When you work in the field of natural health and nutrition, you’ll never look at foods the same way again. Nutrition is more than can a career, it’s a way of life.

The quest to find the least processed food products is never ending. Because once you have this knowledge, it’s impossible to put something into your mouth without being fully informed of it’s nutritional value. Grocery shopping trips become crusades to find the most wholesome ingredients to make the healthiest dishes to feed the family. 

 
Processed foods are scrutinized to ensure they’re not full of artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, excess salt, excess sugar, sweeteners and in many cases free of dairy and gluten. (The ingredients list is an essential place to start to access the nutritional value of any packaged food item.)

It’s also helpful to check out the nutrition panel which answers questions such as does this product have any fibre and how much, protein, fat and carbohydrates does it contain?

Everyday we make food choices based on emotions, energy levels, convenience, finances and availability. When buying food for children the choices are often even more complex such as will the child eat these foods and keep them happy?

Without a working knowledge of food as medicine and healthy eating, it can be very easy to fall into bad food habits and unknowingly create and prolong health issues.

Often times my clients are unaware of the links between diet and overall health. Nutritional deficiencies can produce an array of problems ranging from digestive disorders to skin problems, mental and behavioral issues, low energy, low immunity, food allergies and intolerances.

Every health condition you can think of can be improved with a supportive and targeted diet.

This begins with understanding my client’s typical diet and marrying this with their current health concern. From here, nutritional deficiences can be identified and problematic foods identified then eliminated or reduced. Whilst foods that target the specific health issue in a postive way, are incorporated into the diet.

Dietary changes can be challenging but the rewards are amazing. From a client’s perspective, knowing that certain foods can exaccerbate their current health concerns, gives them a very practical and empowering path forward to improve their health.

For instance, a client who wants to reduce their blood pressure would gain immediate benefit from reducing their caffeine intake and eating a diet lower in salt. Not to mention eating more magnesium rich foods and taking a supplement which contains magnesium.

From a natural healthcare point of view, there are a myraid of ways to reduce blood pressure. Regular exercise for 30 minutes a day, reducing stress, getting good quality sleep, meditation and drinking more water to name a few.

Nutritional education is a way of giving clients their power back. They are not merely at the mercy of prescription medication for life.

Of course no-one should go off their prescription medications without first discussing this with their GP, but by enabling the client to take a proactive approach to their healthcare through eating a supportive diet, optimal health can be achieved.

On a recent rainy afternoon in Lockdown, I found myself looking to watch the early news at 4pm but instead discovered not one but two cooking shows on air at the same time on different channels.

Our Aussie obsession with cooking shows is seemingly growing by the day!

On Channel Ten I found Good Chef, Bad Chef, an interesting twist on meat loving dishes and vegetarian fare.

Meanwhile the ABC was broadcasting The Cook & The Chef, one of my all time favourites. Maggie Beer is an absolute inspiration. She appears so enamoured with her fresh, whole foods much of which is locally produced. Her passion for creating home style cooking that’s down to earth, wholesome yet rich looks as amazing as I’m sure it tastes. She is truely captivating. Not the least of which is because she is a self taught cook and restauranteur. The show is counter balanced by Chef Simon Bryant who creates equally amazing dishes with a more profession edge. The respect they have for each is very endearing.

Conveying the taste, texture and smell of food on television is quite a feat.

When we start to feel hungry our stomach and mouth begin producing acid, enzymes and saliva in preparation for eating a meal. From a television perspective, showing all the elements that go into making a dish, lights up the pleasure centre of the brain and increases the excitement of seeing the the final dish. Not to mention motivating the audience to replicate the dish in their own kitchen. Desperate to get a taste of what they have just seen.

Perfect lighting and camera work shows off the Piece De Resistance and the meal is devoured by the cast as a mouth watering treat.

The Masterchef juggenout is in a league of it’s own with it’s high degree of difficulty and competition basis for creating astonishing dishes.

And there are many other cooking shows, both locally made for Australian TV and international shows which captivate audiences week in, week out.

My favourtie international shows are anything with chefs Nigella Lawson or Jamie Oliver. Their ability to simplify meals to make it accessable to all is what makes them so appealing. The audience thinks if that if it’s really that easy then maybe I can make it too.

