Nutrition - Fernwood Women’s Gyms Australia

Posted July 16, 2018

I went vegan for a week and this is what happened

Fernwood member Mel decided to eat vegan for a week, and this is what she noticed.

Posted July 2, 2018

Become a food prep star with these easy tips

Food prepping sounds easy, but these tips will help you keep motivated to stay organised.

Posted June 25, 2018

Your winter salad fix sorted

Calling all salad lovers! We share our favourite winter salad recipes.

Posted June 19, 2018

Which bread is best?

Bread offers many nutritional and health benefits for a balanced diet. But with so many options, how do you know if you’re choosing the right one?

Posted June 4, 2018

How much trans fats are you eating?

There are many risks associated with trans fats, so how do we eliminate it from our diet?

Posted May 14, 2018

Should I do carb cycling?

Get the lowdown on one of the latest trends in the health and fitness industry.

Posted May 8, 2018

3 reasons why you need to be using extra virgin olive oil

Can one oil do it all?

Posted May 7, 2018

Impress Mum with these delicious breakfast in bed recipes

Get Mother's Day off to a delicious start with these simple and healthy breakfsat in bed recipes.

Posted April 24, 2018

Transform your health and meals with this supermarket oil

How adding extra virgin olive oil to your diet can improve your health.

Posted April 23, 2018

Your week on a meal plan, brought to you by Beyonce

If Beyonce was on a Fernwood Food Coaching meal plan, we think her week would go a little bit like this.

Posted April 23, 2018

Should I go on a detox juice cleanse?

Thinking of doing a three-day cleanse where you only drink juice? Read this first.

Posted April 23, 2018

Quit sugar? Your guide to the best sweet alternatives

How to lose the white stuff without depriving your sweet tooth.

Posted April 16, 2018

The four keys to making healthier choices with ease

Paralysed by too many options or trapped by less-than-healthy choices? Here’s how to trick your brain into making better decisions.

Posted March 27, 2018

Guide to healthier Easter treats

How to get through the Easter long weekend as a sweet tooth.

Posted March 19, 2018

Read a nutrition label like a pro in 4 steps

Take the confusion out of label-reading with these simple steps.

Posted March 5, 2018

6 foods you need in your desk for a healthy workday

Save money, time and make better food choices with a clever workplace ‘pantry’ full of long-lasting treats.

Posted March 1, 2018

Benefits of the Mediterranean way

How the Mediterranean style of eating can benefit your body and mind.

Posted February 19, 2018

The meaning behind health buzzwords on packaging

The truth behind popular health claims isn’t always so super.

Posted February 19, 2018

How tea time can improve your health

There's nothing quite relaxing as a cup of tea, but did you know that many teas have hidden health benefits?

Posted February 12, 2018

5 ways to up your veggie intake

If you struggle to eat your recommended vegetables each day, we have some tips for you.

Posted January 18, 2018

5 ways to up your water intake

Struggling to drink the recommended water intake? We have your back

Posted December 18, 2017

Healthy Christmas meal alternatives

Want to be nice, rather than naughty on Christmas Day? We look at healthy alternatives to traditional Christmas dishes that will entice you.

Posted November 29, 2017

Is your super food ethically sourced?

If you’re conscious of the nutritional value of what you eat, then it’s just as important to consider how these nutrient-rich goodies get from paddock to plate.

Posted October 10, 2017

Summer detox recipes

Shake off that winter sluggish feeling with this three-day detox plan using all-natural recipes from our Fernwood blog.

Posted April 10, 2017

Your Easter survival guide: 8 tips for a happy and healthy long weekend

The Easter period can be challenging for even the most committed healthy eater. Here's how to enjoy your long weekend without undoing all your hard work in the gym.

Posted March 27, 2017

Why is everyone talking about probiotics?

From kombucha to kefir, probiotics are hot on the lips of the health-conscious set. Here’s why understanding gut bacteria is key to good health.

Posted March 6, 2017

10 reasons why it should be tea time all the time

There's nothing quite as comforting as a cuppa, but tea has many other benefits besides the warm-and-fuzzy factor.

Posted February 13, 2017

The restaurant rules top nutritionists swear by

Heading out for a special meal on Valentine's Day? Here's how to enjoy it without derailing your healthy eating plan.

