I hope you enjoyed the Easter break and spent time relaxing with good food and good company. We took advantage of the holidays and headed out to Stanthorpe to spend some time away from our busy lives and indulge in some great local produce.
My husband has an adopted grapevine at one of the wineries, so it was an excellent excuse to visit his Shiraz vine and do a bit of wine tasting. As the weather cools off, I am looking forward to enjoying a glass of wine with a rich, warm, comforting casserole like these Lamb Shanks in Cranberry Sauce. I can’t wait to try them in my slow cooker.
While in Stanthorpe, we also visited an apple farm , juice factory and cidery. Unfortunately hail had damaged some of the crop recently, so we weren’t able to pick our own apples and bring them home with us. The kids are definitely keen to do that next time! We did sample some juice though and brought some home with us. The local fruit shop were able to help us out with fresh Stanthorpe apples. While we love to snack on apples, this recipe for Pork and Apple Bake is one of my favourite ways to eat apples and a perfect way to use our fresh apples and juice. I usually make it with apple juice instead of cider, and serve it with steamed beans.
We also had the opportunity to pick our own strawberries at the strawberry farm. We had so much fun. The berries were beautiful and the kids loved finding the biggest, ripest ones. They were so bright and glossy and tasted so sweet. Again, we are just happy to eat fresh strawberries as a snack or on top of our Bircher Muesli (see our October Blog for the recipe), but if you are looking for something a little different and comforting, try this Roasted Strawberry Crumble . And if you still have a taste for chocolate after Easter, then you can always indulge in a Chocolate Coated Strawberry with a cup of coffee after dinner.
The days are getting longer and warmer; people are emerging out of the dim dark depths of the winter cover-up. Families are gathering around parks on Sundays and having barbecues with friends. So you find your summer shorts and strappy shirt only to find that the zip won't do up and when did you develop those flabby arms?
- Time to shape up for summer but what is the best way to get fast results?
Decide if you just want to look good or if you really want to be fit, healthy and feel fantastic. The only way to stay motivated and move into your new healthy self is if you value your health. Ask yourself, who do have to become to be the fit and healthy person you desire? You have to become that person who selects food that will nourish their body, who eats to satisfy the body's needs and hunger and does not overindulge in food or alcohol. That person respects their body every day and enjoys an active, fulfilling lifestyle. - Move more. Incidental exercise is very important. At least 1hour of incidental exercise every day. Take the stairs instead of the lift, walk to the shops, walk to your colleague on the next floor instead of emailing them.
- Get up in the morning and go outside for a walk, jog or swim, you will start the day feeling energetic with an hour of increased heart rate and breathing and this will take you through the rest of the day.
- Join a gym or exercise group. If you make a commitment to others to join them in the morning to exercise, it will help to motivate you.
- Do something you love or try a new sport.
- Try some yoga or pilates to help support your inner strength and psychological well being.
- Lift some weights a couple of times a week to help build muscle tone, increase your bone strength and metabolic rate.
- Meditate every day to help clear your mind and build a healthy self-esteem.
- Play with your pets. Research says that people with pets exercise more, get sick less and are happier.
- Start the day with a healthy breakfast of some fruit, protein and carbohydrates. Avoid fatty breakfasts as your body will crave fat for the rest of the day and you will feel sluggish.
- Encourage healthy eating at work. Suggest that you don't have any birthday cakes and replace the biscuits with fruit and yoghurt
- Decide to not drink alcohol for a couple of weeks to completely get rid of it from your system. After a couple of weeks, decide to only drink alcohol a couple of days a week, you will feel better and probably lose weight.
- Be happy, its easy to be happy, it is a state of mind that you can choose.
- Getting fit, healthy and feeling good starts in your head. Get it right there and it will carry on to the rest of your body and your life.
Merry Christmas
Christmas is my favourite time of year, spending time with family and friends, and of course the special food that we associate with Christmas. Unfortunately though, for people who have a food allergy or intolerance, it can be a daunting time with lots of social events and often having to go without festive food. If you, or someone in your circle of family and friends have special dietary requirements, then this special Christmas edition is for you.
Homemade sweets and treats
Making special Christmas treats with my children to share with loved ones, is something I treasure at this time of year. Rocky Road and Rum Balls are two of my favourites, and often don’t make it into Christmas gifts and out of the house. If you are looking for some allergy friendly Christmas gifts or a little treat for yourself then try these ideas.
With only three ingredients, Apricot Balls are super easy and gluten free. I often use skim condensed milk and buy diced dried apricots.
Apricot Balls
- 400 g condensed milk
- 250 g desiccated coconut
- 200 g dried apricots, chopped
Combine all the ingredients and mix well.
Roll into balls and refrigerate.
If you or your loved one needs a low FODMAPs diet, then these Chocolate Balls (Chocolate Macaroons from Taste.com.au) are perfect. They are also really easy and only have four ingredients.
Our household is embarking on an elimination of salicylates, amines, and glutamates at the moment, which is really tricky. This year, I’m planning on making my first batch of Shortbread, which will be perfect with a cup of tea over the festive season.
Christmas dinner
Whether you have your main meal at lunch or dinner, a roast will suit these allergy requirements. Choose from roast beef, lamb or chicken and a range of vegetables including potato, sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, and beans.
Finish off your meal with a delicious ice cream pudding. Combine your choice of ice cream with crumbled homemade Meringues and fresh blueberries. (Check your ice cream is gluten free if necessary, choose a lactose free ice cream if you require low FODMAPs, and no colours or flavours if you are doing an elimination diet).
Have a fabulous festive season.