 When a new baby comes home there is often a significant shift in home dynamics and the focus becomes one of supporting the baby’s needs. As a consequence, the needs of parents often come second to baby. Disrupted sleep patterns and eating on the run (whilst juggling a number of competing demands) often leads to a lack of vitality and fatigue. Parents may end up feeling incredibly exhausted and as though they have no time to take care of their own needs and requirements.
It is important for parents to be eating well, especially breastfeeding mothers who require extra energy for the production of breast milk. This extra energy is about 2000 kJ (500 cal) per day. This can be achieved easily via a few simple additions to the diet. The key is to eat 3 meals each day and have 2-3 healthy snacks. Being mindful of hunger cues, thirst and fullness can help guide your needs. Creating Balanced Meals To create balanced meals with good levels of nutrition you can use your plate to help structure all your meals. Follow these four simple steps. 1. Use half the plate to serve plant foods such as non-starchy vegetables (or fruit). This half of the plate will provide loads of nutrition including good levels of vitamins, minerals and beneficial antioxidants. Foods such as broccoli, berries, mushrooms and tomatoes belong here. 2. Use one quarter of the plate for a variety of lean protein sources. This section of the plate will help with satiety and can be provided via lean meat, seafood, dairy, eggs or legumes. Include a variety of protein sources throughout the week. Try and include two serves of seafood and one main meal that is vegetarian each week. 3. Use the other quarter of the plate for low GI carbohydrates, these will provide the body with a steady stream of energy to cope with daily demands. Go for wholegrain, wholemeal breads and cereals, carb rich grains, and vegetables such as corn, quinoa and oats. 4. Include healthy fat as part of each meal from sources such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, oily fish and seeds. For those who require a more structured approach the following table is an example of how good nutrition and extra kilojoules can be incorporated into the diet. Sample Meal Plan for New Mums and Dads *NOTE: Bold indicates additional energy requirements for new Mothers Breakfast Wholegrain breakfast cereal Skim milk 1 banana or ½ cup berries 1TBS natural yoghurt 1 tsp nuts/seeds + 1 slice of wholegrain toast with a smear of avocado Snack 1 pear + 1 handful of almonds Lunch Wholegrain wrap 1 cup salad greens, grated carrot, tomato, beetroot Thinly sliced chicken 1 tbs hummus or some olive oil spread + 1 tall glass of skim milk Snack 1 low fat yoghurt + 1 sliced banana Dinner Salmon fillet Served with quinoa, barley or brown rice 1 cup non-starchy vege (baby spinach, steamed carrots, yellow squash, mushrooms) + 1 cob of corn New mothers can often become constipated, so it’s important to remain hydrated throughout the day. NHMRC recommend women have 9 cups of water to support lactation. Fibre from breads, cereals, legumes, oats, fruit and vegetables will also help with constipation. Drugs, alcohol and tobacco Drugs, alcohol and tobacco can all affect the quality of breast milk. When a mother consumes alcohol during lactation it is passed quickly into her breastmilk. According to Ho et al (2001) it takes a 60kg female about 2 to 3 hours to eliminate alcohol from the body after one serving of beer or wine. It is important for a mother to plan all her drinking ‘occasions’ after breastfeeding the baby. Amir et al (2002) state that nicotine levels in breast milk of women who smoke are between 1.5 and 3 times higher than the level in the mother’s blood so it is important for a woman to quit or reduce her smoking habits, especially during the hour prior to breastfeeding. The benefits of a mother’s breast milk however (even when smoking) are of higher nutritional value to the baby than bottle feeding and smoking (Brown 2008). Breast milk is the ‘gold standard’. Looking after yourself During challenging times when the baby is particularly distressed, it is important to have measures in place so that you are consuming good nutrition to maintain your vitality. Here are a few tips. · Have ready-made meals prepared and frozen ahead of time; casseroles, soups and hot pots are particularly useful. · Have a supermarket roast chicken and salad mix on hand that is already prewashed and prepared for a fast, no fuss meal. Remove the chicken skin and make good use of the lean meat. · Have quick meals in mind such as boiled eggs or baked beans on wholegrain toast, with a side of vege/salad for those times when you need a meal but have little time. · Put roughly chopped vegetables and lean meat/chickpeas into a slow cooker early in the day with some stock or tinned tomatoes for a warm meal ready by night. · Create meals like frittatas that can be eaten hot or cold, or can be packed into transportable lunchboxes for outings. · Keep your fruit basket well stocked and have yoghurt, nuts, vege sticks and hummus on hand for healthy snacks during the day. References: Amir, LH & Donath, SM (2002), ‘Does maternal smoking have a negative physiological effect on breastfeeding? The epidemiological evidence’, Birth vol. 29, pp.112-23 Brown, JE (2008), ‘Nutrition Through the Lifecycle’ 3rd ed’n, Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, Belmont CA. NHMRC Nutrient Reference Guides: http://www.nrv.gov.au/
