Lisa Donaldson APD

​You’ve been really focused on eating nutritiously and training regularly, your weight is finally shifting in the right direction and then, boom!!! You’ve been invited to 6 Christmas parties and you know they will include your favourite sparkling cocktails, sumptuous desserts and all sorts of dreamy deliciousness that you cannot refuse… What do you do?!
 
Firstly, congratulations on making healthy changes to your life. You should be proud! It’s certainly not an easy thing to do. But let me put this forward, if your life is now so restrictive that you need to avoid social engagements, dinner parties and celebrations, then is that the life you really want to live?
 
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not wise to drink alcohol regularly or revert back to those stodgy meals that made you unhealthy or uncomfortable to start with… but rather, take a look at what you are doing consistently and focus on that. If the majority of your week is nutritious, you certainly have room to go to your parties.
 
So, as you RSVP ‘yes’ to your invitations, take a moment to read some of these tips for the dinner party ahead.

DRINKS – decide before you arrive how many drinks you are going to have and commit to that. Alternate one alcoholic beverage with a sparkling mineral water to remain hydrated and to avoid drinking too much. If you don’t want to drink, offer to be the designated driver.

AVOID THE NIBBLES – if the room is laden with crisps, lollies and salted nuts, avoid delving into those moreish little bowls and wait for actual meal instead.  

PERFECT YOUR PORTIONS – load up ½ your plate with salad or steamed vege, have a palm sized serve of protein (meat) and no more than a scoop of carbs (yes, you can have a little of that desired potato bake). Perhaps offer to bring a salad so you know that you can have half of that on your plate.

SLOW DOWN – there is no need to inhale your meal. Time to start savouring what you eat. Put your cutlery down between bites, sip water and chat to the other guests. It takes 20 mins to register fullness, so take your time!  

SAVOUR THE DECADENT – whether you’re a cheese lover or a cake lover, the indulgences that come with special occasions need to be savoured and enjoyed. Have a little and eat those delicious morsels with mindfulness and pleasure.

PLAN AHEAD – make sure that special occasions like dinner parties are noted on your calendar. Remind yourself that your special night is coming up, so be consistent with your healthy eating and training in the lead up to the event.  

A wise friend of mine regularly says, “Food is more than the nutrients it contains”. Which simply means that food is also there to be savoured and enjoyed. Remember, you’re never going to get lean by eating ONE healthy meal each week, in the same way that you’re not going to slide ‘out of control’ if you have one indulgent meal each week. Get the idea? CONSISTENCY IS KING.  
 
So, do not shun the invitations, rather attend with a plan and live a nutritious week leading up to the events… and enjoy. No guilt allowed. 

Jenelle Croatto APD

Despite our disbelief…Christmas is almost here!  While there still may be a few weeks before we officially go on holiday leave, the opportunity to indulge in gastronomic delights is just around the corner – and I can’t wait to tuck in!

Now before you think this dietitian has gone a little mad, I want you to ponder the concept that the food and lifestyle choices you make between New Years and Christmas, far out weigh those choices you make between Christmas and New Years.

Christmas, and indeed any festive occasion, is certainly a time when we can simply enjoy food for no other reason than pure joy – (isn’t that refreshing to hear!).  That said, this is no excuse for an all out food frenzy.   

This ‘silly season’, embrace the festivities with a healthy amount of holiday cheer, and a game-plan that won’t see you derail your health goals – here are my 5 Top Tips!

Make a Commitment
Rather than surrendering to all manner of seasonal treats, selectively choose a few occasions to relax the way you eat – and then outside of these times, reel it back in.  Whether it be an extra bevvie at your office party or a generous helping of pudding with Christmas lunch… make a plan and stick to it.

Don’t Go Hungry
“Saving your appetite” never works. Never. Forgoing brekkie and lunch, only to arrive at your Christmas party with the appetite of grizzly bear emerging from hibernation, will quickly see you dodge the small talk pleasantries and make a beeline for the buffet.  Your best bet is to eat balanced meals throughout the day and sensibly enjoy the food or nibblies on offer.

Go for Quality
Rather than grazing on Cheezels, just because they’re there… make a solid choice to only eat food that brings you joy.  You have nothing to gain from mindlessly eating food that makes you feel like blah - AND robs your appetite of what you truly desire.  Food is delicious! So make it worth your while and tune into the full experience of eating. 

No to ‘Top-ups’
While you watch what you eat, don’t forget about the booze.  Did you know that the average bar serve of wine or full strength beer contains as much energy found in a tablespoon of butter!  Yikes!  Saying “yes” to top-ups can quickly see those pesky kilos creep on, so make it a rule to finish your glass before accepting another.

