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Is your gut microbiome out of balance? How do you know? Gut imbalance doesn’t always present as digestive issues (although this is a common sign). Our gut health impacts the…
So Christmas is around the corner. Christmas parties are in full swing. We've got lots of eating out, lots of catch-ups. That's great and we definitely don't want you to…
Most of you will know here at Tree of Life Nutrition, we have a huge focus on gut health, and it's one of the first things that we will look…
Spring has definitely sprung here in Brisbane and across the country! While many of us feel happy about our beautiful sunny weather and longer days, there may remain a few…
Have you heard about mindful eating, and wonder what it involves? It’s a topic I'm pretty passionate about. Learning how to practice mindful eating has a multitude of benefits. Mindful…
Have you heard about the gut-brain axis, and wondered what it means? Perhaps you have a vague idea, but not sure about the science of it all? Maybe you’ve experienced…
In the wintertime, it’s often the case that we reach for our comfort foods - which can be stodgy, and unhealthy. We can also tend to reduce our exercise. Both…
People often ask us about nutrition for longevity. The questions usually centre around which foods to eat to help them live longer. Or sometimes, which foods not to eat! It’s…
Do you need help managing IBS? (Or irritable bowel syndrome as it’s officially known). Or maybe you suspect you have it? Over my long career, I have treated thousands of…
Christmas is coming - are you excited? The tinsel, the tree, the Michael Buble songs, for many of us, it’s our favourite time of the year. We might be in…
Have you been recently diagnosed with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance? You may have wondered if a Mediterranean Diet is good for diabetes? Or perhaps your health professional has recommended…
We know that diet impacts our physical health, but did you know that what we eat can also impact our mental health? There is increasing research into this area, and…
Can diet cause endometriosis? This is an often-asked question when it comes to women’s reproductive health and dietetics. Endometriosis can be an extremely painful condition, and the exact cause is…
Can diet affect thyroid function? Yes, it absolutely can! Generally speaking, our thyroids need certain nutrients in order to function well. And while there’s nothing specific that harms it, there…
Have you been told that you have metabolic syndrome, or are heading towards that diagnosis? Metabolic syndrome is not really a term that a lot of people are so familiar…
How does nutrition affect fertility? You wouldn’t necessarily relate what we eat with our reproductive health, but like many things in our bodies, there is a connection. There is strong…
Winter is typically the time we see more viruses and bugs circulating in the community. So as our days get cooler, patients often ask us about diet and how to…
Have you been experiencing abdominal pain or discomfort and wonder if you have irritable bowel syndrome? Or maybe you’re one of the 1 in 7 Australians who have been diagnosed…
Are you wondering which foods to eat to improve gut health and digestion? Maybe you’re experiencing some digestive symptoms? Or perhaps you’ve heard about the important role your gut health…
3 things usually come to mind when you think of Christmas party season... food, booze and more food. These parties can be tricky to navigate when you have been working…
Stuck on what to make for lunch? Find yourself staring blankly into the pantry? We've got your weekly lunches sorted! Enjoy delicious, nutritious and easy lunches to get you through…
One way you can take care of your health is to ensure your immune system has all the nutrients it needs to function effectively and fight off pathogens. A great…
Its important during times like this we are taking care of our health and our immune system. We can do this through food, still maintaining exercise, staying hydrated and getting plenty…
Do you find yourself snacking more when working from home? It's easy to eat more food and especially snack foods when we're working from home. If you've been working from…
With Christmas around the corner and festive feasts on their way, the holiday season can seem challenging. Particularly, when it comes to maintaining all the hard work you have put…
Ladies…as busy women and mothers, life is a bit of a rollercoaster. You know what? Sometimes, our health can take a backseat while we are frantically ‘doing’ so much. As…
