Quirky Cooking Chats

Having a curious mindset is of major importance in all areas of life, and is especially crucial in the area of health and wellbeing. If you find yourself shutting down anyone who challenges your thinking around health and diet, you may be shutting down opportunities to learn and grow, and prolonging your health struggles. In this podcast I talk about the difference between having a curious mindset and a conclusive mindset: – Looking at the world around you with open eyes vs shutting off anything that goes against what you “know” – Learning to look at health as principles to apply to your unique situation, rather than a set of black & white rules – How curiosity helps us grow, and how our health can flourish when we consider the principles of a traditional, whole food diet rather than relying on ‘diet rules and regulations’ and a ‘one size fits all’ approach. I also discuss the question, “Is this food/product/supplement good for me?” Learn to work out the answer to this question for yourself, simply by asking yourself some questions relating to a traditional, “whole food” way of thinking. (See resources below for the list of questions I mention in the video.) If you have a question you’d love for me to answer, email me at [email protected] with the subject line, “Ask Me a Question”. HELPFUL RESOURCES: Article: “Principles of a Whole-Food Diet” and questions to ask yourself when trying to decide if something is healthy or not – see my “Beginner’s Guide” here Article: Is Dairy Bad for You? “What Have We Done to Dairy?” Podcast: Curiosity and Regenerative Farming – “Dave Westbrook, The Farm Business Coach Giving Life Lessons to Help Farmers Achieve Their Goals” Help with Gut Healing: The Gut Health Formula, 8 Week Program Watch the YouTube video of this Podcast here! The post QCC 166: Be Curious! The importance of having a curious mindset appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

“Q&A and Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce” Watch the video here! This week I answer listener’s questions which include: – When will your new cookbook be available? – What kind of things you can make with meat stock? – How many hours a day do you cook? – How can I heal my toddler’s gut? She’s a very fussy eater! – Where do you buy your almond meal/almond flour? – How much almond meal is too much in our diet? – Will you share your Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce recipe? … and the answer to the cheese sauce recipe question is YES! You will find the how-to instructions at the end of this Q&A, and the recipe is available here!: Link to the instructional Youtube video, Here! RESOURCES – “A Taster” ebook: 12 delicious, gut-healing recipes from my upcoming cookbook “Simple, Healing Food”. This ebook costs $10 and you will receive a $10 discount voucher for my new cookbook once it is released! Find it here! – The extra special chocolate cake mentioned in this video will be in my new cookbook, but if you’re dying to try a decadent chocolate cake right NOW, try this one from my blog here – How to make and use meat stocks, and the difference between meat stocks and bone broths – The last cookbook published by Quirky Cooking, Life-Changing Food – Our 8 week program for improved gut health, The Gut Health Formula Watch the video here! If you have a question you’d love for me to answer, email me at [email protected] with the subject line, “Ask Me a Question”. The post QCC 165: Q&A and Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

“Activating Nuts & Seeds – Why, How and When?” Watch the video Here! This week I answer listener’s questions about activating nuts & seeds, such as: – Why activate nuts & seeds, and do you always do it? – Are some nuts harder on the digestive system than others? – What is the difference between activating, soaking and fermenting? – Can you use an oven for dehydrating soaked nuts & seeds? – How do you avoid activated nuts/seeds from going mouldy? – If I blanch and remove almond skins is that same as activating? – What do you do with the pulp from nut milk? – Can you activate nut meal or does it have to be whole nuts? Learn the reasons behind soaking, fermenting and activating and what the best options are for those on a gut-healing diet! RESOURCES: – Soaking & Activating Nuts & Seeds – ratios & times: see page 23 in my Life-Changing Food Cookbook: – Program: If you need support, recipes and professional health advice to help you on your gut-healing journey, consider joining The Gut Health Formula, an 8 week program I run with Elyse Comerford, Integrative Nutritionist and GAPS Practitioner: Find Her Here! RECIPES: – Blender Batter Pancakes/Waffles – Blender Batter Muffins Watch the video Here! If you have a question you’d love for me to answer, email me at [email protected] with the subject line, “Ask Me a Question”. The post QCC 164: Activating Nuts & Seeds – Why, How & When appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

“Gut health – Where do I start??” Watch the video Here! This week I answer the question of where to begin when you want to work on improving your gut health, but feel like it’s all too overwhelming. I share simple steps for a gentle approach to healing: 1) Start slowly! 2) Add in before taking out. Healing foods to focus on adding in: – meat stocks – good fats – eggs, especially yolks – organ meats – bone marrow – fermented foods 3) Transition to a whole food diet 4) Remove hard-to-digest sugars and starches from your diet while healing 5) Eat nutrient-dense meals to reduce the need for snacking If you need support, recipes and professional health advice to help you on your gut-healing journey, consider joining The Gut Health Formula, an 8 week program I run with Elyse Comerford, Integrative Nutritionist and GAPS Practitioner: Find Her Here! You will also find plenty of gut-friendly recipes on my blog Quirky Cooking, and in our Life-Changing Food cookbook Watch the video Here! If you have a question you’d love for me to answer in my podcast videos, email me at [email protected] with the subject line, “Ask Me a Question”. The post QCC 163: Gut Health – Where Do I Start? appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

In this episode I share some tips for keeping up with the cooking when you have young kids & work full time. Most parents struggle to keep up with cooking healthy, balanced meals for the family as well as working full time, taking kids to school and other activities, and finding some time for themselves. Listen in for some time-saving tips for meal prep, and how to plan ahead so that everyone is well fed without lots of stress. Watch the youtube video here! USEFUL RESOURCES: – Meal planners, and some sample meal plans: Here! – Past newsletters with sample meal plans: Here! – Subscribe to my email for more meal plans and recipes for simple, family meals: Here! Watch the youtube video here! The post QCC 162: Saving Time with Meal Prep appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Learn how to make a delicious lamb, leek, lentil and lemon soup, and get some tips for starting on your gut-healing journey! Elyse Comerford, nutritionist and GAPS practitioner, joins me on the show to talk about healing the gut without getting bogged down by stress and overwhelm. We also give an overview of our gut health coaching program, “The Gut Health Formula”. You can watch the video here on my YouTube channel! Subjects covered in this podcast: – what are the symptoms of poor gut health? – should I get testing done to see if I have leaky gut? – what are the first steps for healing the gut? – what impact does stress have on gut health, and how can I better respond to stress that I can’t control? – how do I begin to change my diet without feeling overwhelmed? – what resources can I access to help me learn more about healing naturally? www.quirkycooking.com.au How to Make Meat Stocks, video here! NOTEWORTHY QUOTES: “Improving your health and having a healthy diet is not about willpower. It’s not about shame, blame, guilt and deprivation. If that is the approach you’re taking… *spoiler alert * …It’s not going to work!. It’s never going to work.” – Elyse Comerford WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: Here! The post QCC 161: Lamb, Leek, Lentil, Lemon Soup + Gut Health Q&A appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Every day