The TRUE truth about Weight Loss

Firstly apologies for the "silly" title of this article, I do realise it is not "good english"! :)

The thing I really want to get across today though is that so far out there, there has been no consistent "true truth" about weight loss. It is not that people are intentionally lying to us. They truly believe what they promote about getting healthy, into shape and feeling your best.

It's just though that it IS all lies....

I feel compelled to write this post today as I have sat silent for WAY too long....

I have a message and I MUST share it! After a wonderful day yesterday at my clinic with beautiful people, and the past few weeks I have enjoyed with my most incredible VIP clients, I MUST share this message far and wide and make it so very CLEAR....

More of us THAN EVER before are "battling the bulge"... it seems that it is normal these days to be at least a little overweight, in fact you could say "overweight" is the new "normal". I am not criticising anyone here, that is just the way it is.

When I was a child, I WAS THE FATTEST KID IN THE CLASS! Yet, often when people look at the photos, they say, "Oh you weren't THAT big..."

BUT! I am NOT telling fibs!! I KNOW FOR SURE that I was the heaviest kid- in a composite class (meaning there were kids in my class a whole year older than me). We had these maths activity books when I was at school in which we often had to complete "real life" mathematical activities- like measuring our height, and WEIGHING ourselves...!

The data was plain for EVERYONE to see as the teacher plotted the figures on a graph on the blackboard. Bridget was the shortest AND fattest (heaviest) out of everyone...! (slightly humiliating!)

Ok, now we have that clear, I'll move on :)

What I am getting at is that something is DEFINITELY amiss for MORE of us than EVER to be struggling SO much with our weight. A great majority of these people have never had an issue with it before, and so are at a complete loss when it starts to become an issue with which they cannot seem to easily fix....

I too fell into this trap JUST EARLIER THIS YEAR....!

I have to confess...

I too was one of these people who really did believe that the "weight game" was an equation and that the body could be essentially "manipulated" or coaxed into the "right weight" or shape depending on what you DID with it...I was CONVINCED I had ALL the answers and that I could help ANYONE- regardless of their challenges (hormones included)- lose weight. And I did, a lot of the time!

The thing is, I am a perfectionist (recovering now!)

The ones I couldn't help TRULY bothered me...I have this deep, in-born desire to help anyone and everyone who wants it...

I KNOW how it feels to be DESPERATELY unhappy with yourself; to feel so FAT and UNATTRACTIVE that you retreat from the world. It is HEARTBREAKING...it wears away ANY self-esteem or self-respect you do have for yourself and truly makes you RESENT and even HATE the very core of who you are...

I do not wish that pain for ANYONE and that is why I am so driven, passionate and committed to helping others out there dealing with this state of being...

In any case, my search for answers never ceased...I tirelessly pursued more ideas, options, research.... ultimately my intuition is my radar and also the guide I trust without question when scouring over and through information...

SO much I what I read did not resonate...I ignored it...I kept searching....eventually I encountered a body of research that DID resonate...I KNEW DEEP INSIDE it was true....

The thing was, my "intellectual, stubborn and fear-driven" self would not really allow me to accept it...Furthermore, it was not a simple, quick-fix solution that could easily fix into someones life and solve the issue overnight...

What I read was about a WHOLE NEW WAY of relating to ourselves and to life....

I thought it sounded lovely, I knew it to be true, yet I put it away hoping to "get on with it" and find better, quicker, easier "cheat" options. I thought, "Yeah, that all sounds lovely, but really, who has time?? Its just not realistic!"

Well.....the Universe seemed to not like my response so much and PUSHED ON with its lesson for me....

After YEARS of having lived my life HIGH, FAST and CONSTANTLY achieving, pushing, moving forward being "successful", I started to FALL IN A HEAP...

I couldn't run like I used to, although I tried. I pushed my body, I battled with it...I told myself I would feel better if I simply pushed through...I became frustrated, depressed and very anxious when my old methods failed to work...

I ate less, convincing myself I was at fault and doing something wrong....When I couldn't run because I was in too much pain, too tired and too heavy, I walked....I felt like a zombie, pushing and pushing and pushing myself...

I did NOT understand...my body was changing and I had no idea how to deal with it anymore...it felt foreign...I rejected it and simply wished everyday for my old self and body to return...

No such luck...

I finally conceded and went to the doctor (something I NEVER usually do!). I knew something was up and I had a good idea what...

Sure enough, after some testing and investigations it was confirmed... I have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome....

Ok...! I accept the challenge I told myself. I know all about this condition and I can fix it. (hahaha- laughing at how "mental" I was about the whole thing!)

I told my Doctor I did not want to- and would not- use a medical option for dealing with this. She urged me to start the OCP (oral contraceptive pill), or at least a progesterone option to get my body back in balance. My head said, "No! I don't want to gain MORE weight", yet my heart and spirit knowingly and confidently said to my doctor, "No...I know this is an emotional and spiritual thing I need to work on and once I've dealt with that I know my body will be naturally back in balance".

Surprisingly she did not laugh or criticise me. She agreed to my request.

The thing is, as much as said all of that out loud and knew deep within me that this was indeed the truth, I continued to fall into old patterns and try to use all my old tactics to get my body "back to normal".

Over time I got more and more exhausted...I got more and more depressed...I got more and more anxious... I had no idea where I had gone...neither did my family. When I went home to visit them in Melbourne, they were all visibly shocked and disturbed...the look on my nana's face had the biggest impact on me though...

"Where have you gone Bridget?" Her eyes sincerely panicked. "This is not you"

I knew what she was saying was true and I was so very frustrated and ashamed. I am a naturally bubbly, confident, happy and ever-energetic being who fuels herself with a true PASSION for life, people and learning. Those who knew me called me a "pocket rocket", an "energiser bunny"...a BIG BALL OF ENERGY, in a teeny little package..

Yet, here I sat....lost, desperately unhappy, completely exhausted, with a true sense of helplessness...it took me all my might to simply smile...my "mind demons" were out of control...Constant criticism was my companion. I could do nothing right. I was all wrong. Who I had become was a loser, soft and pathetic....

Wow...it still shocks me how "against myself" I became, and how much I truly did reject and hate this "new person"..

Somewhere in that space of time, I visited another doctor, desperate for more answers...Yes, I had gotten myself into a state of adrenal fatigue and my cortisol levels were PUMPING...

What exactly does this mean? Quite simply, and in a nutshell, it means that I had jammed my body into what I call "Fear Gear" and had it convinced it was CONSTANTLY under attack..

This elicits the "stress response" within the body which is mediated by a body system known as the Sympathetic Nervous System. Sending messages to the adrenal glands that you are under threat and that you need to FLEE or FIGHT the source of attack, generates a whole cascade of stress hormones, 2 being adrenaline and cortisol.

These chemicals very cleverly enable you to do super-human things, like lift a car off your baby, or run from a lion...

The problem is, when they are not used and left to circulate in the body, constantly, they generate all sorts of damage and essentially shut down our ability to metabolise efficiently AND they cause us to gain weight...

There is SO much more to explain here- and in future posts I will...For now though, I will leave the explanation at that...

Chronic stress response = hormone imbalances = weight gain, pain, inflammation, exhaustion, depression, anxiety...

In a nutshell...!

So, what do we DO about all of this?

Take medications? "FIX" the body from the outside in??

No....No....NOT AT ALL..!

I mean, you can try, go ahead....I sure did!