Christmas can be a difficult time to eat well. Enjoying yourself shouldn’t mean undoing all the positive changes you’ve made throughout the year. By being careful with your choices you…
Casseroles in a traditional Mediterranean diet are packed with flavour, with the use of herbs and beautiful produce like capers and olives over salt and cured meats. This makes them…
Did you know, that your diet directly impacts your oral health? The health of your teeth and gums can be influenced by your diet and nutritional status, right through your…
Do you or someone you love have symptoms of diabetes? Or perhaps you have a family history? Or maybe that little voice in the back of your mind is saying…
You may not know, that bowel cancer is the nation’s second-biggest cancer killer. Although your risk of cancer increases as you get older, it's important to know that you are…
Diet. It’s that one word many people from all around the world are all too familiar with. You may have either partaken in a diet, (often many times over) know…
It’s a no brainer that diet and exercise are both crucial to your well-being and a common myth is that you shouldn’t eat before a workout to burn more fat.…
The Easter bunny is on his way and that means chocolate is literally everywhere at the moment. When you have a particular eating plan in place, it can be quite…
Although food intolerances affect at least 3.7 million Australians, it can be a difficult concept to understand and is sometimes poorly understood by doctors as well. There is a lot…
Prepping for the day ahead can be difficult, especially if your household is a busy one. Sure, you can and should, always throw in some fruit and maybe some diced…
Treating your loved one doesn’t have to mean sending them to an early grave! As Dietitians we often get asked about healthy meal ideas for special occasions. When it comes…
Teachers Inspecting School Lunch Boxes… Let’s get these healthy Lunch Boxes Sorted! by Dietitian Desi Carlos APD AN Back to school nutrition - is this really yet another responsibility we…
How Mindful Eating for Christmas can help your health goals - by Tree of Life Nutrition psychologist, Dorothea Vallianos Sometimes Christmas time can be a difficult period when it comes…
With the festive season upon us, it is easy to get caught up in the festivities and overindulge. To get through this time and enjoy a healthy festive season, we…
Winter is well and truly here, and these colder months can provide a challenge with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Staying well-nourished is important to keep our hard-working immune system firing…
Energy balls are a healthy snack option, but they are often high in kJ due to the number of nuts and dried fruits in them. Making them with chickpeas reduces…
After healthy and easy chocolate treat? We like to use dark chocolate as it is high in antioxidants, and is lower in added fats and sugars than milk and white…
Creamy and comforting, this is a twist to the original side dish. This Cauliflower Mash Recipe is lower in carbs and kJ, cauliflower is a great alternative to the much-loved…
This sweet and nutty loaf is a delicious afternoon delight, served with hot tea or coffee. If there are any leftovers, slice some up and pop into lunchboxes, or toast…
This Spicy Chickpea, Tomato and Quinoa Soup is bound to warm you up on a cold winters night. Packed with nutrients, it's a great way to get 2-3 serves of…
As many of you may know, Tree of Life Nutrition also has in-house Exercise Physiology services. You may wonder, what does an Exercise Physiologist (EP) do, and how can they…
There are many temptations during Easter that test our willpower and waistline. It is an indulgent season, but fear not – we have compiled a list of tips to help…
This Roasted Spicy Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce recipe brings all the flavour to the humble cauli! A great side dish to compliment your favourite fish or meat. Cauliflower is high…
Japanese pancakes, or okonomiyaki, are a delicious option for a light lunch. But don’t be fooled by this picture. When I attempted these babies, they turned out to be more…
There are so many types of milk available, and one of them is almond milk. Tree of Life Nutrition's Dietitian Desi Carlos chatted with Bianca, Terry and Bob from 97.3FM…
This beautiful Mediterranean Stuffed Mushrooms recipe is full of goodness and tastes amazing. A lovely side dish or the perfect all-in-one meal for Meat Free Monday. Mushrooms contain a suite…
Supplements and vitamins are hot topics at the moment. Here is Desi's response to the dietary role of supplements, from her on-air conversation with Bianca, Terry and Bob from 97.3FM.…
