The Contented Body's Blog

Healthy fast food – yes it is possible!

Contented Nutritionist — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:01:25 +0000

Busy lives, rushing, never enough time in the day! It’s no wonder that fast food continues to be popular, especially when we also consider it is inexpensive. However, there is no escaping the fact that it is unhealthy - high in fat, salt, sugar and calories. So what do we do when we need a quick meal? A few simple things will ensure that you dont get tempted by the convenience of fast food – keep your fridge and cupboards well stocked with foods that can provide a quick meal e.g. tuna, eggs, cooked chicken, nuts, salads and fruit; cook in batches and freeze or refridgerate and choose sushi, wraps or salads when buying a quick meal. It really is that simple!

Neotame – the insanity continues!

Contented Nutritionist — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:35:06 +0000

We have all heard of aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in soft drinks such as diet coke. It is highly toxic and has been linked with many illnesses including tumours, MS and Parkinson’s disease. Just as public awareness of this dangerous additive seems to be increasing another artificial sweetener, called neotame, has been approved by the FDA. And this one is even more toxic! But worst of all the FDA has decided that neotame doesnt need to be labelled on products, making it impossible to know whether we are consuming it. The only sure-fire way to avoid this harmful additive is to avoid diet soft drinks, chewing gum, baked goods and frozen desserts. Yet another reminder to take responsiblity for our diets and as much as possible make all our meals from scratch.

Recipe of the week

Contented Nutritionist — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:15:59 +0000

Try this lovely fresh Prawn & Mango Salad this weekend – you will love it!

Prep + cook time: 35 mins
Serves 4
1kg uncooked king prawns, shelled and deveined
2 tbs tamari
2 tsp sesame oil
1 large red chili, finely chopped
2 tsp coriander root and stem, finely chopped
1cm fresh ginger, grated
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 large mango, thinly sliced
1 red capsicum (bell pepper), thinly sliced
1 cucumber, cubed
1 cup bean sprouts (fresh or canned)
½ cup coriander leaves
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup lime juice
1 tbs castor sugar
2tsp fish sauce

In a bowl, mix prawns with soy sauce, sesame oil, chili, root and stem of coriander, ginger and garlic. Refrigerate for 30 mins. Meanwhile, make dressing by mixing the lime juice, castor sugar and fish sauce in a screw top jar and shaking well. Refrigerate. Cook prawns in a heated large frying pan until they turn light pink. Mix prawns, dressing and remaining ingredients.

And enjoy!

Have you developed food intolerances?

Contented Nutritionist — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:39:02 +0000

If you find that you are suffering from symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, skin problems, asthma, aching joints or muscles, fatigue or changes in apetite then it is possible that you may have developed an intolerance to one or more foods. People are often surprised when they develop intolerances later in life when they have previously experienced no problems with food. However, when we think about the factors that can contribute to food intolerances we shouldnt really be so surprised. Stress, poor diet, high alcohol intake and taking certain medications are just some of the factors that can predispose us to develop food intolerances. If you suspect this applies to you then take action today to remedy your health – it’s that simple!

Recipe of the week

Contented Nutritionist — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:43:30 +0000

This is another simple but nutritious recipe that is usually popular with children – our kids love it!

Fish with Zucchini (courgette) rice

Prep + cook time: 35 mins

Serves 4

4 fillets of white fish

1kg Zucchini (courgette), sliced

65g of DF butter

1 red onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

500g tomatoes, skinned and chopped or 425g can of chopped tomatoes

brown rice

Cook brown rice in steamer according to instructions. Melt butter in large pan over low heat. Add onion, garlic, tomatoes and seasoning and simmer for 15 mins. Add Zucchini (courgette) and simmer for 10 mins more. Stir vegetable mix into cooked rice and serve topped with grilled fish.

And enjoy!

The benefits of green tea

Contented Nutritionist — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:57:49 +0000

Next time you are automatically ordering your daily coffee why dont you consider another option – green tea? Because of its high levels of antioxidants it can boost immunity and help offer protection against heart disease and cancer. On hot days keep a jug of home-made iced green tea in the fridge for a healthy, refreshing cold drink.

New Year, New You?

Contented Nutritionist — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:17:51 +0000

The start of a new year is when many of us make resolutions to make improvements in our health and lifestyle choices. Here are a few areas you may wish to consider – are you happy with you weight, your diet, the amount of alcohol you consume, your fitness level, your levels of stress, your work-life balance, your relationships and friendships? If you do feel you need to make some changes this year then dont try to change everything at once but prioritise the most important ones and start to make small changes now. Happy New Year.

Did you know?

Contented Nutritionist — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:32:36 +0000

That tuna contains high levels of mercury? Mercury is highly toxic to adults and has been linked to brain damage in unborn children. So despite the nutrititonal benefits of tuna, you shouldnt eat more than 2 tuna steaks, or 4 medium tins, each week especially if you are pregnant. However, dont avoid tuna completely as, eaten in moderation, is a great food.

Recipe of the week

Contented Nutritionist — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:11:00 +0000

Chickpeas are a near perfect food and a great addition to everyone’s diet. They are abundant in fiber, calcium, iron and vitamin A and low in calories, sodium and fat. The possible therapeutic benefits of regularly eating chickpeas and other beans include reduced blood cholesterol, reduced blood pressure, improved insulin and blood sugar control and protection against cancer as they contain chemicals that inhibit cancer. Try this great recipe using chickpeas:

Lemon & basil barramundi with chickpea salad

2 tbs olive oil

1 red chilli, finely chopped

2 tbs freshly chopped basil leaves

4 fresh barramundi fillets, about 100g each

2 cloves of garlic

2 x 400g chickpeas, rinsed and drained

125g chicken stock

1 red capsicum, chopped

2 tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice

120g baby rocket

In a large bowl, mix 1 tbs olive oil with the chili and 1 tbs of basil leaves. Add fish to the bowl and coat thoroughly in the oil mixture. Cook the fillets, skin side down, in a large frying pan, gently shaking the pan so they do not stick. Cook over medium heat until skin is crisp and fillets are cooked through. Flip fillets over then rest in a warm place.

And enjoy!

Did You Know?

Contented Nutritionist — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:20:22 +0000

That garlic is an amazing food? In fact is has been used as a medicine for hundreds of years. It can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and can also protect against cancer of the stomach and the colon. Try to have 2-3 cloves each day.