The thing is, the body...the mind...the spirit...the entirety of all the aspects that make us HUMAN BEINGS is MUCH more intelligent than we could ever intellectually understand....MUCH more...

We may try something externally (that is OUTSIDE, IN) and the body will simply adjust internally to get back to where it wants or needs to be at that moment...

We are a body of chemical reactions....constant chemical reactions...

You only need to consider the MALE SEXUAL response to even an IDEA that is arousing to know just how powerfully impacting THOUGHTS ARE on our internal "chemical soup" which in turn, creates the external "physical response"....

Yes....that's right....

There are things going on "up there"- that you may not be even consciously aware of- that IS without a doubt, creating, or at least significantly contributing to, the physical reality you are experiencing RIGHT NOW...

As long as you convince yourself otherwise, that surely there is an answer "out there", that there is something you have missed, something you are doing wrong, something nutritional that you are not getting.... you will keep yourself locked into the torturous and never-ending "battle" of weight, health and energy balance....

You will have to "keep motivating yourself" and "trying so hard"....being "so disciplined" and "so good"...You will have to stay on a regime that you "know" works....!

Essentially, you will have to keep FIGHTING you...

I am here to tell you that THAT is not the answer...THAT will NOT bring you everlasting peace, health and happiness....THAT is exhausting.... THAT is self-depleting... THAT will take you further away from home (yourself) than anything else and WILL leave you feeling LOST, CONFUSED, FRUSTRATED and DEFEATED!

Lay down your weapons people, make peace with yourself....

All you want is to be heard, to be listened to...to be cared for and to be loved....you want FUN, CREATIVITY, JOY and LAUGHTER.....you do not want RULES, DEPRIVATION, DIETS and CONSTANT DISCIPLINE....

You are a spirit....you ARE divine...

Honour this....TRULY....DEEPLY....

It WILL all "right" itself....from the INSIDE, OUT!

So YES, I do have MUCH more to say...MUCH more to share with you...MUCH more to explore...this is JUST THE TIP...perhaps the START OF MY BOOK....?!?!?!!? ;p

I will be bringing to the world- next year(!!!!) a program in which I will share EVERYTHING I know...the physical stuff, the mental stuff, the emotional stuff AND the spiritual.... :)

It is VERY EXCITING and I have been wanting to share it with you for SUCH a long time!!

I just needed to get this LAST piece of the puzzle! :)

Now I have it, I WILL share it with you all...in abundance! :)

I said earlier, this drive, this passion, it wells up from WITHIN me....a deep compassion for how it feels to truly hate yourself...to truly separate your physical self from your whole self and spend all your time and energy working against yourself...

To have found a place of deep peace, understanding, resonance and love...to truly be in ALIGNMENT "with" myself....to finally feel that I can LISTEN to and TRUST me....THAT is what I wish to share with the world....with YOU! :)

I want YOU to truly LOVE you, to TRULY admire and HONOUR you....to be so "in-sync" with yourself that you know exactly how to rebalance- NATURALLY- when you momentarily get "off track"....

That is what I will bring to you and the world....Slowly but surely! :)

I hope you love it, I hope you receive it, but regardless, I will offer it :)

LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU ALL!

xoxoxo

Bridget Jane

Food Body Lifestyle Guru

www.newleafnutrition.com.au

The Journey....Learning to Listen to Your Body

This post was inspired by a SIMPLE question I was asked about DETOXING...

The question was, "I would like to ask about detoxing and whether it really is beneficial etc?"

My reply, which unfolded as I passionately hit keys, was as follows. I hope you get from this something that awakens and stirs TRUTH and INSIGHT....the KNOWINGS of your SOUL :) Enjoy! xo


""Detoxing" as a formal thing I am not into..I am more into LISTENING to the bodies needs and meeting it in every moment. We are DYNAMIC beings, constantly changing, evolving and growing...so to IMPOSE a regime on the body, I feel is unnatural, and not likely to be "in-sync" with it's current and constantly changing needs...

For me, being in HEALTH is about listening to that quiet, internal whisper that says..."Hey...your giving me too much of _____. I really don't want any more of _____. Please, I need ________. Can you concentrate on _______."

Does that make sense? An example for me of late has been my body saying...."I feel heavy and un-energetic. I used to feel so much more VIBRANT when you fed me more RAW veg...lately its all cooked and I feel BLAH! Please, can you go back to giving me more RAW VEG and this time, please more adequately meet my needs...Please give me more concentrated sources of GREENS...plant sources that provide PROTEIN and ESSENTIAL fats..."

Haha. This is quite humerous, hey? But this is HONESTLY the "conversation" I had with my body!

These days I am so IN TUNE with my body (only took 18 years!!!), that I can trust implicitly what it tells me in any moment, and I strengthen that trust by following through, without question with ACTION :)

As I mentioned to someone earlier, for me lifestyle transition has to be effortless, totally inspired and totally yummy!

My current journey has been ALL of that and totally driven by complete LOVE, APPRECIATION & ACCEPTANCE of my body and soul. Not, as I had always done in that past, been driven by FEAR, HATE and LOATHING of my body and (unconsciously) the most deepest depths of who I was as a person...

In the past, I IMPOSED and FORCED things upon my body which worked really well for me when I was totally in a MALE-dominated and driven way of being. I had completely rejected my femininity and was so out-of-sync with my soul.

As I grew and awakened spiritually, I went through a period of chaos...My feminine being was awakening, yet I resisted it with all my might...When I finally got to a place of complete ACCEPTANCE and also let go of trying so hard to UNDERSTAND and FIX....that is when my life started to GRACEFULLY unfold and transform...

Ahhhh...it has been so beautiful since....only in moments of RESISTANCE does it become hard, unpleasant or scary...The deeper I go into awareness, acceptance and inner-refletion and connection, the more I am divinely guided to a blissful way of being...truly gorgeous!

ANYWAY, that is the SUPER LONG answer to an otherwise SIMPLE question and of course I have so much more to say!

I hope it makes sense for you and if you would like to bring your session forward so we can explore what the next steps for you are...the steps that your body is calling and longing for..then LETS DO IT! :) Very happy to adjust the schedule!

Let me know beautiful! :)

LIVE and LOVE the journey! :)

Mwah! oxoxoxoxo"

So there you have it!

It will either resonate with you and awaken a new level of awareness, or simply seem like mumbo-jumbo :)

No matter, either option is perfect for you and where you are at on your Journey :)



As always, would LOVE to hear from you :)

Your passionate partner in HEALTH, LIVING EXCEPTIONALLY and BEING YOUR BEST,

Bridget Jane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant

Become a FACEBOOK FAN

www.newleafnutrition.com.au
http://bridgetjaneguru.blogspot.com
http://bridget-jane.blogspot.com

Sunshine Coast, QLD

"Your health is everything...Discover your TRUE health potential"

Healthy Banga's n Mash?...

There is something about winter arriving that makes us all want to snuggle up and get into all our comfort habits; hot chocolate, trackies, couch and of course, somewhere in there is the yummy and creamy good ol' mashed potato!

I was doing a radio spot yesterday on Noosa Community radio with the lovely Tania Nash, and one of her biggest winter dilemma's to deal with was the overwhelming draw to a big bowl of the mashed tato. Quite funny really I thought, as all in all, from a nutritional perspective, it ain't that bad!

But then, the way I make mashed potato, of course, ain't that bad! When my partner fittingly decided last night that he would indeed love bangers n mash, it got me thinking about the make-over version of this incredibly familiar "dinner table feature".