Are you struggling to stay on top of your nutrition goals? Whether it is staying inspired to continue with a New Year resolution, diet change, elimination diet, or just being…
What is the No-Diet Diet? Desi talks with Bianca, Terry and Bob from 97.3FM, where she reviews the latest diet trend talked about in the media, the “No-Diet Diet”. Audio…
Salmon is so good for you, and this Salmon with Herb, Walnut & Chilli Salsa recipe is absolutely packed with flavour and vitality. Fresh herbs and zingy chilli are baked…
Turkey is a great option, and the breast meat is low in fat, tender and delicious. This beautiful recipe for Apple and Thyme Turkey Breast is very moreish. A gorgeous…
Summer days are salad days! This Prawn & Mango Salad showcases summer at its best here in Queensland and around Australia. Seasonal ripe mangoes, luscious prawns and ripe avocado complement…
This Chicken, Apple & Bocconcini Salad is lovely and light. It is a simple salad which has a few key ingredients which provide maximum flavour. Chicken, Apple & Bocconcini Salad…
The anxiety I felt leading up to my holiday in Greece was crazy. I often think of my mother travelling in a boat for a month to come to Australia…
This Tuna Pasta Salad is such a great recipe to make ahead for lunch or serve for a special meal. It's really tasty and has basic ingredients which most people…
Most people will have an injury from a sport or movement-related activity at least once in their life. And they can be incredibly frustrating as it prevents you from doing…
I had this Quinoa Tabouli Salad recipe given to me by a fellow Dietitian and it is delicious. Quinoa is a super-healthy carb with a long list of health benefits,…
Quinoa seems to have stolen the spotlight the past few years as a superfood. Although I’m not a big fan of saying food is a ‘superfood’, quinoa does bring a…
This Chicken Paella dish is such a perfect one-pan meal that pleases them all! Packed with all the goodies - chicken, chorizo, gorgeous herbs and spices and if you love…
Protein: 1 of the 3 macronutrients of our diet along with carbohydrates and fats. It’s important to have an adequate intake in your diet to retain lean muscle mass and…
Well it’s a week today until one of the biggest sporting events on the calendar…Melbourne Cup Day. And for most of us, it doesn’t quite involve much sport but more…
Oils, a very interesting topic of discussion in the last few years. And boy can it get confusing. Olive oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil, macadamia oil, sunflower oil, the…
Are you team sweet or team savoury? Why do we crave one or the other? Our dietitian Desi chats with the 97.3 team about why we have sweet or sour…
Nuts are a great snack idea, crunchy addition to a salad, a great toast topping when made into a spread form (e.g. peanut butter or almond brazil & cashew butter).…
The Mediterranean Diet is different from other diets. Instead of including restriction, elimination of food groups and health claims without evidence, the Mediterranean diet is more of a lifestyle. It…
Fat-free, sugar-free, superfood, nutrient extractor? You’ve got to hand it to the marketing guru’s, they know how to catch your eye when choosing a food product! What they don’t often…
Can anyone believe its already September? This year is just flying by! And since Spring has now arrived on our doorstep what better time to start changing your routine up…
Juicing is a great way to get a good dose of vitamins & minerals so a lot of people often grab a juice if they feel like they might be…
One of the most common deficiencies in the world, particularly in women, is iron deficiency. We look at the importance of iron, its properties as well as which foods you…
Getting ready to run Bridge to Brisbane? Or any running race of about 5-10km? Here are three nutritional considerations for running. We show you what foods to choose and show…
What's the importance of hydration? And how much water does our body really need through different activities? I answer these common questions about your hydration needs in my latest article.…
We have been making our very popular muesli for more than 10 years. It was now time to make some required changes to our muesli. So what's changed with our…
Should we be eating grains? What types of grains are best? Desi answers these common questions about the benefits of grains in your diet. From a nutritional standpoint, they are…
It's only one day! Let's just treat ourselves, burgers, Dagwood dogs, fairy floss, strawberry cream ice cream! After all it's tradition. Right? The Ekka appears to definitely be a day…