I receive many questions via emails, messages and comments. Sometimes the questions relate to food and healthy eating, sometimes family and homeschooling, sometimes business and personal development. Each week I’ll be choosing a few of these questions to answer in a video/podcast, and I’ll share further resources, recipes, tips and links as well to help you delve further and find the information you need. If you have a question you’d love for me to answer, email me at [email protected] with the subject line, “Ask Me a Question”. How do I get the family on board with healthy eating? Health changes can be difficult to implement, especially when your partner is not on the same page, your kids refuse to eat new foods, and your friends laugh at your ‘weird’ way of eating! Here’s my tips for getting the family on board with improving the diet, and showing your friends that healthy eating can be delicious and fun! WATCH THIS VIDEO ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/P6CmYx0OaDw USEFUL RESOURCES – Help for those overwhelmed with health issues and needing guidance with diet changes: https://www.wellbellyhealth.com.au/the-gut-health-formula – Interview with Isaac Whitton (19 yrs old) sharing his experience of changing his diet (from 13 yrs old), and how he learnt to take responsibility for his own health: https://youtu.be/GSivfEhWCvA – Family Favourites – recipes we love: https://www.quirkycooking.com.au/category/favourites/ – Fussy Eaters – podcasts to help you turn things around: * Fussy Eaters & How to Have Peaceful Mealtimes (with Beth Bonfiglio of Little Fusspot): http://thewellnesscouch.com/aqj/aqj-137-fussy-eaters-how-to-have-peaceful-mealtimes * Play Therapy for Fussy Eaters (with Crystal Poggioli, occupational therapist & GAPS practitioner): http://thewellnesscouch.com/aqj/aqj-133-play-therapy-for-fussy-eaters-with-crystel-poggioli-ot The post QCC 160: Getting the Family on Board with Healthy Eating appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Beginning on a health journey can be overwhelming. As expenses mount up, so do stress levels! Listen in as I share some of my tips for reducing the money stress while you are working towards a healthier diet and lifestyle and trying to heal your family. I also demonstrate how I make a simple, inexpensive, nutrient dense dinner that my family loves. (Scroll down for ingredients list.) In this episode you’ll learn about: – why unrealistic expectations and comparing yourself to others can sabotage your efforts to heal – ways to improve your health that don’t cost money – reducing stress by reducing the busyness and lifestyle ‘clutter’ – the long term approach to improving your health – the importance of nature therapy – reducing food waste – buying in bulk to save money on groceries – how to store bulk ingredients – how to reduce the meat in your meals – how to bulk out meals to make them cheaper and more filling, without using starchy fillers – how to ‘do what you can, where you are, with what you’ve got’! If you haven’t already listened to my last podcast you might also find it helpful, as we discuss the importance of letting go of a ‘perfectionist’ mindset, and beginning where you are when working on health changes: “Spicy Cabbage Rolls + Done Is Better Than Perfect!” Watch this video on my YouTube channel! Ingredients for “Toad in the Hole”: – 8 beef or pork sausages (preservative free) – 200g soft ghee or tallow (melt if hard) – 140g almond meal or pepita meal – 100g water – 5 eggs – 1/4 tsp salt Useful Links: The Gut Health Formula – 8 week group coaching program: This program is run by myself and Elyse Comerford (nutritionist and gut health specialist) and is especially helpful for beginners to gut health. It is a gentle, sustainable approach to health which includes reducing food and lifestyle stress, working out health priorities, learning to organise and plan ahead so that healthy choices are easier to make, and slowly adjusting the diet to include more nutritious, healing foods. You will work towards a diet similar to the Full GAPS diet, using these healing food principles in a flexible way that suits YOU. Our coaching program is like a health retreat you can do at home… Slow down, let go of the stress, be gentle with yourself, nourish yourself with delicious, healing foods, and learn to build the foundations of good health one step at a time. The next round begins 15th October, 2020, and runs for 8 weeks, then is accessible for 12 months. The post QCC 159: ‘Toad in the Hole’ + How to Save Money on Your Health Journey appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

DONE IS BETTER THAN PERFECT! This episode is all about letting go of perfectionism and just jumping in and giving it a go… whether ‘it’ is cooking, starting a new project, business tasks you’ve been putting off, exercising, or anything else in life that is making you feel overwhelmed and ‘stuck’! I have a bit of fun trying out a recipe I’ve never tried before, while swapping around ingredients to use what I have, swapping rice for cauliflower, adjusting for a double batch on the fly, overflowing the pot in the oven, and running late for dinner… My good friend Helen Marshall of Primal Alternative then joins me on the show to chat about why “Done is Better Than Perfect”! We talk about what we do when we feel ‘stuck’, and many of the things we’ve learnt over the years that have helped us ditch perfectionism and move forward with our health and in our businesses. GUEST INFORMATION Helen Marshall is the founder of Primal Alternative – a range of nourishing, grain free foods, produced by individual licensees in their homes, and sold in stores, markets, and online throughout Australia, USA and the UK. Find out more about the business here. RECIPE: SPICY CABBAGE ROLLS You can watch this video here on my Quirky Cooking YouTube channel and cook along with me if you like! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and leave me a comment at the bottom of the video. I’d love to know what you think. The original recipe is ‘Spicy Stuffed Cabbage’ from the cookbook Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook That Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats, by Sally Fallon. In my video I’ve tweaked this recipe to make it grain free, and doubled the filling. If you’d like to try it, here are the ingredients for a single batch: – 1 large cabbage – 2 Tbsp olive oil or ghee – 2 brown onions – 3 garlic cloves – 500g beef mince – 500g cauliflower florets – 1/2 cup raisins – 1/4 cup fresh dill, or 1 tsp dried dill – 2 tsp ground cumin – 1 tsp cinnamon – 1/8 tsp ground cloves – sea salt & pepper – 1/2 cup almonds – 1 egg – 4 cups chicken stock – 2 fresh tomatoes or 1 400g tin chopped tomatoes – 2 Tbsp tapioca or arrowroot starch Enjoy! The post QCC 158: Spicy Cabbage Rolls + Done is Better Than Perfect! appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

My son Isaac was diagnosed with severe OCD and anxiety in 2014 (when he was 13 years old), and so began our journey into healing the gut and working to improve his mental health. For the first half hour of this episode I talk to parents of young people who need to move towards a healing diet and are not really keen to make changes, or are struggling to keep on track and focus on the long-term goals. Isaac (now 19 years old) joins me for the next hour to answer questions from listeners. Isaac shares: his initial reactions to mum saying he needed to go on a special diet what he found hardest about being on GAPS how he coped with peer pressure while trying to stick to healing foods, and his advice for social situations the improvements he saw in his mental and emotional health, and how long it took to see changes how his skin and sleep has improved, and what he finds most affects them the ups and downs with healthy eating (yep, it’s normal) how he gets back on the ‘healthy eating wagon’ when he’s fallen off what he would tell his 13 yr old self now he’s older and wiser his advice for young people struggling with anxiety and mental health issues how his experience with the GAPS diet has affected his thinking as an adult avoiding addictions in other areas besides food – doing a ‘dopamine detox’ why he’s so much happier now, and what helps the most his answer to the question, “Was it worth it??”