You see, when bangers and mash is served in our household, yes it is our comfort dish, yet I must admit, really it is a "good naughty" (as I like to call healthier versions of traditionally over the top foods).

Before me however, there was a time when Brad's version of this dish would quite simple have been cholesterol heaven. He loves mashed potato made with butter, cream, did I mention butter and cream?

Being 13kg overweight and sporting high blood pressure at 23, when I met him, meant that this version of tato mash quite simply was tugging at his heart strings!

So last night when Brad decided gleefully he was having mashed potato, then just as quickly realised he did not have his star ingredients (we keep neither in the house), his face quickly fell into disappointment.

"It's ok!" I exclaimed. "I know how to make yummy, low fat mashed potato!"

I wont say he jumped up and down with excitement at this statement, however he was willing to listen to my suggestion as he knows from past experience that occasionally I have good ones!

So, did he like my suggestion?

Well, the meal was such a hit I would LOVE to have taken a photo for you and shared the love, however before I could say, "Let's take a photo", Brad had polished off half the plate! "We have success!" :)

For Tania, and for so many out there who simply love good ol' BnM, but also have a desire to look after their heart, waist's and overall health, here is the healthy and INCREDIBLY TASTY version of an all time favourite!

Healthy Banga's n Mash

Ingredients
-your choice of potato's
-Vegeta vegetable stock
-skim milk
-salt and pepper to season (more pepper, less salt)
-minced garlic (fresh or jar)

-Peppercorn Extra Lean Beef Chipolata's (or any other type of lean sausage you like)
Brad likes Peppercorn varieties, me, I'm a Kanga Banga girl :)

Method-
-boil peeled and quartered potato's in water with appropriate amount of Vegeta stock added, until soft

-meanwhile, line your chosen fry pan with baking paper- being sure that there is no chance of the paper being set alight by any of the surrounding flames! :)

-cook sausages according to packet directions. We do ours on a med heat, and use a combination of covering with a lid, to cook through and succulently :) Cooking without oil takes practice- especially in the art of producing tender meats!

-while the sausages and potato's are cooking, assemble on half of your plate a fresh salad, or else prepare some steamed vegies like broccoli, carrots, squash or zucchini, mushroom and pumpkin, or sprouts, beans and capsicum.

Brad loves a fresh salad rain, hail or shine, so I piled half his plate with fresh salad leaves, a market fresh Russian tomato, red and spring onion, as well as half a creamy avocado. Yum!

There was a time Brad would have turned his nose up at ALL of this (he even mentioned that last night!). He is even surprised that now he LOVES all of these food items and LOOKS forward to eating them! He too now cannot see a meal as complete without the salad or veg component! Impressive! (for an ex-bacon, cream, fried, cheese, butter, etc lover!) :)

-once the potato's are cooked through, drain liquid, retaining just a small amount, mash well with a fork and add the tiniest amount of skim milk, a teaspoon, or more of minced garlic and season with a tiny amount of salt and as much pepper as you like :) Keep mashing until they are silky smooth and ultra delicious!

-your sausages should be about done by now, so assemble all on your plate and ENJOY! :)

There are many ways to make this meal increasingly more healthy- for instance using sweet potato in place of regular potato; keeping the skin ON when you mash and having FISH instead of red meat....but, there you go!

There is a way to have a good old favourite in a way that LOVES your body back :)

To a cosy winter! :)

Mwah! xoxoxo

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
0421332243

What’s is your breakky bowl?

Sometimes, some things make me SO passionate I just have to write about them right away! Well this morning is one of those moments! The sun has not even poked its head out on this chilly morning in Melbourne and I have been up for hours! Waiting for the lights to come on so I can go and play!

The point of this post however, is to share with you something I do feel very passionate about.

Breakfast is a very important part of our day. We “know” this, but yet, do we “know” it? As they say, “To know and not do, is not yet to know”.

Unless you are a Breakky Bestie, like me, then I would URGE you to consider the importance of this meal and just how much of a positive difference to your world this one simple habit, done well and consistently, can make for you. All in the space of 15 minutes in the morning!

Anyway, what I want to discuss in relation to breakfast here, is the lure of all those “rubbish” cereals out there that line the supermarket shelves from floor to ceiling! What prompted this post was the sighting of my mum’s (latest diet) breakfast cereal. A tiny 45g packet that sparked so much PASSION inside of me!

When I looked upon this package, the first thing I noticed was how light and “empty” it felt. Then I noticed the sparkle of the shiny, sugar-laden “nuggets” within. I turned over the packet to glimpse at the Ingredients List (as I do..). “Wheat flour, sugar, malted wheat flour….”

Hmmmmm.......

When I conduct Secrets of the Supermarket shopping tours, I discuss with attendees how to properly discern a product label. One of the most important things I remind them is that the INGREDIENTS LIST is the most important part of the label. It tells you EXACTLY what is in the product, and without giving away the recipe, it indicates in which proportion each ingredient is present. The ingredients listed first are present in the greatest amount within the product, and those last, the least.

Simple, eh?

So many of us overlook this valuable part of the label in favour of the seductive claims about being “high in fibre”, “low in fat” and all manner of other magical promises. Of course there is no mention of the “added sugar”, or “extra processing”, or “added colours, flavours, preservatives”, or the “lost natural vitamins and minerals”…..okay, okay, I will stop there…!

Next, I took a look at the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) of the spoken of cereal. How many sugars per 100g? 22.3g. Interesting. That makes this product approximately 20% sugar. Per “Serve” there is 10g, or approximately 2 teaspoons. Top this with skim milk (as directed), and there is another teaspoon of sugar. So far, 3 teaspoons of the sweet stuff.

Great way to start the day! A delivery of sugar straight into the blood stream, that without accompanying fibre or protein to moderate its release, will lead to a nice little insulin spike. Just the recipe for fat storage, as well as a whole host of immune mediated responses that add to inflammation and ageing.

The intention of this post is not to bag or alarm. It’s just to point out the irony of so much of what drives our food choices, and to pose another approach.

I urge you to look beyond body weight and weight related goals as a driver of your choices. Whilst, in terms of calories the above cereal may seem to fit the bill, when you look at it more closely, what is it really doing for you? At a cellular level, as I mentioned, it is simply just creating aggravation that the cells then have to deal with.

In simplicity, this type of food is TAKING from your cells, rather than GIVING to them!

A key thing to remember is that we are a collection of BILLIONS of cells. Each cell is its own functioning unit, that put together creates a system so intelligent it is beyond true comprehension. If we want to live full, energetic and long healthy lives, it is important to remember that we are not simply one body made up of fat, muscle and bone mass.

We are a large organism made up of a massive collection of cells, and these cells need feeding. They need proper nutrition to deliver back to you the best they can.
So, I urge you, think beyond calories!

Think cell-lories! What are you feeding your cells???

For some brilliant breakfast ideas that encourage healthy, plump, vibrant cells thereby creating a younger and healthier looking and feeling body, try:

• Berries, orange and banana sprinkled with whole oats, cinnamon and topped with a natural yoghurt and a few teaspoons of LSA or ground flaxseeds

• A handful of raw unsalted nuts, a big crunchy apple and a soy latte

• A piece of soy and linseed toast topped with avocado, tomato, and low fat cheese

• Poached eggs served atop wilted baby spinach, sautéed mushies, grilled tomato, capsicum and red onion drizzled with balsamic vinegar

• A warm bowl of porridge (traditional variety, not “quick oats”), topped with a chopped banana, ½ tsp of honey and a teaspoon or 2 of LSA or ground flaxseeds.
Alternatively try warm apple and cinnamon. YUM!

