NEWS BITES
Benefits of EATING Soup FOR Losing Weight
Coming into winter, we LOVE making our home-made Soups! They have become one of our signature categories for their thick intense flavour and health benefits.
Keep an eye out online to order, or via one of our specialty outlet partners, for our 2024 LOVE FOOD SOUP MENU. Our soups are made thick, packed full of dense nutrients, and packed full of fresh herbs, ginger and garlic…please try one and let us know…they are like a meal!
We have the favourites, such as our ‘Green Goddess’, which is a stunning tasting soup full of goodness. Which ever one you LOVE, all our soups are a fantastic way to fill you up, nourish your body, with the added benefit of losing or controlling your weight.
If you are eating canned soup - well, that’s just lazy, sorry! We have never met a canned soup that cuts the mustard - never. They are full or sugar, water and fake flavour and were made weeks/months ago. Sure, if you are off-the-grid or trekking or something, go for it, but it doesn’t take much effort or money to make a simple fresh home-made soup yourself.
Once you eat home-made soup regularly you will get used the ‘fresh taste’ difference. And with so many easy-to-make, home-made soup recipes, you can do it yourself pretty quickly in a big pot at home (or a slow cooker), and blend it up or keep it chunky. Plus, there are so many fresh-made soup varieties around - but remember, not all are created equal, that’s for sure! …we’ll share a few recipes in future posts.
All LOVE FOOD Soups are small-batch made, with ultra-fresh ingredients, with NO form of additives or preservative…all the taste is from the natural herbs, spices and vegetables. We also go to great lengths to experiment with different ‘layers of flavour’ to get that perfect combination.
Eat soup to stay fit and healthy….full-stop!
If you want one quick-hit way to get healthier, fitter and lose or control your weight…just eat soup as your main meal for 1 week.
Every classic or fad diet in history has soup in it…and we research and observe all forms of eating, from all across the world - but we always go back to the proven and timeless ‘Alkaline Lifestyle’ principles.
Soup can be a beneficial addition to a weight loss plan for several reasons:
Low in Calories: Many soups are low in calories, especially broths and vegetable-based soups, which can help reduce overall calorie intake.
High in Water Content: Soups are hydrating and can help you feel full with fewer calories, which may reduce the risk of overeating.
High in Fiber: Soups that contain vegetables, beans, and whole grains are typically high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of snacking between meals.
Nutrient Dense: Soups can be a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, especially if they contain a variety of vegetables and lean proteins.
Easy to Digest: The liquid nature of soup makes it easy to digest, which can be beneficial for those with digestive issues or sensitive stomachs.
Versatile: Soups can be easily customized to suit individual tastes and preferences, making them a flexible option for a weight loss diet.
Warm and Comforting: A warm bowl of soup can be satisfying and comforting, which can help reduce cravings for less healthy comfort foods.
Portion Control: Eating soup as a starter or main course can help with portion control, as it can help you feel full without consuming excess calories.
Convenient: Soups can be prepared in advance and stored for later use, making them a convenient option for busy days.
Encourages Mindful Eating: Eating soup slowly and savoring each spoonful can encourage mindful eating, which can help prevent overeating.
have your tried our free healthy eating audit?
Over the years you get a good feel for where people are at, by just asking a few simple questions - what they eat? how they exercise? and everything in between.
It’s something we have always done - just out of interest really, but especially when we are travelling (not as much these days!) - listening and learning about foods and cooking styles across different cultures. Our Greek Mum says ‘the Greeks invented everything!’…yes Mum, just like all the other wonderful cultures across our world. And in Australia we are very lucky as we have all foods on our doorstep…plus fresh everything!
It’s always been a passion of ours to showcase healthy ‘back to basics’ food as longer term medicine - getting our bodies back to a more alkaline state (vs the modern eating ‘acidic diet’ powered by lots of false information, fast-everything and lazy-convenience). Sure it can be a very topical one, especially with someone that is really struggling or not in a good fit/healthy state, and sure there is always the traditional vs non-traditional medical discussions to be had. But centuries of fresh raw ingredients in some diets driving longevity don’t lie!…the evidence is walking around you.
Our Mum is living proof too - she’s 86 years wise and takes no pills and is very switched on and healthy. Sure, a little grumpy some days when the weather turns - but fundamentally a strong cookie!
Whatever your health and fitness state, we are here to just help you be a little bit better each day. That’s all. Simple, open, direct, but caring, guidance that can change lives…Love + Food = Better Life.