The Opportunity to Move!
What if, instead of seeing the holidays as a time to indulge, we viewed it as a time to focus on our wellbeing and to move more!  One of the reasons we struggle with growing waistlines is because we’re busy, run down and can’t always find the time to move.  With a simple change in perspective, the holidays can actually be the perfect time to make your life more active.  Whether it be a game of backyard cricket, a swim at the pool or a balmy evening walk – it all counts.

Jenelle Croatto APD

It’s a question I’m sure you’ve pondered! Just flick through any glossy health magazine or social media news feed, and I’m sure you’ll come across different theories on how often you should eat.   From six-meals-a-day, to the latest dietary craze of ‘intermittent fasting’ (more on this another time), it’s no wonder we’ve all become a little bamboozled over something as simple as eating food.
 
The six-meals-a-day approach may work for some, but in practice it means you’ll need some pretty impressive organization skills – and let’s face it, sometimes just getting dinner on the table in a timely fashion is a win for the day!  Perhaps the greatest difficultly I see in this approach lies in the need to reduce meal size.  While the intent may be to have six small meals, what I usually see is people eating three regular sized meals, plus the three snacks! So, unless you’re an elite athlete or are actively trying to gain weight, this approach certainly has its challenges when it comes to weight loss or maintenance.
 
Whilst there are no hard and fast rules as to when we should eat, I am a fan of sticking to the time-honored tradition of three meals a day.  This style of eating is deeply entrenched in our culture, and for the most part I think it works well - particularly if you attend school or spend your day at work.
 
While children certainly need snacks in between meals to support growth and meet nutritional needs, most adults will do just fine with three main meals, spread throughout day.  By eating wholesome balanced meals, the aim is to comfortably fill you up and get your mind off food – which is just what we need in todays world of growing waistlines.  I typically find it’s those who graze all day, are the ones who constantly think about what and when they’ll next eat.  Current research also shows, that ‘grazers’ usually end up eating more by the days end, than those who focus on eating three balanced meals.
 
What about snacks? …
 
If you feel like eating in-between your meals, just do a quick body-scan before snacking to see if you’re truly hungry or are perhaps eating for others reasons such as boredom, procrastination or even thirst. Try also assess how hungry you really are as I often see people reach for a snack at the first pang of hunger, to then only eat their next meal shortly after.  Keep in mind that a little bit of hunger is not a bad thing – it actually means your body will turn to using stored energy, rather than utilising the energy coming in from that snack you had at close reach. 
 
If your day requires you to have long gaps between meals, a snack may just help see you through to your next meal.  The aim is to start your meal feeling hungry, not ravenous – as only leads to overconsumption and you feeling sluggish, rather than refueled. 
 
The bottom line is to be smart with your snacks.  Have healthy wholefood options such as yoghurt, fruit, nuts or wholegrain muesli bar on hand, to eat if you have more than 2 hours before your next meal, and have real, rather than perceived hunger. 
 

Lisa Donaldson APD

​​It’s three o’clock in the afternoon and you are like an untamed animal, sniffing around for something sweet to eat. Despite your best efforts to prepare a healthy snack box, those vege sticks and hummus are not going to tame that inner niggle and you are starting to feel irritated… WHY?
 
This might seem like a lack of self control, but what you are battling with during these times are some very powerful hormones and not enough SLEEP.
 
HUNGER HORMONES - We have two hormones in our body that control our appetite, they are called leptin and ghrelin. Ghrelin is a bit of a gremlin - he’s our appetite INCREASER. Ghrelin levels go up in times of hunger and stays down for about 3 hours after a meal. Leptin however, is our hormonal ‘appetite suppressor’ and researchers state that leptin can help keep the ‘ghrelin’ under control. The problem is, the power of leptin is hindered when we are sleep deprived… So, if you have a rotten night of sleep, be prepared for your appetite and hunger to be elevated.
 
GIVE ME SUGAR NOW!!!! - A lack of sleep can disrupt our adrenal glands and make us feel very exhausted. When this happens we tend to look for energy to pick us up, and that energy is often the sugary kind! It is true that sugar gives us a fast boost, but it is shortly followed by a fast crash… So be prepared and instead of reaching for the jelly beans, opt for a protein based snack like nuts or yoghurt.