Posted February 6, 2017

3 mocktails to make this weekend

Whether you've officially signed up for Febfast or just want to cut the alcohol kilojoules, here are three delicious alternatives for your Saturday night sips.

Posted January 24, 2017

7 healthy food swaps for your Australia Day BBQ

Don't let your New Year's resolutions get derailed this weekend... you can have your pav and eat it too.

Posted December 20, 2016

5 steps to lowering your sugar intake

If you can’t get past 4pm without experiencing cravings for lollies or chocolate – you need to read this.

Posted November 22, 2016

How to eat healthy on a budget

A healthy diet doesn't have to have the latest and greatest superfoods to be nutitionally sound. Here's how you can boost your inner health.... without going broke.

Posted November 14, 2016

5 Reasons a Contigo Drink Bottle needs to be in your gym bag this summer

WATER! We all need to be drinking it, especially when exercising. But the bottle you choose to drink from is even more important.

Posted October 28, 2016

Nutritionist Zoe Bingley-Pullin's Day on a Plate

What the healthier half of Channel 10's Good Chef Bad Chef eats to maintain her glowing vitality.

Posted October 19, 2016

7 wonders of the ancient grain world you need on your plate

Ancient grains – a loose term for grains and cereals that have remained largely unmodified by humans – are making a welcome comeback to our menus, and for good reason.

Posted October 11, 2016

5 Clean treats we can’t get enough of

Jess’ no-fuss, easy-to-make recipes taste indulgent while being completely free from refined sugars, butters, milk and plain flour.

Posted September 29, 2016

Why Zoe Bingley-Pullin wants you to change your relationship with food

For Zoe Bingley-Pullin, food is the foundation of health. Fernwood caught up with her to discover why she fell in love with food – and why she wants you to do the same.

Posted September 19, 2016

5 recipes to inspire you to eat your greens

Spring is here – feel lighter with these fresh recipes bursting with seasonal greens.

Posted August 9, 2016

Suprising benefits of red-coloured food

6 Red-hued foods you need in your diet (and your belly) now!

Posted July 19, 2016

Post-workout foods to help you recover faster

Eating the right food when you’ve finished working out can have a vast impact on how you pull up the next day.

Posted July 13, 2016

How eating for your hormones can supercharge your results

Food coaching that matches your nutrition to your hormone profile can improve your body composition, energy levels and ability to handle stress.

Posted July 13, 2016

Why bone broth is the new latte

It’s curing teenage acne, making Selma Hayek look twenty-five and reviving the dead; bone broth may well be the magical potion in our eternal quest for perfect health.

Posted June 14, 2016

4 winter tea blends with bonus healing properties

With the cold snap of winter setting in, warm yourself up from the inside out with flavoursome tea blends.

Posted June 8, 2016

4 Healthy winter breakfast swaps

If chilly mornings have your reaching for warming breakfast options, here are four winter breakfast swaps that are as delicious as they are nutritious.

Posted May 11, 2016

Nutrition tips for over 55's

You don't have to start running marathons or follow a strict paleo diet once you hit your mid-50s, simple changes can make a world of difference.

Posted May 2, 2016

Ingredients that boost your body type’s fat-burning ability

Eating certain types of foods – hot, cold, spicy, bitter, sweet and sour – can have a huge impact on your body’s metabolic response.

Posted April 20, 2016

Healthy chocolate recipes

Make your little indulgences work harder for you with these superfood charged chocolate recipes.

Posted April 6, 2016

World's top 8 healthiest food habits

Forget the argument over which diet is the world's healthiest - pick and mix from the best nutritional habits from all of the world to curate your own healthy diet.

Posted March 29, 2016

Fuel your workout: before, during and after

Food is your body’s fuel. Are you running on empty?

Posted March 24, 2016

5 foolproof rules for a healthier Easter

Avoid Easter Glutton Guilt by make smarter choices this holiday and stay on track of your health and fitness goals. Here are our 5 foolproof rules for a healthier Easter.

Posted March 18, 2016

How to prep salads for the week on Sunday

How we prep a week’s worth of salads on a Sunday without subjecting ourselves to limp lettuce lunches.