Food (and drink) is medicine…the right food (and drink).
The wrong food will slowly kill you over time - sounds a bit harsh, but it's a fact - unless you’re the Rolling Stones! But it’s funny you know, everything tends to operate on a lifecycle and even the roughest and toughest characters go through a health crisis at some point and come out the other side to a more healthy balanced way (a more alkaline state).
So to help kick off the conversation - if you are ready to have it (some are not ready…yet) - or just want to test the waters of where you are at, we have put together a simple ‘Healthy Eating Audit’ or mini-survey to capture your current state and offer some immediate suggestions for FREE. For those who want to continue our support, then we do have our ongoing Nutrition Coaching, Fitness Coaching, and our new ‘Bundles Of Joy’ subscription food delivery program, tailored to what you need (not always exactly what you want!…a bit like a ‘5 star restaurant delivered to your door, but without all the extended frills and butter (!), with a menu that has just been to the gym!’…fresh, healthy but full of flavour like no other.
Simply click on the link below. It takes about 5-10 minutes depending on how in-depth you want to go.
We read each one - just the two sisters - and treat your information confidentially to help you.
Have a go! The first step is the hardest.
Love + Food = Angelika + Verena
P.S. we have some tip reminders below of all the benefits of eating a little healthier each day and moving a bit more each day…small steps add up to a lot!
Eating a healthy diet has numerous benefits for your overall health and well-being.
A lot of people don’t eat as healthy, because of these type of myth statements - that we love busting!
MYTH 1 - “healthier food doesn’t taste as good!”
WRONG! we only make full of flavour and people start raving about how they can’t believe how good it tastes and be so healthy.
MYTH 2 - “healthier food takes longer to make!”
WRONG! let’s time each other? we can make a healthier meal in minutes, faster than anything you make…it’s the fresh ingredients in your fridge and layering to put together.
MYTH 2 - “healthier food is harder to make!”
WRONG! in most cases it’s actually easier, once you have the ingredients and use our ‘layering principles’.
MYTH 3 - “it’s harder to shop for healthier food!”
WRONG! just go to the outside aisles in the supermarket first (not the middle) and you will find lots of nourishment.
MYTH 4 - “healthier food costs more!”
WRONG! if you know what you are buying, in fact many ingredients are a lot cheaper. Certified Organic is great and we love it, but that’s not everything.
MYTH 5 - “healthier food doesn’t last as long!”
WRONG! yes that’s actually a good thing!, because you are not eating all the preservatives in it…fridge or freezer can easily keep left overs. Test this - if you don’t eat a burger within 15 minutes it doesn’t look that great. Ok, sure pizza the next day can taste good as a naughty treat!
MYTH 6 - “my kids won’t eat it!”
WRONG! Invite us to lunch or dinner…we have never (as in never) met a today or teenage that we can’t get onto our food. We run the food at leading daycare centres and the teachers are amazed at what we can do with kids and getting them to try and eat new things…it always comes down to 3 things…1) focused effort, 2) make it playful, 3) negotiation!
Being a kid these days is tough - but we believe that many of todays kids challenges can be improved by working on 1) diet, 2) movement and 3) technology…if as parents we can do better in these 3 areas our kids will get a taste of the ‘back to basics’ approach to life that has many benefits.
Some of the key benefits of eating healthy - apart from feeling better - include:
Improved Physical Health: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Weight Management: Eating a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose excess weight, which is important for overall health and reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases.
Better Digestive Health: A diet high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can improve digestion and reduce the risk of constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues.
Stronger Immune System: A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help strengthen your immune system, making you less susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Improved Mental Health: Eating a healthy diet can positively impact your mood and mental health. Nutrient-rich foods can help regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, improving mood and reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.
Increased Energy Levels: A balanced diet provides the nutrients your body needs for energy production. Eating regular, balanced meals can help maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
Better Skin Health: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help improve skin health, reducing the risk of acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
Improved Sleep: Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a regular eating schedule can help improve sleep quality and duration, leading to better overall health and well-being.
Longer Lifespan: Studies have shown that a healthy diet is associated with a lower risk of premature death, meaning that eating well can help you live a longer, healthier life.
Improved Quality of Life: Overall, eating a healthy diet can improve your quality of life by reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mood and mental health, and increasing energy levels, among other benefits.
The Benefits Of Gluten-Free Eating
Those that only can gluten free - like myself - will know the challenges finding the right food, especially when you are out to dinner.
