Innehållsförteckning för Issue 207 från WellBeing

As we become aware that resources are a finite commodity and that consumption therefore has an end point, humans have been turning their collective mind to recycling for the last few decades. We have been slow to the game, however, because the Earth, for instance, has been recycling water for more than four billion years. There is a finite amount of water on the planet and so it cycles through a closed system of evaporation, condensation into clouds, precipitation as rain and snow and then collection in rivers, lakes and oceans. The fact that water is recycled through this process rather than generated anew means that the water we have now is the water that existed here four billion years ago. There are nuances to this general fact, such as…

Tonight, dear reader, hug your loved ones tighter and pull your furry friends in closer. I recently interviewed Anna Ludvik, the founder of Lucy’s Project, for an online artice. As I was preparing for my interview and researching Ludvik online, I was brought to tears. I could tell this was going to be an emotional conversation and I was thankful to be doing it in person. We met for a coffee and, as our words flowed, so did the tears. I was reminded about the importance of asking people to share their stories, which was the very reason why I became a journalist in the first place. Ludvik’s journey began with the birth and tragic loss of her daughter, Lucy. Driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire…

Legumes and red meat Reducing consumption of red meat is extremely important in terms of minimising the environmental impact of our diet. The concern is whether that may have negative individual health effects. In a new six-week study, one group of men consumed the normal 760 grams of red and processed meat per week. A second group consumed products based on legumes, mainly peas and broad beans, as their protein sources, limiting meat consumption to 200 grams per week. This level of meat is the upper limit of the so-called Planetary Health Diet. Aside from these manipulations, the subjects maintained their usual diet. Amino acid and protein consumption was found to be at healthy levels for both groups, and bone metabolism was not negatively impacted in the legume group. On…

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a plant cultivated as a semi-arid crop worldwide, with multiple uses for both the seeds and the leaves. The name comes from the Latin for “Greek hay”, and it is thought to have been originally cultivated from the wild in the Near East. Seeds have been recovered from Iraq dating to 4000 BCE, and seeds were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. As a food, fenugreek seeds are a common ingredient in India in pickles, curry powders and pastes. The young leaves are eaten as greens or used as a flavouring. The dried leaves have a bitter taste and distinctive smell. Today there are 70 to 90 species cultivated worldwide. Fenugreek seeds contain 30 per cent mucilaginous fibre, tannins, the flavonoids quercetin, luteolin, vitexin and apigenin, 50 per…

Who are we? No, really? Are we our bodies, our abilities? Our race, our gender, our age? Our passion or our role in our family? For as long as human beings have existed, we have been seeking a sense of belonging. We’re wired for it. And so when your sense of belonging, and therefore your very identity, is questioned, it can have an incredibly destabilising and traumatic effect. Just ask Jacinta Parsons — broadcaster, writer, public speaker, mother and autoimmune disease survivor. Over the past two decades, Parsons has had more identities crumble than most. But in the unmaking of her, she has managed to remake herself — and find a new sense of belonging. The unmaking process Most public figures have a well-thought-out, tightly edited, deeply researched summary of…

Temperature therapy, also referred to as thermal therapy or thermotherapy, utilises the power of heat or cold to enhance overall wellbeing, along with assisting with more targeted health purposes. It works by influencing physiological responses in correlation to the deliberate application of various temperatures to the body. This practice dates back centuries, with ancient civilisations and cultures embracing the rejuvenating and invigorating benefits of hot springs, saunas, cold plunges and ice baths in the name of cultivating relaxation, vitality and strength. Today, temperature therapy has emerged as an increasingly popular natural approach with myriad benefits for the modern lifestyle. Looking to supercharge your immune system, elevate your mental wellbeing, tame inflammation, amplify post-workout recovery or perhaps even enhance longevity? Temperature therapy is something to put on your radar. Understanding your…

Rising prices for almost everything — from energy and petrol to food and housing — mean many of us have been forced to tighten our wallets. Whether it’s buying second-hand clothing or turning the air-con down, scrimping is in. However, a more frugal lifestyle doesn’t have to be all about stinginess, lack and deprivation. Or being a barefoot, non-materialistic hippy living in an isolated shack. In fact, the original Middle English language meaning of “thrift” derives from the word “thrive”. Being judicious and economical about one’s spending was equated with savings, a richer life, success and prosperity. That’s not to deny the downside of poverty. Thrift isn’t about denying or minimising the negatives associated with financial hardship or inequality. But it’s also not about how much we have. It’s about…

