Catherine Saxelby's Foodwatch - Catherine Saxelby's Foodwatch

20 non-food things to do when you’re bored

2022-12-07T09:00:00+11:00

Here it is: a list of non-food things to do when you’re bored and you feel like eating or munching on something.

Losing weight in an obesogenic world

2022-11-30T09:00:00+11:00

There are so many ways to look at weight loss and what is considered healthy eating and living. In this month's newsletter, I look at how the world is overriding our best efforts at maintaining a healthy weight.

This month I look at this and more...

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Apple Spice Muggin

2022-11-23T09:00:00+11:00

Recommendations for water intake

2022-11-16T09:00:00+11:00

Water is an essential nutrient – we can’t live without it for more than a day or two. The Governments of Australia and New Zealand recognised this in 2006, when they made an official recommendation for water intake for Australians and New Zealanders.

Protein shakes for weight loss

2022-11-09T09:00:00+11:00

These days, protein shakes aren’t bought by just body builders – they’re so popular that you can readily buy a 400 g tub at your local supermarket or service station. And with tempting claims such as ‘Facilitates muscle toning’, ‘Contains transformation-making protein’ and ‘Tastes incredible, mixes easily’, why wouldn’t you grab one? But protein shakes aren’t the magic answer to all your weight-loss woes. Let’s take a look at what you get for your money.

Guest post by dietitian Zoe Wilson APD

Author

Catherine Saxelby

What’s a serve of meat?

2022-11-02T09:00:00+11:00

Here’s my easy guide to the type of meat or other protein foods you should eat each day. I’ve divided this guide into food types that you can substitute for red meat, such as chicken, fish and eggs.

Have a cup of tea … or two

2022-10-26T09:00:00+11:00

Did you know about a new study that shows how tea (yes, regular tea) can help to lower your risk of mortality? In this month's newsletter I will share this and tackle the question of how to lose weight easily WITHOUT going on a diet.

This month I look at this and more...

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Open salmon sandwich

2022-10-19T09:00:00+11:00

Sugar and how much to eat

2022-10-12T09:00:00+11:00

People often tell me how confused they are about sugar. So here’s my take, which I hope will make healthy eating that much easier for you.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

What's a serve of bread?

2022-10-05T09:00:00+11:00

By bread, I mean any starchy carbohydrate foods such as breakfast cereals; grains such as rice, pearl barley, quinoa or buckwheat; and pasta and noodles.

Here’s my easy guide to which and how many starchy foods you should eat each day. It’s divided into food types: bread and bread substitutes, grains and pasta. These foods are grouped together because they share similar nutrients – namely starchy carbohydrate, B vitamins and fibre – and are low in fat.

The serve size is often NOT the same as your portion size. Portion size is the amount you actually eat. We often eat MORE of these foods than we really should, hence the reason for this post. I hope this guide is an easy way for you to keep on track.

Prunes preserve bones (who knew?) and spring recipes to try

2022-09-28T09:00:00+10:00

This month, I’ll let you know about a new study that shows how eating just five or six prunes a day helps your hip bones stay young (interesting). And share with you some of the results of the Vegetable Challenge for Women’s Health Week 2022 which ran from 5 September to 11 September inclusive.

This month I look at this and more...

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Spring Vegetable Pesto Pasta Salad

2022-09-21T09:00:57+10:00

Product snapshot: Berkelo’s Khorasan Macaroni

2022-09-14T09:00:00+10:00

I’m loving this macaroni from Berkelo. I was sent a sample for Whole Grain Week 2022 by the Grains Legume Nutrition Council. I cooked it up and found that it was just divine! Read on for more …

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Get back to basics

2022-09-07T09:00:00+10:00

“Get back to basics”. I hear this all the time so it’s a good topic to spell out more! Here’s what I regard as the ‘basics’.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Can you outrun a poor diet? The findings are in.

2022-08-31T09:00:00+10:00

In a recent study, researchers looked into the quality of diet and whether exercise is enough on it's own to lower the incidence of heart disease and cancer. Can we 'outrun' disease or is diet equally or more important. I also tackle the age old question of how much idodine do we really need.

This month I look at this and more...

Author

Catherine Saxelby

7 ways to build a strong immune system

2022-08-24T09:00:00+10:00

A properly functioning immune system is your best protection against energy-draining sicknesses such as the common cold or flu, and may also help to prevent more serious illnesses such as COVID-19 or swine flu. But before you spend up big on expensive herbal supplements or ‘immune-boosters’, try these seven basics first.