• A small tin of baked beans on a wholegrain English muffin

• Sardines on toast




I say, ditch the cereal boxes and engage your creative side! Break the rules! Who says vegies are for dinner? Look at other cultures and what they eat to greet the day for some great ideas that may spark your inner genius!

Most of all, have fun! Breakfast IS one of the most important meals of the day.

Tell your body it’s time to “wake up”. Break-the-fast and get your metabolism roaring!

Until next time! :) xoxo

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant

www.newleafnutrition.com.au

http://bridgetjaneguru.blogspot.com

http://bridget-jane.blogspot.com

Mob 0421332243
Sunshine Coast, QLD

"Your health is everything...Discover your TRUE health potential"

Can you shift ONE DEGREE?

This article is, to me, an oldie but a goodie! I'd LOVE to share the concept with you as it's REALLY helped A LOT of clients and friends in their quest to lead a happier, healthier, more energetic life :)

It is simple, and so profound :)

Take on board the messgae and see what a difference it can make to your life! :)

xoxoxo

One of the most simple, yet profound lessons I ever learnt was the concept of one degree shifts.

Imagine for a moment an aeroplane. If the flight path of this aircraft is modified even just one degree from its point of take off, the passengers will end up in a completely different destination to originally planned!

I found this fascinating! So incredibly true and so incredibly powerful!

When there are areas of our life in which we feel change is needed, yet doing so seems too overwhelming to contemplate, try considering and applying this simple concept. I have certainly done so many times when recognising there were areas that I needed to overhaul.

My usual tendency was to get so caught up in the unknowns; seeming magnitude of the task; not to mention the one million options for consideration, that I would become overcome and paralysed with fear, doubt, uncertainty or sheer confusion, and consequently take no action.

How many times has this happened to you?

Now I acknowledge the END RESULT I am after (vision/goal) and work towards it in one degree shifts.

Just as the practice of saving five dollars a day, over 25 years would lead to a significant sum after 25 years, so too will large pay-off’s come from making tiny daily and consistent health shifts.

Here are a few one degree nutrition shifts, with significant long term value, for you to consider:

-Switch the daily large caramel latte fix to a small skim latte to save as much as 380, 330kJ a year which, left unburned, equates to approximately 10kg of extra body weight!

-Limit your intake of red meat to no more than 3 to 4 servings a week. Select lean varieties always and avoid processed meats such as bacon, ham, frankfurters and salami. See Cancer Council for more ideas

-Eat a small handful of raw, unsalted nuts (30g) five or more days a week to halve your risk of heart disease

-Switch from white and refined breads to heavy-wholegrain varieties for smaller swings in blood glucose levels and significantly higher intakes of disease protective fibre, phyto-nutrients, vitamins and minerals

-Ensure 2 alcohol free days a week, at least. Work towards the daily recommended intake of no more than 2 standard drinks a day; simply cut back one drink, or even half, at a time. Choose every second round as a water round

-Slot in a 10 minute walk around the block at lunchtime or upon arriving home at the end of the day to burn up to 2kg of excess body fat over the year

-Work towards making vegies 50% of your “plate” at lunch and dinner everyday

Remember, the key is CONSISTENCY and the fortune is certainly in the FOLLOW THROUGH :)

As someone once put it,

“The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time!”

(Not sure of the nutritional value of an elephant but please don’t eat them! Haha)

I would LOVE to hear YOUR one degree shift ideas, or feedback :)

Please email me at bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au

Have a brilliant day and enjoy where your ONE DEGREE SHIFTS take you!

MWAH! xooxoxxoxo

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant

www.newleafnutrition.com.au

http://bridgetjaneguru.blogspot.com
http://bridget-jane.blogspot.com



Mob 0421332243●Sunshine Coast, QLD

"Your health is everything...Discover your TRUE health potential"

Foods and Asthma

Of late, Mr Brad, my partner has been suffering an usual amounts of mild "asthma attacks".

Since we have been together, Brad's asthma has reduced significantly in terms of frequency and his dependence upon his "puffer". This can be attributed to a few things including giving up smoking, adopting an incredibly healthy eating pattern with LOTS of fresh fruit and vegies and minimal packaged/convenience and takeaway foods AND a transition to a slightly more active lifestyle :)

I would also add, much less stress through a dramatically improved mindset and way of looking at things :)

The recent incidents therefore have been very noticeable, whereas in the past they may have been part of the usual day to day happenings....

Since the onset of these incidents were so sudden and noticeable, I went searching further of what could be triggering these attacks. I am NO expert in this area- despite my background it is NOT something I specialise in!

So please, the information shared here is simply based upon our experience and I felt it great to share for anyone out there who MAY find that they have similar triggers and would benefit from trying similar strategies :)

Please ALWAYS consult your GP and team of health care practitioners before taking on ANY health advice :)

Ok...with that said...

Here is what I found for Mr Brad, and what may also help some of you :)

There are certain additives in foods which can TRIGGER asthma. These include

• Sulphites
• Food colourings
• MSGs
• Salicylates

Sulphites are used as a preservative in many foods including some wines, fruit juices, canned fish and dried fruit. For Brad the trigger was FRESH PRAWNS....apparently metabisulphite is used as a preservative in prawns

Another food Brad has responded to is Maggi 2 minute Noodles. These contain SULPHITES

The other ingredient I think is playing a role here for Brad is MSG and this is found in high concentrations in stock cubes, gravy, soy sauce and packet soups.

Salicylates are naturally occurring element in many foods including coffee, beer, honey, soy sauce, tomato pastes and sauces.

There is more information here at http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Asthma_and_food

In Brads case, a couple of things have possibly lead to his increased sensitivity of late:

1. He has been ill with a tummy bug which has included a body fever- aches and pains, etc. So, his IMMUNE SYSTEM is low and challenged at present which would definitely play a role
2. Of late, his consumption of all above mentioned foods has been higher- due to feeling ill and having "holidays"- more junk food! :)
3. His base diet includes a few condiments that would include these food ingredients, therefore his THRESHOLD of tolerance has possibly been super seeded.
   

So the remedy for Brad?

Get back to BASICS!

Good, healthy FRESH foods, free of additives, preservatives and colours!

The fact that FRESH, HEALTHY prawns were a major player and trigger here, it certainly pays to KNOW YOUR FOOD :)

Know where it is coming from and the PROCESSES it undertakes...

Also, realise that there is always a THRESHOLD of tolerance so strict ELIMINATION of all foods is not necessarily required....

This is a VERY UNIQUE and SPECIFIC issue which, if you are having ongoing issues, should certainly be managed with a suitably qualified practitioner guiding you through..

On a final note, please do not forget the importance and impact of mental STRESS on your body's ability to deal with certain environmental "physical" stresses (i.e. food chemicals)

Mental stress certainly wears down and depletes the immune system.

So to look after yourself and give your body the support if needs to support you, remember the basics!

• Water- LOTS of fresh, clean water!
• Vegies and fruit- LOADS of colour and variety all day, everyday! Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and snacks :)
• Move your body! Get out in the FRESH air! Breathe in oxygen, deliver it to your cells with an increased heart rate, and clear away toxins! :)
• Manage stress- even if you are not CONSCIOUSLY aware of stress- many of us have endless things going on "in the back of our minds". So employ DAILY "stress clearer's" including exercise (in the great outdoors; nature is a great healer!); meditation (ANYONE can do it..takes patience, practice and time); mindset review- check in with how you react/respond to everything around you...changing the way you see things (your perspective) by getting into some "Self-development" things such as books, audio's, programs and even coaches- it will DRAMATICALLY change your life :)

If you have anything to add, or any comments, would LOVE to hear from you!