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 Jenelle Croatto APD
After an influx of referrals last week for clients wanting advice on following a Candida Diet to prevent and/or treat thrush, I only thought it was appropriate to discuss the science surrounding this idea. The theory that by following a ‘yeast free’ diet will prevent excessive growth of candida was particularly popular during the 1980’s and was commonly recommended. However it gradually faded as a form of treatment in orthodox medical circles following a study which was released in 1990[1], and subsequent research into the area. One reason that the idea of a ‘yeast free’ diet gained traction is because some women with intolerances to natural food chemicals (most commonly, salicylates) will often experience vaginal irritation and mouth ulcers, sometimes with tongue coating. Based on clinical presentation only, many medical practitioners have come to the misdiagnoses of thrush. To properly diagnose thrush a swab needs to be conducted. If candida has been identified then it is treatable with an anti-fungal agent. However, if the result is negative then diet may be explored as a possible cause of symptoms. Another area of confusion surrounds that of allergy testing. Individuals who present with a positive skin prick test (SPT) to yeast/candida may be lead to think that they are allergic. In fact this is only indicative of exposure, which is universal, and not a clinical diagnosis of an allergy, or a valid reason to commence a ‘yeast free’ diet. At times the line between food and clinical symptoms can be quite blurred, and I can appreciate that it can be tricky to pin point what may be causing issues. For this reason, if anyone is suspecting that they may have some form of sensitivity to food I strongly encourage involvement with a medical practitioner and Dietitian who are experienced in the area of food sensitivities. Following a restrictive diet without the guidance of a Dietitian may lead to a diet that is nutritionally inadequate and inappropriate. [1] A RANDOMISED, DOUBLE-BLIND TRIAL OF NYSTATIN THERAPY FOR THE CANDIDIASIS HYPERSENTIVITY SYNDROME. N Engl J Med (1990); 323:1717-23  Over the last 20 years people have worked themselves into a frenzy over carbohydrates. The term ‘carbophobe’ was coined to describe those people convinced that carbohydrates are some sort of physique destroyer! Let’s take a closer look at carbs to better understand their role; specifically why we need them for optimal nutrition, what occurs when our body is carb-depleted and how to choose the right kinds of carbohydrates for maximum benefits.
I cannot deny that a diet that omits or severely limits carbs will certainly trigger an initial drop in weight… This weight loss, however, is attributed to a loss of glycogen in the muscles, a drop in the body’s normal water content and a loss of some lean muscle tissue. This initial weight loss leads to a feeling of success and people naturally feel as though they are onto a good thing; that cutting carbs is the secret to weight loss. However, the body is clever at adapting and balancing things out and before you know it the lost weight usually returns and is often accompanied by a few extra kilos. Carbohydrates are essential for a well-balanced diet and healthy body. They provide the only fuel source for many vital organs including the brain, central nervous system and kidneys. So without carbohydrates certain organs and systems suffer. Carbohydrates are broken down during digestion into glucose and the pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin to help transport the glucose from the blood into the cells. Without glucose our body becomes lethargic, our brain fails to concentrate and dizziness and nausea can set in. It is clear to see that carbs are essential and that by cutting them out, our overall health and vitality is impaired. Research and population studies around restricting carbs have revealed some rather concerning findings. Very low-carb diets rarely lead to long-term weight loss and if carbs have been substituted with saturated fats (e.g. muesli for fried bacon) than this may lead to some very serious health problems. An increased likelihood of heart disease and bowel cancer are two frightening examples. With a build up of saturated fat in the arteries and a lack of fibre rich wholegrains to keep our bowel moving nicely, opting for low-carb and high saturated fat is not a winning combination. Carbohydrates are critical when it comes to training and sports performance. It is the preferred source of energy for the muscle cells and for those wanting to increase muscle bulk, it’s the carbohydrates that promote protein retention and synthesis. A lack of sufficient carbohydrates makes exercise more difficult; this is because the muscle glycogen is depleted. By cutting carbs you are more likely to tire faster, your endurance will decrease and you are less likely to engage in regular, daily physical activity. It’s often people who follow low carb trends that fail to return to the gym after a few months of yo-yoing success, because they feel extreme fatigue. A lack of carbohydrate over time causes the body to become carb-deplete and the body is forced to rely on other sources of fuel such as fat. Now this may sound like a winning scenario, but it can actually lead to the development of ketones in the body, which can make the body acidic. This can