What's a serve of vegetables?

2022-08-17T09:00:00+10:00

For optimal health, nutritionists recommend that adults should eat five serves a day of vegetables or salad, either raw or cooked, and more if you can. But few of us eat this amount.

The amount of vegies children should eat depends on their age, appetite and physical activity levels. After about nine years old, children should eat the same serves of vegetables as adults – meaning that kids can also aim for five a day.

Can frozen vegetables take the place of fresh?

2022-08-10T09:00:00+10:00

The motto for healthy eating used to be ‘Eat fresh’. However, many of us have little time, so frozen ingredients are a handy replacement for most fresh ones. Plus, the price of fresh vegetables has risen recently due to floods and a shortage of pickers. So yes, some frozen vegies can make up your five serves a day. But you still need to eat some fresh produce to get enough vitamin C, folate and thiamine in your diet. This includes vitamin C–rich fresh fruit such as oranges or kiwi fruit (remember, you only need two serves of fruit a day).

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Squash-ed spaghetti bolognaise

2022-08-03T09:00:57+10:00

Hangry? Tame that beast with food ideas ... and more

2022-07-27T09:01:00+10:00

In a recent study, researchers linked hunger to emotions such as anger, irritability and less pleasure, even after accounting for variables such as a person’s age, body mass index, sex and dietary behaviours. The results were the same: people were angry and irritable when they didn’t eat. Anyone with a teenager or toddler who hasn't had their lunch can relate!

This month I look at this and more...

Author

Catherine Saxelby

6 tips to preserve the goodness in your vegetables

2022-07-20T09:00:00+10:00

We all know vegetables are important in a healthy diet. From cabbage to fennel, I love vegetables and try to eat big portions of them at lunch, dinner and in-betweens. But all too often, I find they’re cooked in ways that don’t retain their maximum nutrition. Read on for my six tips to preserve their goodness

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Back-up meals when time is tight

2022-07-13T09:00:00+10:00

Arriving home late and hungry? No time to shop or cook? Here are four tricks to whip out quick-and-easy meal solutions that aren’t going to drown you in saturated fat, sugar, salt and processed fare.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Vegetable and lentil soup

2022-07-06T09:00:57+10:00

Yay for nuts and legumes - the new nutrition heroes

2022-06-29T09:02:00+10:00

There's always research going on into ageing and nutrition and this time, they've found that a higher intake of nuts and legumes (such as dried peas, beans and lentils) is related to better cognition and less cognitive decline with age. Impressively, this study had six years of follow-up. Wow!

This month I look at this and more...

Author

Catherine Saxelby

5 classic food marketing traps to watch out for when shopping

2022-06-15T09:00:00+10:00

It’s about time I listed those foods that can be surprisingly NOT healthy! These are a minefield. Sigh. Yes it’s flavoured yoghurts, muesli bars, juices, light foods and – my pet hate – legume chips. Read on for more.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Home-style baked beans

2022-06-08T09:00:57+10:00

Home delivery of quality fresh meat

2022-06-01T09:00:00+10:00

There’s a new meat subscription service in Melbourne: Meat at the Mount. The meat is sourced from the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia (the same place that the wines of McLaren Vale come from).

The service opens up a new delivery route that encompasses metropolitan Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and Geelong. Read more...

Meat substitutes, eggs and chewing gum?

2022-05-25T09:00:00+10:00

What do you know about the sustainable, healthy, plant-based alternatives to meat … and why I’m wary of them?

Author

Catherine Saxelby

5 fabulous everyday SUPER foods you must eat today. And why.

2022-05-18T09:00:00+10:00

Every year, several foods emerge that get foodies in a fluster. Last year, the ancient African grain teff rose to fame; the leafy green kale was hailed as a must-eat (something I don’t ascribe to); and rapini (broccoli rabe), black garlic and kimchi (fermented Korean vegetable) were ranked high among the culinary cool kids.

This year is no different; here are the top 5 ‘superfoods’ we can expect to see appearing at supermarkets and on dinner tables.

I’ve included what’s in it for you: nutrition figures, how to use each superfood, recipes to get you started and easy ways to add them to your daily meals.

