Nutrition

Have you ever wondered what organic really means? Simply stated by nutrition guru Rosie, “It’s fresh produce that hasn’t been treated with substances to extend its shelf life or increase its growth that could possibly be toxic for human consumption. The chemicals can be absorbed into the plant through its roots and leaves and then into us!” In her latest article for HIF, Rosie explains the importance of organic food, debunks the common myths and provides her top tips to the organic items you should prioritise.

Feeling low? It’s time to use food as medicine. According to nutritionist expert, Rosie Mansfield, "Good nutrition can provide nutrients that can calm the mind and body whilst also increasing energy and stabilizing your mood. A really smart move is to adjust your diet to one that is supporting your nervous system and not stimulating it. The foods we should commit to reducing include caffeine, alcohol, sugar, high glycemic carbohydrates and fried foods. But don’t worry there are a plethora of delicious foods you can easily add to your diet to soothe an excitable nervous system. Remember, you are what you eat." In her latest article for HIF, Rosie delves in the foods that will improve your mood, energy and overall health. 

Every day Nutritionists and Dietitians are asked a host of different questions, from organic vs non-organic, quick weight loss diets and what foods you should and shouldn’t eat? In her first article for HIF, Nutrition expert Rosie Mansfield reveals the most common questions about food and the answers you may or may not have been hoping for.

What are you eating for lunch today? A quick salad or sandwich from the food court, some leftovers, or maybe a few crackers with tuna at your desk? While we often hear that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, let’s not forget how important lunch is when it comes to weight control. According to Susie, "The most common scenario now sees busy workers, mums and students eating their ‘lunchtime’ meal at 2 or 3pm and choosing ‘lunch’ options such as sushi, wraps, rolls and stir fries. These dishes are packed full of carbs which not only play havoc with our hormonal balance and cravings, but it also sees us consuming a significant number of calories in the second half of the day, when we are least active." With this in mind, we caught up with Susie to discuss why lunch holds the key to nutritional balance and her advice on the best foods to eat. 

Celebrity chefs and weight loss experts have been encouraging us to eat less sugar for some years. Sugar is partly to blame for more than 60% of Australian adults who are considered to be overweight or obese. PhD researcher Masoor Shariff compared sugar consumption to drug abuse and found some similarities in changes to the layout of our brain cells. With the evidence mounting against sugar, what can you do to wean your child off their high sugar diet?

We all know that we have to eat more vegetables and that five serves each day are what we need for good health, but according to nutrition guru Susie Burrell, "Far fewer of us know that when it comes to optimal health and well-being we need a lot more than the minimum of 5 serves of vegies a day that is recommended by public health agencies. In fact, when we look at the data from countries who have the healthiest diets, they are on average consuming 7-10 serves of fresh fruit and veggies every single day." Well, consuming more vegetables is easier than you think, follow Susie's five simple steps to hit your veggie target every day. 

How much water do you drink per day? According to our Susie, "The average adult requires a minimum 1.5L of extra water each day, and even more if they are regularly active or training. Surprisngly though, it is estimated that at least 75% of Australians are dehydrated at any one time." With summer just around the corner, we asked Susie for her advice on the best fluids for optimal hydration.