20 May 2013 ,09:24 Tiredness OR hunger - what causes your mid afternoon energy slump?
 If you experience an energy slump mid afternoon have you considered that you may actually be hungry? 

Hunger doesn't always show itself as a rumbling stomach, instead for some people tiredness and feeling irritable are their version of hunger. For me, hunger manifests as light-headedness and an inability to concentrate - when I'm hungry I struggle to think clearly enough to make even the simplest of decisions.

If you're not eating dinner until after 6.00pm, there can be more than six hours between lunch and dinner, which is a long stretch. Without an afternoon snack you may be trying to last too long without refueling.
 
On the other hand, if you've eaten lunch and a good afternoon snack, then your energy slump is probably down to tiredness. When people have an early start or are not getting enough sleep, it's common to feel tired in the afternoon. In which case, no amount of sugary foods are going to pick you up.

If your energy slumps mid afternoon, Instead of looking for a quick sugary fix or a caffeine pick-up, organise a good snack for yourself. A yoghurt and some fruit, wholegrain crackers and hummous, some nuts and sultanas, or even a small bowl of muesli will fill you up and keep you going until dinner. And if it's tiredness you're feeling then try to leave work a bit early, have a quiet night at home and get to bed on time. When you're tired sleep and rest are the only answers.
 

Do you experience a mid afternoon energy slump?

20 May 2013 ,09:18 Learning to love Brussels sprouts
When I was little I hated Brussels sprouts. They always seemed to be boiled, a method of cooking which brings out all their smelly, horrible tasting qualities. As an adult however I've come to love Brussels and actually get excited when they come into season. Here's how I buy and use them:
 
 
 
 
  • I always look for small, tightly closed sprouts that are heavy for their size, as these little nuggets have a sweeter, milder flavour.
     
  • Brussels love cold weather, so I would never, never, never buy them in summer. While you can get them in Autumn, they're at their best in the depths of winter.
     
  • Before cooking trim a small amount off the base of the sprout. Remove a couple of outer leaves, until you reach the slightly lighter coloured leaves underneath.
     
  • The most important thing to remember with Brussels is don't over cook them. Over cooking brings out all the sulfur compounds, leading to a smelly, bitter tasting meal. They are much better slightly under-cooked.
     
  • While sprouts are lovely when lightly steamed, don't boil them.
     
  • My favourite ways of cooking Brussels is to cut them in half and then pan fry them with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and sea salt, until they are browned and crispy on the outside. A pinch of chilli flakes is a good addition, as is a squeeze of lemon juice.
     
  • My second favourite way of using Brussels is to add them to curries, where the spicy, liquid sauce infiltrates and softens the sprout, creating a wonderful flavour.
 
If you're yet to appreciate Brussels, then you might like to read about Sophie's Brussels "acceptance journey".
 
 

What do you think about Brussels sprouts?

 
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13 May 2013 ,08:10 3 recipes for the timid fish eater
 In my latest Reader's Digest column I've written a piece called Tips for the Timid Fish Eater.
 
There are many, many reasons to include more fish in your weekly meals, however I find a lot of people are uncertain about how to cook fish or find the flavour and smell too strong. If this is you, then my column gives advice on where to start when you want to eat more fish.

If you're new to cooking fish, then here are three great recipes to get you started.
 

1. Use fish to make burgers

 
These Salmon Burgers from Teresa Cutter use fresh fish which is whizzed up with parsley and lemon. The mixture is then shaped into burgers, coated with almond meal and cooked in a frying pan. Serve with steamed vegetables, some brown rice and the lemon dressing that Teresa recommends. Or make them into proper burgers, by stuffing into wholegrain bread rolls, with lots of salad and a drizzle of plain yoghurt.
 

2. Make a simple fish stew

 
Jules from The Stonesoup has an easy five ingredient stew which is perfect for the fish newcomer. White fish fillets are paired with fennel and onion and cooked in a tomato sauce. It's all done on the stovetop and takes about 20 minutes of actual cooking time.
 

3. Healthier fish and "chips"

 
Another way to use fish at home, if you're a bit uncertain, is to make a healthier version of something you are used to eating. For example my fish and oven baked wedges recipe.
 
The fish is coated in citrus and herb flavoured polenta and cooked in a frying pan. It's then served with home made oven baked wedges and a big green salad.
 

How do you cook fish at home?

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22 April 2013 ,10:17 Does it matter if you eat the same breakfast every day?
 If you're rushing to get ready in the morning, it can be tempting to stick with the same, no-fuss breakfast every day. However you may be doing your health a disservice. Eating a variety of foods is a fundamental part of having a good, healthy diet. To put it simply, a variety of foods means you are consuming a variety of nutrients and this is the best way to ensure you are getting everything you need. 

If you are already consuming a range of different foods throughout the rest of the day, then having the same breakfast each morning is not a major problem. However if you're eating tends to be more limited, then your health will suffer. 

There are some easy ways you can mix up your breakfast, without adding to the morning rush. Sprinkle fresh or frozen fruit, and different nuts and seeds over your breakfast cereal. Instead of having vegemite on toast each day, mix up your toppings. Try peanut butter, or hummous and tomato. Choose a different type of bread, or have ryvitas with cottage cheese and cucumber for a change. Mix up your foods and make your breakfast just a little bit different each day. It'll stop you from getting bored and ensure you're getting the best nutrition possible.
 
 
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Recent Blog Posts

May 20, 2013, 9:24 am
Tiredness OR hunger - what causes your mid afternoon energy slump?
 If you experience an energy slump mid afternoon have you considered that you may actually be hungry? Hunger doesn't always show itself as a rumbling stomach, instead for some people tiredness and feeling irritable are their version of hunger.Read More...
May 20, 2013, 9:18 am
Learning to love Brussels sprouts
When I was little I hated Brussels sprouts. They always seemed to be boiled, a method of cooking which brings out all their smelly, horrible tasting qualities.Read More...
May 13, 2013, 8:10 am
3 recipes for the timid fish eater
 In my latest Reader's Digest column I've written a piece called Tips for the Timid Fish Eater. There are many, many reasons to include more fish in your weekly meals, however I find a lot of people are uncertain about how to cook fish or find the flavour and smell too strong.Read More...

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