Please post below, or email me at bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au

PS. at the above website, there are a list of NUMBERS to look out for on labels! Take a look here
Very helpful! :)

Lots of love to you all!

BridgetJane

Food Body Lifestyle Guru

www.newleafnutrition.com.au

Diets may determine dementia risk

[From BBC News]

The foods we choose to eat may determine our risk of dementia, mounting evidence suggests.

Latest work in Archives of Neurology shows sticking to a diet rich in nuts, fish and vegetables significantly cuts the chance of developing Alzheimer's.

A "Mediterranean diet" containing plenty of fresh produce and less high-fat dairy and red meat has long been thought to improve general health.

Experts believe it is a combination of nutrients in foods that is important.

Read the full article here

The balance of foods eaten appears to be important

CHOCCAS CHICKPEAS

Ok, so by now you will probably know that I go through phases where I simply cannot get enough of a certain food! At the moment there are a few, but one that really stands out is CHICKPEAS.

I am love, love, loving these super food beauties and not just because they have a lush nutty taste and creamy texture, but also because they are simply LOADED (choccas ;p) with nutrients that nourish, renew and revitalise your body!

Chickpeas are a legume meaning they are a GREAT source of protein, slowly digested carbohydrates and fibre :)

Here are just a few features of these little round gems, that are compelling enough to give them a go, I'm sure you'll agree :)

-they are a fibre-full all star! Yes if you take time to check out which foods are great sources of fibre, chickpeas top the chart! They are high in both types of soluble and insoluble fibre meaning they not only form a gel like substance in the digestive tract which ferries undesirable fats and cholesterol out of the body (soluble fibres part), they also add to stool bulk to prevent constipation and digestive disorders such as diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome (insoluble fibres part). Yeah!

-their high fibre content makes them great for helping to lower cholesterol levels and makes them perfect for those with diabetes, PCOS, insulin resistance or any other situation in which blood sugar control is undesirable or non-ideal.

-they are a great protein source and make a great meat replacement when consumed alongside a wholegrain such as brown rice or pasta. Having less red meat meals is a strong recommendation from all camps including the Heart and Cancer foundations worldwide. Research has shown that higher red meat intakes are correlated with high levels of heart incidents and cancers of all types, but particularly bowel cancer. So, get in preventative mode early and learn to love chickpeas in curries (mmmm- O had this tonight!), in pasta or rice salads, as a spread on wholegrain rolls (hummus) or as an ingredient in felafel's- just to name a few ideas! :)YUM!

-they are also a great source of a number of important minerals including:

• the trace mineral, Molybdenum, an integral component of the enzyme sulfite oxidase, which is responsible for detoxifying sulfites. What does this mean? Sulfites are a type of preservative commonly added to prepared foods such as pre-prepared delicatessen salads. Those sensitive to sulfites in these foods may experience rapid heartbeat, headache or disorientation if sulfites are unwittingly consumed. If you have ever reacted to sulfites, it may be because your molybdenum stores are insufficient to detoxify them. Interesting!
  

• Magnesium- another reason why chickpeas are good for your HEART! Magnesium lessens the resistance in arteries and veins improving the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body- nice!

• Folate- this mineral is important for a healthy heart as it helps to reduce harmful levels of homocysteine. Elevated blood levels of homocysteine are an independent risk factor for heart attack, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease, and are found in between 20-40% of patients with heart disease.

• Manganese- chickpeas are an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, which is an essential co-factor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses.

• Iron- In addition to providing slow burning complex carbohydrates, chickpeas can increase your energy by helping to replenish your iron stores. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. Menstruating women and those who are pregnant or lactating have higher needs for iron and so chickpeas are a super healthy-and EASY- way to top up supplies :) Just serve with a source of Vitamin C for most effective absorption- lemon juice or capsicum will do the trick! :)

So there you go!

I hope I have you salivating at the idea of learning how to CREATIVELY add these super duper fibre, protein and mineral rich treasures to your weekly menu :)

Your body, energy and health will thank you!

To your health and happiness!

Bridget Jane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
www.newleafnutrition.com.au

Be L.E.A.N in 2010- a New Mantra :)

Hi guys!

I received a lovely email yesterday which inspired this post. First, the email:

"Guess what I'm having for lunch?

I asked myself what would nourish me and give me energy?

Answer- chickpeas, sirena tuna with chilli, walnuts, rocket, cherry tomatoes and a little hommus mixed through it. OMG it is so yummy and I feel great.

Loving your L.E.A.N philosophy. It's just the thing to get me out of my current fat crisis and the hole I have been stuck in without doing my head in in the process.

love your work xx" - G.A

We will keep the lovely sender annonymous, but just LOVED her outlook and was very pleased that one simple article had such an impact! :)

I thought, if this article has this impact on one person, let's share this wider! So....

Here is the original article/philosophy our annonymous corresponder is referring to :)

I sincerely hope you enjoy it and that it inspires a new way of thinking in you! :)

Be L.E.A.N in 2010- a New Mantra :)

This may sound like another fad, Nazi-style, lecture from a health nut who has little tolerance for anything other than pure and ultimate dedication and worship to a clean lifestyle, but that’s where you’d be wrong.

See I have been a Dietitian and seeing clients now for over 8 years, and I can tell you that I for one am totally fed-up with all the fad and fickle diets, programs, empty promises, miracle cures, quick fix approaches and hero’s out there who want to tell you number 1, it’s your fault and your doing something wrong, and number 2 that THEY have the answer and secret you seek!

Having once being an overweight, unfit, lethargic and unmotivated “chubber” myself, I know too well the reality of the transition that needs to occur from the state of stagnant, stuck, idle and “can’t be bothered” to fit, fantastic, full of energy and “like WOW! I feel good!”

It’s not all roses. It’s not all easy. An answer or solution doesn’t just fall in your lap.

That does NOT mean, however, that it can’t be FUN, ADVENTUROUS, EXCITING and completely SATISFYING! If your like most humans, you thrive on a challenge. It’s only when you are thrown in the deep end you discover that in fact you Do know how to swim! Or at the least, stay afloat.

Staying in the shallow end may feel safe; it may feel nice and you can kid yourself that your not missing out on anything by not being in the end where all the action, spunks and fun is happening, but the reality is, being in the shallow end IS for babies! It IS for whimps and it IS for those who aren’t ready to GROW UP.

Now if I am sounding like the Nazi I promised I wasn‘t, I do apologise. If you met me in person, you would know I am completely compassionate, completely caring and completely ON YOUR SIDE.

It’s just that every now and then we all need a wake-up call, and I’m not doing you any favours by supporting your choice to kid yourself and dishonouring your desire to look, feel and BE better.

Currently I am working with one incredibly inspiring lady. All my clients are inspiring, but this woman is incredible. She came to me at 150kg and declared she wanted my assistance to publicly shed 50kg in 50 weeks. Now I admit, I smelt somewhat of a Fad Rat in the beginning and I kept my incredibly sceptical sun shades on so that I could get a scope of the whole scene.

What I can tell you now is that this woman MEANS business! And if anything, she is the one who taught me that KIDIDNG YOURSELF is self-sabotage. It doesn’t help you and it doesn’t get you results. It simply keeps you trapped in a cycle, feeling bad about yourself and year, after year, making the SAME New Year’s Resolutions!