Skipping has been verified to be an effective cardio aerobic exercise. Skipping rope helps to tone your calves, tighten your core, build stamina and improve your lung capacity. The benefits of skipping include boosted heart health, as was proven in the old days for the iconic Jump Rope for Heart. But many do not realise the implication for coordination and mindfulness. Skipping also builds bone density and increases our capacity for functionality through the entire body. But these are not the only reasons to pick a rope up or borrow from the kids or grandkids or seek in the shed the humble skipping rope. Over the last few years jumping rope has re-emerged, with numerous scientific studies pointing to its benefits as a quick, highly effective way to spark up…

Be.Box is an exclusive extension of the WellBeing subscription delivering you an expertly curated box of NEW health and wellbeing products every two months. Each box is created by our editorial team and contains six to 10 full sized products from market newcomers, industry leaders and WellBeing favourites. OVER $100 value in every box How Be.Box works subscribe Become a subscriber: Subscribe to receive four fabulous boxes a year filled with $100 worth of health & beauty products. Curation: Enjoy access to the WellBeing team’s expert selection of the must-try products. Delivery: Be.Box is delivered to your door so you can enjoy indulgent and easy self-care at home. Leave a review: Share your thoughts on the products for a chance to win quarterly prize packs! Subscribe now to Be.Box Visit…

For something inspiring Paris for Beginners Rachael Coopes Paris for Beginners by Rachael Coopes is a charming memoir about love, adventure and finding yourself through the iconic city of Paris. Coopes weaves a captivating tale of self-discovery and adventure, following actress and WellBeing’s yoga writer as she embarks on a life-changing trip to the City of Lights. With evocative prose and vivid descriptions, Coopes skilfully transports readers to Paris’ Eiffel Tower, bustling cafés and famous landmarks. The novel beautifully captures the city’s essence, offering insights into its rich culture. Coopes’ well-developed characters and heartfelt emotions make this a touching and relatable read for anyone seeking to connect with the enchanting world of Paris. A heartwarming and inspiring debut that will leave readers yearning to explore the magic of the French…

Hair Volume™ is an award-winning formula that supports hair growth and nail and skin health. This alternative hair loss treatment combines apple extract, millet and horsetail plant with zinc and biotin, making this product rich in protein and keratin, known for strengthening and volumising hair and increasing elasticity in the skin. What are the secret ingredients in New Nordic’s Hair Volume™ tablets and how do they assist hair growth? What stands Hair Volume™ apart from competitors is apple extract. Apple extract along with millet and horsetail help to form keratin, the structural building block of hair, and promote hair growth. Zinc does wonders for the skin — how does it help with hair and nail growth? Zinc has many benefits for hair, including reducing unwanted hair loss and accelerating hair…

Plants make wonderful gifts, but how do you choose a plant that will be loved, and also has a decent chance of surviving once it’s passed to the receiver? Try these much-tested suggestions below. For the elegant but not green-thumbed friend: A potted cymbidium orchid for their living room or desk. Cymbidiums need little care, bloom for months, look stunningly elegant and only need to be watered now and then and placed in dappled light outside till they flower again next season, with a little watering once a week. For the friend who loves plants but they never seem to survive more than six months: A potted kentia palm, as large as you can afford, which will range from cheap, cute and tiny to enormous, expensive and magnificent. Kentia’s natural home…

A worried 43-year-old woman came to the clinic with a long history of recurring digestive problems. She had a stressful job, being the CEO of a medium-sized company as well as managing a household of three teenage children, compounded by ageing parents. The symptoms became worse with increased stress. This woman’s symptoms were often debilitating, with her suffering abdominal pain and cramping with excessive wind and bloating — she stated she was so bloated that she looked pregnant in the evenings. She was also experiencing indigestion and heartburn after eating, her bowel habits alternated between constipation and diarrhoea and she often noticed mucous in her stools, a common sign of gut inflammation. Apart from her gut symptoms she was chronically tired and she was losing weight and didn’t know why.…

