my shop opening

finally happening now.
My shop/cafe is going to open this Friday (1st feb 2013)
it has been such a journey and I am sure it will go on.
there are lots of bits and pieces I still have to organise but I just couldn't wait any longer.
limited hours and menu this week but I should be able to be more organised from next week.

I am getting the shop ready and cooking at the same time! just not much time but love the every minutes of it.  yes I am tired and often things can get stressful but I am so excited and happy now. How fortunate to be able to follow my dreams and do this. How I became and still becoming to be stronger and more centred person that I always wanted to be. I am so grateful for all the experiences that lead me  to where I am, and also all these people who supported me and guided me along the way.

Menu example
superior smoothies with super foods, super herbs such as E3 live, macs, marine phytoplankton, mesquite, cacao,noni, fo-ti, astragalus etc.
elixiers
super food gelato
tonic tea
raw desserts (of course)
freshly made salad
daily specials




I would love to see you soon.

january newsletter

January newsletter is out now!



importance of vitamin D, irish moss - is it really inflammatory to your body?recipe for basic almond milk and carob cookies.


If you haven't registered for the newsletter please click the bottom above to register.
I have been so busy lately to update my blog I know! I feel that I am going to get busier with my shop opening! (in case you didn't know, I am so close to opening my own place in a couple of weeks! It is in northcote, melbourne.)
lots of smoothies, tonic beverages made with super food, super herbs, decadent and healthy raw desserts, snacks and greatest salads.

Our space was created with sustainability in mind using stunning timbers which are recycled, reclaimed or from FSC (Forest stewardship council), and other sustainable materials, such as energy efficient lights, bio degradable packagings, as much as possible.

I can't wait to meet you in person xxx

December newsletter

The december issue of newsletter is out now. If you haven't registered yet. Please do so and I can send it to you. This month I have attached some info on super fermented food "natto" and recipe for rejuvelac, corn soup (raw or cooked) and cashew and raspberry mousse tart.

raw peppermint ice cream sandwich

raw peppermint ice cream sandwich.

don't you wish you knew where I live or you could come and eat them ?

well…. your wish many be granted soon… more information soon. xxx

dear all the health concious mothers out there

I am sure i am not alone here. There must be so many mothers and fathers who feed theire children in a councious way. some may be vegetarians or vegans. Some may not want thire children having refined sugar or processed foods. The children might have intolerance or allergies. whatever the reasons may be I know it is tough out there!

when my daughter was a baby it was easier. I was always around and she had no say. Then as she got older and started noticing what others were eating.  She was getting invited to other people's homes and different functions. I couldn't control anymore.
For a few years I found it really difficult. I avoided many functions because I knew there will be food that I don't want my daughter to have. even if we did go I was always looking out for the "wrong" food being offered to her. I couldn't relax and of course my daughter could sense the tension.

After many trials and errors I have come to accept the fact that she is not me. I know.. it is so obvious, right? it is about honouring my own principles without judging or taking control of others. And that includes my own daughter. Once I started being aware of this I feel she started to be more open and also respect my wishes.

You will have to find what works for you and your family but this is what works for me at this time.
When she is with me she knows what I stand for. She knows where I draw a line and within that she has control over her food choices. When she is looked after by others it is up to her to decide what she has.

It can be so frustrating as a parent who want the best for our children. everywhere you look there are attracting advertisement and social pressure to discourage your best intensions. I still find it s frustrating to see big fast food chains targeting young children, cardial and fake icecream and white bread and sausages offered at school. And why children's birthday has to have soggy chips and sausage rolls with bright colour lollies? the list goes on and on.
 that is why it is so important to teach our children what the real food is. It works better than trying to control every situations.... because you just can't!

why can't we give a certain food?

I was talking to a friend the other day about which food we want to have less of, but find it hard to do so. I couldn't think of any. I did mention chocolate and maybe not so much nuts and seeds. but I have no intension of giving up entirely!
Because there are so many different opinions on what is "good" and what is "bad" , and also I believe everyone is different and react in a different way toward certain foods I am not here to categorise what needs to be avoided etc.

I just find it quite interesting to observe what stops people to give up certain food that they know they should. they appreciate the logic and sensibility of healthier diet. The value of having more energy and feeling of well-being. Against all that wisdom what makes them hesitant in changing their habits?
There are some obvious factors such as
Convenience - fast food chains at every corners!!
Cheaper Price - what? $1 for a big milkshake???
and then, for some these are foods that are part of the social landscape or work and family environments.
Finally, there is a taste factors. (Although when you start eating cleanly most of the "junk" food tastes all the same and not pleasant)
so, why are some things easier to give up than others? if you are told to give up cholorella, would you find it so hard? why does giving up certain food feel like serious deprivation?

It is true that our tastes are established before we are born. Experts have found that a mother's diet during pregnancy have a big effect on a baby's taste. We also develop emotional associations with certain foods thorough early and/or recurring memories. Any meaningful experiences like home traditions can create these connections.

Our moods can influence our vulnerability as well. Emotional eating, binging can flare up at the time of stress. Unfortunately it is more likely that you feel worse with the feeling of guilt.

When you become taken in by a sudden urge to indulge, there are some things you can do.

-the out of sight, out mind approach (the more hassle it is to get the that food, the less likely you'll bother with it)

-taking a brief walk of do something to distract you

-find out what is driving you (is it hormonal? or a nutritional deficiency? or unconscious reasons that you need to sort out?)

-alternative therapy such as acupuncture can be effective

-find something healthier alternative to give you similar tasting pleasure. (replacing commercially made burger with ones you made yourself, factory made corn syrup ice-cream with coconut, cashew ice-cream etc.) options are endless these days

The certain food offers momentary pleasure. But what if giving them up means more energy, less congestion, more restfulness, less medicated?

No one is perfect. Our mind feeds our body as much as great diet and lifestyle. Don't feel guilty about a little slip now and then because it is about learning to respect and listen to your body.

newsletter November

I know I have been away from blogging for a while. Sorry!
Please register for my newsletter I have just sent out the november issue. This month an article about adrenal exhaustion (if you feel you are always tired???) and the recipe for creamy green soup and flax cracker.

I will have an exciting news to share with you soon so I will be back soon :-)