lead to metabolic changes, which can be seriously dangerous for some people with diabetes. Carbohydrates have the ability to stabilise our blood glucose levels, or they can send a person through a dangerous series of peaks and troughs. It’s important to know that not all carbs are the same and it’s important to maintain a steady stream of slowly released carbohydrates into the body rather than rapid influxes which overload the system. The key for maintaining a healthy balance (and sensible weight-loss) is to choose the right carbs, those ‘smart’ carbs. You want to choose carbohydrates that are the least processed - unrefined and closest to their natural state. They include many wholegrains, such as oats, barley, legumes (beans and lentils), buckwheat and quinoa, and wholegrain products such as wholegrain breads and wraps. Many other carbohydrate foods are also slowly released, due to certain characteristics of the food, which slows the process of digestion and absorption eg pasta, dairy products, fruit and certain types of rice. Look for high fibre options and products labeled low GI (these will be released slowly). If you have been wearing that ‘carbophobe hat’ since 1996, than it is time rethink your motives for doing so. The right kinds of carbs can set you on a path to be the best version of you. Your body will benefit form a diet high in fibre and a steady flow of glucose into your bloodstream will minimize those peaks and troughs in energy. The intensity of your training sessions will improve and as an added bonus your brain will be thinking clearer. For too long carbohydrates have been solely blamed a global increase in waistlines. Instead of cutting carbs completely, opt for minimally processed carbs and wholegrains and ditch the highly refined carbs. Carbohydrates play and important role and should be part of a balanced diet rich in plant foods, lean protein and healthy fat. Incorporate ‘smart’ carbohydrates and feel your vitality soar!  Beating the achy breaky pain of heartburn
Jenelle Croatto APD The fittingly appropriate name of heartburn (or gastro-oesophageal reflux) is a common condition which affects up to 1 in 5 Australians at least once per week. It can affect men, women and children! Heartburn is often experienced as a burning sensation behind the breastbone which is caused by a reflux of stomach acid into your oesophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). Connecting the oesophagus to the stomach is the lower oesophageal sphincter, which acts as valve to prevent stomach contents from rising back up through oesophagus. Heartburn occurs when this valve is weakened or not working properly. Although this condition is not life threatening, left untreated it can cause changes in the oesophagus which may lead to cancer. If you are experiencing chronic reflux it is best to have it checked out as it may be sign of another health condition. Luckily relief is at hand... 10 Simple Steps to Manage Heart Burn 1. Lose excess weight – Being overweight, especially around the abdominal area places extra pressure on your stomach 2. Avoid big meals – Spread your meals throughout the day by having smaller portions 3. Elevate the head of your bed AND don’t lie down immediately after eating – Prevents ‘reflux’ of stomach contents 4. Avoid sleeping on your right side - How does it work? Gravity! Quite simply your stomach is situated on your left hand side of your abdomen 5. Don’t drink with your meals – By doing so you will avoid additional pressure on your stomach. Aim to drink fluids ½ hour before or 1 hour after meals 6. Low fat options – Fatty meals and snacks will likely aggravate symptoms 7. Avoid spicy and citric food and drinks - These foods are known to irritate the stomach and oesophagus, especially if the oesophagus wall is already irritated from a recent episode of reflux 8. Limit coffee (including decaffeinated) and alcohol– These both increase stomach acid secretion. Additionally alcohol relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter. 9. Don’t smoke – Not only does smoking relax the lower oesophageal sphincter it also prolongs the removal of acid from the stomach 10. Avoid peppermint, spearmint and chocolate – Common triggers that also relax lower oesophageal sphincter Hopefully by following this advice you will be on your way to settling your inner dragon!  By Jenelle Croatto APD
I first heard of this concept during my university studies and it has captured my attention ever since. As a dietitian and nutritionist I am not only interested in what is considered nutritious food, but also where my food comes from. The movement is simply explained by its founder and president, Carlo Petrini as “uniting both the pleasure of food with responsibility, sustainability and harmony with nature”. Established in 1989 as a non-profit member-supported association Slow Food was founded in response to the rise of fast food and its associated lifestyle. Many of us can agree that in today’s society there is a disappearance of local food traditions, rise of supermarket giants and a decreased interest in what we eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and the impact of our food choices on a global scale. The Slow Food website http://www.slowfood.com/ talks about many global initiatives and how everyday people throughout the world are making a difference. There are many ways that we can be more connected to our food supply and the food we eat.