! Cooking segment! We didn’t manage to cook on this episode as it was already so long, so here is a link to a video of my boys cooking together that your teenagers may enjoy. 🙂 Isaac & Simi cook Sweet ‘n’ Sour Pork (and have an unexpected visitor to the kitchen!) Useful links: Starting diet changes slowly and gently – listen to this podcast with Elyse Comerford Working with fussy eaters listen to this podcast with Beth Bonfiglio of Little Fusspot listen to this podcast with Crystal Poggioli (OT) on Play Therapy read this article on the ABA method for little ones needing to do GAPS Top tips for gut health, and making healthy swaps in your cooking – read this article Stress trumps all!! Reduce the stress in your home and help your kids to heal. “It’s about creating an atmosphere of joy and peacefulness and calm, as much as creating healthy food.” – Jo Whitton The post QCC 157: Helping Teens to Heal – Q&A with Isaac Whitton appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Welcome to the first episode of “Quirky Cooking Chats”! 2020 has been a year of changes, and as Jo nestled in to her home during lockdown and shared her everyday cooking via videos on social media, she found that her listeners were excited to have practical help with cooking for good health – not just the science and nutrition information, but how to put it all into practice in everyday life. So “A Quirky Journey” has become “Quirky Cooking Chats“, where you can listen (and watch!) as Jo cooks in her kitchen and chats about ‘real life’ nutrition and healthy living with her friends and guests. Watch practical, doable cooking videos, ask questions, and be inspired to make simple changes that will maximise your health and wellbeing without the stress and overwhelm. Cook along with Jo, absorb her knowledge of “food as medicine”, develop a healthy mindset towards nourishing your family with real food, and learn how Jo balances the food prep and cooking for her family with running her own business and raising four kids. Listen in as Jo chats with friends and guests about everything from culinary medicine and nutrition to family food stories, healthy homes, regenerative farming, reducing stress, balancing work-family-life, saving time and money while eating well, and much more! Watch this episode on the Quirky Cooking YouTube Channel, and cook along! Recipes & Useful Links: Our Program: “The Gut Health Formula” – 8 week group coaching program with Jo Whitton & Elyse Comerford Recipes: Meat Stocks & Bone Broths Article: The difference between stocks & broths, and which is best for gut healing Video: How to make the best roast chicken & chicken stock from one chicken Video: Chicken pilaf (made with chicken stock & the leftover chicken) Cookbook: Life-Changing Food (for stocks, broths & lots of recipes to use them in!) Ingredients & Products I use: Aussie Pink Lake Salt Celtic Sea Salt Aussie Pepper Bone Broth Concentrate (if you’re ok with long-cooked broths, for those days when you just don’t have time!) Solidteknics stainless steel 6L rondeau pot Solidteknics formed iron skillets The post QCC 156: Meat Stocks & Bone Broths – How & Why appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Join Jo and Fouad for a lighthearted chat about food, family, and life during lockdown! They discuss ‘quarantine cuisine’, what they’re cooking, how they’re coping, and ways they are finding the positives in the current situation. Jo and Fouad answer readers questions about: how to make do with what you’ve got in the fridge, freezer and pantry ideas for snacks and easy meals to keep the family filled up and happy how to cope on a special diet (like GAPS) while in lockdown foods that boost the immune system and reduce inflammation simple fermented foods to make at home bulking out meals to save money how to support local farmers and producers how to keep the stress levels low Note: Readers sent in so many questions on this topic that they couldn’t all be answered in one podcast, so Jo will be answering many of them in her Instagram and Facebook stories, and in an upcoming blog post on Quirky Cooking. If you’d like to add your questions, send them to [email protected]. Useful Links: Preparing Your Pantry to “Stay at Home” – article by Jo Livestream Webinars with Jo & Elyse Comerford, “Nourishing Your Family” Life-Changing Food cookbook or iOS app, for delicious, whole food recipes! Fouad’s hummus recipe – visit his instagram to watch him making it! Fermented foods to make at home (recipes for beginners) Willow & Sage Mushroom Teas & other immune support Contact Fouad about web design at @fookassab on Instagram! The post AQJ 155: Quarantine Cuisine, with Jo and Fouad appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Kriben Govender, Food Scientist, Registered Nutritionist and founder of Nourishme Organics, says kefir changed his life. Kriben’s story began 8 years ago, when crippled with anxiety and depression, overweight, and lacking energy, he was told by his psychiatrist that antidepressants were the only option. But being a Food Scientist, he began to look at alternative ways including numerous research studies to treat his ill health. He attributes his health transformation largely to the GAPS diet and the ‘miracle food’ Kefir! With more than 20 years of experience in the food industry (working in research and development and quality assurance), an honours degree in Applied Science (Food Science and Technology), and as a member of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition Society of Australia, Kriben knows what he’s talking about when he talks about the healing power of food. Cultured foods like Kefir, Kombucha and Fermented Vegetables are some of the most beneficial foods for digestive health. And it’s super easy to make for your family every day. Kriben’s aim through Nourishme Organics is to guide people through the process of making their own traditional cultured foods, step by step, sharing the gift of digestive health and vitality which he has found so powerful for his own health. Here’s a few of the benefits of milk kefir: Decreased Inflammation and Faster Healing Improved Digestion and Better Gut Health Antimicrobial Activity Balanced Neurotransmitters and Enhanced Brain Function A Healthier Heart and Cardiovascular System Faster Metabolism and Easier Weight Loss Learn lots more in this podcast! Useful Links: Nourishme Organics Website, Instagram, Facebook Gut Health Gurus Podcast, Instagram, Facebook The post AQJ 154: How Kefir & Cultured Foods Can Help With Weight Loss & Mental Health – with Kriben Govender appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Lucie McCullough, international interior designer and building biologist, aims to show the world that it IS possible to have beautifully designed homes that are also healthy sanctuaries from the world! In part 2 of “Designing a Healthy Home,” Lucie discusses questions that arise when we consider the bombardment of toxins in our homes and the environment around us, such as: Is it possible to recover from mould illness, sensitivity to EMFs, and other environmental overloads that can result in chronic illness? What are some simple ways to reduce the toxic load from our environment and boost our immune systems? How can we reduce exposure when living near a phone tower, or surrounded by wifi in home, school and workplace? How can you measure the level of EMFs in your home? How can we reduce our children’s exposure to EMFs when they are using smart phones, tablets and computers? How can electrical panels, smart meters, dirty electricity, fluorescent lighting, CFL bulbs, and other common hazards in the home affect health, and how can we minimise harm or find other alternatives? What toxins do we need to be aware of in furnishings, cushion fillers, mattresses, paints, lighting, carpets, air conditioners, building materials, fragrances, cleaning products, etc, and what are some natural alternatives? How can we create a healthy sleep environment and make the bedroom a ‘sanctuary’? What is the difference between ‘green’ building, and a well-designed building that is not just green in name, but is truly an extension of nature? As Lucie says, “Yes we live in a scary world, but all we can do is what we can do”. Technology has brought many changes to our lives, and it all seems to be gallivanting along at a rate that’s totally out of control, with minimal testing, so parents need to be proactive