Some years back when Mona retired she started getting worried about her eyes. She felt restricted by her eye problems with running and irritated eyes. Now Mona has found relief: I happened to read about the product Blue Berry™ and I understood that Blue Berry™ contained a number of natural substances, which all had a positive effect on the eye. I soon felt some improvement. My eyes got clearer and stopped being runny. A funny thing happened when I was out driving with my grandchild. – “Grandma, you have forgotten your glasses!” said the 10-year-old, when we were underway. Then I realised the good effect of the Blue Berry™ tablets. – I’m thrilled about the improvement with my eyes, says Mona laughing. Blue Berry™ Eyebright Blue Berry™ Eyebright uses a…

November Movember Australia au.movember.com World Vegan Month vegansociety.com Feast Festival November 1–19 Adelaide feast.org.au Handpicked Festival November 11 Langhorne Creek handpickedfestival.com National Recycling Week November 13–19 recyclingweek.planetark.org White Ribbon Day November 25 whiteribbon.org.au December World AIDS Day December 1 worldaidsday.org.au National Cherry Festival December 1–3 Young nationalcherryfestival.com.au Woodford Folk Festival December 27–January 1 Woodfordia woodfordfolkfestival.com Tasmania’s Taste of Summer December 27–January 1 Hobart tasteofsummer.com.au January Tasmania’s Taste of Summer January 4–6 Hobart tasteofsummer.com.au 36th Illawarra Folk Festival January 19–21 Bulli illawarrafolkfestival.com.au Chinese New Year January 22 Fringe World Festival January 19–February 18 Perth fringeworld.com.au What we’ve been up to Crystal Castle Editor Kate, also known as “Aunty Love”, recently took her niece Dylan to visit Crystal Castle in the hinterland surrounding Byron Bay. They sat in an amethyst cave, between…

According to the US National Science Foundation the average person has between 12,000 and 60,000 thoughts per day. That might sound a lot, but many of them are related to things like food, and a massive amount of them (around 95 per cent) are the same thoughts that you had yesterday. When you are not completing a task-oriented action, your mind slips into what is known as its “default mode network” (DMN). This DMN never really shuts off but is operating constantly in the background, just being suppressed when the demands of daily life take centre stage. Your default network creates your inner narrative and combines what you think about your past, your present feelings, your opinions and more. This inner dialogue is unique and is distinctly you, but what…

Eels have puzzled us for as long as we have known them. The ancient Egyptians believed that eels were produced when the sun warmed the Nile; the Greek philosopher Aristotle that they emerged spontaneously from mud and rainwater; while the Roman Pliny the Elder that new eels developed when old eels rubbed away parts of their bodies on rocks. As late as 150 years ago it was thought that eels began their lives as beetles. One of Sigmund Freud’s ambitions as a young man was to find an eel with testicles. Yes, Freud had certain lifelong obsessions, but this one excited because no one had found an eel with reproductive organs. Eels were never observed mating. For thousands of years people have asked the question, “Where do eels come from?”…

Building reasoning in kids Reasoning skills are necessary for children to learn, perform academically and solve problems in daily life. In a new study that took place over two years, almost 400 children were assessed for their diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and cognition levels. Parental education, child’s weight and the child’s maturity levels were also taken into account. Results showed that children with better overall diet quality, lower red meat consumption and higher low-fat dairy product intake showed better reasoning skills. Children who spent more time reading and participating in organised sport also showed better reasoning skills. Conversely, those who spent excessive time on a computer and in unsupervised leisure exhibited poorer reasoning. The researchers concluded that investing in a healthy diet and encouraging children to read are two…

Tina is 55 years old and is working as a preschool teacher. “After having my children I was really desperate to improve the condition of my hair. My scalp was almost visible and I felt really sad about it – it does something to one’s self-confidence.” “The whole thing started when I had my first baby, now 31 years ago. My hair changed quality, and I became more and more desperate with its condition. My hair became so thin I could see my scalp. I believed that this was the way it was going to stay for the rest of my life, but now I take Hair Volume™ with biotin, which has had a great impact on my hair.” My sister recommended Hair Volume™ “Years back I was told that…

You look like you need a hug. No doubt you have said those words a few hundred times, if not thousands, and you have had them said to you in equal proportion. It is a phrase that has various levels of meaning. It might mean that you look a mess and need tidying up. It could mean that you look wonderful and warrant a snuggle. It might indicate that you look emotionally fragile or physically depleted. The common denominator in all these potential meanings is the assumption that a hug will make a difference. Some of us are more prone to a hug than others, but no doubt you can attest to the effects of a good hug and the research supports your anecdotal evidence. We will get to what…