Product review: Super high-oleic safflower oil

2022-05-11T09:00:00+10:00

“What does super high-oleic mean?” I hear you ask. Also, “I haven’t heard of safflower for ages. What’s the deal?” Read on and all will be explained.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Veggie-full lasagne

2022-05-04T09:00:57+10:00

Iron-deficiency anaemia and more

2022-04-27T09:02:00+10:00

Iron-deficiency anaemia, a common problem in women and girls that affects their immunity, work performance and thermo-regulation is more common than you expect. This month I look at this and more...

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Energy drinks part 2 – Safety Concerns

2022-04-20T09:00:00+10:00

These days, energy drinks always seem to be in the headlines. Parents, teachers and coaches worry about their effects on young bodies, as do dietitians and doctors, who always caution people to avoid them. This is not without reason – they are sugary fizzy beverages whose job is not refreshment but to deliver caffeine to stimulate the brain, overcome fatigue and allow the drinker to “keep going” or stay awake, when otherwise they would have long been asleep.

If you haven’t already, please read “Energy drinks part 1 – sugar and caffeine combined” before reading this post.

Energy drinks part 1 – sugar and caffeine combined

2022-04-13T09:00:00+10:00

Of course, you don’t need me to tell you that there’s an energy drinks craze. Red Bull, V, Monster and Mother are just some of the energy drinks seen in the hands of young adults – just like a fashion accessory. Energy drinks are used as a pick-me-up, giving drinkers “the ultimate high” or even “wings”, according to their marketing claims.

Energy drinks are popular at late-night clubs and watering holes because they let you push past tiredness and party on (and these days, who isn’t tired?). But the hype is marketing gone wild. They’re basically soft drinks “supered up” with caffeine plus a concoction of assorted herbal extracts, vitamins and minerals – anything with a vague connection to releasing energy by the body (a biochemical definition) or elevating mood or allowing greater physical activity.

Consume too many, however, and there can be a deadly aftermath, as reports of cardiac arrest attest. Just what’s in these drinks? Do they work how the ads say they do? And how much is safe to consume? In this post, I’ll decode the cocktail of ingredients for you.

Product review: Healthy Life Food Tracker

2022-04-06T09:00:00+10:00

When I was first asked to write this review, I thought, Not another tracker.

After all, there have been several in recent years, such as My Fitness Pal and Everyday Diet Diary. But this one is different. It works by using your Everyday Rewards card AND your shop at Woolworths.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Blueberries, the Mediterranean Diet, beat cravings for chocolate

2022-03-30T09:00:00+11:00

When compared to other fresh fruits and vegetables, researchers rank blueberries as number one for antioxidant activity. This month I look at this and more...

Author

Catherine Saxelby

What a vegetarian should eat each day

2022-03-23T09:00:00+11:00

Here’s my easy guide to the number and type of foods you should eat each day when following a vegetarian diet. Just like a meat-based diet, the guide is divided into basic food groups. You’ll see how much an adult woman needs to eat to stay healthy. I hope this guide is an easy way to keep on track, especially if you’re feeding teens or young adults.

No-Fuss Sushi

2022-03-16T09:00:57+11:00

What inspired you to become a nutritionist?

2022-03-09T09:00:07+11:00

It all started with my Year 10 science teacher! Thanks to her, I really loved the subject of science and managed to do well in it for my last three years of high school.

6 healthy-eating principles I eat by

2022-03-02T09:00:00+11:00

Here’s my philosophy on healthy eating. You can decide for yourselves if what I say makes sense and if you like my approach.

The benefits of meditation and of purslane

2022-02-23T09:00:00+11:00

The benefits of meditation and purslane, medications and weight gain, and some ideas for that smart staple of dark-green lettuces. The February e-newsletter has something for everyone.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Q. Should I take a B12 supplement if I’m vegetarian?

2022-02-16T08:00:00+11:00

Q. Should I take a B12 supplement if I’m vegetarian?

Eat to beat flatulence

2022-02-09T08:00:00+11:00

Flatulence, commonly referred to as ‘breaking wind’, ‘passing wind’ or ‘farting’, is caused by gas in the bowel (large intestine). Ordinarily, the intestines produce about 500–2,000 mL of gas, which is regularly passed out of the anus.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Learning to cook with love

2022-02-02T08:00:07+11:00

My mother Anne (‘Hanka’ in Polish) was a natural-born cook. She never used a recipe but cooked by eye, aided by years of experience. Her food always tasted delicious, whether it was Polish fare or recipes she’d picked up from her Aussie friends as a ‘new Australian’ in Sydney in the 1950s. I recall roast dinners or steaks alongside appetisers of herring with onion and sour cream served on pumpernickel bread. Weird but, somehow, it all tasted good.