But Nigella and Jamie have the Maggie factor too. They just love their ingredients. And loving ingredients and wanting to make meals to celebrate them, is what it’s all about.

I must confess that while I never follow a recipe, I am inspired by what foods are in season and what I can make with them. Often times I am just experimenting to see what’s possible based on little tips I’ve seen on TV!

My first introduction to cooking shows was working on a channel 9 program called What’s Cooking with French Chef Gabriel Gate. It was my job to type up the recipes, do the credit roll and provide any other text or graphics needed for the show. We would tape five shows for a whole week, starting at 6.30am and finishing at around 3pm and then I’d go and do the news or weather.

The beauty of seeing ingredients become dishes on camera is magical. But best of all was when the crew got to eat the leftovers and the ones prepared earlier!

I was living at time with flatmates and I seldomed cooked. I ate at the staff canteen and shift work made it difficult to have a regular food routine.

Years later I began to cook more and I believe that cooking shows have helped me to become more adventurous and confident in the kitchen. Food is essential and when you can make it more enjoyable, amazing things can happen!

As we endure Melbourne’s 7th week of Stage 4 lockdown measures, things can go a little awry. Especially, on a day like today when it’s wet, cold and frankly miserable.

You could be forgiven for wanting to stay warm in bed and shut out the world. It’s somewhat of a rude awakening after weeks of relative warmth and sunshine for this time of the year.

Melbourne’s reputation for being a cold grey city is rearing it’s head today.

So what to do? You still have commitments like homeschooling the children, working from your laptop and keeping the household on an even keel. None of these things stop when the weather’s bad or when an as yet unstoppable Covid-19 virus comes to town.

Recent talk in the media has cited increased alcohol use in the home either as a coping mechanism or as a substitue for the lack of socialization and entertainment outside of the home.

What starts out innocently enough, a glass of wine while making dinner, can easily become a habitual reliance on a substance that frankly has nothing to recommend it. Sadly, using alcohol as a coping mechanism can end up creating more problems that it cures.

Alcohol is often portrayed as an escape from all your worldly issues. While this may work momentarily, like all drugs, when the effects wear off, it’s manatory that you drink some more to regain that state of bliss.

We’ve seen the panic buying of alcohol at the beginning of the pandemic. It was clearly viewed as an ‘essential item’ as no government dared to close liquor stores.

Beyond the familiar hangover symptoms such as headaches, dehydration and generally feeling blah. Increased alcohol consumption can also have unintended consequences. Like getting to sleep faster only to wake in the night and not be able to go off to sleep again.

Unexpected weight gain is another common side effect of alcohol consumption. The body views alcohol as a toxin, what can’t be eliminated from the body is stored in fat cells, most noteably around the waist (beer belly).

Reducing your energy and vitality. Projects are put on the back burner as you don’t have mental or physical energy to tackle them. Memory and concentration can also be affected due to a lack of B vitamins.

Many people develop systemic Candida infections leading to Thrush (among a myraid of other health issues) which can wreak havock with your physical, mental, emotional and sexual health.

Fertility is also reduced when both partners drink regularly. It affects sperm and egg quality, hormone levels and genetic expression.

For women, alcohol is especially problematic as it’s associated with increased period problems and menopausal symptoms due to nutritional deficiencies and reduced liver capacity to detoxify the body.

For men and women, alcohol increases the risk of all cancers.

And let’s not forget, alcohol does nothing to boost your immunity. The one true asset you have right now to ensure that you stay healthy and well.

Indeed alcohol increases the risk of catching anything and everything as your body is depleted of vital nutritents such as vitamin C and other antioxidants.

So if you want to regain your energy and motivation take stock of the things you have in your control. Simple changes can have a big effect on your health.

If you can’t completely elminate alcohol at least experiment with alcohol free days or reducing the amount/frequency of it’s use. You body will thank you for it.

Replacing it with other healthier options or activities is a great strategy too.

There has never been a better time to take control of your health. Email gettingwellnaturally@gmail today to take advantage of our $99 lockdown special offer and start getting the help you need today for a healthier tomorrow.

With the Victorian Government recently announcing that the state of emergency will exend for a further month (until mid-May, 2020) our thoughts are now centred on how to stay sane in these ever changing and unprecedented times.

With so much uncertainty around us, how do we rise above and get out of bed hopeful every morning?