The famous 1970s movie with Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, The Way We Were, was the story of an ill-fated love story depicted through recollections of the past. The theme song, sung by this legendary actress, contained the lyrics, “Misty watercolour memories of the way we were.” These words are poetic but insightful. Memories are not clear but become hazy over time, coloured by your subsequent life story. As the song goes, “Life rewrites every line” of the narrative of any given memory. While your memory is a personal folio of your life events that no one else possesses, some of these memories are shared. We have all been in situations when a friend or family member recalls an event and we indulge ourselves in reminiscing. But there are times…

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which protect the body against oxidative stress caused by harmful free radicals. Since ancient times spices have been cherished not only for their ability to transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary delights but for their remarkable health benefits. Spices contain a treasure trove of active compounds that can help support immune function, improve brain power and digestion and promote overall health and wellbeing. From the fiery warmth of turmeric to the sweet earthiness of cinnamon, each spice brings its own unique flavour profile and therapeutic potential to the table. By adding the following spices to your daily diet, you can elevate your meals into nourishing healing dishes. Turmeric Turmeric is a popular spice that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine…

At any given moment approximately one million Australians are living with an eating disorder, around 4 per cent of the population. Of those eating disorders, 3 per cent are anorexia nervosa, 12 per cent are bulimia, 47 per cent binge-eating disorder (BED) and 38 per cent are classified as “other”. The treatment of an eating disorder depends on many factors and there are many alternative treatments that sit alongside conventional therapies. While acknowledging that eating disorders must be managed by a healthcare professional, in this article we canvass the alternative and natural approaches that can make a real difference, including body awareness therapy, yoga, acupuncture, relaxation, food choices, blood-sugar management and herbal medicine. When it comes to eating disorders, understanding the differences in symptoms and how each affects one’s health,…

Are you ready to meet the winners of the WellBeing Be-YOU-T Awards, Australia’s only natural beauty awards? Here at WellBeing, we take pride in our position at the forefront, where we recognise and celebrate the leaders in the natural beauty industry. Spanning across many months, we asked you to vote for your favourite natural beauty products across categories such as mums and bubs, skincare, make-up and hair care. Natural beauty is about making an eco-conscious lifestyle choice to prioritise naturally sourced ingredients and practices that are environmentally friendly. Our judging panel opts for a holistic, natural mindset when it comes to wellness and skincare, so you can rest assured that the Be-YOU-T winners have got our WellBeing tick of approval. WellBeing is here to help you navigate the eco-beauty world…

In Jules Verne’s 19th century novel, a submarine travels 20,000 leagues under the sea, and its crew members are engaged in a range of adventures. Contrary to many perceptions, the 20,000 leagues in question was a measurement of distance rather than depth. Today, a hot-button environmental issue is deep-sea mining, a type of marine mineral recovery that has morphed over the past few decades from science fiction into a viable industry ready to begin operations, using a very different type of underwater craft to the one imagined by Verne. Although the primary driver behind the push for this mining is the shift toward a mineral-hungry clean energy economy, deep-sea mining is opposed by environmental groups and many marine scientists, who see significant ecological damage from deep-sea mining as a real…

Fats are more than just an essential food group; they hold the key to achieving vibrant health, optimal energy and a glowing complexion. However, it is important to know that not all fats are created equal. In our current food system one type of fat, known as polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), has become alarmingly ubiquitous. PUFAs have been linked to a range of health concerns including heart disease, inflammation, inflamed skin, brittle hair, premature ageing, increased susceptibility to illness and more. Knowing which fats to use abundantly in your diet and which to avoid is crucial for vital health and longevity. PUFAs are a type of fat that includes omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Some examples of health-promoting PUFAs include walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds and eggs. These foods in their whole,…

One of the most important lifestyle aspects of wellness is diet. This is true of both the human diet and the diet of our pets. These days, there is an overwhelming amount of information and misinformation, and it can be impossible to sift through it all. Here, you will discover some of the challenges faced when advising pet carers on the best way to feed their dog or cat. Processed food What are the benefits of readily available, processed pet foods? By this, I am referring to canned and processed dried foods, both supermarket varieties and premium brands. The main advantage is cost and convenience. In the current environment, when everybody is timeand cash-poor, these are important considerations. Ideally, these products are balanced according to the Association of American Feed…