January resolution – cut out alcohol

2022-01-19T08:00:00+11:00

Trying to lose those Christmas kilos? Setting yourself a resolution to drop some weight and eat for health? Forget worrying about carbs and kilojoules. The real problem behind many people’s weight problems is alcohol.

Broccoli pesto fish parcels

2021-12-15T08:00:57+11:00

How to not drink too much

2021-12-08T08:00:00+11:00

After two challenging years of lockdowns, it seems only fair that we should fully embrace this festive season. But with more and more studies pointing to the dangers of drinking alcohol (as well as many people drinking way too much during those extended lockdowns), this post is a timely reminder!

At 29 kilojoules per gram (more than twice that of carbs or proteins), alcohol packs a serious energy punch.

What’s more, it loosens your inhibitions so you tend to eat more of the wrong sorts of foods – arancini balls, fried cheese balls, calamari fritters and fried chicken wings. Anything deep-fried, really.

The good news is, there is a way to strike a balance between enjoying yourself socially over the next month, and keeping your weight under control. All you need to know is a few diet tricks of the trade.

In the lead-up to Christmas, cut back on your drinking and it will spell big benefits afterwards. Read on to find out more.

Surviving the silly season

2021-12-01T09:00:00+11:00

Christmas means party time. From end-of-year office parties to beach parties, casual soirees and formal functions, your calendar is probably going to be full.

Of course, you’re going to eat, drink and be merry – you’ll deal with the kilos you’ve piled on later. And don’t forget the extra pressures of trying to get everything done in time, crowds at the shops, battling the traffic, hot weather, increased family expectations and balancing the budget.

Well, you CAN enjoy your Christmas fare and remain slim. Here is a foolproof plan to help you survive the festive silly season without turning into a Christmas pudding.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Dairy for the elderly - read more

2021-11-24T10:00:00+11:00

From the new research about the benefits of dairy for the elderly, why you should eat blueberries, the 5 worst foods to eat , and much more, the November newsletter is full of interesting topics .

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Cans and tins – can they be good?

2021-11-17T09:00:00+11:00

Canned food is convenient, mostly nutritious, inexpensive and your nearest supermarket has a huge selection. It has a long shelf life, needing no preservatives because the canning process itself vacuum-seals and steam-cooks the food under pressure, thus ensuring its safety.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Organic vegetables – your questions answered

2021-11-10T08:00:00+11:00

Q. Should I only buy organic vegetables?

A. No. Most people don’t eat enough vegetables – organic or non-organic. People don’t need a barrier to eating fresh vegetables. The benefits of eating these excellent whole foods far, far outweigh any risk of pesticide harm.

Salmon, baby spinach and rice salad

2021-11-03T09:00:21+11:00

Women and heart disease

2021-10-27T10:00:00+11:00

From the exciting new reseach about heart disease in women to the difference between bulgur and couscous, and much more, I explore topics that are of interest and provide information about them.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Product review: Lite n' Easy

2021-10-20T08:00:52+11:00

With home delivery on the rise, this post is reviewing none other than that stalwart Lite n’ Easy. We all know their meals are good for weight loss (which we all need after COVID-19!), but did you know they’re also good for general health and wellbeing ? Eating well to nourish yourself – putting your mental health and wellbeing at the forefront – is gaining momentum. Lite n’ Easy meals also ensures you satisfy your need for vitamins, minerals, fibre and phyto-compounds, such as sterols and carotenoids.

This post has been sponsored by Lite n' Easy.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

7 ways to trick your taste buds into loving vegetables

2021-10-13T08:00:00+11:00

Chefs are masters at trickery. They know a splash of olive oil or sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds does wonders for vegetables. So, follow their lead! Let’s make our veggies lively and great tasting so you – and the kids – will WANT to wolf them down. These seven ideas start simple then progress in complexity.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

The kale backlash

2021-10-06T08:00:00+11:00

Why is kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) singled out for superfood status? It appears in many ‘lists of the healthiest vegetables’. And yes, I know it’s good for our health, but I really doubt that most of us actually LIKE kale.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Sugar is still a problem

2021-09-29T10:00:00+10:00

From the added sugar hidden in foods, the new generation of sugar-free sweeteners, and much more, I explore why sugar is still a problem despite all the information about it.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Pumpkin and Red Lentil Soup

2021-09-22T08:00:57+10:00

Product review: Birds Eye Plant Based range

2021-09-15T08:00:00+10:00

When you think of Birds Eye, their frozen peas and fish fingers probably come to mind. But I bet you’d never think of plant-based products!

