What to eat or not to eat....that is still the question! How should you and your family eat is still up for debate as the next round of 'diet plans' hit our markets! I did love the wrap up on Sunday in body+soul by Dr Joanna McMillan and Lisa Guy it just shows that most eating plans have their 'healthy' parts and 'ugly' parts. The DASH diet ( originally devised to lower blood pressure) has just been voted the healthiest plan for the 6th year running https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_156535.html and essentially focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts minimising sugar and sugar laden drinks!! Not rocket science or sexy.......but healthy. As the old saying goes ... if Gran wouldn't recognise it .....

body+soul_au

Who sits around a marketing table and comes up with this rubbish?!!!.. Some donut company here in Brisbane has produced one of the most unappetizing and unhealthy foodstuffs I have seen in a long time. A donut burger with a beef patty, dripping with cheese and bacon soaked in Nutella, sandwiched between a thick glazed doughnut. Even if I had not eaten for a week I could not bring myself to eat something so revolting!! We have sunk to an all time low.  Come on people wise up and start taking your health seriously!! Btw not even a hint of green in sight..... This is a sad day for Human health! Rant over....

http://www.couriermail.com.au/lifestyle/food/qld-taste/dietitians-warn-doughnut-eat-too-many-of-these-killer-burgers/news-story/fd70eac60c81e8426c1d5768cd5194fe
Courier Mail

It is official! Eggs have been given the medical tick of approval ....finally!  Cholesterol has been on the "naughty" list of nutrients for nearly 40 years, with health officials warning us to stay away from high-cholesterol foods since the 1970's to avoid heart disease and clogged arteries.
But US officials have finally given the green light for a U-turn on previous warnings, which means eggs, butter, full-fat dairy products, nuts, coconut oil and meat have now been classified as "safe" and have been officially removed from the "nutrients of concern" list.
The US Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for updating the guidelines every five years, stated in its findings for 2015: "Previously, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended that cholesterol intake be limited to no more than 300 mg/day. 
"The 2015 DGAC will not bring forward this recommendation because available evidence shows no appreciable relationship between consumption of dietary cholesterol and serum (blood) cholesterol, consistent with the AHA/ACC (American Heart Association / American College of Cardiology) report. 
"Cholesterol is not a nutrient of concern for over-consumption.1
1. https://uk.style.yahoo.com/blogs/icymi/cholesterol-is-finally-officially-removed-from--naughty--list-122559246.html

I have been pushing the egg message for years as they are natures little 'vitamin capsule'. Eggs for breakfast are a great way to fill up hungry kids and adults providing a rich source of protein, iron and zinc- important for muscles and healthy immune systems! An 'egg rich' breakfast also provides an opportunity to whip in a few vegetable or salad items sadly missing from many Aussie diets. Try them in a speedy omelette, scrambled, poached, boiled or even a breakfast fritatta and remember they are a great lunch or dinner option too. 

Breakfast Fritatta

2 large zucchini (approx 300g) grated

1 medium carrot grated

1 onion finely chopped

1 cup grated cheese

1 cup self raising flour

½ cup oil

5 eggs

Season as required for the adult palette!

Microwave or lightly fry onion for one minute.

Combine zucchini, carrot, cheese and onion

Sift flour, add oil and lightly beaten eggs

Season with salt and pepper

Pour into well greased pie or quiche dish

Bake at 180 degrees for 40 minutes

Note: if top starts to brown cover with foil to continue cooking.

*Easy to freeze

*kids can crack the eggs

* Add some lean bacon or chicken when frying the onions as desired

Happy New Year 2016 to you and your families. Well I am now mother to a teenage boy and a pre- teen girl....phew.....where have those 5 years gone? I am now even more passionate about the health of our next generation and hope to bring you a wealth of practical and evidence based nutrition information from my 23 years of practice and 15 and a half of being a mum! 
I like to make things simple and practical as these days we are so busy and stretched for time that we don't have hours to read through lengthy articles for helpful information. Thanks for joining me. Kate x

Choose water as a drink!
Having just spent a glorious week at the beach I was surprised to see so many kids drinking liquids other than water! Whilst the occasional treat can be ok it is really important not to give our children excess sugar contained in these drinks. Cordial, soft drink and 'slushies' are being consumed on a daily bases for many families and young bodies are not being hydrated properly. Even fresh juices and smoothies in their enormous sizes provide way to much sugar and energy (calories). Remember to pack water bottles with your sunscreen whenever you go out or better still freeze one over night so it's icy cold for your day out. How much water do you and your family need see https://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/kids-teens/choose-water-as-a-drink-kids.aspx