Cancer Mars adds a feisty zest to creative pursuits and love. Your groups or clan will need your healing touch November 12–14 when sudden twists and turns are likely. November 17–22 calls forth your best work and best responses. Be careful what you agree to on November 27’s Full Moon. It could tempt you to act unwisely. December 6–21 supports your goals and sweetens relationships. December 25–28 includes Cancer Full Moon when you can celebrate friendship and vocation. Leo Between November 9 and 11, your month ripens. During this time Venus as Morning Star aligns with Crescent Moon in your friendship sign, worth viewing predawn. Then November 11 brings Messenger Mercury into your love sign. Heartwarming connections and a busy sociable time, bless your days. Since November 12–14 could be…

01. Sanctum Discover Sanctum’s Soothing Cream Cleanser, featuring certified organic petitgrain essential oil, aloe vera leaf juice, and rosemary leaf extract. Perfect for all skin types, it effortlessly removes daily residue, makeup and excess oil while maintaining your skin’s natural balance. Experience a creamy, aromatic indulgence for clean, nourished and smooth skin sanctumaustralia.com 02. Wanderlust Embrace the season of change with Wanderlust plant-powered Wise Woman — Day supplements, formulated with ashwagandha, black cohosh and shatavari to help relieve symptoms of menopause. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. wanderlust.com.au 03. Endeavour College of Natural Health Endeavour College teaches what the world wants to feel. Endeavour College of Natural Health is the leader in natural health education, producing the experts that keep the world well. Offering courses…

I caught up with two school friends for a game of tennis. We chose tennis because it was the game we had played to let off steam during the study weeks in the lead-up to our final high school exams. Our pattern had been to study in the morning, meet for a game of tennis which we undertook with more energy than skill, and then retire for our patented ice cream sandwiches before an evening of further study. The ice cream sandwich was an important part of the equation. It was a simple food, two slices of bread with a thick layer of vanilla ice cream spread between, but after a couple of hours of exertion it really hit the spot. When we met for our recent game we had…

Three styles of masculinity New research has shown that straight men navigate their intimate partner relationships depending on their style of masculinity. The researchers identified these masculinity styles: neotraditionalist, egalitarian and progressive. Neotraditionalists largely follow traditional gender roles such as being the provider and protector in the relationship. Egalitarians seek a more equal partnership, with an emphasis on mutuality and measurable give and take. Progressives seek to establish gender equity in the relationship through regular purposeful conversations with their partner and adjusting who does what. In addition to observing these masculinity styles, the researchers wanted to see how different styles impacted the men who practised them. Men who actively promoted gender equity and social justice experienced better mental health. The clear implication is that if a man can identify and…

Sage’s botanical name, Salvia, comes from the Latin word meaning “to heal” or “to save,” and many cultures have long valued this plant’s medicinal properties. Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a small perennial shrub with grey-green leaves and purple-blue flowers and is strongly aromatic, spicy and bitter. The sage genus contains about 900 species with a wide range of biological activities. It is indigenous to the Mediterranean, Italy, Southern Europe and the Middle East, with a long history of use in ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome and in Ayurvedic, Chinese and European medical and culinary systems. Traditionally sage was used as an astringent. The Greek physician Dioscorides in the first century CE used it to stop bleeding, for hoarseness and cough, and as an antiseptic, tonic, carminative and anti-inflammatory. According to…

Discover the intricacies of your body as it transitions through perimenopause and menopause and learn to navigate this time with acceptance, grace and esilience. Menopause, a natural phase that signifies the completion of a woman’s reproductive life cycle, has long been surrounded by misconceptions and overshadowed by negative connotations. Uncontrollable sweating, hot flushes, dry skin, hair loss, weight changes and moodiness have painted a bleak picture of this transformative journey. While these symptoms are common, it is important to recognise that menopause does not have to be experienced as a tumultuous rollercoaster ride. In fact, this season of life holds within it numerous gifts, wisdom and the potential for a renewed sense of self. By supporting yourself during the perimenopause phase leading up to menopause, you can significantly reduce the…

