I get in this mood sometimes. I want something sweet, but not loaded with dairy and gluten so as to satisfy my intolerances and general philosophy on how humans should eat. Hence, why I have decided to post a recipe … Continue reading
Sometimes you need to get away, but you don’t have the time or money. Don’t despair though – a mental holiday could help reduce your stress. Small stresses can quickly add up to major stress and one big event can send you reeling, with no idea of how to start addressing it. If you could just get away for a little relief, you know you would be okay.
This is a great little blog with some simple tips to reduce stress. We all have stress in our lives and you need to find the strategy that works best for you. Stress is linked to disease within many studies, and my personal choice for stress reduction is exercise. What is yours?
The clock struck 12am and millions of people around the globe made New Years resolutions. As I stood amongst the revellers in The Rocks in Sydney, looking directly at the Harbour Bridge waiting for the spectacle that is the Sydney NYE fireworks, I pondered what would my resolutions be for 2012. I asked those around me in order to get a little inspiration and I expected the typical responses; to give up smoking, drink less, eat healthier and save more money. To my surprise, the answers I received were not typical at all and speaks volumes for my friends!
‘To be more active organising activities’, ‘To write more and not rely on email’ and ‘To celebrate NYE where it is snowing’ were my favourite.
My resolutions for 2012 revolve around simplicity and being present for others. Taking the foot off the pedal and easing back on the pressure. If you have seen the movie “I Don’t Know How She Does It” with Sarah Jessica Parker you will understand what I mean! Look it won’t win an Oscar but I like the story concept. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn_OrhwIidA
So essence I am determined, come 1st January 2013, to report that I will have achieved or on the path to living the following;
To not feel in a rush to get to work; it won’t matter if I am at work by 8.15am or 8.30am…I am the boss of my own time!
Whilst others join the gym and give up junk food, I started off the year by planting some seeds. As my radishes grow, my tomatoes bloom and my basil prospers, I will be reminded of my resolutions. Like my relationships with family and friends and my goal to live more simply, they need to be watered regularly. Now, just to buy a watering can….
I have a strong belief that what we express outwardly, from our moods, diseases, coughs, colds and also the texture of our skin is a direct or indirect result of what we feed our bodies. What we feed our bodies … Continue reading
After spending three glorious weeks across Italy, it is time to head home. Honeymoon over, relaxation having only just set in, but alas all good things must come to an end.
During our travels I marveled at the Italians and their eating habits. How was it in a gastronomical wonderland of pasta, bread, pastries and red wine did they (on the whole) not get fat? It was a question that perplexed me during my stay and I think I have the answers.. Let me know if I have missed something or you think otherwise!
1. Portions are small but satisfying. Compare the bowls of pasta I ate to those received in restaurants in the UK, Australia or America and I am confident in saying, I think they were half the amount.
2. Breakfast, whilst sweet, being a pastry and coffee, is again light and later in the day. Potentially minimizing snacking before lunch.
3. Red wine is consumed at all times of the day and savored. I saw one drunk Italian in three weeks, and I am sure there will be more, but I didn’t see them.
4. Exercise wasn’t big on the agenda but you walk everywhere. Small Blocked off cobblestone limit driving, particularly in the cities, so legs get a work out.
5. How could I not mention the olive oil! Olive oil is a great addition to any meal. In a restaurant in Tuscany, the waiter produced a sample for us to try, as the olive oil was freshly pressed ‘not even seven days old’! The olive oil is fat yes, but they utilize great quality oil, limit quantities and they use ‘only the best’, being extra virgin!
6. Fresh ingredients are plentiful, very often picked from ones own or a farmers garden. I haven’t tasted tomatoes in a long time that were so fresh and not shipped from miles away before they reach my shopping trolley. The flavoursome food, reach in vitamins and minerals and serving sizes adds to my theory on why the Italians aren’t fat.
These points will be remembered when I finally arrive back at my final destination in Sydney. I know many people who could heed this advice also, but the top one that stands out for me is serving sizes… Bigger certainly isn’t always better. Flavor wins over quantity.
I have been eating gluten free for about 1 year, and whilst I promised my husband on our trip to Italy that I wouldn’t stress about it, and just consume all the bread, pasta and cakes I felt like! However, my insides have another idea.