WARM UP WITH CAFFEINE & COOL DOWN WITH WINE? If you have a daily affair with both caffeine and wine, be prepared for a rocky night in bed. According to the Sleep Health Foundation the effects of caffeine can last from four to six hours, but your body needs about 24 hours to completely eliminate it. Many people who consume a lot of caffeine think that it no longer stops them from being able to go to sleep, because they have become immune to this effect. However, research shows that, even if they think otherwise, sleep is impaired and they would sleep much better if they abstained from it in the afternoons. As for alcohol, it may help you nod off quickly but that means you can bypass the first stage of REM sleep. As the alcohol wears off, you’ll go back into REM sleep and you’ll be more likely to have a disrupted sleep overall.
 
So, if you are battling with cravings, it may be because your sleep isn’t quite right. So, try and set up some sleep routines so you can start to normalise your sleep patterns and rein in those hangry feelings. 

LISA DONALDSON APD

Making change is not easy. There is literature, scientific studies and research around the complexities and mental challenges involved in making change. Many find that they embrace a new goal or a shift in their life with determination and gusto for about 2 weeks… and then, ‘road blocks’, excuses and ‘relaxing the reins’ starts to slow people down. I have put together some hot tips for staying on track and sticking with your plan.
 
Organisation/planning
Without question, being organised and diarising your exercise, shopping, cooking and prepping is the number one step towards success. There is no way you can succeed without a plan. So grab your calendar and focus on penciling in everything from meal prep to training sessions. Make a plan and watch it happen!
 
Packing lunches
All meals are important, but for most people lunches can be the most challenging because you are away from home and surrounded by temptation. Packing a lunch every single day will ensure you will have nourishing food with you throughout the work day and this will minimise the allure of the charity chocolate box down the hallway.
 
Have supporters
Find people who are interested in health and wellbeing. Perhaps someone at work, a neighbour, a family member or an old friend who lives and breathes a healthy lifestyle. These supporters will become motivators and will promote consistency and perhaps some friendly competition.
 
Join an exercise group/team
Committing to a team or meeting a friend for a run on a regular basis will help you stay on track. Companionship and/or team mates will be there for you, even when you don’t feel like moving! Plus, they will rely on you too and you don’t want to let anyone down, right?
 
Make water your friend
This may seem a little odd, but having a bottle of water with you at all times can be hugely beneficial. Keeping hydrated has a number of benefits, but it will also ensure that thirst and hunger are not confused. Keep a bottle on your desk and in your bag.
 
Master some 15 min meals
You will have days where you feel exhausted and cannot be bothered cooking. Nailing a few 15 min meals will ensure that you can pull together a decent meal fast, without dialling up for pizza. My go to is a vege packed omelette - makes for a nourishing meal in no time.
 
Have an emergency stash at work
There will be times where you are extra hungry or (heavens forbid) you leave your lunchbox on the kitchen bench. Foods like tinned legumes, tuna and corn, packets of rice cakes and grainy crackers, nuts and dried fruits can be kept in a desk draw without turning bad. Non perishable items may save you from getting hangry in times of need!
 
Make excuses to move
Learn to take the stairs, park further away and be the person who runs errands at work. Find ways to make exercise part of your every day and reap the ‘incidental’ rewards.

Lisa Donaldson APD

​​If fresh job aspirations and work goals are at the forefront of your mind, what you eat could become a defining factor between getting there or not. The fuel we consume not only sparks our vitality but also drives our mental capacity. Without adequate nutrition it’s not possible to be firing on all cylinders or achieving our best!
 
It’s important to realize that what you have for breakfast and pack for lunch may contribute to how well you manage to stay ‘switched on’ throughout a long day at work. ‘Brain powering’ fuel won’t suddenly make you a genius, but by consuming an appropriate diet you will remain alert and satisfied throughout the day. There is nothing worse than feeling hungry or sleepy whilst trying to focus on learning something new or write a complex paper.
 
Carbs = Brain Fuel
The preferred source of fuel for our brain is carbohydrates. When the body consumes wholegrain breads and cereals the body breaks these down to glucose for the body and brain to use. Packed with fibre, wholegrains and carb rich vegetables are the way to go as they are absorbed slowly and ensure a steady stream of energy is provided across the course of the day. Enjoy oats for breakfast, a wholegrain sandwich for lunch and perhaps some sweet potato mash for dinner and you are on the right track.
 
Eggs = Memory Boosting
Eggs contain choline, a nutrient beneficial for brain development and memory. They are also a really satisfying breakfast choice that will keep you fuller for longer. A great source of protein and packed full of nutrition, eggs are a great choice any time of the day. Served softly boiled at breakfast with some wholegrain toast and grilled tomato, or hard-boiled for a snack or sandwich; eggs are a definite pleaser. For those unable to eat eggs, yoghurt, tofu and buckwheat are also great sources of choline for brain development.
 
