What a delightful day it was, last Saturday 25th January at Paddy's Paddock.  Just a stone-fruits throw from Spring Bay Mill this is where all of the produce for SBM events and functions is being produced. I loved the walking path that meandered down through the eucalyptus forest, then to emerge with a clear uninterrupted view of the sandy bay, crystal waters and Paddy's market garden was simply delightful. 
Marcus and his crew have done an amazing job converting this bare block of dirt in the thriving, bug-brimming cornucopia that it it. 

I felt honoured to be invited to give a food as medicine presentation at the event. I spoke about correct food preparation to ensure that we break down the anti-nutrients in many plant foods. We also discussed microbial diversity and how to preserve and nurture it through diet.  
I've attached the recipes from the day  as promised for the folk who visited me on the day and heard my presentation. 
​Click on the download link below. 
If your interested to read more about this topic click the 'legumes' link to the right here. 

If your looking for an amazing function facility do take a look at Spring Bay Mill here in Tasmania's South East. 

Ingredients​
1 cup cashews soaked in pure water 8 hours, drained
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup coconut cream
1/4 cup maple syrup 
1 beetroot, peeled and chopped
1 cup frozen Tasmanian raspberries
1/4 cup coconut oil melted or liquid coconut oil
1/2 coconut yogurt

Method
Blend the cashews together with the lemon juice until smooth
With the motor running add the remaining ingredients until thick the creamy. 
Serve topped with edible flowers and toasted slithered almonds ​

I welcome your comments and enquiry. Regards Jillaine - food as medicine practitioner

FOOD AS MEDICINE 
​Have you lost your zip, your mojo, your sharpness, your sparkle?  
Could it be iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency anaemia effects around one quarter of the worlds population

HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY IRON IS LOW? 
Here are some signs & Symptoms of iron depletion 
Feeling tired and sluggish
Sore cracks in the corners of your mouth
Sore tongue
Shortness of breath 
Heart palpitations when exercising
Weak nails 
Feeling more sensitive to the cold
Constipation
Poor growth (kids & teens)
Upset digestion
Dizziness
Behavioural changes
Headaches
Infections

Some  of the largest selling pharmaceuticals today are antidepressants along with sleeping pills. This reflects the rise in anxiety and depression  in our modern society. We're even medicating our children in an effort to assist them to function in school and social settings.
Whilst these medications are effective in reducing symptoms its important to look for and to address the root cause as there is evidence that long term use  may create additional health concerns.  
​Besides the need for every increasing dosing you might expect digestive disorders and neurological damage further down the track if the root cause is not addressed. 

It seems to me that we’re being told what to eat and more importantly what NOT to eat at every opportunity. I suspect that most of the current diet advice is more about selling books or supplements than sensible, factual or traditional food wisdom. 
What I would like to do is 

1. Allay any fears surrounding this food group
2. Back it with traditional wisdom and practices 
3. Give you tools to ensure that your food does heal and not harm you ​

I was privileged to have the opportunity to speak with Louise Saunders on her evening show here in Hobart. Louise is keen to clarify just what a functional medicine nutritionist is/ does and what influences my nutritional recommendations compared to the food pyramid and other dietary influences of today. 

Have a listen and leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

​Welcome back to my series on Traditional Foods- the very foods which early researchers  such as Weston A Price found to be the hallmarks of the most robustly healthy folk on the planet. Today- thanks to supermarkets, food is not nearly so tricky to come by as it was in pre-industrial times. At the same time the quality of our convenience foods does not appear to be doing our health any favours. (7) With a little guidance and research however you too can whip up gourmet, healing remedies in your own kitchen from locally sourced produce. ​