Our daily routines have been turned upside down. Children are studying at home, parents are working from home, countless others are without jobs and income.

No. 1 It’s worthwhile remembering that as Australians we are lucky ones. We have a proactive governments at all levels, some of the highest testing in the world to identify cases and to chase up potential cases of community transmission.

We also have a fantastic health care system. Financial packages which look after almost every sector impacted by these mass business shutdowns and a community which is by and large, adhering to the restrictions to prevent a further spread of the virus.

The impact of all of these measures is showing dividends with case numbers in Victoria now in singles digits across this Easter long weekend.

Adding a further month will allow us to consolidate the gains we have created and will help to prevent a second wave of infections when restrictions are finally lifted.

No. 2 The abilty to spend time in green space is invaluable to maintaining our mental and emotional wellbeing. Coupled with a brisk walk or ride the Vitamin D from the sun (immune boosting) in conjuction with the endorphins (feel good chemicals) from the exercise make this a very healthy daily activity. This is especially important if you live in an apartment or have no backyard. Just 30 minutes a day can make a world of difference to your mental health.

No. 3 Visit a fruit and vege shop and load up on fresh whole foods. There has never been a more important time to look after your body and keep your immunity high and emotions on an even keil.

Brightly colored fruit and vege are full of Vitamins A & C which are perfect for boosting your immunity and protecting your lungs. In particular red, purple and orange/yellow colored foods.

Good quality omega 3 fatty acids from advocados, nuts and seeds also make you super healthy mentally. Along with leafy green vegies full of B vitamins for mood and energy.

Sunshine, exercise and great food can get us through these challenging times. Connecting with family and friends in novel ways online and over the phone can also be invaluable tools to keep us mentally strong.

If all else fails or if you need extra motivation or targeted nutrients or herbal solutions you can access our services online too, via our new Telehealth Consultations.

These are being offered at a special price of $99 to ensure that anyone who does need help can receive it. This offer extend until Mid May or until the lockdown period ends.

Email: gettingwellnaturally@gmail.com to begin your wellness journey.

In the meanwhile stay safe!

Well it’s certainly been an eventful couple of weeks in Australia and the world. The likes of which we’ve never before seen in our lifetime.

In recognition of the need for social distancing and maintaining the health and wellbeing of everyone in the clinic, online consulting has now become the norm.

While there is no substitute for in person consulting, especially for the initial consult, our telehealth platform makes it possible to hear your story and health concerns and to create a treatment plan tailored just for you.

And it’s available to you Monday to Saturday by appointment from your very own home computer or mobile and all for the great price of $130 (normally $160).

Supplements if required for your treatment can be couriered to you and test kits can also be dispatched directly to your letterbox and returned via post to be processed by our pathology lab. Your test results are then emailed to us in time for your follow up appointment.

With just a few tweaks we’ve created a consultation experience much like coming to the clinic. You will receive the same great advice and treatment and we are happy to email you additional information if the need arises.

The main difference is that all consultations are now pre-paid, 1 day before your consultation. You will receive an invoice with payment options for you to complete.

In addition to this you will be sent another email with a link that brings you directly into the virtual waiting room. No need to download Apps or do anything special just click the email link and your consultation will begin.

Please be aware that slow internet connections may require that you close other open programs on your computer while the consultation is in progress.

If the internet is down the consultation will be conducted via phone. We will call you.

Please feel free to contact us at gettingwellnaturally@gmail.com if you have any further queries or to request a consultation. Remember you’re not alone and there’s no need to go without Naturopathic healthcare, we are here for you!

There’s never been a better time to invest in preventative healthcare. To date it’s the only protection we have.

You can make the difference.

As we grapple with avoiding large gatherings, distancing ourselves from our co-workers and avoiding the vulnerable, we can feel completely overwhelmed.

If you have been ordered to work from home, you may be wondering what you can do to fortify your health and wellbeing, aside from restricting your movements throughout the day.

This really is the best time to look at prevenative health care measures. If you have an hour to do a Skype consultation or attend our Northcote or Yarraville clinics, it could be the best time and money you’ve ever spent.

Take the time to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones by being proactive. Learn how to keep yourself healthy, it’s the best protection you’ll ever have.

Right now we have extended our special offer on Naturopathic and Nutrition consultations to Save $30 (normally $160). We have also set up Skype consultations for those who are in lockdown.