Omega 3s = Brain Development
Omega 3 fatty acids go to the top of the class for brain and eye development, as well as stabilizing mood. Found in foods like walnuts, linseeds, eggs and salmon, there are loads of different ways to maximize your intake of these high performing fatty acids. Tuck some salmon and salad into a soy & linseed pita pocket for lunch or create a ‘brain-power’ trail mix of dried fruit, walnuts, blueberries and yoghurt bites for a delicious desk snack.
 
Along with these suggestions, consume loads of fresh fruit and vegetables so your brain will be switched on and powered up for the day. Think minimally processed foods when you are preparing all meals.
 
A ‘clever’ day on a plate:
 
Breakfast: 2 soft boiled eggs with a slice of soy & linseed bread and some grilled tomato/baby spinach/mushrooms
 
Morning Tea: a small yoghurt with ¼ cup blueberries
 
Lunch: a wholegrain pita pocket with salmon and salad
 
Afternoon Tea: Fresh and dried fruit with walnuts and yoghurt bites
 
Dinner: Grilled steak with sweet potato mash and mixed greens
 
Eating well not only keeps you in great shape but helps keep your brain sharp! So power up your brain the right way… and as always, eat close to nature! 

Lisa Donaldson APD
 
Ever get home, look in your fridge and pantry and think… ‘there’s nothing to eat?!?’ This is a common occurrence in households who have given no time to planning meals for the week. Meal Planning might sound time consuming and/or a hassle, but it doesn’t need to be. Let me help you get on top of your week some simple tips!
 
BREAKFAST - Choose two options and alternate:
If you are not too bright in the morning, keep things simple so you can cruise through your morning without getting frazzled. My hot tip – choose one option that can be prepped ahead of time. CHOICE 1: a breakfast like a bircher muesli, berry and oat smoothie or a chia pudding can be in the fridge ready to go ahead of time. Pack into a transportable container and breakfast can be consumed at work or after morning gym workout. CHOICE 2: a warm breakfast like scrambled eggs with some spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes, or some hot oats can be enjoyed on days when you have a little extra time.
 
WORK LUNCH – Soup or leftovers:
In the winter months I love trading salad for soup. I recommend doing a soup cook-up and freezing individual portions for lunch at work. I can grab one out of the freezer and dash with little fuss in the morning. I also recommend cooking a double batch of dinner in the evenings to ensure a balanced lunch is on hand for the next day.
 
DINNERS – Introduce routine and 1 new recipe each week
Think about meals you can cook without too much stress, those auto pilot meals that you can do without following a recipe. These meals should take up the majority of the week. Next, think about choosing one meal each week that is new. If you like it, cook it again the following week and build it into your repertoire. If you are completely clueless in the kitchen, perhaps try a cooking class and get some meals under the belt that can be part of your weekly routine. Here are some ideas:
 
Lisa’s Top Auto-Pilot Meals

1. Stirfry – mix it up each week by swapping the protein and flavours– chicken and cashew, spicy pork and broccoli, beef and chilli, marinated tofu with mixed vege, legumes and mixed greens.
2. Basic Curry – perfecting a dahl or curry is a top idea in these winter months. There is nothing more warming and hearty – plus, a curry makes perfect leftovers for lunch!
3. Spaghetti bolognaise – mix it up each week by adding in different vegetables, legumes, spices or swapping spaghetti for vegetable noodles!
4. Omelette or frittata – an egg based meal is a fast meal and a good way to boost your vege intake. I make a frittata once a week and use up all the vegetables left in the fridge at the end of the week. Frittata is also great cold.
5. One Pan Meal – chicken thighs or salmon fillets bake up nicely with a variety of vegetables in around 30-40min. I love chopping and then popping it all in the oven – I can walk away and come back in 30-40min and dinner is ready. Check www.FEEDinc.net for some One Pan recipes.
6. Friday Fun Meal – homemade pizzas, burgers and tacos can be very healthy if made by yourself with quality ingredients with a focus on wholegrains and wholefoods. I often place leftover roasted vege on top of my pizzas, giving them a gourmet pizza feel.
7. Fish and chips – I am not talking about the deep fried varieties you get from the fish and chip shop. Try cooking a fish fillet in a foil parcel with some soy, lime and chilli, along with some homemade sweet potato chips. Combine with a side of salad and you’ve got a simple, balanced meal.

 
Don’t forget to try a new recipe each week, but those ideas should get you started on a more organised week. Plan and prep and you will feel like there is ALWAYS something to eat.