Why is fibre so important? How can I get more fibre into my diet? These are questions I am often asked by patients. I explain fibre in our diet, so…
Homemade muffins are a great mid-morning or afternoon snacks. The benefit of homemade is you know exactly what is put in them, so you can make sure there are no…
What are the benefits of regular exercise, and how should you approach it if you have a chronic condition? We explain the immense payoffs of regular exercise. We also look…
Dairy nutrients Most people know that dairy products provide our bodies with a great source of calcium, which is important for building and maintaining strong bones. What they may not…
This pumpkin, spinach and lentil lasagne is a delicious yet healthy take on the classic lasagne. Rich tomato flavours pair with sweet pumpkin, hearty lentils and spinach. The addition of…
Cholesterol can be a confusing and sometimes scary topic, particularly if you have had a recent blood test and your cholesterol levels have increased and you’re unsure why or how…
What is so great about bananas? People seem to either love them or hate them, I for one love them! You’ll always find me including a banana in my breakfast…
An easy recipe you can cook up and use for lunch for the week with a side salad. It goes nicely with a spoonful of natural greek yoghurt as well!…
What is an Antioxidant? Why is it important to include these in our diet? We hear that word thrown around quite a bit, but what does it actually mean? Let's…
Often a question that patients will ask me is what do you eat, where do you shop at and what sorts of foods do you have in your shopping trolley?…
That's right. Zucchini porridge. I can already assume what you're thinking... but just hear me out! This porridge is one of the creamiest you will taste AND you get an…
This is a hearty vegetable korma curry, abundant with spices and just perfect for a cold winter's night. This version is a healthier take on the classic. Using evaporated milk…
There's no better way to get your serve of vegetables than with a gorgeous ratatoille. So simple, but bursting with natural flavours of Mediterranean vegetables! Ratatouille Ingredients 1 Large or…
This Beef Rissoles with Beetroot Salad recipe is a fresh and filling dish. We combine tasty homemade beef rissoles with a gorgeous beetroot salad. Simple to make for any weeknight,…
These Herbed Lamb Burgers are especially delicious when teamed with the gorgeous avocado and red onion relish. Watch them all dig into this perfect homemade "takeaway." Herbed Lamb Burgers (serves…
Is coconut sugar a superfood? Should we be eating it in place of regular sugar? Let's break down the truth about coconut sugar, and understand where it fits on the…
This delish Fish with Tomato and Basil Sauce recipe is so lovely. Flavours of tomato and basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar bring all the flavour to fish or…
Make these Chewy Honey and Oatmeal Biscuits for a sweet treat that's also packed with fibre. Wholemeal flour and oats with the sweetness of chopped dates and honey. Chewy Honey…
Try this easy and delicious Tandoori Chicken Kebabs and Raita Dressing recipe. Tandoori chicken is a beautifully tenderised chicken thanks to marinating in yoghurt. The raita dressing is flavoursome and…
A mouthwatering Hot and Sour Prawn Soup which is jam packed full of flavour and freshness. Asian vegetables like lemongrass, garlic, ginger and coriander with zingy lime and a kick…
Our top healthy tips for eating out! Eating out shouldn’t be an excuse for unhealthy eating, nor should it come as a burden for those watching their weight. Follow our…
These amazing Gluten Free Lemon Muffins are made with moist almond meal and have a delicate lemon flavour. They are a lovely option for a sweet treat while gluten free…
Whether you're eating gluten free or not, a Moist Orange Almond Cake is always a thing of beauty. Enjoy trying out this lovely recipe. Moist Orange Almond Cake (Gluten Free)…
Due to popular demand we'll be hosting a second Mediterranean Nourish Workshop on Saturday 7 May. We'll be presenting as Two Greek Girls Cooking, keeping in theme with the upcoming launch of our cookbook Mediterranean…
A word from Desi...Eating her way through The Granite Belt (Stanthorpe) - food, wine and exercise! For foodies like me, Stanthorpe is a local retreat for relaxation, warm atmosphere, good wine…
Sushi, the age old traditional Japanese food, is highly popular in western culture and comes in in all shapes, sizes and flavours. So depending on what you order, it can…
What are plant based sources of iron? Can you get your iron from plants? Here are 5 plant based sources of iron, which whether you are vegetarian or not, are…