We all procrastinate at times. Procrastination is a frustrating and self-defeating behaviour, but why do we do it? You may have come to believe that procrastination is a sign of personal weakness, laziness, time management issues or a motivation problem. However, the root of procrastination appears to be something else entirely. Psychologist and procrastination researcher, Dr Timothy Pychyl says that you procrastinate in response to uncomfortable emotions, such as worry, anxiety, self-doubt, shame or fear. He says procrastination is a way to avoid those feelings and is therefore regarded as a “mood repairer” and a coping mechanism. On her Potential Psychology Podcast episode about procrastination, psychologist Ellen Jackson says, “We know that procrastination is not necessarily about not managing our time well, but about not managing or regulating our behaviour…

Flexibility is a central component of life when it comes to your physical and mental health. Discover how neuroscience and psychology highlight the importance of “cognitive flexibility” and the Vedic approach to maintaining holistic flexibility. From the world of neuroscience to yogic philosophy, a flexible mind is seen as intrinsically linked to our happiness and wellbeing. At a time in history when it feels like the world is increasingly divided with the rise of populism and fundamentalism, understanding the negative impact of dogmatic thinking and the positive effect of more flexible thinking is more relevant than ever. Neuroscience Neuroscience and psychology highlight the importance of “cognitive flexibility”, or the capacity to cope with the eternally changing landscape of the world around us, and switch from one task to another adjusting…

Sound is the origin of the universe according to many philosophies. Singing can make us more centred, empowered and expressive. As Ella Fitzgerald said, “The only thing better than singing is more singing.” Singing in itself is a cathartic release, while the words we utter have a unique potency. Sanskrit texts exalt aum as the primordial hum from which all sounds and forms arise and return. Swami Sivananda said, “The whole world has come from aum, rests in aum and dissolves in aum.” The Bible asserted, “In the beginning was the word,” to emphasise sound’s power. Quantum physics also confirms that everything material manifests from sound vibration. Just imagine what sound does to our watery body after Dr Masaru Emoto showed that the written and spoken word dramatically affected water…

If the mould issue is localised, you should be able to remove it safely yourself. Recognising the impact of mould on health is crucial for taking proactive measures to prevent and mitigate its harmful effects. Mould has been linked to a broad spectrum of health concerns from respiratory problems and allergies to cognitive impairment and weakened immune function. By understanding the implications of mould exposure on your health and adopting safe preventive measures, you can create a healthier, mould-free living environment to ensure the wellbeing of you and your loved ones. What’s the difference between mould, mould spores and mycotoxins? Mould is a natural part of our environment and ecosystem, speeding up the decomposition of dead leaves and trees. Some mould species are actually beneficial to humans and are used…

New Zealand has a way of leading even the most sedentary travellers astray on wilder adventures than they might ever have imagined. All those sparkling alpine peaks and dramatic Fiordland gorges are surely to blame, luring us onto trails and into kayaks and intoxicating us with pure oxygen and a spike of adrenalin. This is precisely how people suddenly find themselves standing on a bridge with a bungy wrapped around their ankles, or strapping on crampons to traipse across a glacier. And it’s how I find myself climbing 1000 metres above my campsite, for front-row mountain views of the Southern Alps’ unearthly world of bare rock and ice. Adventure is addictive, and New Zealand’s South Island does it well. We walk off the plane in Christchurch, where all fly-in South…

In Mezcla, Ixta Belfrage’s foolproof techniques and inventive ingredient combinations infuse everyday eating with the energy of a special occasion. In Spanish, mezcla means mix, mixture or blend and is used to describe music and art as well as cooking. In this first solo book, Belfrage shares her favourite mezcla of flavours. These are impactful, fuss-free dishes to entertain. With quick, flavourful recipes such as Chilli Roasted Oyster Mushroom Skewers and Giant Cheese on Toast with Urfa Butter, as well as dishes to spend more time over like Whole Roast Chicken Curry with Crispy Curry Leaves and Prawn Lasagne with Habanero Oil, your guests will be left wanting more and more. This is an extract from Mezcla by Ixta Belfrage (Ebury Press, RRP $55), photography by Yuki Sugiura. Brown Butter…

I do my best to avoid the sun’s harsh rays after working as a skin consultant in my earlier 20s. There, I quickly learned the sun is the most common cause of ageing, redness and pigmentation. So for years I’ve been an avid fake tanner. In my early to late teenage years, I would spend the weekends lathering on various fake tans in the hope of achieving a bronzed complexion. My skin tone is quite pale, and many of my do-it-yourself fake tan attempts result in a bright orange coating. I have decided to shake up my tanning routine and search for a natural result by testing out Eco Tan’s range. Eco Tan is an Australian company created in Currumbin and bundled in Burleigh Heads. Founded by Sonya Driver, Eco…