Posted February 5, 2016

What to order when you eat out

Your pocket guide to eating out: our top healthy picks for all your favourite cusines.

Posted January 25, 2016

9 restaurant rules nutritionists swear by

Set some ground rules to keep your waistline looking as good as your social life.

Posted January 21, 2016

Quiz: What's your body type?

Understanding your body type is the key to longer lasting health, wellbeing and weight management. Take our short quiz to discover which body type you have.

Posted January 18, 2016

Healthy Mexican recipes for a fit fiesta

Host your own healthy Mexican fiesta at home with these five delicious and healthy Mexican recipes.

Posted January 15, 2016

If you drink Diet Coke you need to read this

If you’re trying to cut down on the sugar and have swapped to sugar-free drinks, we’ve got some news that’s going to give you more than a toothache.

Posted January 12, 2016

3 holiday diet blunders + how to get back on track

Did you overindulge at the buffet table during the festive season? Here are the three most common holiday diet blunders we're ALL guilty of and some tips to get you back track.

Posted December 8, 2015

5 quick egg-free high-protein breakfast ideas

If you’re not a fan of eggs in the morning, there’s one low-fat high-protein ingredient you need on your plate. Can you guess what it is…?

Posted December 8, 2015

10 Healthy Christmas food swaps

Christmas needn’t be a boozy blow out every year. With just a few simple menu adjustments, you can bet your Santa socks you’ll end up on Father Christmas’ nice list this year.

Posted December 8, 2015

Sparkling mineral water - is it good for you?

Worried sipping on carbonated mineral water will strip the calcium from your bones and rot your teeth? We separate the fact from fiction.

Posted November 30, 2015

Healthy Christmas menu ideas

Not sure what to cook this Christmas? Get the party started with these Fernwood-approved recipes.

Posted November 23, 2015

5 healthy food swaps

Ever fallen victim to the snack attack? Gain your ground against 3.30-itis with these nutritious snack alternatives (your beach bod will thank us later).

Posted November 17, 2015

Living with Fructose Malabsorption

Melissa from The Fructose Free Chef writes about what it’s like to live a fructose-free life.

Posted October 28, 2015

Recipes for a sweet (and healthy) morning tea

Host your own (healthy) morning tea to help us raise funds for BCNA.

Posted October 22, 2015

7 breakfast ideas to boost your results in the gym

Super-easy ways to turn your first meal of the day into a nutritional powerhouse that will have you speeding on your way to achieving your health, fitness and body shaping goals.

Posted October 20, 2015

Why is sugar addictive?

Three reasons why sugar is so addictive... and how you can kick the sugar habit.

Posted October 6, 2015

Healthy snack ideas - the perfect snack equation

When it comes to choosing a nutritious snack to tide you over, there are three things you need in the equation: Protein + Fat + Fibre. Here’s why.

Posted October 1, 2015

Summer diet plan samples

Toning up before summer shouldn’t mean starvation – in fact the opposite is true!

Posted September 28, 2015

4 Gut healing recipes from Lee Holmes

Give your gut a gentle cleanse with these four recipes from Heal your Gut by Lee Holmes.

Posted September 23, 2015

How to stop feeling bloated

Want to keep the flat stomach you wake up with? Our top tips for a happy tummy.

Posted September 17, 2015

How to squeeze in meals around tricky gym times

Not sure what to do about dinner if your favourite group class is scheduled for 8pm or if you’re juggling exercise and lunch between school drop-offs and pick-ups? Here's your guide.

Posted August 27, 2015

Your natural detox starts here

Forget fad detox diets and shakes – go straight to the source with natural spices and herbs to help cleanse from within. Your body, mind, skin (and even hair!) will thank you later.

Posted August 20, 2015

9 fibre-packed veggies to eat this winter

We’ve done all the leg work (yes, outside of the gym) and found nine fibre-rich veggies to enjoy during the colder months.

Posted August 17, 2015

5 sources of protein we always have in our kitchen

When it comes to slimming down or toning up, look no further than high-protein foods to keep you fuller for longer and build lean muscle mass.

Posted June 25, 2015

Iron Woman - are you getting enough?

