changed into my gardening clothes and wiled away the
hours moving dirt, digging holes or mulching garden beds….with rosy red cheeks,
a smug grin and the knowledge that the fire is warm inside, it is a blissful
feeling!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you live in the tropical north, I think you are missing
out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the bright seasonal serenade of the autumn colours
subside, winter can sometimes feel gloomy, but if you take the season in hand
and celebrate all that makes it special – the food, the festivals, the ambience
and the outdoor recreational opportunities, there is much to be excited about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be joyous this winter – and shout about what you celebrate
this season!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-11418778257955937392012-03-04T20:17:00.000-08:002012-03-04T20:17:51.343-08:00I'm a bit miffed: Gluten Free discrimination...I am gluten free (and lots of other things) for my health and I am FED UP with the discrimination - yes, it is discrimination, there I said it.<br />
<br />
I call it discrimination simply because of the lack of acceptance, this constant back and forth 'is it real or is it a fad?' is a bit like the challenges people with a mental health issue face - if you can't see it, it mustn't be real.<br />
<br />
Well, I can tell you that the pain, discomfort and exhaustion I experience when I eat something I shouldn't is very, very real.<br />
<br />
Now there are businesses who are embracing this new paradigm and the gluten free industry is booming, but there are still the naysayers who doubt and discriminate in their commentary and their businesses.<br />
<br />
Last week I read an article that sought to put some perspective around the 'myths' and 'truths' of the whole gluten free 'thing'. Whilst the author did present two sides of the argument, some of the comments that appeared under the article, and the things that were missing, made my blood boil.<br />
<br />
I think we need to start to see this whole debate in a different light and name it as 'choice' and see the people in the debate as real people, with real challenges.<br />
<br />
For them this is not about choosing to have an allergy or intolerance (who in their right mind would choose that?), it is about having the right to make choices that keep you healthy, not make you sick.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>The truth is that there is a divide in this country between people who choose wellness and those who don't.</em></strong><br />
<br />
In the gluten free debate there are people who choose not to consume foods that harm them and those who either are not harmed by it or choose to consume it anyway.<br />
<br />
The very idea that the people who make a CHOICE (god forbid you get to make a choice in this democratic society) for wellness are being 'fussy', being 'precious' or 'making trouble', is outrageous!<br />
<br />
When did CHOICE become a dirty word?<br />
<br />
There are those of us who are deeply affected - and for some, harmed to the point of certain death or long term damage, by food.<br />
<br />
We, because of this, choose NOT to eat certain things.<br />
<br />
Let me ask you this, if you had the choice between eating a slice of bread and ending up in hospital, writing in pain on the floor, vomiting, coping with severe bloat or diarrhoea - or NOT eating it...what would you do?<br />
<br />
Seriously, what would you do...or more importantly, what would you NOT Do...eat the bread I would think!<br />
<br />
This is a VERY serious issue for LOTS OF PEOPLE!!! This is not a 'fad', or a 'myth' or something that a few people made up and created. This is real and it is here to stay. <br />
<br />
People who live gluten free are not fussy, nor are they 'precious'. In fact some people I know who live with allergies and chronic illness and manage their health through diet are some of the bravest people I know.<br />
<br />
And even if people are choosing a gluten free lifestyle because it makes them feel better - not because they are a coeliac or have an intolerance, who cares, when did wanting to feel good become a crime punishable by name calling and discrimination - aren't we moving on from that?<br />
<br />
The gluten free marketplace is rapidly growing, that's a simple supply and demand thing....it is creating new employment, new industry and new opportunities for businesses to capitalise...isn't that good?<br />
<br />
We need to accept this new paradigm (choosing health that is) and embrace it, not constantly bring it down. <br />
<br />
End the discrimination by conversation and choose health yourself!Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-82139300313274419892011-11-03T20:30:00.000-07:002011-11-03T20:30:42.702-07:00Purple Broccoli...or Cauliflower that has had some sun?We had a dilemma in the garden last month with the growing of our brassicas...<br />
I remembered planting purple broccoli (which we had a disaster with last year) and I know that if cauliflower sees too much sun it turns purple, so when it came time to pick and eat these glorious purple creations, we weren't sure which they were!<br />
Needless to say it is easy to tell...the cauliflower, which actually didn't look like a trditional cauliflower either, just to make it trickier, has a slightly 'grainier' texture when cooked and also losese its bright purple glow and turns a pale greenish white. The purple broccoli holds its colour more and acts like broccolini.<br />
They were both absolutely delicious and I have decided that if we are lucky enough to grow them next year, I will be calling them regal caulibroc!<br />
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</div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-40925100452129307082011-11-03T13:37:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:37:20.487-07:00Dancing for Birth™ - I wish I knew about it while pregnant!<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><em>Guest Blog - Hela Donela</em></span><br />