With the recent release of my Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, we thought we’d shed some light on the highly researched and publicised Mediterranean Diet. Studies have shown it has…
Everyone I know loves my mum's carrot cake. Deliciously spicy and of course, finished with the perfect cream cheese icing. Here's the recipe...I hope you enjoy it as much as…
Join us Saturday 16 April for our inaugural presentation as Two Greek Girls Cooking. Our first Nourish Workshop for 2016 will have a Mediterranean focus, keeping in theme with the upcoming launch of…
Unlike your traditional hot cross buns, our recipe for Unrefined Hot Cross Buns gives a nice crunch to the exterior yet leaves a soft, fluffy centre. We’ve removed the refined…
We’ve all wondered how some people just appear effortlessly thin however when it comes down to it, there is no magic pill or quick fix. The formula is all about…
The newest Dietitian to join the Tree of Life Nutrition team is Kate Feely. She is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Associate Sports Dietitian & ISAK Level 1 Anthropometrist. Kate has…
These healthy banana muffins are a great fibrous snack for school lunches or when you're on the go! Easy to make and delicious! Healthy Banana Muffins Recipe Makes 12 Ingredients…
Tzatziki is a simple and flavoursome dip that is a great healthy option with meats or breads. Enjoy this recipe for Homemade Tzatziki, just the way mum makes it! Homemade…
It’s a simple fact that people enjoy being around other happy, healthy people. Promoting such a philosophy within your own office will have positive flow on effects to all stakeholders…
Following a vegetarian diet can be great for your health, but is it important you are getting adequate protein into your diet. Find out how to do that. How to…
This week is Australia's Healthy Weight Week. An initiative from the Dietitians Association of Australia to educate the Australian community about healthy eating. As well as how to achieve a…
Everyone is now back into their routine, the work schedule begins again, kids are back at school, uni is about to start back and life is busy! It’s sometimes hard…
How can good sports nutrition help you get that edge over your competitors? Can good diet really make a difference? We give you 3 great tips for guiding your pre-training…
Smoothie bowls are really having a moment right now, and that's because they're so delicious! (Apart from looking great on Instagram). Add a handful of frozen berries and some additional…
Children can be fussy eaters, and veggies aren't always their favourite dish. Here are some sneaky ways to get some more veggies into their diet without serving up a whole…
You may have heard the term 'mindful eating' but not been entirely sure what that means. We explain what mindful eating is, and why it's so important. We believe it…
Australia Day is just around the corner! For most of us, it’s a day with good friends near a pool or the beach. Traditionally with plenty of barbeque meats, ice…
Christmas is over and the new year is here, with Australia Day only around the corner the party season is coming to a close, so it’s the perfect time to…
This healthy Ricotta Christmas Cake recipe is deliciously moist. Abundant with fruit and delicately spiced it has all the flavours of Christmas. But, its made on wholemeal flour, sweetened with…
Travelling to the home of the ‘All Blacks’ New Zealand You would certainly forgive me if I thought the All Black Flag was the national flag of NZ. There were…
When it comes to Christmas, it's the endless nights out before and after which can sometimes take its toll on our health goals. We give you some ideas for surviving…
If it were just Christmas day when we enjoyed feasting upon rich food and drink, there wouldn’t be a problem. However Christmas/New Year celebrations usually begin in early December and…
At Tree of Life Nutrition we are passionate about passing on our knowledge of nutrition and how you can apply that to your everyday life. We recently had the opportunity…
We are excited to announce that Tree of Life Founder Desi Carlos & Dietician/ Nutritionist Lisa Peterson have started working on a Mediterranean inspired cookbook "Two Greek Girls". The book…
This festive season pack your XMAS menu full of superfoods and experience a healthier XMAS break. These low GI foods packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids and omega-3…
With all the negativity around grains and cereal products in the media, people are starting to ask themselves a question. "Are grains good for me or not?" The answer is…
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