Olwen Anderson's Blog

Feeling nervous about being kissed under the mistletoe this year, because you suspect you have bad breath? If someone close to you has overcome their embarrassment enough to let you know, here’s some clues to help you locate the cause: It’s likely to be something out of balance somewhere in your digestive tract.  Read the full article

On hot summer days, an icy cold dessert is appreciated by the kids (sometimes the adults too!) Here’s an alternative to artificially coloured, sugar laden ice blocks. Read the full article

Tempted to forget about your nutrition these holidays? You might be, when you eat out, and what’s on offer are tables groaning with platters of beautifully cooked meats, rich fruit puddings and cakes, alcohol, breads, sweets. Your hosts want you to pile up your plate and really enjoy the food they’ve prepared. You may be to attend at least two family events on Christmas day. It would be easy to overeat, then wake on Boxing Day feeling bloated and nauseous, vowing never to do it again.  Read the full article

You know legumes are good for you. But many people don’t know how to choose, prepare and store dried chick peas. Here’s how you can always have some on hand to add to salads, soups and stews: Read the full article

If you like what you read on this blog, vote for me in the "Best Health Blogs of 2011" run by Healthline. The link is here http://www.healthline.com/health/best-health-blogs-contest Read the full article

There’s a trap waiting for you at the supermarket. Manufacturers are competing for your food dollar and they want you to buy their brand instead of their competitor’s. They know you want to be healthier, feed your family better – so they make sure their label reminds you why you’re making the right choice. Read the full article

 Read the full article

Some parts of the world have been identified as ‘blue zones’ where people live longer, healthier and happier lives. Scientists have visited each area in a large scale study to establish what was so different about the people in these areas. When collated, the results have provided an evidence-based bank of data about action you can take to ensure you enjoy life right up to the day you die. Read the full article

Friday night can be a fun family pizza night - home made. This recipe will help your kids enjoy learning how to use and cook vegetables. Read the full article

Nutrition can be an emotionally loaded subject for parents: What their child is eating, whether they’re eating enough, whether they’re eating the ‘right’ foods. Worry about food seems to start as soon as baby transitions to solid food, and sometimes even before. Mealtimes can become a minefield of tension, rules and conflict, as parents resort to bribery and deception to assuage their fears about whether their children are nourished. Vegetable consumption seems to be a really ‘hot’ topic in many households. Read the full article