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<div> </div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Unbooked recently added a new vendor to their pages: Aya Bellydance that offers prenatal bellydance lessons. My interest was roused and I wanted to know more. I had heard of bellydance, of course, but not of prenatal or postnatal bellydance."I wish I knew about this while pregnant", I was thinking. I simply HAD to learn more,( who knows there might be bubs #3.... )<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Aya from Aya Bellydance explained to me: "Dancing for Birth™ Classes incorporate dance moves from around the world (African, Belly dance, Latin, Caribbean) that best prepare the expectant mother to give birth. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">You’ll become stronger, more agile, feel more at ease in your body and feel prepared mentally and emotionally to embrace your unique birth experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">During the class you will also be learning valuable childbirth preparation skills and natural pain coping techniques that will build your confidence in your own birthing ability and wisdom."<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Apparently babies whose mothers take Dancing For Birth™ prenatal and postpartum dance classes love the motion of dancing and are easily soothed after birth by being held while dancing. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Aya adds another benefit: "You will also regain your pre-pregnancy shape and tone more quickly when you continue Dancing For Birth™classes with your baby after their birth."<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Doing more search on the internet, <a href="http://worldbellydance.com/"><span style="color: blue;">worldbellydance.com</span></a> listed the following benefits of bellydance during pregnancy:<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Strengthening pelvic and deep abdominal muscles and all those muscles specifically used for giving birth, thus facilitating the process of delivering and of recovery.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Relaxing the body.</span> </div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Improving self esteem.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Promote good posture.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Help maintain general fitness.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Help maintain a god sense of balance.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Relieve back ache.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Promote socialisation, if performed in classes.<o:p></o:p></span></div></li>
</ul> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Some people call it bellydance for birth, others dance of the womb, or as Aya calls it </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://unbooked.com/service/45284" target="_blank">Dancing For Birth™</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Whatever the name just watching the women dance makes you move and feel like joining in.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div> </div></div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-50364403665587183522011-10-03T16:21:00.001-07:002011-10-03T16:21:51.685-07:00Organic Wholefoods are the KEY<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Organic wholefoods , locally sourced where possible and in season are the KEY to amazing vitality.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Plus One Mums and Plus One Wellbeings top choices for amazing energy are listed here. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cook and prepare with love and share with those you want to nuture, and who nuture you. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choose a variety of vegetables.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choose seasonal fruits. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Berries are amazing with their lower sugar content.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nuts and Seeds<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fresh lean meats and seafoods <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eating foods we know are not good for us is a form of self abuse on varying levels. So paring things back to support local produce and local industry is the smartest way to go. For yourself , your<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>body and for the environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><a href="http://www.plus-one-mums.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.plus-one-mums.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-1277388156319904052011-09-21T15:19:00.000-07:002011-09-21T15:19:11.841-07:00Tis the season for spring cleanin'<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So whilst you are thinking about throwing out old clunky dusty old furniture and clothes, take a think about how you are going to clean up your insides after the long cold winter…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Months of hearty meaty stews, pastas, wine, hot chocolates, bread and cheese have probably cluttered up your inners, and even increased your own internal storage systems (if you know what I mean…).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While in winter you can cover it all up and pretend all is still clean, healthy and svelte underneath the layers, all it takes is the first warm weekend for the blinkers to get ripped off and realization to kick in.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, you can’t guzzle soap and shampoo, detergent and bleach to expect to get the same clean feeling on the outside that you want on the inside… So how?