Book online today or email gettingwellnaturally.com.au for more information.

At present the clinic continues to operate as normal, however, contingencies are being put into place to protect the health and wellness of our clients and coworkers, as we are now in unchartered waters with regard to Victoria being placed in a state of emergency.

We are monitoring the situation and as yet there is no advice to abstain from normal daily activities, work, school, etc. However, if we follow the lead of our European counterparts and restrict all unnecessary movement outside of the home, we may have to move to online appointments.

Please note if you have an upcoming appointment at the Northcote or Yarraville clinic, we will contact you the day prior with an update on where your appointment will be conducted.

Fingers crossed, it will continue to be business as usual as we love meeting all of our valued clients in person.

Feel free to email us at gettingwellnaturally@gmail.com if you have any other concerns.

In these uncertain times it’s comforting to know that we have enough toilet paper to ensure bathroom happiness lest we’re confined to our homes, to ride out a viral attack.

Seriously though, what can we do to fortify our immunity in a world which revolves around travel, study and work? Not to mention sporting and entertainment events, family committments and more?

Hand sanitiser can be helpful in situations were you cannot clean your hands after touching surfaces in public spaces (The Thank-You brand is a natural option.)

However, washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is equally good if done frequently and for at least a minute, cleaning between the fingers and under the nails, etc.

Staying well hydrated is absolutely essential to keep the mucous membranes of the nose and throat moist and able to capture viral invaders so they can be coughed out (hand over mouth) or blown out (tissue flushed or binned as soon as possible and hands washed after).

Drink plenty of water with added lemon and peppermint (vitamin C) to bloster the immune system.

At the first sign of a sore throat gargle with warm water and sea salt.

To cough up phlegm try Bonnington’s Irish Moss a natural cough liquid.

Nature’s pharmacy encompasses healing foods which not only kill viruses but also enhance the immune system to prevent infections from occurring.

One of the best anti-viral foods is garlic. (It is also anti-bacterial & anti-fungal.) Forget supplemental odourless garlic though, it’s the odour that’s the active ingredient for killing viruses. Crush the garlic clove to allow these essential compounds to be released and ideally eaten raw for the best results.

If garlic breath is a concern simply take with parsley which is also high in Vitamin C.

Maintaining your immunity also requires getting plenty of fresh air, sunshine and rest. Stress will dampen your body’s ability to fight off an infection and keep you sick longer.

Some herbal medicines work better once you already have an infection (ie Echinacea) while others can be taken as a daily preventative (ie Astragalus).

However, it’s best to get individual advice on the best remedy for your particular situation, rather than simply buying off the shelf and hopeing for the best. Herbs are natural but they should be prescribed for your unique needs and everyone is different.

Most importantly though, maintain a postive outlook and prepare for this just as you would any other winter or flu season. Unnecessary panic will only add to your stress levels and put you further at risk.

Seek medical advice if you become unwell after being in the company of someone who has been in an infected area.

If you need extra advice on how to stay healthy, book an Initial Naturopathic consult today!

The kids are finally back at school and the working year is well underway. Everyone is back in routine, school drop offs, lunches, weekend grocery trips and sports practice.

But are you feeling energized and refreshed or exhaused from having extra demands to keep everyone happy and entertained over the holiday break?

As human beings we need a balance of rest and activity to optimize our health and wellness. While holidays should be a time of rest, the reality is that we can end up feeling like we have gone from one extreme to the other.

Suddenly, you’re able to sleep in until 9am instead of getting up and going to work and school by 8am and our bodies are thrown by this new freedom. Oversleeping and waking up feeling groggy with a headache is a common experience.

The more tired and stressed you were before the holidays, the more exaggerated the body’s response. As the weeks roll by you may find yourself having to reset an alarm just so you can make the most of the day.

At a certain point you decide to start planning activities to keep the kids and yourself busy to prevent the new experience of ‘boredom’ that arises after several weeks away from your usual commitments.

While this is a positive sign that energy levels and motivation are returning, it’s all too easy to overdo this stage of the holidays and end up feeling exhaused when work and school returns.

Again balance is the key here. Our bodies like a certain amount of routine.

By reseting your alarm a little later than you normally do you can ease yourself back into a more regular regime a week or so before you return to your normal activities.