and make sure we are boosting our children’s immune systems as much as possible. Lucie talks about the importance of teaching our kids to “fall in love with living a healthy life”, so they can go off into the world and look after themselves, and have the best chance for a healthy future. Jo, Elyse and Lucie end the podcast with a discussion about Lucie’s 350 year old luxury chalet in the Italian alps, Baita 1697, and the traditional, clean methods used in its building and design. “Baita 1697” is the ultimate in luxury, as it combines beauty, elegant design, and health – a true sanctuary from the world! Come stay at Lucie’s beautiful chalet with us during our Luxury Health Retreat, and learn about healing from the inside out (gut health, reducing stress, slowing down and taking time to rest), and from the outside in (reducing the toxic load in your home and environment). EARLYBIRD PRICE: Book in to this Luxury Health Retreat by Monday 17th February, 2o20, for 10% off! All the details here. —– Useful Links: Lucie McCullough Interiors Website and Instagram Lucie’s chalet in the Italian alps, Baita 1697 and on Instagram Finding a Building Biologist in Australia, UK, or USA Nourishing Your Family Events, with Jo Whitton and Elyse Comerford The post AQJ 153: Designing a Healthy Home, with Building Biologist & Interior Designer Lucie McCullough – Part 2 appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

In the next two episodes of A Quirky Journey, Jo Whitton and Elyse Comerford interview Lucie McCullough, a successful, international interior designer who ‘developed an environmental and health conscience’ and altered her career to become a building biologist specialising in creating beautiful homes that are sanctuaries from the world. Her ideal of ‘living in nature, and building houses out of nature’ grew out of her own need for a naturally, healthy home. Lucie had a rocky start in life with poor health from a young age. Her health issues grew worse as a young woman working in the fashion industry in Europe (for Valentino, Ralph Lauren and Vogue!), due to lifestyle stress, poor diet, and genetics that meant she didn’t detox well. She began suffering from anxiety, was told she had Parkinson’s Disease and mental health issues, then suffered through repeated miscarriages while trying to begin a family with her husband Ronan. During her second full-term pregnancy, Lucie learnt that she and the family had been affected by mould in their home in Hong Kong and they needed to leave. They bought a 350 year old home in the Italian alps which they renovated as a holiday home; and the family moved to the USA where Lucie studied building biology. Lucie shares her thoughts on dealing with illnesses exacerbated by environmental toxins like mould and poor air quality, discusses electro-magnetic fields, wifi and other possible health hazards in the home, and she offers a wealth of practical advice for building or renovating homes in the healthiest way possible. Her beautifully calm way of approaching issues that can be quite overwhelming give hope that with a few small changes, great health benefits can be achieved. EXCITING NEWS! This summer, Lucie will begin hosting gut health retreats at her luxury ski lodge in the Italian alps, with the help of Jo and Elyse! This is your chance to hit the pause button and hide away from the world in a charming hamlet in the heart of the Italian alps. Take the time to rest, destress, and heal, with the help of an experienced team of nutrition, exercise, and culinary medicine experts, a traditional whole food chef, and a building biologist and interior designer with a vision for creating homes that are sanctuaries from the world. Learn more about the Luxury Gut Health Retreat here. Dates for 2020 are June 8-11, and June 15-19. Read about Lucie’s chalet, Baita 1697, in this Forbes Magazine article. Learn more about Lucie and her interior design and building biology business on her website, Lucie McCullough, and on Instagram at @luciemcculloughinteriors. The post AQJ 152: Designing a Healthy Home, with Building Biologist & Interior Designer Lucie McCullough – Part 1 appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

In our first episode for 2020, we (Jo and Fouad) chat about how we are working to begin the year with positivity, in the midst of a national crisis and all the stress that involves. In Australia, we are struggling to cope with high temperatures and drought in many parts of the country, which have contributed to the worst and most wide-spread bushfires on record. Fouad’s family have evacuated their home six times so far this season. We are feeling the stress of the constant barrage of bad news everywhere we look – social media, tv, newspapers, online news – and we know we are not the only ones suffering from feelings of overwhelm, anxiety and helplessness. What can we do to help our families and communities through this difficult time? Listen in as we talk about: the pros and cons of being so “connected” online the conflict of wanting to know what’s going on without becoming overwhelmed and desensitized by it all how to mindfully consume news without getting sucked into the vortex of tabloid news addiction our coping mechanisms in times of stress what kinds of foods and herbs are helpful for boosting immunity and reducing the stress on our bodies how to teach kids a positive outlook in life during difficult times what we are doing to make a difference how you can help even if you don’t live in affected areas and how the simple act of showing kindness can begin a ripple effect that changes the world around us. If you love our recipes and would like to buy our Life-Changing Food cookbook app (for iOS), we are donating 10% of sales to the NSW Rural Fire Service for all of December and January. We are also offering to replace Life-Changing Food cookbooks that have been lost in bushfires – please contact us at [email protected] with your details if you would like to apply for a replacement copy. [Photo: Our friend Elyse and her son at the beach, surrounded by smoky skies] Useful Links: Listen to a great podcast by Marcus Pearce on mindful news consumption: News stories are like sugar – a limitless amount will never nourish you Get some ideas from the Functional Nutritionist for ways to support your health when being exposed to bushfire smoke And also from Nourish Melbourne for Asthma and Respiratory Support Read this post by Jo about the importance of showing kindness to one another at this time The post AQJ 151: Finding Positivity in the Midst of Crisis appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

In the last podcast for the year, Jo is on the other side of the microphone! Dr Natalie Challis (neuro-psychotherapist) and Leigh Shinde (neuro-nutritionist) recently interviewed Jo for their program, “Love Your Anxious Child“, on her experiences of supporting and parenting an anxious child. They discuss the importance of building connection with your children, spending the time to understand what they’re going through and what helps, and really being an advocate for your children in a world that can be very harsh and overwhelming for those with anxiety or developmental disorders. Dr Nat says, “I really wanted the mums in our program to hear from another mum who’s been through the hard yards, that they CAN do this, and that life does turn out great, and you can enjoy the teenage years! Don’t listen to all the critics, everything turns out for the best, these children were given to us for a reason. Mums really appreciate hearing from someone who’s done it, who’s been there, and has come out the other side – still smiling!” (Photo above: Jo and her son Isaac celebrating his graduation from grade 12 this year!) Listen in as Jo talks about: understanding your child’s needs, and adjusting their environment to help them thrive the foundational importance of building connection and relationship with your children why ‘pushing’ your child too hard can cause set backs being an advocate for your child in a society that doesn’t always understand them her decision to homeschool and how that worked for them the importance of encouraging a love of learning and creativity in your kids how she trusted her gut instincts and worked through healing with her kids how she coped with the judgement and expectations of others and rejected the ‘mother shame’ her top tips for parenting children who are happy, confident and connected For more one on one help with your anxious child, we recommend Dr Nat and Leigh’s program, “Love Your Anxious Child“. As a special offer for our listeners, use the code “Love100” to receive the Love Phase for only $97! Over 50% off! Learn more about Dr Nat and Leigh and the work they do, here. The post AQJ 150: Supporting Your Anxious Child appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