As we have progressed on our honeymoon to Venice, I thought I would try and understand how Italians can eat all this gluten and not have a problem. However, on further investigation, they too have problems.
Check out this blog from Gluten Free Girl. She had done all the hard work, and showed me that Italy does indeed cater for those of us who can’t deal with all the lovely delights of the country.
She is amazing and her blog is worth a read.
Http://glutenfreegirl.com/eating-gluten-free-in-italy/
Day 4 of our stay at Castello Viccihomaggio and we decide to indulge in a wine and cellar tour. Located in the Chianti region, Castello Viccihomaggio is a self proclaimed medium producer of Chianti wine, with over 35 hectares of various aged vines.
Having been an avid red wine fan for sometime, I have never thought or taken the time to understand the complexities in producing an award winning wine. The tour certainly opened my eyes, not just to the time but the cost in producing this wine that so often passing my lips.
When you consider the stringent government controls, requirements to rest the fields, hand picking of grapes, fermenting process (x2), plus subsequent aging, it certainly isn’t a process for the impatient such as me! To think that the process from whoa to go can be from 6-12 months to much much longer (think your reserve types) it seems nearly comical that uncorking a bottle takes less than 5 seconds (for seasoned professionals!), and only a little bit longer to empty the bottle!
This beverage, aka party starter has a rich history and masterful technique that I didn’t appreciate until today. Our tour guide, a lovely French, now Italian resident also gave me some food for thought on how wine should be drunk.
1. Every day after work..or a glass with lunch if you so desire. But only a glass.
2. Wine should be drunk at the table, with the table set, using proper wine glasses and eaten with declines food.
3. Wine should only be drunk when it comes from a bottle with a cork..screw top is not wine! (Australian produces take note!)
As I consider my current glass in hand, I have achieved two of above..nit bad I thought. Tuscany has taught me to unwind,(not hard in such a gorgeous setting) but also the appreciation of wine and how the Italians see it as part of their everyday lives. In a country that has a much lower heart disease and cancer rate than other western societies (and incidentally few overweight people), and wine at the centre of their culture, they certainly could teach Other societies what they know. To that I say ‘salute’!
Sarah Wilson is an inspiration. Authentic, realistic and happy to be open about life and how health impacts wellbeing. We all have moments where we wish to be healthier, better than we are, but it is refreshing to hear that we are not alone..there are others, those in the media and public eye who share our struggles, but who continue to strive to be the best they can. Sarah and I share a similar view on health and I hope this article may give someone else the power to continue with their goals and understand, perfection is hard to maintain…it is ok to be human. Enjoy!
As I sit here on my 11th day of being married, and my 10th day of being on honeymoon, I absolutely feel on top of the world. My husband (then fiancé) organised our honeymoon, which has included a seven night stay at Castello Vicchiomaggio, right in the heart of the Chianti region of Tuscany.
Day one saw a brief visit to the supermarket to get much needed supplies and in bed by 7pm (I blame jet lag!). However, day two and the impromptu decision to indulge in a Italian cooking class, has proven to be better than expected.
We cooked with an Italian/Scottish chef, who although retired still worked at the castle two or three days a week. She showed us how simple Italian/Tuscan food is prepared, and how olive oil is the blood line for any true Italian.. Only ever extra virgin incase you too were confused by the number available to you at your local supermarket. We are now semi masters at homemade pasta, traditional chianti style stew, plus also biscotti (meaning twice baked) cookies.
As we ate our lunch with a bottle of Castello Vicchiomaggio wine, plus espresso and grappa, I ponder how the Italians like the French don’t have a serious weight issue..through all our travels around Italy however, you do notice the lack of fast-food options. In their place are small bars and eateries that serve fresh, simple but satisfying meals. Food is enjoyed and the philosophy of ‘living to eat’ versus ‘eating to live’ is very much alive and well. Enjoying ones food is paramount, along with sharing great company to make this experience even better. I wonder how I will go adopting this philosophy on my return to Australia where eating lunch at my desk, or walking between meetings with a coffee in my hand is the norm, but on reflection, completely unsatisfying..!