Having a plan of attack for each day is important to make you feel like you have achieved something instead of wasting the day. Even if it’s only a shopping trip or another type of outing.

Gradually your body will ramp up again to accommodate your usual routine. However, you need to remember that a body in motion stays in motion. Committments and routine keep us going.

The key to staying energized is to combine rest with activity all throughout the year, instead of just waiting for the holidays. If you can enjoy some downtime in the evenings or weekends you will benefit from it.

Cutting back on holiday fare will also help recharge your energy levels. Too much alcohol and junk food will leave you feeling tired, bloated and heavy.

Swaping to fresh whole foods will help to clear these food toxins (ie preservatives, added sugars, colors, flavors, etc.) and give your liver a healthy kickstart.

If you are not feeling like you’ve had a holiday and need help to rebalance your health and diet, book an appointment today and enjoy 2020 the way it should be.

If the thought of endless workplace demands and drama is almost too much to bear, be kind to yourself and follow the steps below to maximise your productivity, creativity and enjoyment at work.

Step One

Recognise that to function at your best at work and to have energy left to enjoy life outside of work, you need to nourish yourself well with lots of wholefoods, quality protein and fat and make sure you get enough sleep.

Nutritional demands are different for everyone depending your age, existing medical conditions, activity level, medications, etc. Eating foods that gell with your unique needs is the key sustaining your wellness.

Step Two

Source high quality nutrients and herbal supplements to keep you firing all day and into the night. Depending on your underlying health status, there are a multitude of very effective natural products that can make a world of difference to how you tackle your job and your home life.

In the world of natural medicine herbs and nutrients are used to address health concerns at their root cause. Working with a Naturopath and Nutritionist can help you to identify why your body is out of balance or not as vibrant as you would like and then a targeted treatment plan can be created just for you to address your overall health goals.

While it is possible to source these products over the counter and over the internet; it’s still advisable to do a Naturopathic consultation and be given a treatment plan after a thorough review of your past and present health concerns, medications, etc.

Self prescribing can limit your options, stress your body and drain your wallet. Always seek professional Naturopathic/Nutritional advice first before taking any nutrient or supplement.

Step Three

Energy levels are influenced by many things including nutritional deficiencies, poor immunity, electromagnetic radiation from mobiles, computers, tv’s, etc, co-worker and family dramas, stimulants such as caffiene (coffee, tea, chocolate), exercise of lack thereof, chemicals, pollution and stress.

The degree to which these things impact you, comes down to how well you can negate their effects. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to minimise your energy being drained by electromagnetic smog. Among the easiest of these is to purchase some tumbled gemstones which block this radiation and promote a happy environment with coworkers and family.

Among the best of these are Smoky Quartz and Hematite gemstones. Small gems will only set you back about $3.00 but they are worth their weight in gold. There are also gems to help with improving focus, creativity, motivation, reducing stress and negative self-talk, etc. They are an invaluable and easy to source shortcut to improving your energy and zest for life. Some are also available as jewellery!

Drinking plenty of water is also essential for the body to filter all environmental and internal toxins from the body.

Essential oils can help with improving the air quality especially if people are coughing (disinfect workspace with Eucalyptus or Tea Tree Oil). And they can also assist with reducing stress (Lavender) and improving focus (citrus oils). Depending on your workplace scented candles or diffusers may be used. Beware some oils are less therapeutic and more synthetic, so it’s best to source good quality oils where possible and only use a drop or two as they are very strong. (Always ask coworkers if they are okay with it as some people are very sensitive to perfumes, etc.) If so plants such as Peace Lillies can be very beneficial in improving indoor air quality.

Step Four

Exercise at lunch time or break, even if only to get up to use the photocopier or make a cup of tea. Any type of movement can help to keep your energy up throughout the day. Standing desks are another fantastic idea. Everything slows down when we sit so the more active you are the better. If you can get outside for some sunshine (Vitamin D) you will feel better for it.

If you need help with assessing your nutritional needs an Initial Nutrition consult can do wonders for tailoring a diet and nutritional treatment plan just for you.

Likewise an Initial Naturoapthic consult can be invaluable for devising a holistic treatment plan to enhance your overall health and wellbeing.

Be quick both consultations are currently being offered as a new year special for $110. (Please note this consult is normallly $160 and is only valid if booked online. Rescheduled appointments forfeit this special offer.)