This post has been sponsored by Birds Eye.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Are ‘naturally sugar-free’ soft drinks actually natural?

2021-09-08T09:00:00+10:00

A while back, I asked my readers what you were most interested in knowing about. Some of you wrote back asking about sugar-free soft drinks such as Nexba, which is sweetened with erythritol and stevia. This combo is also the sweetener in no-added-sugar cordials, yoghurts, biscuits, fruit juice drinks, confectionery, sauces and other foods. The emails asked something along the lines of: ‘I was wondering if this is a wanky factor. Is the sweetener made in a lab or is it safe to enjoy?? Very Curious.’

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Should I drink sugar-free fizzy drinks every day?

2021-09-01T08:00:00+10:00

Sugar-free soft drinks, which have been around in various forms for almost 40 years, still have their problems. Remember Tab? Remember Coke Zero? Yes, they tasted sweet and saved you drinking some 40 teaspoons of sugar from each 375 ml can, but are they really healthier than regular soft drinks?

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Four great ideas that make it a snap to crunch on more vegies

2021-08-25T10:00:00+10:00

We’ve got an interesting line up for you again this month. with an explanation of the difference between vegetarian and vegan, and some easy ways to include more veg in your diet.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Grains you may not know about - teff

2021-08-18T08:00:00+10:00

Teff (Eragrostis tef ) is one of the so-called “Ancient Grains” which I have talked about on the Foodwatch website before. It’s small, around the size of poppy seed, and comes in white, red and dark brown. Originally from Ethiopia and Eritrea, where it is their staple grain and is used, ground into flour, to make injera – the spongy, fermented flat-bread.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Fake News! “Microwaving destroys a food’s goodness.”

2021-08-11T09:00:00+10:00

Ever since microwave ovens first started to appear in the late 1960s, there has been fear-mongering and myth making to the effect that “You shouldn’t heat food in the microwave”. Here I explain why it’s just plain wrong.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Improve your sleep; improve your health

2021-08-04T08:00:00+10:00

Good quality sleep is essential for good health as it impacts metabolic, emotional and cognitive processes. Given that sleep problems affect one in three adults and have been linked to the leading causes of death such as cancer and heart disease, it seems that the need to improve sleep is a ‘no-brainer’.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Kale, honey and boredom busters!

2021-07-28T10:00:00+10:00

We’ve got an interesting line up for you this month. I report on research into kale and honey and offer some tips about working from home. I’ll also tell you 20 top tips for beating the boredom of lockdown.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Grains you may not know about - buckwheat

2021-07-21T08:00:00+10:00

With an earthy flavour and its distinctive triangular shape, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a wonderful addition to your cooking. Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat nor is it a grain. In fact, it is a pseudo cereal from the seed of a flowering plant and is related to rhubarb and sorrel.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Processed meats and their health implications for dementia, ovarian cancer and hypertension in women

2021-07-14T08:00:00+10:00

Several studies into the different health impacts of cured meats such as bacon, ham and hot dogs raise some worrying questions, especially for women.

Open Sesame (seeds)! Nutrition secrets you need to know.

2021-07-07T08:00:06+10:00

There’s a lot to know about sesame seeds. Join me as I delve into their nutritional value and show you how you can use them in your everyday cooking.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Food delivery and wild mushrooms!

2021-06-30T10:00:00+10:00

We’ve got an interesting line up for you this month. I report on research into online home delivery of food (a webinar I’d been listening to). I’ll also tell you about my mushroom foraging trip.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

7 books to make healthy eating easier

2021-06-23T08:00:00+10:00

People tell me how confused they are about what they should eat. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 7 books that will help make healthy eating easier.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Pork and Mushroom Meatball-Style Soup

2021-06-16T08:00:57+10:00

Three non-alcoholic drinks for Febfast, Dry July or Ocsober!