So since commencing work with this amazing lady, I have promised myself to remember to always be HONEST about where someone is at in relation to their goals and if that current state is moving them towards where they want to go, or away.

Now that that is out of the way and off my chest, lets get to the crux of this column. What I would LOVE you to take away from this piece is a new PERSPECTIVE. A new way of looking at the whole “lose weight, get fit, be healthy” spectrum that completely and utterly SERVES you. A new approach that does EVERYTHING to support you in your desires to have more energy, be healthier, look better and feel good!

That perspective is framed with the L.E.A.N acronym . Take on this perspective, make it your 2010 mantra and be amazed at the results by the year’s end. You will need to keep this close and in mind ALL the time. Do not be strayed, seduced or distracted by those other “garden-path” approaches. Stay true and loyal to this perspective and I promise you, you will be delighted with yourself.


L- LOVING and LIGHT- “Argh!” You may disappointingly sigh. Another “fluffy, fairy approach”, another “new-ager” or simply “what the?!” But take a little time to digest the mean of this simple perspective.

Take time to be aware of how loving, forgiving, non-judgemental, compassionate and kind you are in every moment towards yourself, others and the world in general. If your mental chatter is primarily negative, cynical, critical, un-trusting and just plain “stick in the mud”, then I would seriously consider what impact this is having on your external world.

What we focus on we create more of. There is SO much for me to share on this, but you are highly intelligent, so all I ask is for you to TEST this idea. First NOTICE what you focus on most of the time; what your primary thoughts are. Then look at what’s showing up for you and if you are in fact getting more of the very content that lives in your mind.

Simply, if you are constantly thinking things like, “I’m tired, lazy, slack, unmotivated, and hopeless”, then its little surprise you would feel that way. Try focusing on things that you like about yourself, things you are grateful for and really live in that space and see how your external world changes. Try, “I love that I have functioning and capable limbs, I love that I have the CHOICE to exercise or not, I LOVE that I have access to fresh, wholesome, delicious food”

See how much lighter you feel when you change your thoughts. Feeling HEAVY and TIRED comes from directing our energy and focus into numerous and endless energy DRAINS. They are everywhere. Stop your leaks and direct your energy to places that RENEW your vibrancy.


E- ENERGETIC- “Eat to Energise” is the key here. Constantly observe your food choices and how they make you feel afterwards. Do you feel light, happy, energised or sluggish, guilty and “cloudy”? I guarantee you that if you start to pay the slightest attention to how you feel after you eat (especially 1-2 hours afterwards), then you will automatically start to consider options that may make you feel different.

Foods that give us ENDLESS ENERGY include water, vegies, fruit, herbs and spices. Just like the add for CENTRUM will tell you that the little vitamin pill “unlocks the energy within”, these babies will properly and thoroughly unlock the energy contained within your body. They contain all the vitamins, minerals and whole array of synergistically acting compounds that magically make you feel ALIVE!

I challenge you to first consider how many of these types of foods make up your day, and secondly to DOUBLE that. Notice what impact it has and how different you feel after eating a meal that is 50-75% this composition, vs. highly processed, refined and instant. Choose more foods that are FRESH and minimally PROCESSED.


A- ACTIVE- be active in LIFE, in LOVE and in LEARNING. When you are taking an ACTIVE role in looking after your PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL and SPIRITUAL needs you will feel instantly more energised.

Being PHYSICALLY ACTIVE is something that we as humans NEED. It is a BASIC need in fact and something that we definitely suffer from NOT having in our life. Furthermore, being PHYSICALLY active has profound effects on our mental, emotional and spiritual domains. We feel less stressed, happier, more motivated and energised when we simply “suck it up” and get on with at least starting some type of physical movement.

I will tell you that this is one area this incredibly inspirational lady EXCELS at. Even at 150kg with NUMEROUS challenges, this woman enrolled the help she needed and dedicated herself to DAILY physical activity NO MATTER what was going on, how busy she was, or how sore she felt. Her mantra really was, “suck it up” and “no excuses”. It was really tough for her for the first few weeks, then after that, each session made her feel more positive, more healthy and more motivated. Stick it out, make the commitment and see the difference.


N- NOURISHED- Nurture and Nourish your body, mind and soul. Constantly reflect on how your THOUGHTS, ACTIONS and CHOICES are either nourishing, depleting or doing nothing for you and the goals/end results you are striving for. Is this meal nourishing me? Is this thought nourishing me? This situation? This person? This WAY OF BEING?

Big questions, with MASSIVE pay-off’s.

I will leave it at that. I’m sure I’ve waffled on enough.

I simply wanted to set the frame-work. I am NOT a surface dweller who plays in fantasy and fad-land with the fairies. I have done this for long enough to know what works and what doesn’t.

I can tell you that only by being and getting real will we get the results we want. Not just in health, but in life.

And that means diving DEEP.

So, work on being L.E.A.N in 2010, and just marvel at what transpires around you!

To your health, happiness and FUN!

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant

www.newleafnutrition.com.au


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Bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au

0421 332243

This article was published first in ONYA, see it here

If you drink juice, this is important!

You all know that I am NOT about spreading the BAD health news....its just that this is VERY important information to share and just another reason why we really should be moving more towards natural, whole, unprocessed foods, free of packaging, as much as possible...

Fresh, home-made fruit and vegie juices can be a great healthy option.

I have never been a fan of any type of processed and pre-packaged juices.

See the link here

To you health, happiness and VITALITY! :)

Mwah! xoxo

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant

Become a FACEBOOK FAN
Follow me on Twitter

www.newleafnutrition.com.au
http://bridgetjaneguru.blogspot.com
http://bridgetthompson.blogspot.com
http://bridget-jane.blogspot.com

Powerful n Punchy Pineapple!

Ok! So Mango Mania is very sadly coming to an end...well really, the truth is, it's over :(

The delectable, delicious and incredibly delightful fruit is over its peak season and just not where it's at right now.

I have had to come to acceptance of this sad fact of nature, and instead direct my desires and cravings in another direction :)

So....I followed my nose at the local farmers markets to the just as divine, delectable and delicious PINEAPPLE!

Wow! These babies are RIPE, JUICY and oh so yummy! To add to that they are incredibly GOOD for you and should be enjoyed VOLUMINOUSLY! ;p

I still remember the day I watched in ABSOLUTE HORROR as a well-meaning "expert" from The Biggest Looser television series tossed one of these amazing fruits into the garbage claiming it was too high in sugar and off limits for contestants!

That was enough to swear me off that TV show for life! Professing that ANY type of fresh, whole fruit or vegetable is bad for you and should be avoided, is a SURE SIGN of a FAD to me!

In my many years of experience I have NEVER seen anyone suffer ill-health due to eating fresh, whole fruit AND similarly I have seen MANY health-benefits from people making these delights their BEST FRIENDS! :)

In fact, I have had many diabetic clients in the past who upon my enquiry into their fruit consumption told me that they avoided fruits, especially tropical ones, because they were strictly advised to by their specialist!

When I heard this I would quickly overcome my horror then immediately go on to explain the dynamics of fruit digestion in the body, insulin response, and how eating biscuits and cakes because they were avoiding fruit, probably wasn't the most sensible idea....

Anyway, long story short, pineapple IS good for you!