Essential to life, iron is crucial for energy production and immunity, and is a vital component of our red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body. Are you getting enough?

Posted June 16, 2015

Facts and your figure: the numbers you need to know

Crunch these numbers (and your abs) for better health.

Posted June 12, 2015

10 healthy eating tips to steal from Pinterest

Tired of eating salad for breakfast, lunch and dinner? You need a hit of healthy food inspo – stat.

Posted June 3, 2015

Winter snacks under 600kJ + our most popular protein ball recipe

Satisfy your tummy rumbles with these healthy winter-warming snacks.

Posted June 1, 2015

4 ‘Superlegume’ recipes for better health

If you’re a believer in ‘superfoods’, then look no further than the humble legume. Here are 4 delicious recipes that make incorporating legumes into your diet easy-peasy.

Posted May 28, 2015

Everyday super foods

Super ingredients that won’t bust the bank.

Posted May 28, 2015

4 Nourishing winter soup recipes

Master your meal prep: these winter warming soups are easy to freeze for ready-made healthy lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Posted May 13, 2015

Should you eat before or after exercising?

Timing your meals to suit your exercise schedule will help you get the most out of your workouts and maintain a healthy diet.

Posted May 8, 2015

4 Gorgeous Mother’s Day brekkie ideas

Treat your mum (and yourself!) this mother’s day to a scrumptious breakfast in bed.

Posted April 27, 2015

7 ways to make a healthier spaghetti Bolognese

Blogger and Dietitian Gabrielle O'Dea from Nourish the Day gives us her top tips for turning everyone’s favourite dish into a health meal.

Posted April 14, 2015

7 purple foods to boost your antioxidant intake

PURPLE is the new black. Seven foods to add a burst of colour to your plate.

Posted April 9, 2015

What is Teff?

Gluten free baking just got a whole lot more exciting thanks to teff, a tiny, gelatinous ‘super food’ grain about to make a big impact on the way we eat.

Posted April 2, 2015

Top 5 tips for staying healthy as a student from JSHealth

Jessica Sepel from JSHealth shares her tips, as well as quick, simple and cost effective recipes to make sure you never reach for those instant noodles again.

Posted April 2, 2015

SOS: I overindulged at Easter!

Our resident Fernwood Nutritionist, Elita, dishes up advice on how we can deal with post-Easter indulgence guilt.

Posted March 27, 2015

Fight fatigue with food

Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist Rebecca Gawthorne, better known as Nourish Naturally, shares her top tips for eating for energy.

Posted March 17, 2015

3 ways to improve a sluggish digestive system

Easy ways to get your insides in tip-top condition.

Posted February 10, 2015

What makes a good protein powder?

We’ve compiled a list of what to look out for in a protein powder so you can separate fact from fiction.

Posted January 22, 2015

How to get your vitamins from real food

Confused about which vitamins do what? Here’s your guide to the 13 essential vitamins and their best food sources.

Posted January 22, 2015

Australia's best farmers' markets

Rediscover the enjoyment of food shopping by heading to your local farmers’ market. Here are some of Australia’s best.

Posted January 22, 2015

The truth about carbs

Not all carbs are created equal – and the right types can boost your health. Discover the benefits of resistant starch.

Posted January 22, 2015

Stay in shape by dividing your plate into perfect portions

Super-sized servings are having a major impact on our waistlines. How how do you measure the perfect sized portions to keep you in shape?

Posted January 22, 2015

5 healthy seeds you need to eat now!

The old idiom is correct: eating like a sparrow helps us stay narrow. Pick up a handful of seeds for an exciting and highly nutritious addition to your diet.

Posted January 22, 2015

How to win the war on super-sized portions

We all know portion sizes in restaurants and pre-packaged foods have increased, but by how much? You'll be surprised to learn how much you could be overindulging without even realising.

Posted December 17, 2014

What can Fernwood's Goddess Supplement do for me?

Supplements. Sometimes they seem to pose more questions than they answer: What should I take? When? How? And what benefit am I going to see?

Posted December 12, 2014

The ultimate cereal show down

Oats, grains and flakes were not created equal – here’s what you should be reaching for in the morning.

