Super Nutty Choc Balls

This is a recipe that I have taken from loads of people - every one has made their own superfood ball in the last 2 years, so here is mine. It's especially for a few of my clients who want a little snack to keep them on track through out the day.

My recipe really does depend on what I have in the cupboard - you can use all or some of the ingredients listed, but it goes something like this:

• Nut spread - (choose from) Organic Peanut butter, Almond spread, ABC spread - 1/2 a jar
• Organic Butter - 1/2 to the full 250g block
• Coconut Oil/Butter - it's the same thing
• Nuts; Almonds, Macadamias
• Pepitas
• Sunflower seeds
• Walnuts
• Coconut desiccated
• Raw cacao powder 
• Maca powder
• Almond meal
• Protein Powder

I blend the nuts and seeds with a stick blender, but not too fine, add the other powders, blend the nut spreads, pour melted butter and coconut oil. Mix together, depending on the texture, if its too moist or to dry I add what is required, more liquid or powders. Roll in balls and then in shredded coconut. Put in fridge or freezer if I'm needing a quick fix! Enjoy.

The BIG C – cancer!

image pintrest

Cancer is a scary topic. People are scared of cancer because of the many unknown variables, it’s a sickness that is deemed to have no cure, it’s an illness that puts stresses on families and relationships and potentially equates to the loss of a loved one.

Cancer is a growing concern in our modern world, there is a cancer that is related to each and every system within our body, some are curable, some are more manageable than others and some are unfortunately fatal.

The one thing that all cancers have in common is the need to support the cancer sufferer and the family of the sufferer. Through Naturopathic medicine this support maybe achieved by taking on a holistic approach and treating the whole; mind, body, senses. As naturopathic practitioners we are able to assist the patient and their family by treating the stresses that are caused, by giving them both mental and medicinal support, we can work alongside their GP and their oncologist. We have the tools and knowledge to support the cancer patients diet through nutrition and by using herbal medicines as food.

Naturopathic practitioners take on a holistic role, empowering the patient and supporting their general wellbeing, potentially making life a little easier to manage when diagnosed with such a disease.  Naturopathic practices are able to support emotions such as feelings of depression, overwhelment and the loss of sense of self, support proper liver function, and possibly assist the bodies elimination channels, assist proper digestive function, assist tiredness and fatigue and also help address other cross over symptoms from traditional conventional treatments.

I've recently attended the latest Integrative Care and Support of Cancer Patients as a Naturopath I'm happy to discuss cancer support with you.

Here’s a list of key foods for you to try and that may assist in you living better with cancer.

Organic Fruit and Vegetables – are higher in Phytochemicals than conventionally grown fruits and vegies. Especially try Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Carrots, Leeks, Cauliflower, Apples

Also, as they have not been sprayed with pesticides and chemicals they have built up their own resistance to bugs and insects by trying to protect themselves from being eaten!!

Green tea (organic of course) – is high in good anti-oxidants which is associated with better clinical outcomes

Tumeric – Some studies show that turmeric may help fight infections and some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems. It acts as an anti-inflammatory support and may support cell cycle regulation.

Reduce sugar intake – studies have observed that cancers may rely on sugar, so by eliminating or reducing sugar can only be of benefit.

Essential Fatty Acids = Good fats – they may come in the form of healthy fish, and other easily obtained EFA including seeds and nuts

Maintaining your normal exercise routine is also an important key factor in living with cancer. And of course, taking one day at a time.

Our Favourtite breakfast

I guess this is our houses favourite breakfast only because it is the one that is eaten on most mornings of the week. I started making this muesli years ago because the organic, store bought cereals were too expensive. I couldn't conceive paying over $10 for a 300g bag of fancy muesli that was eaten in a few sittings (lives with a hungry man), and I could make it myself without the dried fruits which adds too much sugar.


It is a (VERY) simple recipe that when made gives you a complete protein, so eat our muesli with joy and I hope that it gives you enough energy to get through the morning.


Here's our Muesli Recipe (all grains and seeds are organic)
Oats 
Almonds
Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Sunflower seeds
Mix all the ingredients in a large jar.
Oats are the main ingredient and the other seeds and nuts are a sprinkling through out.

Serve with cut up fresh fruit (whatever is in season) berries, stone fruit, bananas, kiwis, pears.
Add milk (this combined with the seeds/nuts/grains/dairy makes it a complete protein).


I usually add a dollop of natural yogurt and honey.
Chew lots and enjoy.
xx

A Vegetarian Baby

A friend asked me about vegetarian recipes for her baby. Now this could be controversial but I believe babies need red meat because red meat is the best source of Iron. And Iron in meat (haeme iron) is more easily absorbed than Iron (non-haeme iron) in vegetables.


Babies have immature gastrointestinal tracks, they are so very new and still developing and cannot therefore effectively digest and absorb everything they eat so it is important to fed them easily absorbed and digestible foods. And, as Iron in meat is more easily absorbed than veggie Iron this makes it a great source of Iron for babies.


Currently in Australia babies are encouraged to begin eating meat from 8 months, red meat is a terrific source of a complete protein and an easily digestible source of iron. The benefits of Iron include the production of haemoglobin, assists brain development and function, regulates body temperature and metabolism and lack of Iron directly affects the immune system. These are all important functions of a new and developing baby. If, (not only babies but) people don't eat and absorb enough iron they can acquire Iron deficiency anaemia, this can lead to a whole range of problems.


Iron benefits, deficiencies, food sources
Iron deficiency anaemia


Other sources of iron include wholegrains, nuts, eggs, legumes, seeds and of course iron fortified cereals - most baby foods including rusks have Iron added.


Also meat is a primary source of a complete-protein. Proteins primary function is to build and repair tissues and cells in the body and then amino acids which are the building blocks that make up proteins are key factors in aiding most of the functions and processes of the body - therefore proteins are very important in the growth and development of our babies. And I hear you ask that there is protein in seeds, nuts, grains, dairy but unless they are combined they are not complete proteins.


So a few easy red meat ideas for new babies are lamb cutlets and mince meat.  Mince meat is great because it's an easy protein source and can easily be made into lots of things; a shepards pie, rissoles, bolognese sauces and I make what I call a Moroccan style bolognese - with beans and potatoes in it (but no real spices). Of course you can source the best quality organic meats for you and your bubba. I know people choose to eat or not eat meat for all sorts of reasons,  ethical, cultural, religious, financial but my suggestion is in the first few years it is a good idea to feed your babies meat and they can later make their own decisions. If you choose to feed your baby as a vegetarian it is important to serve Vitamin C with every meal to prevent anaemia.


From 8 months I fed my baby lamb chop cutlets - he loved it, but that's not to say all will!