To add another layer to this movement I believe we should reconnect with food on a level that is not just about the calorie, carbohydrate and fat content that seems to be ever entrenched in the mind of today’s dieter. For millennia food has been used for more than sustenance. We use food in times of celebration, comfort and joy. With a balanced, non-restrictive attitude towards eating, food can be used in a way that is both nutritious and pleasurable. Buon appetito! Jenelle Croatto  By Jenelle Croatto APD & AN
Winter has arrived and it often comes along with its not so friendly friend – the winter cold. Don’t become a cold and flu statistic! As the name suggests the common cold is very common, with adults generally having between two to four colds each year. The secret to maintaining your vitality this winter is to rev up your body’s natural defences. An immune system in tip-top condition will ensure you have the best defence against the winter nasties. A healthy immune system is more than eating well, it is important to focus on each aspect of our life has a direct link with our health. Follow these suggestions to stay healthy this winter. 1. NUTRITION I am strong advocate of the Plate Model. By following this structure when is comes to designing your meals you are ensuring you have created a nutritionally balanced meal. How to do this: ½ plate vegetables/fruit, ¼ plate lean protein, ~ ¼ plate low GI carbohydrates and a small portion of healthy fats. This is the way I eat at every meal, including breakfast. By planning ahead I make sure I can always create a nutritious and just as important - delicious meal. Here are some examples of creating a meal based on the Plate Model Breakfast o Porridge with low fat milk, topped with fruit and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds. Lunch o Sandwich or wrap with grilled chicken, avocado and packed full of salad vegetables. Dinner o Beef and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice drizzled with olive oil. 2. SLEEP A good night’s sleep is essential in achieving optimal health and maintaining a fighting fit immune system! Experts recommend between 7 and 8 hours sleep each night, however, this may vary between individuals. Gage how much sleep you need by seeing how refreshed you feel when waking up. Keep in mind that over sleeping can cause fatigue and interfere with your sleep the following night. Aim to go to sleep the same time each night and rise at the same hour in the mornings. A psychologist friend of mine likes to talk about maintaining your ‘sleep hygiene’. In other words, are you doing all you can to have the best night’s sleep? Develop a sleep routine to get yourself ready for sleep. Perhaps some light stretching to ease muscle tension, reading a novel, switching the television off in the hour leading up to sleep and dimming the lights. 3. ME TIME Il dolce far niente...’the sweetness of doing nothing’ as the Italian’s would say. Making time for yourself each and every day is crucial in maintaining balance with both your physical and mental health. Just as you pencil in your diary your daily tasks like ‘take kids to soccer’, ‘groceries’ and ‘clean bathroom’, make it a priority to schedule in time for the most important person – YOU! Whether it is reading a book, coffee with a friend, taking a long bath or gardening, make sure you are doing it for pleasure and relaxation. In doing so you will be refreshed to take on the day and prevent fatigue, which only leads to a weakened immune system. 4. FITNESS Physical activity is not only great for maintaining a healthy weight and strong bones; it also helps boost your immunity by burning stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Continual high levels of these hormones circulating in your body can wreak havoc on your immune system. Apart from avoiding excessive stress in your life, being physically activity each day will help keep your immune system in check – and also make you look and feel great! Try to add in extra activity where ever you can e.g. brisk walk in the morning, taking the stairs, walk during your lunch break or parking your car further away from your destination. 5. HYGEINE It’s called washing, not wetting your hands! This means lathering them in soap and washing with water. Be sure to wash your hands after sneezing or coughing, before eating, preparing food and touching your face. Also try and avoid those around you who may be currently unwell.  I love quinoa and I love porridge... So it won't be a surprise that Quinoa Porridge is regular breakfast for me. I love it because it tastes great and has all the nutritional 'checks' I need. With my dietary requirements, it's a sure fire winner. Plus it keeps me satisfied for hours. Each seed of quinoa contains smart carbs and protein... So this little seed has a strong nutritional punch. It's a winner amongst those wanting a 'Paleo' style diet and those who require a gluten free diet. What you see above is my breakfast this morning. Warm, creamy porridge with some lovely fresh peach, blueberries and a sprinkling of cinnamon. You can top it with whatever you have on hand. Here are just a few ideas :
My husband thought it looked great... but being my resident 'Heston' he came up with his own version below. A smooth porridge using ground quinoa. He used the coffee grinder to make the quinoa 'fine' before cooking it. It looked a little like a thick yoghurt and we think it would make great baby food!  For those that don't like the texture of quinoa, the ground version might be worth a try!