Just SOME of the health benefits of this oh-so-yummy fruit are:

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY- due to pineapple's bromelain content, eating this fruit will infuse into your body powerful little substances that help to heal bruising, swelling, tenderness and pain. If you suffer from any type of arthritis, this is especially good news :)

Also, bromelain is also responsible for pineapple being a great digestive aid! Bromelain helps to break down the amino-acids in proteins, thereby promoting good digestion (funny how my body intuitively feels like some pineapple after an evening meal! Intelligent system me think! ;p)

ANTIOXIDANT and IMMUNE booster- pineapples are loaded with VITAMIN C and this baby is the body's primary water-soluble anti-oxidant responsible for protecting many of it's cells from free-radical attack. When free-radicals are allowed to run riot they promote plaque build up in our arteries, contribute to airway spasms that lead to asthma attacks, turn healthy cells into cancerous ones as well as cause pain and stiffness experienced in joint conditions such as osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C is also ESSENTIAL for the correct functioning of the immune system and so a good one to load up on to prevent colds, flu and recurrent ear-infections.

ENERGY- pineapple is an excellent source of manganese- an essential component of energy-producing pathways in the body. As well as manganese, pineapple is also a good source of the energy producing B vitamin, Thiamine. So, instead of B-B-Berocca...maybe...P-P-Pineapple will do the trick! Cheaper, yummier, easier! ;p

EYES N GUMS- fruit has been shown to be one of the most significant protectants against age related macular degeneration. Additionally, because of its high Vitamin C content, pineapple is excellent for helping to prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis, which left untreated leads to the destruction of gum tissue and underlying jaw bones. These conditions are also linked to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes...eeeek! cut me some pineapple NOW!

Wow...yes a powerful little fruit that really packs a PUNCH!

So....what are you waiting for?!

Get this juicy, delightful and oh-so-good-for-you fruit into you TODAY! :)

Enjoy fellow health-monks! ;p



Mwah!

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant

www.newleafnutrition.com.au
bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au

Bad cholesterol: It’s not what you think

Review of Article from Men's Health by By Paul Scott

This is a long and windy read BUT if you have high cholesterol OR take lipid lowering medications, otherwise known as STATINS, you SHOULD make time to look over this one!

I have been beating this band-wagon drum for years...taking what doctors, specialists and institutions tell us as "God's word" and not investigating our symptoms and their real causes further ourselves, may not truly serve us.

I myself have been at the helm of well-meaning practitioners who have condemned me with some condition/disease/affliction, only for me to look or ask further and find out that in fact, although a great professional opinion, the same picture could in fact be interpreted in much a different way. A way that meant I was not victim to some horrid state.

It is really important that we always go back to basics with things and see how they sit with our own common-sense and "gut-feeling". Regardless of what any specialist can tell you about you, YOU know YOU best!

Yes, take their advice on board, take their information, but then allow this to sit in your own psyche. Investigate further, get second opinions, and find out the CAUSE of the problem and what OTHER OPTIONS you may have for resolution.

Just as smashing out the light on your car's dashboard that signals there is wrong with the engine WONT fix the problem, taking medications is sometimes akin to simply silencing the signal telling you that something is amiss.

We are the captain's of our own ship. It is important we feel what is happening on deck and below board is all for the greater good of the entire journey.

Never go against your own feelings and always trust yourself to look further, if you so have the inclination.

I do. I encourage my clients to, too. :)

You can see their personal stories of overcoming adversities and medical diagnoses at http://bit.ly/4xJHa9

Enjoy!

See original article at: http://bit.ly/cQcuIJ

Health, happiness, fun and success to you all!

Mwah!

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer Speaker Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au

A handful of nuts...what they can do for you!

I am sure there are MANY imaginative ways to interpret the title of today's post.... :) Let's not go there! haha

What I would like to share with you today though, is ONE incredibly powerful habit that you can EASILY establish that will make an AMAZING difference to your health and well being, not just now, but in the long-term as well.

A handful (or about 30-40g) of raw, unsalted nuts a day can:

- help you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight (yes! It's true! They do contain fat, which is why we LIMIT the amount we have, yet as nuts are what we term a "whole food fat", the amount of fat digested and absorbed is LESS than you would derive from oil versions of fats- more on Whole Food Fats in another post)

-help manage existing diabetes better, AND prevent the ONSET of diabetes later in life! Wow! Powerful hey? (there are SO many reasons why this is the case including the healthy FATS they contain, which are protective against heart disease- something diabetes are much more at risk of; the fact they have a LOW Glycemic Index, which minimises insulin response and spikes; they contain an amino acid, arginine which has been shown to help insulin work more efficiently as well as to keep blood vessels healthy; they contain FIBRE, which helps to reduce cholesterol, insulin response and hunger; they are a powerful source of ANTI-OXIDANTS which help to reduce any inflammation in the body- a key contributor to blocked blood vessels and clogged arteries; they contain Vitamin E which also helps improve insulin sensitivity)

-help to prevent heart disease (in fact you can HALVE your risk of developing heart disease SIMPLY by eating a handful of nuts 5 or more times a week! Wow!)

So.....what are you waiting for?!?!

The time, energy, effort and $$ you invest into this ONE SIMPLE HABIT, really can and WILL make a difference in your life...

Test it out.... :)

By the way! Peanuts are NOT nuts....they are a legume :) And whilst very healthy and a great source of protein, they will not necessarily confer the benefits discussed above...we will address peanuts in ANOTHER blog :)

So! There you have it ladies and gents! :)

Would LOVE to hear your thoughts/comments/feedback and personal experience :)

Oh, and to add...for those who do not "like" nuts...I challenge you to a 21 day trial of giving them a go each day....there have been many nut-dislikers converted to nut-lovers, simply by persisting and TRAINING their taste-buds ;p

THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO THOSE WITH ALLERGIES!! If you are allergic, you know to avoid nuts, and we don't need to go there :)

For more info on ANY of today's topics, including fact sheets are more fun nut facts, go to www.nutsforlife.com.au GREAT WEBSITE for all your NUTTY NEEDS ;p

BIG LOVE to you all!

Mwah! xoxooxo

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
http://bridgetjaneguru.blogspot.com
http://bridgetthompson.blogspot.com
http://bridget-jane.blogspot.com

The YUMMIEST wedges you've EVER had!

Well I was in the kitchen an about to "bang" together our most favourite wedges for dinner when I was suddenly inspired to share these amazing delights with you!

I LOVE them because not only are they super speedy and EASY, they are also PACKED full of incredible nutrition AND they TASTE amazing!! :)

So! Without further ado, you will need:

-sweet potato (as much as you need for who you are feeding). I allow 1 large one, or 2 smaller ones, for my partner as he is a MEATY MALE with hungry MUSCLES :)
-fresh or jarred minced garlic
-dried mixed herbs
-extra virgin olive oil

What I do to prepare these are:

PRE-HEAT Oven

1) WASH the sweet potato- DO NOT peel! The skin is where a BULK of the goodness lies and peeling it away will do you a GREAT disservice! Simply wash well :)

2) CHOP sweet potato into "wedge" chunks. There are many ways to cut these but we like a fat wedge best. When we have less time to cook, we cut them into thin circles-like chips! :)

3) TOSS into a mixing bowl and add a dash of olive oil (not more than 1 tblsp per person), a teaspoon or 2 of minced garlic and a good shake of your dried mixed herbs :)Yes it is great to use FRESH ginger and herbs, but if you are like me and like a balance of great nutrition and convenience, these are BRILLIANT staples! :)I always say GOOD, BETTER, BEST :) Fresh is BEST, but the other is GREAT! :)

4) SPREAD the prepared wedges onto a BAKING PAPER lined tray and pop into a PRE-HEATED oven. The right temperature depends on your oven..I suggest experimenting here. We use 200 degrees celcius and they take 20-30minutes :)

5) EAT and enjoy!!! Yum, yum! Serve as a great side dish to some fish and salad...mmm..mmm. OR a healthy Thai Fish Cake Burger, as pictured! DELICIOUS! You can email me for this ripper recipe!

