To soy or not to soy? - that is the question!
 
I regularly get asked my views on consuming soy milk versus cow's milk.  There is so much conflicting evidence both for and against either variety that it can lead to confusion and at times, a reluctance to drink either.    
My stance on this matter is simple; everything in moderation.

A majority of my clients associate their consumption of cow's milk with bloating, loose stooles, formation of respiratory mucus leading to sinus and other respiratory issues and for some it can be associated with difficulty conceiving.  

On the other hand, soy milk has been implicated with the use of genetically modified soy beans and in large doses can affect existing thyroid function and contribute to hormonally dependent conditions.

For those who worry about the oestrogenic (or phyto-oestrogenic content of soy) I reiterate my original statement - everything in moderation! One must remember that cow's milk comes from a cow - a female mammal.  Hence like breast milk, it will also contain oestrogen that circulates through that mammal.  Unlike the plant oestrogen found in soy,mammalian forms of oestrogen have a far more potent action in your body.

In short - if you know that cow's milk or soy milk disagree with you, avoid them.  If you are going to consume either, always choose organic.  A2 cow's milk is associated with far fewer health risks and is easier to digest than A1 cow's milk. If you plan to use soy milk as one of your major sources of dietary calcium then choose a fortified soy and always select a soy milk that is made with the whole soy bean. 

Finally, food is an integral part of life and meant to be enjoyed - if you're unsure about what you're eating come and talk to us at Vita!

I look forward to seeing you soon
- Josie 

For many of us it’s the same pattern every year. The warm weather arrives and we want to be fit, slim and healthy-then hits party season. We overindulge, feel terrible and promise to cut it all out. The good news is you can be healthy and still have fun. Begin cleansing now, and by party time you will feel great and be rid of bad habits just in time to realise that if you keep up the good habits most of the time, a little bit of a treat every now and then won’t be a problem.

The end of the year is the perfect time to detox and rid the body of the bad habits and overindulgence of the winter months. Detoxing is not as hard as it may sound, and it certainly should not involve around starving yourself. In fact that is the worst thing you can do for your metabolism. It is all about using fresh and vital foods, combined with natural therapies, to give you boundless energy and glowing skin in no time.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DETOXING?

• Cleansing the liver helps to stimulate weight loss

• Improved liver function has widespread beneficial effects including improved fat metabolism, hormonal balancing and reduction of allergic symptoms.

• Improvement in the quality of your skin

• Improvement of digestive function. Detoxing can relieve symptoms of sluggish bowels and greatly relieve bloating.

• Increased energy and improvement of concentration and mood

• Reduction in some types of headaches



SOME HANDY HINTS:

• Dietary requirements differ between individuals, so you should only follow a plan under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The general rules may be similar, but as we all have different health needs, the details will differ accordingly.

• Be prepared- You need to do this at a time when you can relax, be prepared and will not be tempted to cheat. For example, there is no point starting a couple of days before Christmas, or when you have a lot of functions to go to.
Drink lots of water-at least 2 litres daily, and more if exercising. This can include herbal tea. Hot lemon water before a meal is beneficial as it stimulates digestion.

• See the signs- Bad dietary habits are a form of addiction so don’t be surprised to see some side effects. Emotions may be intensified, but you’ll end up feeling way more clear- headed. If your diet is normally high in sugar you may feel tired at the beginning, but you will end up feeling far more balanced. Stopping caffeine may give you a headache for a couple of days, but this too will disappear.

• Changing your diet goes a long way to enhancing detoxification, but when combined with appropriate herbs and nutrients the benefits can be even greater.

• Be kind- If you slip up, forgive yourself and keep going. After about three days you’ll be over the hardest part and you won’t want bad foods when you realise how great healthy food makes you feel. By the end you will look and feel fantastic and your body will thank you!


So if you think its time to give your body  a break and you want to feel great for Summer, please call us on 9650 0734 for a personalised naturopathic consultation to design the best program for you or click here to book your appointment online.

Farmer's markets are back in vogue and there is sure to be one near you! 

Ingredients:

500 g turkey mince

1 small zucchini grated

¼ onion finely diced

3 garlic cloves finely diced

2 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley

1 tsp onion flakes, salt & pepper to taste

1 tablespoon tomato paste

Preheat oven to 210 deg Celsius

Line a baking tray with baking paper

Use your hands to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini

Mix together the remaining ingredients in a bowl until well combined

Roll into small balls and place into tray

Bake for 20 mins or until cooked through. Enjoy!