If there’s anything I love, it’s a special treat that’s not only delicious, it’s NOURISHING! So I’m excited to share with you one of my favourite producers of fine, quality, healthy treats – Nourishing Bites. Today I interview Shelley about her health journey and how it led her to a career of producing amazing, whole food deliciousness! After struggling for many years with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Shelley Grainger made the life-changing discovery that she could manage her condition through changes to her diet and lifestyle. As she worked towards a gluten free, dairy free, grain free diet, her body found its natural rhythm and her wellbeing significantly improved. Shelley and her husband Daniel were overjoyed when she fell pregnant naturally with their son Pacey-James—a result they had previously been told by doctors would be very difficult. While Shelley was thrilled with her new way of eating, it was hard to find options for eating out that met her dietary requirements —especially delicious snacks and treats. So she began experimenting with making treats and carefully refined her recipes until they were not only full of super nutritious ingredients, but tasted great too! At this point, Daniel and Shelley saw an opportunity to combine her passion for creating healthy treats with their business backgrounds to offer treat options to others, and they founded Nourishing Bites in 2013 as a market stall. These days, they have a small, passionate team working in their custom-built commercial kitchen in Townsville, North Queensland. They are always working on new ideas to create delicious, healthy treats and love sharing them with their customers. HAVE YOURSELF A NOURISHING (BITES) CHRISTMAS! “Nourishing Bites Christmas treats and gifts are hand-crafted in small batches with great care in North Qld by our family-owed, Indigenous business. We use only the highest quality, wholesome ingredients available to us so that you can enjoy your treats while also nourishing your body. All of our gift options are luscious and delicious and are also gluten, dairy and refined sugar free, and vegan. With everything from beautifully packaged packs of Gingerbread Cookies or Chocolate Bark, or jars of Heavenly Hazel with a wooden spoon for $10 (perfect for teacher or colleague gifts), to gorgeously decorated mixed Christmas Treat boxes for $80, we have something to suit everyone. Australia-wide delivery is available with free postage on orders over $100 or for a flat rate of $8.” Find Out More: Website: https://www.nourishingbites.com.au Christmas Shop: https://www.nourishingbites.com.au/christmasshop/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NourishingbitesAU/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nourishingbites/ Support Small Aussie Businesses via “Buy From the Bush”: https://www.facebook.com/buyfromthebush/ The post AQJ 149: Recovering from PCOS, Healing Food, and Healthy Treats – with Shelley from Nourishing Bites appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

In this episode, Jo chats with Elyse Comerford, Integrative Nutritionist and GAPS Practitioner, about where to begin on your gut healing journey when you suspect metal toxicity, parasites and/or candida are an issue. This is a question that comes up a lot in the Quirky Cooking for Gut Health chat group… Do you start with blasting the parasites to get them out of your system? Do you start with a gung-ho metal detox? Do you start with strong anti-fungal medications for candida? It is very tempting to take a ‘hard-core’ approach in the hopes of quickly removing these issues… but is this the best way forward? Listen as Elyse explains how these issues develop, and why it is absolutely crucial to take a gentler, step by step approach on your healing journey by focusing on healing the gut first, and how damaging it can be when we take drastic approaches to health. If you want to heal more quickly and cause less damage to your body, then this is a must hear! Useful Links: Upcoming “Nourishing Your Family” Seminars & Cooking Classes Layers of Healing, episode 98 with Elyse Comerford (start at 20 mins for main interview) Elyse’s blog post about meat stocks and bone broths Podcast with Becky Plotner discussing meat stocks (and lots of other interesting things!) Contact Elyse Comerford, and Elyse’s Facebook and Instagram The post AQJ 148: Navigating Parasites, Metals and Candida When Healing appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Dan and Leanne Cordner are the owners of Bellasato Farm, where they raise naturally grown, heritage breed chickens on chemical free pasture in North Queensland. The couple, along with their two young girls began farming life just four years ago, leaving their career jobs – Dan was an engineer and Leanne a microbiologist – in favour of working the land. Leanne struggled with chemical sensitivities in the big city, and Dan felt like he didn’t see his family enough due to long work hours. Driven by a desire for a better lifestyle and improved health, they decided to take their passion for food and knowing how it was grown to another level. This is the story of a family farm where things are done differently. Dan and Leanne are farmers who are working for a ‘new normal’ in agriculture that is fair to soil, water, animals, and people. On Bellasato farm, the chickens live a happy life – running around in grassy fields, scratching in the dirt and chasing bugs, nibbling edible plants grown just for them, and playing their part in regenerating the soil on the farm. The family’s maremma dogs keep an eye on the chickens 24/7, and are also an invaluable part of the team. Small farm life sounds idyllic, but it’s not without challenges… flooding, snakes, hard work, and long days are all part of life for the Cordners. But they feel the lifestyle changes they’ve made are totally worth it. They get to spend much more time together as a family, Leanne has completely healed from her chemical sensitivities, and their chicken has won the state-wide Delicious produce awards twice! Listen in and be inspired by this couple whose major lifestyle changes resulted in the healing of a chronic illness, a better life for their family, and a career that gives back to the land and community around them. Useful Links: Bellasato Farm on Instagram and Facebook Article on Bellasato Farm by “Will Work For Food” “Farming Democracy”, by Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance (the book mentioned in the podcast that includes the Cordner’s story) Episode 94: Joel Salatin – Regenerative wisdom from the world’s most famous farmer Photo credit: Honey Atkinson The post AQJ 147: From City Careers to Farming Life – The Story of Bellasato Farm appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Have you ever wished you could just get rid of all the clutter that weighs you down, sell your house or rent it out, reduce what you own to what you can take with you in a caravan, take your kids out of school, throw away the to-do list, leave the city behind, and travel Australia with your family? No deadlines, no pressure, nowhere you have to be, off on an adventure under the wide open skies with those you love…. Sounds like a dream come true, huh! Most of us are not brave enough to make it happen, but those who do it say they have NEVER regretted it!! Meet Justine of More Stories, Less Stuff. Justine and her hubby Phil did just this – packed up, left Melbourne, and have been travelling Australia with their three girls for the past nine months – and they don’t have an end date in sight. Justine says, “I began the minimalist journey and decluttered us out of a home!” And they definitely don’t regret it. Jo was lucky enough to meet this gorgeous family last week as they were travelling in her home area, the Atherton Tablelands, and she persuaded them to hang around for the week. Little did Justine realise that when she popped over for a cuppa, Jo would rope her into doing a podcast…. 