Posted November 28, 2014

Things we can learn from the raw food diet

The raw food diet isn’t all salads and fruit – there are some great things we can take away from this rather extreme style of eating.

Posted November 18, 2014

Banish those tummy troubles

Most bacteria in the body is found in the digestive tract, and the state of that bacteria can provide strong clues to our levels of health and happiness.

Posted October 28, 2014

Make a salad into a meal

A warm day calls for a refreshing salad. Turn your veggie creations into the main event with these tips to make it into a whole meal.

Posted October 7, 2014

Top healthy cafes: NSW & ACT

Whether you’re paleo, a coeliac sufferer or a sugar-free devotee, the new raft of cafés and food stores opening all around the country have something for you.

Posted October 3, 2014

10 of the best spring mood foods

Get that spring back into your step by including some of these great spring mood boosting foods on your plate.

Posted September 26, 2014

Top healthy cafes: Queensland

Whether you’re paleo, a coeliac sufferer or a sugar-free devotee, the new raft of cafés and food stores opening all around the country have something for you.

Posted August 6, 2014

Is sugar making you sad?

Emerging research suggests excess sugar consumption may put you at an increased risk of depression.

Posted August 1, 2014

Weird new super food: bee pollen

Bee pollen is a relative new receiver of super food status, but it’s already making a buzz – here’s why.

Posted July 30, 2014

5 Ingredients Teresa Cutter can't live without

Read on to open the door to the Healthy Chef pantry and discover what Cutter won’t do without.

Posted July 21, 2014

Get out of a diet rut

If you know the days of the week based upon what’s for dinner, then you’ve well and truly settled into a diet rut. Here's how to climb out of it.

Posted July 9, 2014

Pros and cons of the Paleo diet

With ardent followers claiming the regime is a way of life and not just a way of eating, we look at the pros and cons of consuming like a caveman.

Posted July 3, 2014

5 tips for a food breakthru

Fernwood's Nutrition Angel, Tracey Robson-Garth, gives her top tips for making a food breakthru in Fernwood's first online program, the 28 Day Breakthru.

Posted June 25, 2014

What really happens when you skip breakfast?

We’re told our morning meal is the most important one of the day – but what happens when we skip our morning muesli for a longer lie-in?

Posted June 16, 2014

6 Different ways to use tofu

There’s much more to tofu than stir-fries and frying. Try some of these different ways to use tofu.

Posted June 10, 2014

Nutrition Q&A: How to eat a balanced diet without overeating?

Q:  I am trying to eat a balanced diet, but if I eat the suggested amounts of each food group, I’m eating so much food. What is right?

Posted June 2, 2014

The next food trend: Breakfast Salads

Starting your day with fibre filled veggies and satiating protein just seems to make sense.

Posted May 30, 2014

Nutrition Q&A: Can alcohol really impact on your weight?

Q: Can alcohol really impact on my weight? – it’s just liquid...

Posted May 30, 2014

Why you need fermented foods

What’s all this health hype about fermented foods?

Posted May 26, 2014

Nutrition Q&A: Does snacking make you fat?

Some diet plans preach 3 square meals a day, while others say to stick to 6 small ones - so where does snacking fit in?

Posted May 20, 2014

Nutrition Q&A: Why am I starving at 3.30pm?

Q: What's with three-thirtyitis? Why am I starving every time the clock hits 3.30pm?

Posted May 13, 2014

Nutrition Q&A: Should I eat seeds & nuts?

Q: I know I should eat seeds and nuts, but I can’t get past their high calorie value. Do I really need them?

Posted May 2, 2014

How to activate your nuts

“Activating nuts” is said to unlock the nutritional powers of nuts and allow our bodies to absorb more of the good stuff - here's your DIY guide.

Posted April 17, 2014

New ways to use protein powder

You don’t need to skull a post-workout protein shake every day; get creative in the kitchen with protein powder to create new and exciting protein-packed treats.

Posted April 15, 2014

5 Autumn superfoods you need to eat now

Turn your next shopping trip into a chance to pick up these select seasonal superfoods.

Posted April 2, 2014

Flavour without fat

Trying to cut back on salt, sugar or fat doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your taste buds. Here’s how to give your meals a healthy flavour boost.