Before I pass on his tips let me explain how to make basic quinoa porridge on the stove top or in the microwave. You can tailor this recipe for your own dietary requirements or tastes using any type of milk... Skim, soy, coconut, almond, oat, rice or just water. So when I refer to 'milk' it can be any type of milk or even water. STOVE TOP: MAKES 3-4 SERVES Combine 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups milk. Boil gently and let simmer for about 20-25 mins, stirring occasionally to check that it hasn't burned or boiled dry. You will know when it is cooked because it will be translucent and form little tails. Serve with your desired topping. MICROWAVE: MAKES 3-4 SERVES Combine 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups milk. Cook on high for 2-3 mins. Stir and then cook on low for 15mins. You will know when it is cooked because it will be translucent and form little tails. Serve with your desired topping. All microwaves are different, so first time round, keep watch for that translucent look. SMOOTH QUINOA: Heston Husband Tips! :)
So, have a play! Quinoa is such a great little seed and we love it. It is a versatile cooking ingredient (just see my recipe page) and it's very nutritious. Share with me your favourite quinoa recipes and tips on Twitter @lise_simpson Live, love, life... Lisa xo  White bread
Made from just the starchy inner part of the grain with all the fibre and many nutrients removed this is the least nutritious bread. It almost always has a high GI meaning the carbs are absorbed almost as quickly as if you drank pure glucose in water! This gives you big rise in blood glucose levels and needs a lot of insulin to be dealt with. Not good news for heart health, weight control or reducing risk of or controlling diabetes. However there are now a few low GI white breads on the market. These are a step in the right direction if you must eat white bread. Sourdough white is also much better having a lower GI. Many also have fibre added but these are still not the same as eating a wholegrain bread. Wholegrain bread These are the best types of bread as the grain is processed intact. Usually these have a lower GI, all the fibre and most of the nutrients preserved from the intact grain. Wholemeal bread It’s important to recognise the difference between wholemeal and wholegrain. Wholemeal are more processed – often the fibre component is added back, making them more nutritious than white bread, however the GI is often still high. Multigrain bread Multigrain bread is often white bread in disguise, dressed up with a few seeds and grains thrown in! Take a bite of a multigrain slice and feel it dissolve in your mouth. It is rapidly absorbed, just like white bread. Go for wholegrain rather than ‘multigrain’. Flat breads Joanna loves Mountain bread and Sorj bread – no preservatives and literally just flour water and salt. Joanna uses Tannour bread for making homemade pizza for the kids – made by Old Time Bakery Pty Ltd and described as “first made by Ancient Phoenicians”. There has been a real move back to these kind of old fashioned breads. Good old wholemeal pita is also good and tends to be low GI. Sourdough bread Longer dough fermentation aids in restoring the function of the digestive tract and supporting the immune system. Sourdough bread is a low GI food. This has been proven to provide many health benefits for medical conditions such as diabetes while also assisting in weight control by improving appetite control and delaying hunger. These breads are best eaten cut fresh, rather than as a sandwich later in the day. Sourdough doesn’t hold together as well over time. How to Make a Healthy Wrap! Bursting with colour, fibre, low GI carbs, lean protein and a dash of healthy fat this wrap will keep the hunger under control and provide loads of nutrition. Ingredients 1 wholegrain Mountain bread 1 grated carrot 1 generous handful of baby spinach 1 thinly sliced tomato + any other salad vegetables you enjoy 100g thinly sliced chicken breast ¼ avocado used as healthy spread Cracked pepper to taste Method Slice up all salad vegetables and place on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. In doing so this will stop your wrap going soggy by lunchtime! Arrange your ingredients down one end of the Mountain bread to allow a tight and easy roll. Roll with care and to be environmentally friendly, wrap in some aluminium foil, as it can be recycled. Enjoy, Lisa xo  Kilojoules, calories, kilocalories, cal, kJ… Huh?