The benefits of these sweet tato wedges are MASSIVE! Just SOME include:

-a potent dose of anti-oxidants and phyto-chemicals (dried herbs are a CONCENTRATED power-house of these!)

-anti-inflammatory properties as GARLIC is a super hero in this department! This means garlic can be helpful in reducing the severity of conditions where inflammation plays a role, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
It is also a potent anti-bacterial so is GREAT for boosting the immune system!

-healing properties as sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) and a very good source of vitamin C. These2 beauties are very powerful antioxidants that work in the body to eliminate free radicals. Free radicals are chemicals that damage cells and cell membranes and are associated with the development of conditions like atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries which causes high blood pressure), diabetic heart disease, and colon cancer. This may explain why beta-carotene and vitamin C have both been shown to be helpful for preventing these conditions.

In addition, sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6, which is needed to convert homocysteine,which is an intermediate by-product of a chemical process (methylation) that occurs in the body, into other non-harmful molecules. Since high homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, having a little extra vitamin B6 on hand is a good idea.

I could go on forever but you get the gist!!

Well I better get back to actually MAKING ours, otherwise I'll have one hungry fella on my hands! haha

Big love to you all!

Mwah!
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
http://bridgetjaneguru.blogspot.com
http://bridgetthompson.blogspot.com
http://bridget-jane.blogspot.com

The most Effective Agitation Antidote ever!

Yesterday I truly discovered the childish fun that can come from being creative and playful when it comes to meeting one of my most basic needs.

Whether we realise it or not, we all have a need to expend a certain amount of energy in order to constructively use up all of the “stimulant” hormones and chemicals produced in our bodies day to day. Not using these effectively can lead to feeling unsettled, anxious, angry or just “not quite right”.

Some of us seek solace in alternative means which can at least, do nothing with these excess chemicals, and at worst, create more. Whilst sitting on our royal rump immersing ourselves in an entertaining television show or movie may temporarily distract us from how we are feeling, you can guarantee those little excitatory substances are accumulating and creating a nice little storehouse of tension.

The other option for dealing with the presence of these compounds is to start nit-picking and perhaps lashing out at those around you. This is a way to deflect and dispel the anxiety and “not-quite-rightness” we are feeling within. One thing you can be guaranteed of is when this nit-picking culminates into an all out battle in which anger and rage may occur, you are creating yet more of these little anger-bubbles!

The point I am getting at ladies and gents, is that whether we realise or not, whether we feel like it or not and whether we are in the habit of it or not, we are deigned to be active; we are meant to be active; it is an innate need to move!

To really love, respect and appreciate our bodies, the temple within which we live whilst on this earthly plane, we must give it due care and attention. All cars are nice when we first buy them. In order to keep them that way there is a level of maintenance to keep up. Even a Lamborghini (sorry guys!) can end up looking like a neglected and dumped wreck if it is not appropriately looked after.

When we are born as perfect little babies, we are delivered into one of the most immaculate and impressive vehicles ever seen. We are a miracle of nature and so absolutely flawless. Our bodies are in sync with our innate needs and all is taken care of almost faultlessly in much a stimulus-response type model. Baby cries, mum responds. Without too much interference, our needs are perfectly met and we grow and develop just as we should. Amazing isn’t it?

Wherever you feel you are at right now, know you were once as nature intended and in impeccable harmony with your intrinsic needs.

Give yourself the opportunity to experience how this synchronicity feels, and over time with consistency, looks. Moving your booty is one of the major basic needs you have.

Start anywhere, just do it.

Yesterday, as mentioned, I discovered the joy of being playful with this need of mine. It was too hot to run outside and I had already treated my body to a good dose of Vitamin D rich sunlight. I felt those little bubbles of anxiety starting to stir within and funnily enough I found myself nit-picking at my partner (well, he started it!).

Noticing what I was doing and what was going on within me, I realised I had a need that demanded attention. I needed to move!

With the aforementioned limitations in mind, I got creative. Grabbing my iPod and my skipping rope, I decided to assume that child within me that knew how to skip effortlessly for hours and LOVED it! You see, I have had a skipping rope for quite a long time, 2 years perhaps. Yet, the idea of it daunts me. The voice in my head tells me over and over, “You can’t skip”. “It’s too hard”. And everytime I try I am proven right! (Funny that!)

So this time I tackled it differently, and entered the task from a state of childlike innocence. This voice said, “Of course you can do it!” and “It’s fun!”. Wow, what a difference a change of tune makes!

Within no time I found myself not only skipping without constant breaks, I also found myself loving it and loving the music! I became immersed. I became increasingly playful and daring. When I needed a break, I jog-skip-danced around the house, then came back to the skipping spot. After a while I found myself enjoying the dancing more, so I did more of that. What fun I was having!

Before I knew it, 30 minutes had passed, I was sweating and those bubbles of anger had subsided and in fact calm, soft, easily dispersed bubbles of joy had taken their place. I felt light, happy and satisfied :) Wow!

I felt quite impressed with myself which added more of those soft, light, delightful bubbles and went on to enjoy a great night with brilliant company! :)

So I dare you…

Listen to the needs within that are trying to communicate with you on the surface.

Are you feeling irritated, anxious, annoyed, angry, not quite right? Look not outside of you for the cause, but within.

As much as it may seem like it is that person, thing, situation or other is creating your disharmony, there is more likely a need that you have neglected somewhere. A need, that by being met, will mean all those people, things and situations will start to have less and less effect on you.

You will start to create and build a nice little space within that is firmly sealed with a “do not disturb” sign. A place that is just yours; that you can escape to and experience true joy any time.

The attitude with which you approach this need will make the difference; the difference between loving it and resenting it. The difference between becoming a movement junkie or an agitated-to-the-point-of-numbness couch potato.

Have fun, be a child :)

Play!

I would love to hear your thoughts and responses on this topic :)
Email me at bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au

Mwah! xoxo

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au

Magnificent Mangoes!

Ok, ok, so I cannot stop HARPING on about HOW IN LOVE with chemical free mangoes I am right now!

My body's cravings for different foods at different times inspires me to investigate the major properties of each one.

I believe when the body is in tune with what is good for it, via a "calibration" process, it automatically knows what it needs :) how intelligent we are!! ;p

So...for the record...did you know mangoes are high in IRON, SELENIUM, POTASSIUM, cancer-fighting PHENOLS, VITAMIN A and VITAMIN E!! Wow!! This is why it is SO great for:

-pregnant women and those suffering anaemia (iron)

-boosting hormonal function and sex drive (Vit E) Woohoo! ;p

-clearing skin and unblocking pores

-reducing aches and pains in body as well as asthma symptoms (anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory capacity)

-aiding digestion and acidity

Wow! Aren't they BRILLIANT :)

No wonder I LOVE them SOOOOOO much and no wonder the intelligence of my body has been urging me to get a daily dose of this MAGNIFICENT fruit!

Enjoy! xoxo

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au