Posted March 25, 2014

Cooking for health

Know which cooking methods will boost the flavour and nutrients in your food to give your tastebuds a treat.

Posted March 17, 2014

Gluten free doesn’t mean missing out

Going gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Try these gluten-free twists on classic cuisines.

Posted March 7, 2014

Omega-3: the fat-loss booster

Essential for good health, omega-3 fatty acids are an untapped fat-burning resource, but only one in every 10 Australians gets enough.

Posted February 10, 2014

Your guide to vitamins

Small in quantity but huge in impact, vitamins protect your body from nasty intruders and activate important bodily functions. Here’s how to get your daily dose.

Posted February 4, 2014

Best fast food choices

When you’re on the run or working late, sometimes takeaway is the only cure for a rumbling tummy. We asked the experts how you can enjoy fast food while watching your weight.

Posted January 28, 2014

Tips to help you drink more water

Know you need to be drinking more water? Here are 6 easy tips to make getting your daily hydration a breeze.

Posted January 23, 2014

5 healthy ways to get your chocolate fix

Just because you’re following a healthy eating plan, doesn’t mean you can’t get a chocolate fix! We’ve found a few healthier ways to indulge.

Posted December 5, 2013

Sugar substitutions

Your sugar substitute cheat sheet.

Posted November 25, 2013

Should you go gluten free?

We separate gluten fact from fiction from fad.

Posted November 21, 2013

Beware sneaky food marketing tactics

Some of the sneakiest, savviest marketing strategies are right under our noses. Decipher food’s fine print to separate hard facts from pure marketing spin.

Posted October 29, 2013

5 easy ways to add more protein to your diet

A 60kg woman needs to consume around 48g of protein each day. Here’s 5 easy ways to reach this target.

Posted October 14, 2013

Spring clean your diet

Spring sees nature abound with tasty ingredients to inspire a healthy change.

Posted October 1, 2013

14 rules for a healthy kitchen

Turn your kitchen into a healthy eating zone by following these fool-proof rules.

Posted September 27, 2013

Choosing the right milk for you

We investigate the latest milk additions at your local supermarket and lay the facts bare for you.

Posted September 18, 2013

Coconut - healthy food or over-hyped fad?

Supermodels and celebrities are going crazy for coconut, but what do experts say about its superfood status?

Posted September 16, 2013

Detoxing with juice - is it good for you?

Juice “cleansing” encourages the consumption of nothing but freshly extracted fruit and vegetable juice for several days to detoxify and restore the body - but is it healthy?

Posted September 13, 2013

6 Common nutrition mistakes

You may think your diet is flawless... but are you making one of these common nutrition mistakes?

Posted September 10, 2013

Organic food: where to spend and where to save

You don’t have to eat 100 per cent organic, all the time – invest in items that, when not organic, contain the least nasties, and shop around to find the best prices.

Posted September 5, 2013

What advice would a food coach give you?

Want to know what a food coach does? Everton Park food coach Louise Wedgewood’s assesses two Fernwood members' diets. See what advice she gives.

Posted September 4, 2013

20 Different ways to use yoghurt

It’s incredibly healthy and unbelievably versatile. We show you 20 different ways you can use this dairy wonder food in your kitchen.

Posted August 1, 2013

Unusual winter veggies - and how to use them

Winter veggies can get a little same same after a while. Brighten up your kitchen with these unusual additions.

Posted July 29, 2013

The desktop diet (how to eat nutritiously at the office)

If you have a deskbound job, you’re at an increased risk of weight gain. Here’s how to eat nutritiously at the office to prevent unwanted kilos creeping up on you.

Posted July 23, 2013

5 Sweet alternatives to sugar

Highly refined white sugar has zero nutritional value. Replace it with these five great sugar alternatives.

Posted July 19, 2013

Is organic food worth its high price tag?

In theory, we’d all love to eat organic, but according to a recent survey by Australian Organic, the price just isn’t right.

Posted July 15, 2013

Get involved in the Winter Food Challenge!

Give up processed foods from July 29th to August 25th and feel fit and fabulous by spring time!

Posted July 10, 2013

What is kale?

Kale - the humble green veggie is on everyone’s lips – and everyone’s plates. What is it and why should we be eating it?

