Lisa Strauss Dietitian/Nutritionist/Naturopath

17/01/2025

Breakfast inspiration. If you could only choose one?

05/12/2024

Cheese platters are out in full swing! Moderate your cheese intake with some high fibre snacks that may also be on the cheese board like carrot sticks or fruit.

02/12/2024

Support your community and nourish your body by choosing fresh, local produce! 🌱🍎 Shopping at local markets not only guarantees top-quality, in-season ingredients, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and helps small farmers thrive. Plus, you’ll discover unique, artisan goods that you won’t find in the grocery store. Fresh food means better taste, better nutrition, and a stronger connection to the people who grow your food. Let’s make every meal a celebration of local flavors!

10/11/2024

08/11/2024

06/11/2024

Meal planning for the whole family can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!

With a little preparation and creativity, you can create meals that everyone will enjoy—while staying nutritious and budget-friendly. Here are some tips to help you get started!

Tips for a Family-Friendly Meal Plan:
Incorporate Variety: Choose meals that offer a balance of proteins, carbs, and vegetables. Mix in different types of cuisines to keep things exciting—Mexican, Italian, and comfort food classics are all great choices!

Kid-Approved Recipes: Opt for meals that are not only healthy but also familiar and appealing to kids. Dishes like tacos, homemade pizza, or pasta are often big hits.

Prep in Advance: Consider prepping ingredients or even full meals ahead of time to save time during the week. Batch-cooking things like rice, roasted vegetables, or proteins makes weeknight dinners much easier.

Involve the Kids: Let the kids help with meal prep! From stirring ingredients to arranging toppings, kids love to be involved, and it can make them more excited about the meals you’re preparing.

Healthy Snacks: Keep nutritious snacks on hand like cut-up fruit, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers with cheese to round out meals or for after-school hunger.

If you are struggling to create a meal plan for your family I can help with recipes, shopping lists and tips. For bookings see link in bio.

02/11/2024

01/11/2024

I have seen 2 patients with diagnosed Mammalian Meat Allergy/Alpha Gal Syndrome, in 1 week in Northern NSW, so thought this was a good time to post this information. This information is also useful for vegetarians who may unknowingly be consuming products that contain gelatin.

What is Mammalian Meat Allergy?

Mammalian Meat Allergy (MMA) is an allergy to mammalian meat or meat derived products. A person might develop MMA after they have been previously bitten by a tick.
MMA can develop weeks or longer after a tick bite.
Some people with positive MMA are known to have had allergic reactions to previous tick bites, but not in all cases.
A person with MMA can experience mild to severe allergic reactions.

MMA is different to other food allergies because the substance that causes the reaction is a carbohydrate called alpha-galactose (alpha-gal).
Most other food allergies are caused by a protein in the food.

Mammalian meat examples

• Beef
• Pork
• Lamb
• Kangaroo
• Goat
• Horse
• Venison
• Exotic animals
• Gelatin
• Fats – Tallow, suet, lard

What is not classified as a mammalian meat?
Poultry
Seafood
Reptiles

Symptoms
A reaction to eating mammalian meat products often happen 2-6 hours after eating.
Skin rash or hives
Skin swelling
Diarrhoea or other irritable bowel symptoms

Diagnosis
Speak to your GP for a test

Management

You may need to see an allergy specialist dependant on the severity of symptoms.
Speak to a Dietitian – this can help determine you are avoiding the right foods but also ensuring that you are receiving adequate protein and other nutrients from your diet.
You many need additional protein, iron, and B group vitamins.

There is no cure for MMA, but avoiding mammalian meat, mammalian meat products, and mammalian gelatin can help manage symptoms. In some people, the allergy may recede over time if they avoid tick bites.

And remember - Remember freeze it, don't squeeze it! It's essential that ticks are removed correctly.

30/10/2024

28/10/2024

21/10/2024

Do sweet treats in your house hold lead to sugar crashes and tantrums? 🥹 With Halloween just around the corner these tips can help:

Start the day with complex carbs: Opt for whole grains, legumes, and vegetables over refined sugars and white flour. These complex carbohydrates digest slowly, providing a more stable energy release.

Pair Carbs with Protein or Healthy Fats: Combining carbohydrates with protein (like nuts, yogurt, or eggs) or healthy fats (like avocado or olive oil) can slow down sugar absorption.

Eat Regularly: Skipping meals can lead to sugar crashes. Aim for balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to keep your energy levels steady.

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can mimic feelings of fatigue, so make sure to drink plenty of water.

Limit Sugary Foods: While it’s okay to enjoy treats occasionally, try to keep sugary snacks and drinks to a minimum to prevent spikes and crashes.

Increase Fibre Intake: Foods high in fibre (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) can help stabilise blood sugar levels.

Get Enough Sleep: Poor sleep can affect your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, leading to crashes.

Manage Stress: High stress can impact blood sugar levels. Practices like mindfulness, exercise, and relaxation techniques can help.

By making these changes, you can maintain more consistent energy levels and avoid those frustrating sugar crashes!

19/10/2024