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, there are a number of cleansing programs and products available at the moment, try just water fasting which is a fairly extreme way to let you body do its own cleaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can try surviving on lemon juice/syrup concoctions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or you can try to do a juice cleanse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are definitely pros and cons to each type of cleansing you do, but there are more nourishing ways than others too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A juice cleanse is method of cleansing that not only uses the body’s own toxin removal system, but is able to enhance the process through the natural properties of good organic produce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fruits and vegetables should be part of everyone’s daily diet, and not just once a day, at least twice a day! And juicing is a fabulous way to get huge doses of those naturally occurring infection, cancer fighting antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just think – your lunch salad has maybe 1 carrot, half a cucumber, handful of baby spinach, 2 tomatoes, some fresh herbs, ¼ capsicum and a sprinkle of seeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But juice all this up and get around 300mls of juice which is just over a cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That might feel like a snack, but probably won’t feel like a meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT double those amounts and you get a hearty satisfying juice, THEN do that for at least 5 times a day – WOAH – your body will be so dosed up on fresh raw goodness that it won’t know what is happening!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, those with a bent for thinking about the logistics of HOW, will be thinking to themselves, but that is a lot of fruit and veg I have to buy, then store in the fridge, then juice, and then….clean and wash up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you would be right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be a mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are certainly people out there that can help you, well, do it all for you and deliver you a fresh little esky each morning for your cleanse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it also something you can do yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some recipes you can try yourself at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dust off the juicer, get the markets/grocery store and get stocked up!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green Juice<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cucumber<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 apples<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 pear<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 bunch kale<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 lemon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Orange Juice<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 carrots<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 orange<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 sticks celery<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cucumber<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pink Juice<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ beetroot<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 carrots<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 apples<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 lemon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Small piece of ginger<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Try these yourself at home – they are delicious, nourishing and packed full of rich antioxidant goodness to get your insides spring sparkling!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this does seem like too much, check out Schkinny Maninny in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can juice up and deliver for your juice cleanse, book online at </span></span><a href="http://www.schkinnymaninny.com.au/"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.schkinnymaninny.com.au</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> or on 1300 021 601.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-29055526960653536082011-09-17T16:01:00.000-07:002011-09-17T16:01:20.474-07:00Is it time to Spring Clean your Fitness?<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is it time to Spring Clean Your Fitness?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Sally Symonds, Healthy Life Mentor and author of </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“50 Steps to Lose 50kg . . . And Keep It Off” & </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“50+ Recipes to Lose 50+kg . . . And Keep It Off”<o:p></o:p></span></span></em><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I change personal trainers almost as often as I change shoes – well not quite . . . but you get the idea. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t get me wrong, “I’m not fussy,” but as a qualified PT myself, I do like to ensure that my money is well spent. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve had three great long-term trainers – one became a musician, one became a fencer, and one moved to a gym too far away for me to go regularly. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Admittedly, 95% of the time I actually only use a PT to hold the pads for me while I box. But most people use their PTs for much more, which I why I am constantly surprised by people who see the same PT year in and year out, despite getting very little changes or results. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If our cleaning lady doesn’t clean properly, we find someone else. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If our drycleaner doesn’t clean our clothes properly, we go somewhere else. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If we are unhappy with the hairstyle inflicted upon us at the hairdresser, we change stylists. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why are we so reluctant to change our personal trainers if we aren’t getting the results we want?