Better Eating by Amber-Marie

During various stages of my life, I have been overweight, underweight, unfit and athletic. What I have finally learnt is the importance of having a balanced lifestyle in order feel fit and positive. This includes eating nutritious food and exercising regularly. I come from a long line of fabulous cooks and treat time in the kitchen like therapy especially home baking which from time to time can be my downfall….. In fact, I started making tan slice at the age of seven, now that's plenty of condensed milk, butter, sugar and flour consumed over the past 40 years!! Fortunately for my arteries, my cooking style and knowledge of nutrition has significantly improved as I have aged. I now consider my health foremost when it comes to choices around food. For example eating more vegetables at meal times and selecting heart-healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts. Furthermore, I have adapted my classic tan slice recipe to create a more healthy version which tastes pretty good. Nutrition science is certainly a mind field whether it be gut health, hormonal changes, building muscle or maintaining a healthy weight range. Having a nutritious diet can provide protection to so many preventable illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Also, eating well support a positive attitude and improves mood, concentration and energy levels. Buzzwords such as fat-free, high fructose corn syrup, prebiotics, omega 3, antioxidants, glycemic index, FODMAPs, anemia and ketosis diets are widely used and often seldom understood. As a recent "mature" Human Nutrition graduate from the University of Otago, I am keen to share my knowledge and experiences to help clients reach their personal ‘better eating’ goals and live a quality life.