😀 This is a great interview – fascinating and fun, with many gems of truth that families will benefit from, whether they’re dreaming about travelling around Australia, or just want to simplify their life and spend a more quality time with their family. They chat about: how to begin working towards travelling with kids simplifying your life, and learning to make do with less what they most love about being on the road together, and how it has helped their family how an anxious child who doesn’t like change will benefit from this kind of experience how they cook while on the road (mostly without power) challenges they faced and how they overcame them working while travelling, and what it looks like for them simple ways to spend quality time together as a family becoming part of the Traveling Australia with Kids community, and making new friends on the road! You can follow Justine, Phil and the girls on their travels here: Facebook: More Stories, Less Stuff Instagram: @morestorieslessstuff The post AQJ 146: Travelling Around Australia with Kids appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Dr Natalie Challis (neuro-psychotherapist) and Leigh Shinde (neuro-nutritionist) of the Kids Development Centre in Perth join us once again for another fascinating interview on the study of the brain, and how QEEG’s (brain imaging) can give parents a clearer picture of why their child is struggling, and the steps that can be taken to heal. Dr Nat and Leigh use the Biopsychosocial Model – an interdisciplinary model that looks at the interconnection between biology, psychology, and socio-environmental factors. The model specifically examines how these aspects play a role in topics ranging from health and disease models to human development. In this interview we delve deeper into how practitioners can use this model to work out an effective plan to reduce distress in the patient. Dr Nat and Leigh also help us to understand how inflammation is one of the key drivers of anxiety symptoms and how finding your child’s inflammatory triggers and then reducing those triggers will reduce anxiety symptoms. A very fascinating and practical podcast that any parent with an anxious or distressed child MUST listen to! Useful Links: Love Your Anxious Child online program starts on the 1st October. Quirky Cooking listeners get a special $200 discount if they use the code Q200 (for full price) or Q200pp (for the monthly payment plan). Special Offer for Our Listeners: FREE initial phone consults for quirky listeners – email [email protected] to arrange a time to chat personally with Dr Nat or Leigh about your anxious child’s symptoms. Also listen in here to our first podcast with Dr Nat and Leigh, Childhood Anxiety & the Inflamed Brain. About Dr Natalie Challis and Leigh Shinde: Dr. Nat is a specialist in children’s brain health. She is a Board-Certified Diplomate in QEEG – the highest qualification level achievable globally in her field. As a Psychotherapist specialising in Neurobiology, Dr. Challis has QEEG mapped 1000’s of children, allowing parents the unique experience of seeing into their child’s brain. This view helps parents to understand the neurological reasons behind their child’s behaviour of fear, anxiety and avoidance. Leigh is a children’s Neuro-Nutrition Expert. She holds a Bachelor of Science with postgraduates in both Human Nutrition, and Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. As a Neuro-Nutritionist she investigates how food, additives, nutritional deficiencies, gut health and genetics can impact on your child’s neurological and physiological development. The post AQJ 145: Anxiety – Analysing & Reducing Distress in Children appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Many people struggle with histamine reactions and have been diagnosed with Histamine Intolerance or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and have had to limit their diet to reduce reactions. What do these terms mean? What are the symptoms and causes? And what can you do to heal from these issues? In this interview, Elyse Comerford (nutritionist, health scientist and GAPS practitioner) explains: the natural function of histamine in our bodies causes for an imbalance of histamines in the body what histamine reactions look like, and how they differ to die-off reactions first steps to healing – taking it slowly having a mindset of healing with food, rather than just avoiding foods that cause reactions two very important foods t0 help with healing how the GAPS diet can help, and the mistakes people often make when trying this healing diet other factors besides diet and nutrition for rebalancing your system Useful Links Elyse Comerford – nutrition consultation, recipes, help for healing Quirky Cooking – recipes, gut-healing program “Nourishing Your Family” seminars & cooking classes with Jo and Elyse What is GAPS? Podcast with Dr Natasha Campbell McBride (doctor, neurologist, nutritionist who developed GAPS protocol) To find out more about one-on-one mentoring with Jo and Elyse, email [email protected] The post AQJ 144: Understanding Histamine Intolerance appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Following on from their last podcast, Jo and Fouad have an informal chat about their thoughts on helping children to eat well – with plenty of humour, stories, and insights from their own families! They talk about: the importance of knowing what your goals are, and what you’re trying to teach your kids regarding health helping kids to take responsibility for their own health as they grow into the later teen years helping them to understand how food affects them, both positively and negatively what to do when your teens know all about the whys and wherefores of healthy eating, but choose to eat a SAD diet anyway because they don’t like to be different to their peers the importance of parents modelling a healthy diet and lifestyle, but without all the stress (it’s ok, we all mess up at times!!) what to do when there’s a food reaction due to poor diet choices how to make healthy eating fun and delicious, and encourage a healthy, happy attitude towards cooking and eating together … plus lots of random things like Jo’s latest favourite kitchen appliance, pancake parties, and the best soup ever!! Grab a cuppa and enjoy the chat. 🙂 This podcast follows on from the previous one: Helping Teens to Eat Well, with Dr Damian Kristof & Jo Whitton ** Learn more about how to encourage your kids to eat well at the new Quirky Cooking event ** “Nourishing Your Family”, with Jo Whitton and Elyse Comerford – https://quirkycooking.com.au/events There is so much pressure on parents these days. Parenting in the digital age is tricky, plus there’s all the confusion and conflicting nutrition information we are bombarded with, and the stress of chronic illnesses and developmental disorders that are a part of life for many… it’s a minefield! Join Jo Whitton (Quirky Cooking) and Elyse Comerford (Nutritionist) as they present ‘Nourishing Your Family’ – a simple, wholesome blueprint created from their real-life experiences with their own families. They will take you through every step from building the foundations of good health and happiness, to then delving further into gut health and how it relates to the health of our whole system, and what you can do if you are suffering from acute and/or chronic health issues. Combine this with practical nutrition guidelines, food preparation tips and cooking demonstrations to help you reduce the food stress, and you have an evening jam-packed with inspiration (and the perfect amount of information!). If you are feeling stuck (and petrified!) with no idea where to start, or you are on your health journey already but would love some encouragement from two mums who have battled through many obstacles to nourish and heal their families, then this event is not to be missed! Learn from Jo and Elyse: How they worked through major health issues in their families How to build the foundations for a healthy life Reducing the stress in key areas so you have space for change Focusing on what’s important and working out first steps How to encourage your family to be ‘on board’ with a healthy diet How to move forward when you’re struggling with chronic health conditions, fatigue, anxiety, developmental disorders, and more The importance of good gut health and how to achieve it Traditional, healing foods you can make very simply and cheaply Nourishing lunchbox and snack ideas Bringing back the joy and deliciousness without sacrificing the nourishment! Book in here! The post AQJ 143: Helping Teens to Eat Well, Part 2 appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