If that’s you, than you are in luck. A new website has been launched by the NSW Food Authority in Australia to help us all understand a little more about kilojoules. The new website is www.8700.com.au . kJ (kilojoules) is the Australian measure of how much energy we get from consuming a food or drink. Nearly everything we eat and drink provides our bodies with energy. Some foods provide loads of energy/kJ and other foods provide little energy/kJ. Energy from food provides fuel for walking, running, skipping and breathing. When we take the dog for a walk we use more energy than when we are on the couch watching the television. If we eat more energy than our body requires, we put on weight and that energy is put into storage (usually as fat). Simply, active people require more energy than inactive people. The average Australian adult consumes about 8700kJ a day and that’s why the new website was titled 8700. Large, active men typically require more energy than small, inactive women. You can work out how much energy your body requires by going to the ‘Your Ideal Figure’ tab on the www.8700.com.au website. This section of the website will estimate your total requirements after you fill in your age, gender, weight and activity levels. NOTE: kJ are similar to Calories:
Tips from the website: Remember that healthy eating is all about what’s right for your body’s needs and balancing the amount of kJs you take in with the activity required to burn them up. Make regular physical activity part of everyday: It helps you maintain good health and manage your weight and reduces your risk of chronic diseases. Get active: You should try being active in as many ways as you can throughout the day. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Don’t spend so much time sitting. Losing weight: 60 – 90 minutes moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week. Start small and within you level of fitness, gradually work your way up. Finding out how much energy your body requires might come as a surprise, and if it does, you now have a tool to help you understand where the energy in your diet is coming from and make some positive changes. Take a good look at the website and have a tour. Explore, click and play… But, as always, choose foods close to nature, make informed decisions but don’t get too hung up on counting and calculating. Eat well, be well… Lisa xo  About ten years ago I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease. At the time I wasn’t sure what that was, but I recall my gastroenterologist saying “No more breads and cereals for you”. A decade ago I hadn’t heard of Coeliac Disease and the term ‘gluten free’ wasn’t something I had ever come across.
I remember thinking I would starve to death. Each morning I’d consume two Weet-Bix for breakfast and always had a salad sandwich from the school canteen for lunch. After going to the gym in the evenings I’d eat a bowl of untoasted muesli as I prepared a vegetarian dinner that usually featured pasta or couscous. Back in the day (before becoming a dietitian) I thought my diet was pretty ‘bang on’; but it was making me sick, it was full of gluten and I was always hungry. My Coeliac Disease meant that I wasn’t absorbing certain nutrients and my intestines were in a bad way. All that seems like a lifetime ago, but I remember feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what I should eat. There wasn’t a shopping aisle devoted to gluten free goodies back then. I started out devouring bucket loads of rice to fuel my training as a group fitness instructor. My rice cooker was used almost every night. Let me tell you, there are loads of nutrient dense gluten free carbohydrate sources other than rice! Ten years after my diagnosis there are now hundreds of gluten free products available and strangely eating ‘gluten free’ has become some sort of trend. People seem to think that eating gluten free will make them lose weight or that it’s healthier, but to be honest, some gluten free products are ghastly and are often high GI and laden with fat or sugar. Fact is, eating gluten free won’t help you lose weight and isn’t always the best option; that is unless you have gluten intolerance or Coeliac Disease. Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center, said people who cut gluten to stay slim are relying on a strategy common to almost all quick-fix diets: restricting food choices. “When people have fewer choices, they tend to eat less and lose weight accordingly,” he said. “But you could accomplish the same thing by consuming only healthful, wholesome foods, including whole grains that do contain gluten. The result would be an easier, more sustainable, and potentially more nutritious diet overall.” There is nothing unhealthy about gluten unless someone has a true sensitivity or Coeliac Disease like myself. Gluten is simply a protein that has been in the human diet since the dawn of agriculture and acts like a ‘glue’ in baked goods; giving stretch and rise to foods like breads. If you suspect you have a gluten intolerance or Coeliac Disease you need to be tested. If the results come back positive, I promise you, you won’t starve to death and you will feel so much better. It’s important you seek advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian like Dr Joanna or myself to help you establish a well balanced gluten free diet. If your results come back negative, don’t cut out wholegrain breads and cereals because you think you’ll be healthier. Wholegrains are a superb source of fibre and minerals that will keep your gut and bowel healthy for life. For more information about symptoms and testing, I highly recommend checking out this website:http://www.coeliac.org.au/ . Here you will learn about symptoms, diagnosis and following a gluten free diet if you are diagnosed with an intolerance or Coeliac Disease like me. Live, love, life… Lisa x |
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