Gluten-free eating has gained popularity in recent years, and while it's essential for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the benefits for the general population are less clear.
BENEFITS OF GLUTEN-FREE EATING FOR EVERY ONE
Here are some potential benefits of gluten-free eating that may apply to everyone:
1. Improved Digestive Health:
Some people find that reducing or eliminating gluten can help with digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, even if they don't have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
2. Increased Energy Levels:
For individuals with undiagnosed gluten sensitivity, eliminating gluten from their diet may lead to improved energy levels and overall well-being.
3. Potential Weight Loss:
Switching to a gluten-free diet may lead to weight loss for some people, especially if it involves cutting out processed foods high in gluten and replacing them with whole, nutrient-dense foods.
4. Better Nutrient Absorption:
In individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eliminating gluten can improve nutrient absorption, as damage to the intestines caused by gluten can hinder the absorption of essential nutrients.
5. Reduced Inflammation:
Some research suggests that gluten may contribute to inflammation in the body, so eliminating it from the diet could help reduce inflammation for some individuals.
6. Improved Mental Clarity:
Some people report improved mental clarity and focus when following a gluten-free diet, although more research is needed to confirm this effect.
It's important to note that a gluten-free diet can be restrictive and may lead to nutrient deficiencies if not followed carefully. If you're considering going gluten-free, especially if you don't have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs.
Several groups of people may choose to eat gluten-free for various reasons:
1. Celiac Disease:
People with celiac disease must avoid gluten because it triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine.
2. Non-Celiac
Gluten Sensitivity: Some individuals experience symptoms similar to those of celiac disease when they consume gluten but do not test positive for celiac disease or wheat allergy. They may choose to avoid gluten to alleviate these symptoms.
3. Wheat Allergy:
People with a wheat allergy must avoid wheat, which contains gluten, to prevent allergic reactions.
4. Autoimmune Disorders:
Some autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis, are thought to be influenced by gluten consumption. Some individuals with these conditions may find symptom relief by following a gluten-free diet.
5. Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Some caregivers of individuals with autism believe that a gluten-free diet can improve symptoms, although scientific evidence is limited and mixed.
6. Weight Loss and General Health:
Some individuals without a specific medical condition choose to follow a gluten-free diet for weight loss or general health reasons. However, there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of this approach for these purposes.
It's important to note that following a gluten-free diet can be challenging, as gluten is found in many common foods. People considering a gluten-free diet should consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs.
Some athletes choose to eat a gluten-free diet for various reasons, but it's not a universal practice among athletes.
Here are some reasons why athletes might choose to go gluten-free:
1. Potential Performance Benefits:
Some athletes believe that eliminating gluten from their diet can reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and enhance overall performance. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
2. Digestive Comfort:
Gluten can be difficult to digest for some people, leading to gastrointestinal issues. Athletes may choose to go gluten-free to avoid these digestive problems.
3. Management of Autoimmune Conditions:
Athletes with autoimmune conditions that are influenced by gluten consumption, such as celiac disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, may choose to follow a gluten-free diet to manage their condition and reduce symptoms.
4. Personal Preference:
Like the general population, some athletes may choose to eat gluten-free as a personal preference or as part of a broader dietary approach, such as a paleo or Whole30 diet.
It's important for athletes considering a gluten-free diet to ensure they are still meeting their nutritional needs for training, performance, and recovery. Working with a sports dietitian or healthcare professional can help ensure that athletes are fueling their bodies appropriately while following a gluten-free diet.
The Benefits of Vegetarian & Keto
These words get thrown around a lot these day! Well in fact they have been around for decades.
A vegetarian diet, which excludes meat, poultry, and seafood, can offer several health benefits:
1. Weight Management: Vegetarian diets tend to be lower in calories and saturated fats while being higher in fiber, which can help with weight management.
2. Heart Health: Vegetarian diets are often rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes, which are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They are also typically lower in cholesterol and saturated fats.
3. Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases: Vegetarian diets have been linked to a lower risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer.
4. Improved Digestive Health: A vegetarian diet that includes plenty of fiber-rich foods can improve digestion and reduce the risk of constipation and other digestive issues.
5. Better Blood Sugar Control: Vegetarian diets can help improve blood sugar control, which is beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
6. Lower Blood Pressure: Vegetarian diets, particularly those high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, may help lower blood pressure.