As kids get older and become more independent, they sometimes begin to move away from the healthy foods they’ve been raised on. Hanging out with friends, getting their license and first car, going off to work or uni, going to parties and places where the food is far from ideal… Parents often feel stressed about their teenagers reduced interest in eating healthy food during this stage of life! If teenagers are not part of a ‘health conscious’ peer group, it can be hard for them to eat differently to their friends. In this podcast, Fouad interviews Dr Damian Kristof (naturopath, nutritionist and chiropractor) and Jo (Quirky Cooking) about how they’ve coped with the teenage years and their kids’ food choices. They discuss how they taught their kids to eat well while young, the difficulties they’ve faced along the way, the changes that happen in the brains of teenagers and how it affects their food choices, what to do when kids get ‘off track’ with their eating, how to help teenagers to take responsibility for their own food choices, and much more. Useful Links: Listen to Jo’s son Isaac talk about diet changes from a teenager’s perspective Learn more about Dr Damian Kristof Damian’s seminars, “The Power of Food” and “Crack Your Stress Code” Damian & Marcus’s Podcast, “100 Not Out” (all about ageing well) Read Jo’s story, and how her family healed with food The post AQJ 142: Helping Teens to Eat Well, with Dr Damian Kristof & Jo Whitton appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Over the last century, our refined, Western foods have crept into most societies world wide. What has been the impact of these foods on the health and wellbeing of ancient cultures and peoples? In this podcast, we discuss the work of Weston A. Price and the foundation that carries his name, and how they are helping cultures all over the world to return to traditional, healing foods. Background: Weston Price was a dentist with an interest in nutrition and health, who travelled extensively in the 1930’s, observing the dietary habits of diverse cultures including the Lötschental in Switzerland, Native Americans, Polynesians, Pygmies, and Australian Aboriginals, among many others. His extensive research materials include some 15,000 photographs, 4,000 slides, and many filmstrips. He observed that various diseases endemic to Western cultures of the 1920s and 1930s were rarely present in non-Western cultures, and that as non-Western groups abandoned indigenous diets and adopted Western patterns of living, they showed increases in typical Western diseases. He concluded that Western methods of commercially preparing and storing foods stripped away vitamins and minerals necessary to prevent these diseases. Initially, the medical and scientific communities vigorously rejected this controversial work as lacking scientific precision, nevertheless, as time went on, research has confirmed his observations and modern medical orthodoxy is slowly accepting that lifestyle and diet are a major factor, perhaps the major factor, in the degenerative diseases that plague the developed world. Many have credited his book, “Nutrition and Physical Degeneration: A Comparison of Primitive and Modern Diets and Their Effects“, with greatly improving their health. [via amazon.com.au] This Episode: Jo interviews Hilda Gore of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) in the US about her work, the foundation’s commitment of sharing knowledge and research around “food, farming, and the healing arts”, and her upcoming trip to Australia. They talk about this non-profit group’s dedication to restoring nutrient-dense foods to the human diet through education, research and activism. WAPF supports a number of movements that contribute to this objective including accurate nutrition instruction, organic and biodynamic farming, pasture-feeding of livestock, community-supported farms, honest and informative labelling, prepared parenting and nurturing therapies. Bonus – Intro with the cooks at the Hope for Health “Together Retreat”! Jo is recording this episode from Noonamah, NT, where she and her friends and cooking at an Indigenous health and cultural learning retreat – the perfect place to talk about traditional cultures, the effect of a western diet on indigenous people, and the importance of traditional healing foods!! Jo, Leah and Shantell share their experiences of cooking for and with the Yolngu people of East Arnhem Land – fascinating indigenous foods, knowledge and bush craft were shared with the Balanda (non-indigenous) people at the two week retreat, and much connection, learning and healing took place. Such a beautiful experience for all who attended. (You can find more info about the “Together Retreats” here.) Jo and the girls were adopted into the Yolngu clan, and Jo is looking forward to travelling with Hilda up to Elcho Island to spend time with the Yolngu people in September, learning more about their traditional foods. You can check out Jo’s photos and videos of this retreat on her Quirky Cooking Facebook page, here. Useful Links: Learn more about The Weston A. Price Foundation Visit Hilda’s Website, Holistic Hilda Listen in to Hilda Gore’s Podcast, Wise Traditions Help support Hilda’s upcoming trip to Australia Learn more about the work of Hope for Health in Australia The post AQJ 141: Healing with Traditional Foods, with Hilda Gore of WAPF appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Jo has an extra special guest on the show today… Fouad is back! There’s lots of laughs and catching up, and sharing stories and news. We know you’ve missed their crazy banter, so grab a cuppa and enjoy the chat. Jo and Foo share their experiences of working through recent childhood illnesses and health issues – eczema, chicken pox, colds and flus – and discuss natural ways you can help to boost your family’s immunity this winter. They also discuss the pros and cons of antibiotics and western medicine, the importance of working out the root cause of illnesses and dealing with that, looking into environmental triggers, the benefits of healing diets and herbal remedies, and how they blend natural and western medical practices in their own families. If you’re interested in learning more about foods, herbs, spices and natural supplements that can powerfully boost your immune system (and your moods!), you’ll love this podcast! Useful Links: Healing eczema by improving gut health, podcast with Elyse Comerford Healing eczema naturally, Emma’s Story (article) Foods that help with Microbial Health, podcast with Dr Jason Hawrelak How to make a healing meat stock, and the benefits over bone broth (article by Elyse Comerford) Kakadu Plum Powder (a powerful, natural vitamin C supplement) Host Defence (medicinal mushroom powders & tinctures) The post AQJ 140: Children’s Health, Eczema, Antibiotics, & Boosting Immunity appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Teaching kids to cook with real food is important for their future, and the future of our planet. Our children’s enjoyment of cooking begins with our attitude towards food and cooking, and often is dependant on mum or dad being organised so they have the time and headspace to include the kids in the meal prep. In this episode, Jo chats with her friend Dani Valent about everything from simplifying your cooking, decluttering your pantry, reducing stress in the kitchen, and using the ingredients you have on hand… to teaching your kids how to cook and eat well, and how to get them started on the path of loving good food! If cooking dinner makes you feel stressed, or you don’t know where to begin with teaching the kids to cook, listen in and get some great ideas to make life easier. Dani is a mum of three, has over 20 years experience as a food writer, is the author of three amazing Thermomix cookbooks, has run cooking classes all over the world, and loves to share her passion for good food via her classes, cooking videos, website, and cookbooks. “The way I see it, good food is central to a life well-lived. It’s nourishment and energy. It’s a way to gather – in the field, the market, in the kitchen and at the table. It’s culture, ritual, history and future. It’s art, craft and science. It’s sensual and – believe me – it can get emotional. Let me tell you about the time I wept with joy over some beautiful cheesecake… Of course, it’s also just breakfast, lunch and dinner, simply getting yourself and those around you fed, fuelled and satisfied in a practical no-nonsense way. I get it!