Posted June 18, 2013

Immunity boosting ingredients

No time for a cold? Boost your battle against the sniffles with a pantry full of flu-fighting ingredients.

Posted May 29, 2013

10 (somewhat healthy) things to do with leftover rice

Get thrifty in the kitchen with these healthy ideas for leftover rice.

Posted May 20, 2013

Surprising health benefits of spices

They smell and taste amazing, and pack a flavourful punch in everyday dishes. But did you know that many spices also have significant health benefits?

Posted May 13, 2013

The truth about trans fats

What exactly are trans fats? Why are they so bad for us? What are they in and how do we avoid them? We find out.

Posted May 6, 2013

10 ways with quinoa

Can’t get enough of this ancient Incan seed? We’ve found more ways you can include the tiny protein- packed gem into more of your culinary adventures!

Posted April 10, 2013

Your guide to tea varietals

From white to black and yellow to green - we uncover the difference between the most common tea varietals.

Posted March 27, 2013

Top dairy myths busted

Enjoy snacking on yoghurt and homemade smoothies but worried that dairy might be causing acne or weight gain? Worry no more – read our dairy myth busters and enjoy that skinny latte!

Posted March 21, 2013

Will eating nuts make me put on weight?

Rather than being the cause of weight gain, if you make small portions of nuts part of your daily diet, it could be the solution!

Posted March 4, 2013

10 tips for a healthier Easter

Follow our tips to enjoy Easter without feeling like you’ve overdone it.

Posted March 4, 2013

Get excited about autumn’s seasonal produce!

Chase the cool weather blues away by getting creative in the kitchen with healthy autumn produce.

Posted February 22, 2013

What to eat to get the most out of your workout

Want to know what – and when – to eat to get the most out of your workout? Here’s the smart guide to fuelling your fitness.

Posted February 8, 2013

Want to lose weight and save money? Make your own lunch.

The food you make in your own kitchen is almost always cheaper and healthier than what you'll find at the corner shop.

Posted February 8, 2013

Top 4 healthiest cuisines

There’s no need to restrict yourself at home with a salad if you’re trying to stick to a healthy-eating plan. Our top recommendations for international eating out.

Posted January 24, 2013

Is sugar the enemy?

We investigate the war being waged on the sweet stuff.

Posted January 18, 2013

Your healthy BBQ guide

Impress your summer dinner guests with these gourmet BBQ ideas that are big on presentation and flavour, without the excess kilojoules.

Posted January 17, 2013

Stone fruit season is just peachy!

Stone fruit season is short and sweet, so get creative in the kitchen and learn to make the most of these succulent summer fruits while you still can!

Posted December 20, 2012

Tips to lighten up your salads

A few handy hints to keep your salads bursting with flavour, but with half the amount of kilojoules.

Posted December 18, 2012

Strawberries: summer’s secret health snack

The world's most popular berry is also packed full of bonus health benefits. Enjoy them for their sweet, succulent flavour and reap the health rewards!

Posted December 12, 2012

Guilt-free Christmas meal ideas

Is a guilt-free Christmas dinner on your wish list this year? Here are some sneaky suggestions for Christmas dishes that are loaded with flavour, not kilojoules.

Posted December 11, 2012

The winning pre-gym snack

We asked all our Fernwood friends what their favourite pre-gym snack was – and there was one clear winner!

Posted November 29, 2012

Vitamin D: why you need it and how to get it

Make the most of the summer sunshine and up your vitamin D levels for better health and wellbeing.

Posted November 27, 2012

6 of the best mood foods

Sydney-based nutritionist and naturopath, Kira Sutherland, recommends her top 6 mood-boosting foods.

Posted October 24, 2012

The dehydration myth

Drinking as much water as you can before you’re thirsty, and supplementing your hydration with sports drinks to avoid dehydration is a myth, new research shows.

Posted October 18, 2012

"Health foods" to be wary of

If you’re on a mission to slim-down, don’t let these so-called ‘health foods’ sabotage your diet.

Posted October 15, 2012

Exercise and Chocolate Milk

A hard earned thirst needs a big, cold … glass of chocolate milk? Read on to find out the benefits of chocolate milk after exercise.