<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Perhaps part of the reason is the bond we build with them. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For many people, their PTs have replaced their hairdresser as their <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">confidante</i> [or gossip buddy?].Perhaps we're scared they'll share all our secrets . . . perhaps they already do?<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">In the fitness industry, like any other, there are good practitioners and not so good ones. </span></div><div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">However, there are at least 25 000 personal trainers in Australia at the moment, as well as countless other online exercise and wellness coaching programs. </span></div><div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">My advice is: don’t be afraid to leave if you aren’t getting what you want or need<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.</b> It’s your money and your time and your body. </span></div><div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">If you aren’t happy, don’t quit altogether – just quit that particular PT and try someone else. </span></div><div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Sure, it can be a tad awkward if you end up going to someone else at the same gym, but awkwardness fades – wasting your time and money doesn’t. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"><br />
</div><div class="FreeForm" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For more information on weight loss and healthy living visit </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.sallysymonds.com.au/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">www.sallysymonds.com.au</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-20604250920148614602011-09-03T16:54:00.000-07:002011-09-03T16:54:52.689-07:00Yellow Belly and Murray River Cod SashimiThis is perhaps the most delicious feast we have enjoyed at home EVER!<br />
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Home made nigiri and sashimi from yellow belly and cod caught that day from the beautiful Narran river.<br />
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There is very little to say other than it was 8pm when I got home and by 840pm we were feasting on this spread!<br />
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My nigiri forming skills could use a little work, but it still tasted amazing!<br />
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We have eaten some pretty spectacular Japanese in some great places in Sydney and Melbourne and I can tell you, that this definately compares...if not beats!<br />
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YUM, my mouth is watering just looking at it again!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8cYtkWPXY90iaWppvzxuGfCEbrCAo5Lm2SvT1CNOVi8cq7Cv0LCLa0dkbbrW0TVjyxlJiPipcegW0umbL9W_LdbQbB6cZDhw8IIvywXJH15fC0voAQbGVkThgOQ_WBnURMuSrugC4vyc/s1600/Japanese+at+home.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8cYtkWPXY90iaWppvzxuGfCEbrCAo5Lm2SvT1CNOVi8cq7Cv0LCLa0dkbbrW0TVjyxlJiPipcegW0umbL9W_LdbQbB6cZDhw8IIvywXJH15fC0voAQbGVkThgOQ_WBnURMuSrugC4vyc/s320/Japanese+at+home.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Aussie inspired Japanese FEAST!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskZRqokRjT9Fn0MjgdyD3g0JrUKTzd5nVKX0ZGzZEwVFwr3aD9ps8nMB1NQPQ5ZuX3PaS8bMa_0aD5yy5K2T_e5QAKux4MlVaFMILucFg9L3aC4pDwg-F1m2K8uN_554xyIWBgiGLYeAa/s1600/Sashimi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskZRqokRjT9Fn0MjgdyD3g0JrUKTzd5nVKX0ZGzZEwVFwr3aD9ps8nMB1NQPQ5ZuX3PaS8bMa_0aD5yy5K2T_e5QAKux4MlVaFMILucFg9L3aC4pDwg-F1m2K8uN_554xyIWBgiGLYeAa/s320/Sashimi.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Belly and Murray River Cod sashimi, nigiri and served with rocked (which we then drizzled boiling sesame oil over!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-42569563483583917052011-08-15T17:32:00.000-07:002011-08-15T17:32:08.720-07:00Wilful Tastelessness <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Willful Tastelessness<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <em>Guest Blog </em></o:p></span></b><em><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Sally Symonds, Healthy Life Mentor and author of </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“50 Steps to Lose 50kg . . . And Keep It Off” & </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“50+ Recipes to Lose 50kg . . . And Keep It Off”<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ve just finished reading Margaret Heffernan’s new book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Willful Blindess: </i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">why we ignore the obvious at our peril.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although Heffernan doesn’t consider food at all, it did make me think about willful tastlessness – how society continues to eat food which both tastes bad, and is bad for you, without really confronting the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s true that studies have shown that sugar is more addictive than cocaine<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3163870897784965173#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> so certainly part of this phenomenon is chemical, rather than merely logical or emotional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, logic and emotion can’t be discounted entirely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the hallmarks of most great chefs is fresh ingredients, not preservatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While most chefs agree that fat is flavour, and sugar comes a close second, it’s still so easy to taste the difference between fresh flavours and cardboard cut out dinners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, many people are so used to eating “rotmuck” (as my mum would say) that they’ve lost all sense of what real food tastes like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly in our busy lifestyles we need to have some fast food options (whether from the food court or our freezer or pantry) on hand, but they still should be real food – not pseudo-imitations of food – and taste accordingly. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Willful tastelessness, just like willful blindness, becomes a habit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>However, the longer we ignore the issues underlying the habit, the worse they become, as anyone who has been on the dieting merry-go-round, getting bigger year after year, most certainly knows.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="FreeForm" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For more information on weight loss and healthy living visit www.sallysymonds.com.au<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3163870897784965173#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Lenoir M, Serre F, Cantin L, Ahmed SH, 2007 Intense Sweetness Surpasses Cocaine Reward. PLoS ONE 2(8): e698. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0000698</span><o:p></o:p></div></div></div>Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-68040540174132473272011-08-11T21:42:00.001-07:002011-08-11T21:42:50.934-07:00 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why do we expect so much of ourselves? </b><br />
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<strong><em>Guest Blog by <a href="http://www.imnotfussy.com.au/MegCampbell.aspx">Meg Campbell<o:p></o:p></a></em></strong><br />
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I ponder this question often as I know that my expectations of myself do not always serve me. I continue to be surprised at what I try to achieve on any given day. Even as I become more and more aware of my needs and how important it is to nurture myself, I still allow myself to be stretched with commitments. I think women these days put tremendous pressure on themselves to do 'everything'-have a career; keep house; be a caring , loving mother/wife/partner/daughter etc; maintain significant friendships......the list goes on. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Recently I headed away on a family holiday-the last as a family of three! I'm 30 weeks pregnant now and had been looking forward to this break for months. Rather than slow down and prepare myself for our trip, I jammed in as much as I could before our departure. As a result, I found myself sick 2 days before we were due to leave and for the first 4 days of our time away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ironic thing is that I always advise people to slow down prior to their holiday to avoid falling in a big heap when they actually stop!<o:p></o:p><br />
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This experience was so disappointing but yet another reminder that I need to honour and respect myself always; I will continue to focus on balance in my life, daily movement and quality nutrition and try not to overcommit myself as I often do. It’s true what they say, “If you don’t have your health, you have nothing”!<o:p></o:p><br />
Unfussy Foodie - Rebel Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594720514740651057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163870897784965173.post-25226207688432676762011-08-08T15:46:00.000-07:002011-08-08T15:46:13.807-07:00Asian Greens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went away for a week last week and when I got home- the veg patch had gone crazy! The tiny broccolli is now ready to pick, the cabbages are getting hearts, beetroots are finally taking hold and the mulberry tree is abundant with fruit and foliage!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Asian greens were the most prolific though. We had been harvesting the odd leaves from our bok choy for stir fries - but I had to hack into the others to let in some light for the other plants around them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I picked: Malaysian Lettuce (Armaranth), Chinese broccoli, a whole Bok Choy, Mizuna and another stringy green I can't remember the name of. These are particularly easy to grow and they don't take a lot of care. They would be fab in pots andmake a beautiful looking (not to mention tasting) border in a flower garden! We have even given Bok Choy as thank you gifts instead of flowers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Along with a big handful of deliciously sweet sno peas, a huge bunch of coriander, a couple of kaffir lime leaves, chilli and lemongrass - and a meal is made!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All I did then was simmer a can of coconut milk (Ayam brand is the ONLY one I will use as it has not additives at all) with some water, the kaffir lime leave, split chilli, lemongrass, coriander root, palm sugar and fish sauce, until it was delicious tasting and had good flavour. I had some broccoli and zucchini in the fridge which I added next, until they were just tender.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I then added the greens and snow peas until they wilted, but still had some crunch (the peas).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To serve I topped with mountains of coriander, shredded Kaffir Lime leaf and chilli and some tofu which I had lightly fried in some olive oil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgWIJk-olDWb6e4hULStLaCcGwZ1kzHDvbtV3DAD4PEcP78JvQgQpVbOWg69q5gAJFcJlZSO8ACGUWrphqfkkr7Q07bmgB93uIMjQlxPysSmyqaDG53LoLMsOqmYCeyMt3oY8WWBuip8Z/s1600/Asian+Green+StirFry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgWIJk-olDWb6e4hULStLaCcGwZ1kzHDvbtV3DAD4PEcP78JvQgQpVbOWg69q5gAJFcJlZSO8ACGUWrphqfkkr7Q07bmgB93uIMjQlxPysSmyqaDG53LoLMsOqmYCeyMt3oY8WWBuip8Z/s320/Asian+Green+StirFry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quick, healthy, freshly picked and delicious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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