7. Reduced Environmental Impact: Plant-based diets typically have a lower carbon footprint and require fewer resources, making them more environmentally sustainable than diets high in animal products.
8. Ethical and Animal Welfare Reasons: Many people choose a vegetarian diet for ethical reasons, to reduce animal suffering and promote animal welfare.
It's important for vegetarians to ensure they are getting adequate nutrients that are typically found in animal products, such as protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Planning meals carefully and possibly considering supplements can help ensure nutritional needs are met on a vegetarian diet.
The ketogenic (keto) diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has gained popularity for its potential health benefits:
1. Weight Loss: The keto diet can lead to rapid weight loss, primarily due to a reduction in carbohydrate intake, which leads to a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.
2. Improved Blood Sugar Control: The keto diet may help improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
3. Increased Energy Levels: Some people report increased energy levels and mental clarity on the keto diet, possibly due to the stable blood sugar levels and the use of ketones as a fuel source for the brain.
4. Appetite Suppression: The high-fat content of the keto diet, along with the presence of ketones, can help suppress appetite, leading to reduced calorie intake.
5. Improved Cholesterol Levels: The keto diet can lead to an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol and a decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
6. Epilepsy Treatment: The keto diet has been used for decades to treat epilepsy, particularly in children who do not respond to medication. It is thought to reduce seizures by changing the brain's energy source to ketones.
7. Potential Cancer Benefits: Some research suggests that the keto diet may have anti-cancer effects, although more studies are needed in this area.
8. Neurological Disorders: The keto diet has shown promise in the treatment of other neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, although more research is needed.
It's important to note that the keto diet is not suitable for everyone, and it can be challenging to maintain long-term due to its restrictive nature. Individuals considering the keto diet should consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their needs.
Fat-Free Eating Tips
Eating fat free these days can be tricky, with so many options around. But eating fat-free foods can offer several potential benefits, especially when done as part of a balanced diet and regular exercise:
Here’s some of the main benefits of eating fat-tree and some tips to help you in your daily food (& drink) decision making.
BENEFITS OF FAT FREE EATING
1. Weight management:
Fat-free foods are often lower in calories, which can help with weight management if you're trying to reduce calorie intake.
2. Heart health:
Consuming less saturated and trans fats, which are often found in high-fat foods, can be beneficial for heart health. These fats can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
3. Digestive health:
Some high-fat foods can be harder to digest for some people, so opting for fat-free alternatives can be gentler on the digestive system.
4. Nutrient absorption:
Some vitamins, like A, D, E, and K, are fat-soluble, meaning they need fat to be absorbed properly. However, in a balanced diet, you can still get enough of these vitamins from other sources.
5. Reduced risk of certain diseases:
A diet low in saturated and trans fats may help reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease and some types of cancer.
It's important to note that not all fats are bad. Healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and fish, are an essential part of a balanced diet and offer their own set of health benefits. Balancing fat intake and choosing healthier fats can be more beneficial for overall health than strictly avoiding fats altogether.
TIPS FOR FAT FREE EATING
Here are some tips for incorporating more fat-free options into your diet:
1. Read labels:
Look for foods labeled as "fat-free" or "low-fat" but be mindful of added sugars and other ingredients that may not be as healthy.
2. Choose lean proteins:
Opt for lean cuts of meat, poultry without the skin, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
3. Use cooking methods that don't add fat:
Bake, broil, grill, steam, or poach foods instead of frying them. You can also use non-stick cooking spray instead of oil or butter.
4. Add flavor without fat:
Use herbs, spices, vinegar, or lemon juice to season foods instead of adding butter, oil, or creamy sauces.
5. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables:
These are naturally low in fat and calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
6. Choose whole grains:
Opt for whole grain bread, pasta, and rice instead of their white counterparts, which can be higher in fat and lower in fiber.
7. Limit processed foods:
These often contain hidden fats and other unhealthy ingredients. Stick to whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible.
8. Be mindful of portion sizes:
Even fat-free foods can be high in calories if you eat large portions. Pay attention to serving sizes and listen to your body's hunger cues.
9. Stay hydrated:
Drinking plenty of water can help you feel full and satisfied, reducing the temptation to snack on high-fat foods.
10. Plan your meals:
Planning ahead can help you make healthier choices and avoid last-minute decisions that may not be as nutritious.
Remember, it's important to focus on overall balance and moderation in your diet. While reducing fat intake can be beneficial, it's also important to include healthy fats in your diet, such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and oily fish, for optimal health.