Posted October 10, 2012

Combat Portion Distortion

Are you eating all the right foods, exercising, and still not losing weight? Your problem may not be what you’re eating, but how much you’re eating.

Posted October 2, 2012

12 ways to sneak more vegetables into your diet

Getting the recommended 5 serves of vegetables every day can be a challenge. Here’s 12 fun ways to sneak more vegetables into your diet.

Posted September 20, 2012

How to cook with beans and pulses

Want to add more beans to your diet but not sure where to start? We’ve sussed out the best ways to use some of the more common beans and pulses you’ll find at the supermarket.

Posted September 3, 2012

Celebrate spring with new season's produce

These days, you can get practically all fruit and vegetables, any month of the year, but knowing what’s in season is important. As the days begin to lengthen and the soil warms up, nature celebrates the new season with a blush of green and a burst of colour.

Posted August 27, 2012

Skin boosting foods

Add these sneaky skin boosters into your diet for a flawless complexion and skin so healthy it glows!

Posted July 24, 2012

Mindful Eating

Focus on your food and banish mindless munching. This is mindful eating. It’s not a diet – no food is banned. It’s about how you eat rather than what you eat. Read more...

Posted July 18, 2012

How to Boost your BMR

You know the basic equation: more energy out than in equals weight loss. But if you want to burn more energy, with less effort, you need to boost your Basal Metabolic Rate. Here's how...

Posted May 25, 2012

6 Ways with Keep It Lean and Lighten Up

Keep It Lean and Lighten Up, Fernwood’s range of shakes, are a practical and tasty alternative to snacks before or after exercise. But many don’t realise how versatile they are. You don’t always need to put it in a shaker and quickly gulped down after a workout session. There are many creative ways to work these into your meal plan, often given them a boost of nutrition.

Posted May 17, 2012

Foods That Fight

Not all foods were created equal – some pack a more powerful punch when it comes to fighting off disease and illness. Here are 10 ‘superfoods’ that work hard to enhance our health.

Posted May 11, 2012

How to minimise hangover symptoms

Why didn’t you stop at the second champagne? Now you’ve got a pounding head and wobbly tummy. Next time, avoid the morning after blahs with this hangover defence plan.

Posted April 27, 2012

7 Healthy Tips For Navigating The Grocery Store

Every so often we get distracted when buying food. We put way too much in our shopping trolley, we buy a packet of chips just because we’re hungry at the time, we buy something because it’s on special, or we wander around aimlessly trying to figure out what to make for dinner. Here are some tips to save you time and your waistline!

Posted April 5, 2012

Drink Up: Hydrating for performance and recovery

Just like stretching after a workout or wearing a decent sports bra, hydration is crucial to your fitness regime. Prepping your body, hydration-wise, will set you up for a good performance and recovery, ensuring you get the most out of any gym session.

Posted April 5, 2012

Kick the Easter cravings

One ear is all it takes. A nibble at the top corner of the chocolate bunny; the hollow pop as the form collapses and those delectable shards fall into the centre. Before you know it, you’re munching away at a torso. All that stands between you and regret is a pair of cocoa-coloured rabbit feet.

Posted March 6, 2012

Start your engines

Fuel up at breakfast time to power through your day. The importance of a hearty breakfast has been drummed into us since we were old enough to hold our own spoons.

Posted November 15, 2011

Healthy TV Snack Ideas

The candy bars at the cinema are swamped with chocolate, chips, butter-lathered popcorn, soft drinks, sugary snacks and more. It’s no surprise that we reach for the same sorts of snacks when we’re watching a movie at home or enjoying some TV time. Here's a list of some better healthy snack options when you’re on the couch enjoying some television or a great flick!

Posted October 20, 2010

Recession survey results

The survey revealed that families were cooking more vegetarian meals with 90 per cent of consumers also saying that they are preparing meals that can be spread across more than one mealtime.

Posted October 20, 2010

Financial crisis helping us to eat healthier

The survey revealed that families were cooking more vegetarian meals with 90 per cent of consumers also saying that they are preparing meals that can be spread across more than one mealtime. Fernwood’s National Slimplicity Manager, Nic Linford, says that families can still eat healthy and wholesome foods for a fraction of the cost of takeaway.