2021-06-09T08:00:00+10:00

In February 2021, I signed up to Febfast and gave up alcohol for the month. On the Febfast website, you can also give up sugar, processed foods, swearing or running late! See more here.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Product Snapshot: Olina’s Snackers Crackers

2021-06-02T08:00:45+10:00

We sampled Olina’s latest offering in the seeded cracker range – called Olina’s Bakehouse Seriously Seedy Snackers (which is a great name BTW). They come in four flavours: Barbecue, Chilli & Lime, Beetroot & Sour Cream, and Balsamic Vinegar & Caramelised Onion. Take a look at our verdict.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Science shows that fish oils DO help you live longer and more...

2021-05-26T10:00:00+10:00

Our May Foodwatch Newsletter is packed full of interesting items. Fish oils and anti-aging being just one of the topics. Take a look...

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Product review: Leggo’s Organic Sauces

2021-05-19T08:00:52+10:00

These new organic pasta sauces from Leggo’s come in three varieties – Organic Tomato and Basil, Organic Tomato and Garlic, and Organic Tomato and Veggies. All of them sport an impressive 4.5 Health Star Rating (HSR). Read on to see how they fared in my taste tests and under the nutrition microscope.

This post has been sponsored by Leggo’s.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Asian-style omelette with prawns, cabbage and broccolini

2021-05-12T08:00:57+10:00

Zero-alcohol beers that taste like the real thing!

2021-05-05T08:00:00+10:00

During Febfast in 2021, I found a glass of non-alcoholic beer was a great way to tackle that ‘pre-dinner drinks hour’ and was very refreshing in hot weather. It tasted like the real thing and it was no hardship to swap to this healthier alternative.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

The link between sterilized dummies and food allergies and more...

2021-04-28T10:00:00+10:00

In this month's Foodwatch Newsletter I report on Australian research into the links between dummy cleaning and food allergies but of course there's much more. take a look!

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Product snapshot – Woolworths' Fruit sourdough, is it a better alternative to other fruit breads?

2021-04-21T08:00:45+10:00

I’m sure we all like a slice of toasted fruit loaf with our morning coffee from time to time. I certainly do but I’m always worried about the amount of added sugar in them. That’s why I was interested to try Woolworths Fruit and Seed Sourdough bread. Take a look at my findings…

What the heck are postbiotics?

2021-04-14T08:00:00+10:00

You’ve probably heard of probiotics, those friendly bacteria that can grow and multiply in our large intestines. You may also have heard of prebiotics, those high-soluble fibres that act as fuel or food for these friendly bacteria. But have you heard of postbiotics and do you know what they are?

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Lamb Cutlets with Cucumber & Pea Salad and Spiced Curry Yoghurt

2021-04-07T08:00:57+10:00

Healthy plating, COVID and obesity and more...

2021-03-31T10:00:00+11:00

The vaccines have arrived in Australia and are beginning to roll out and we’ve had several incubation periods pass without new COVID cases in the community and only a couple through hotel quarantine, so restrictions are being eased here in Australia and things are slowly moving towards normal. I’m sure we’re all breathing a sigh of relief and gratitude to all those who managed this pandemic and worked on the frontlines.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

10 easy ways for women to boost fibre

2021-03-24T08:00:00+11:00

A diet rich in fibre is key for developing a healthy microbiome – which, in turn, helps with proper food digestion, metabolism regulation and boosting immune response. By creating bulky faeces, it also lowers the risk of constipation (an everyday headache for women particularly).

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Tonic water – better for you than other soft drinks, or not?

2021-03-17T08:00:00+11:00

I often get asked questions about tonic water. The most common goes something like this… “I like to drink tonic water at night. I thought it wouldn’t have much sugar as it doesn’t taste sweet but my friend said it did. Who’s right?”

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Healthy eating made easy for busy women

2021-03-10T08:00:00+11:00

When you’re busy it’s easy to reach for a quick hunger-fix. Unfortunately, easy and quick doesn’t equal healthy. Here are my 10 simple tips to make healthy eating easy and way less confusing. Follow them and you’ll be eating right!

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Mexican Lettuce Cups with Avo Yoghurt Dressing and Steamed Corn

2021-03-03T08:00:57+11:00

5 life hacks to a positive 2021 and lots more…

2021-02-24T10:00:00+11:00

This is our first Foodwatch Newsletter for 2021! I think we’re all hoping for a better year than we had last yearand looking for a bit of a boost. My life hacks can help you stay positive and do just that. Take a look...