Cauliflower has undergone a renaissance in recent years, transforming from a somewhat underrated vegetable to a versatile and nutritious ingredient. This cruciferous vegetable has found its way into various cuisines, offering a plethora of health benefits and culinary possibilities. Discover cauliflower’s rise to fame and widespread appeal At the heart of cauliflower’s allure lies its remarkable nutritional composition. This cruciferous vegetable has a powerful array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The abundance of vitamin C can help strengthen the immune system, promote radiant skin and support collagen synthesis. Cauliflower’s vitamin K content means that it can assist with proper blood clotting and bone health, while its vitamin B6 and folate contribute to overall wellbeing. As a source of dietary fibre, cauliflower aids digestion and supports a healthy gut. Offering a…

We love to back a winner. Sadly, the coffers of online betting organisations overflow with the miscalculated largesse of this human folly. I remember a psychologist once enlightening me that it reflected our yearning to compensate for perpetual feelings of nebulous worthlessness. Maybe that explains our gleeful schadenfreude when we observe the obsolescent plight of ephemeral winners, athletes once invincible and celebrities who have radiated flawless beauty on Instagram only to face the inevitable ignominy of defeat and the natural withering of their pre-eminence. The quest for immortality, however, raises the stakes to another level. This is the ultimate transcendent battle, humans attempting to out-manoeuvre nature’s relentless dominion over our vitality and ultimately our mortality. In rapamycin there are many who believe that we’ve finally unveiled nature’s nemesis, a magical…

Today marks seven years since I had my last drink and I have never felt better. But it hasn’t always been rainbows and butterflies … I used to have the motto, “I’m here for a good time, not a long time,” and I sure had a good time! But did it make me eternally happy? No. And, in hindsight, how awful was that motto? I used to drink a lot. But I was doing it for all the wrong reasons: to escape life, to build my confidence. For me, alcohol was a release. I didn’t have confidence in my own abilities, so I thought I needed a lift to make my personality shine. And for that moment in time it did lift me, but unfortunately the days after took me…

“I grew up in Perth in a family who prioritised work over health,” Allanah Robinson-Cook says. “I was a hyperactive child, and as an adult I have been diagnosed with ADHD. As a teenager, I started tuning into how my brain functioned differently when I changed my diet and made more nutritious dietary choices.” After school, Robinson-Cook studied sports science. While at university, she also spent six months in the United States and worked as a lifeguard at summer camps for disadvantaged children. During this time, she managed two emergency incidents, sparking her interest in paramedicine. “Back home, I started studying paramedicine. It was an amazing degree, but my gut health issues came to the fore.” Robinson-Cook decided to see a naturopath. “That one naturopathic appointment changed my life. I…

Spring Vegetables Artichoke, Asian greens, asparagus, avocados, broad beans, green beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chokos, cucumbers, leeks, lettuce, morel mushrooms, salad onions, spring onions, peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, sweet potato, potato, pumpkin, silver beet, spinach, watercress and zucchini flowers. Fruit Lady Williams apples, bananas, cherries, cumquats, grapefruit, lemons, loquats, lychees, Ellendale and Murcott mandarins, mangoes, honeydew melons, rockmelons, watermelons, blood oranges, Seville oranges, papaya, pawpaw, smooth leaf pineapple, starfruit, strawberries and tangelos. Summer Vegetables Asparagus, beans, capsicum, celery, chillies, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, okra, onions, peas, potatoes, radish, sweetcorn, watercress and zucchini. Fruit Apricots, avocados, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, figs, grapes, melons, limes, lychees, mangoes, mangosteens, nectarines, oranges, papaya, passionfruit, pawpaw, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, rambutans, raspberries, red and black currants, strawberries and tomatoes.…

Golden moles are blind animals that live under the earth. It is believed that evolution has rendered them sightless for millions of years. The moles’ loss of sight makes sense because if you are living underground you don’t need to see, but there is something about the golden moles’ appearance that makes no sense at all. Golden moles were given their name because they shimmer: they have an iridescent sheen to their fur that is rare among mammals. When seen from different angles, in the light, their fur produces a rainbow of colours. In many species vibrant colours have evolved either through sexual selection as a way of impressing a mate or as camouflage. The thing is, when you are blind and live in dark tunnels the spectacular fur of…