Author

Catherine Saxelby

To chew or not to chew? Trendy vitamins!

2021-02-17T08:00:00+11:00

Chewable vitamins such as Vita Gummies are very ‘on-trend’. So, should you opt for chewing rather than swallowing? We take a look at their pros and cons so you can make an informed choice.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Product Snapshot – Carman’s Protein Salted Caramel Nut Butter bar

2021-02-10T08:00:45+11:00

There’s a plethora of muesli bars, nut bars, nut and seed bars available these days. I’ve tried several and none really hit the spot for me. I’ve had a few that tasted a bit rancid and others that were way, way too sweet. That’s why I tried these bars. Here's what I found…

Is Krill oil better than fish oil?

2021-02-03T08:00:00+11:00

This is a question I’m often asked. Especially as krill oil bounced onto the huge market of fish oil capsules with unbelievable claims such as "better absorbed" and "more powerful than fish oil". So, should you buy krill instead of fish oil despite its larger price tag? Take a look…

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Product Snapshot: Woolworths Soft wraps with 65% less carb

2021-01-27T08:00:45+11:00

Low carb products are all the rage at the moment. Those on keto and low carb diets are always on the lookout for low carb versions of their favourite foods such as breads and wraps. We’ve already reviewed low carb breads and low carb potatoes and now we’re now giving you a quick look at these soft wraps from Woolworths which have 65 per cent less carbs.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

How to beat those cravings

2021-01-20T08:00:00+11:00

Many of us have cravings from time to time and for different reasons. One thing is certain, they can sabotage all your best efforts at a healthy diet and/or weight loss. The good news? You CAN beat them. I’ll tell you how.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

What if I can’t swallow a large, one-gram, fish oil capsule?

2020-12-16T08:00:00+11:00

Those large fish oil caps can be a real problem for the elderly, children and anyone with swallowing difficulties. The good news is, there are other choices!

Author

Catherine Saxelby

The hidden sources of sodium in medicines and additives

2020-12-09T08:00:00+11:00

When we’re trying to reduce our sodium intake we need to be aware that sodium is also found in medicines and additives as well as in many of our foods. These sources can all contribute to excess salt. So, which ones should you be wary of?

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Pink salts are NOT healthier for you

2020-12-02T08:00:00+11:00

I guess you’ve seen those lovely pink Himalayan salts packs. They’ve almost become a designer accessory for the modern kitchen. Well, pretty they may be, healthy they’re not.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Resist the Xmas splurge urge to keep the kilos under control; polyphenol news and more...

2020-11-25T10:00:00+11:00

This is our last Foodwatch Newsletter for 2020! In it I’ll tell you how to resist the Christmas splurge urge and more...

Author

Catherine Saxelby

Product Snapshot: Nudus fruit and veg chips

2020-11-18T08:00:45+11:00

If you’re on social media, then you’re almost guaranteed to have heard of Nudus. They seem to be carpet bombing the Instagram and Facebook feeds. This made me curious (yes, the ads worked!) to see what they were like as they have 5 Health Stars and claim to be made from 100% fruit or veg.

Eat to beat the menopause

2020-11-11T08:00:00+11:00

Menopause – those years which mark the end of a woman’s reproductive life and when a woman’s hormones cease can be a blessing or a curse. Around 80 per cent of women experience the unpleasant symptoms of menopause like hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, depression, moodiness, irritability and sleeplessness. The rest simply sail through those years between 45 and 55 with nothing more than irregular periods.

However it affects you, this is a time to pay attention to your daily diet. Good food and a healthy lifestyle can help avoid many menopause-related problems like overweight, heart disease and osteoporosis and will make this time easier.

Author

Catherine Saxelby

How much sodium is in Asian salty sauces?

2020-11-04T08:00:00+11:00

Salty sauces like soy, fish or hoisin sauce are a key feature of Asian cuisine and are used in countless ways as marinades, splashed into stir fries and soups, as a basting sauce on roasts and barbecues, as a dipping or a table sauce. These sauces are an easy way to add flavour to meats, fish, vegetables and plain rice or noodles. Their one drawback is the huge load of salt (sodium) they deliver. Read on for the best and worst of these sauces and how you can minimize their damage.

Author

Catherine Saxelby