… I’m also a mum so I know all about getting food on the table for the family.” – Dani Valent Listen in as Dani shares some of her best tips for teaching kids to love good food as much as you do, and learn to enjoy spending time together in the kitchen. [Illustration by Meg Rennie, for the Melbourne Kitchen Project] Useful Links: Our “Simple Magnificence” Cooking Class in Brisbane, 15 June – Collaboration with Dani Valent, Jo Whitton and Fleur Sharpe Dani’s “Restaurant Club” at e’cco, Brisbane, 13 June – Collaboration with chef Phillip Johnson, menu incorporating Australian indigenous ingredients Read about Dani Valent Dani’s Thermomix cooking video library The post AQJ 139: Teaching Kids to Cook, with Dani Valent appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Dr. Natalie Challis is a neuro-psychotherapist who specialises in treating children with anxiety and other health concerns. She says, “What drives me? Mothers. I want to be an advocate for mothers experiencing the same distress and frustration I felt.” Dr. Nat first became interested in children’s mental health when her son started showing signs of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviours. “He was 4 when his anxiety began. Watching him struggle was the hardest and most distressing thing I’ve ever been through. I remember the utter frustration of trying and failing, time and again, to get him the help he needed. My intuition told me it wasn’t his personality and we were the best parents we knew how to be. Yet these were the reasons offered to me by multitudes of medical professionals. Luckily I listened to my intuition and successfully treated my child.” Working alongside Dr Nat is Leigh Shinde, a neuro-nutritionist, and together they successfully treat children at their Kids Development Centre, using a wholistic approach around the brain, body and gut. They use cutting edge science with regard to brain and gut inflammation through brain imaging and biochemical testing. Dr. Nat says, “When a child presents with symptoms of anxiety, we need to look at what’s happening in the brain, the body and the gut. Anxiety is a symptom of chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is on the rise because of our lifestyle. We eat an excess of processed food, we’re less active, and we’re exposed to more toxins than ever before. This means we need a whole body approach to supporting your anxious child… In the medical world, so much emphasis is placed on psychology, rather than looking at what’s going on biologically. We can achieve real results when we reduce inflammation in the gut, body and brain. Children become calmer and happier because their whole body is balanced.” Nat and Leigh are passionate about getting this information out to parents who haven’t been able to get the help they need for their child. They have developed a 9 week online program called “Love Your Anxious Child” for those who can’t get to a clinic for treatment. The program is designed to give parents evidence-based knowledge and actionable steps to support and treat their anxious child. You can find out more about this program here: Love Your Beautiful Brain. “We want to make a real change, to the disheartening rise in children who suffer from anxiety, and to despairing mothers everywhere.” – Dr Nat & Leigh About Dr Natalie Challis and Leigh Shinde: Dr. Nat is a specialist in children’s brain health. She is a Board-Certified Diplomate in QEEG – the highest qualification level achievable globally in her field. As a Psychotherapist specialising in Neurobiology, Dr. Challis has QEEG mapped 1000’s of children, allowing parents the unique experience of seeing into their child’s brain. This view helps parents to understand the neurological reasons behind their child’s behaviour of fear, anxiety and avoidance. Leigh is a children’s Neuro-Nutrition Expert. She holds a Bachelor of Science with postgraduates in both Human Nutrition, and Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. As a Neuro-Nutritionist she investigates how food, additives, nutritional deficiencies, gut health and genetics can impact on your child’s neurological and physiological development. Useful Links: Find out more about their Kids Development Centre here Dig deeper and read the research behind their work here Learn more about their online program here The post AQJ 138: Childhood Anxiety & the Inflamed Brain appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Do you have a fussy eater in your home? Need some help? Beth Bonfiglio of Little Fusspot helps people from all over the world with mealtimes that are less than peaceful. She is known as the ‘supernanny of mealtimes’! Beth brings the core fundamentals of many different professions together to make a one stop shop for all types of fussy eaters, from the extreme to the simply reluctant. Beth completed her clinical nutrition qualifications in 2012, then began creating 1 on 1 therapy workshops, perfecting her courses, and eliminating advice that is now redundant or counterproductive to raising happy and healthy children. She is always interested in learning new techniques and approaches to tackling fussy eating, and says that her constant research and development means that her methods are always evolving, constantly updated and shared among a supportive community with the same goal of “making every bite count”. Beth’s main motivation for learning all there is around food aversions and feeding disorders is her own son. He was diagnosed with a severe sensory processing disorder when he was 2 and has always struggled with any foods other than beige and white carbohydrates that come in packaging. She sets small goals each month and uses her own techniques to stretch the range of food he eats. He now happily enjoys colourful salads, sushi (massive accomplishment!), green juices and smoothies! “I’m passionate about being able to help every child who has aversions to eating. More than anything though, it is the success of every child that makes my job as a feeding therapist such a rewarding one.” Listen in and learn about: · Particular foods that are known to cause fussy eating · Sensory processing disorder and how to overcome it · Common questions like, “Will my child eat broccoli if I serve it up 20 times?” · How to avoid having a fussy eater · Picky eaters VS problem feeders · When to get professional help Useful Links: Find out more about Beth and “Little Fusspots” here Find out more about “Primal Alternative” here Listen to Helen of Primal Alternative talking about finding fulfilment in your work Our “Simple Magnificence” Thermomix cooking workshop, Brisbane 15 June Hope for Health “Together” Retreat, 16-28 June Our interview with Hope for Health The post AQJ 137: Fussy Eaters & How to Have Peaceful Mealtimes appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Many of us go through a period in our lives where we begin to question the work we do and our career goals and decide we want to find work that is more fulfilling, that gives us purpose, and that brings connection with like-minded people. Maybe you have been out of the workforce for a few years because you’ve been busy with babies and small children; or maybe you’ve had to take a break due to health issues, and now you feel a bit lost and not sure how to begin finding work that will ‘fill your bucket’ as well as your bank account! That was the case for Jo, who put her graphic design career on hold to begin a family, then realised after 10 years of being home with kids that her career no longer fit in with who she was and what she wanted to do in life. Helen Marshall of Primal Alternative also had this predicament – she left the corporate world to have kids, went through a major change in her diet and lifestyle, and when she was ready to begin working again she knew she needed to find something that fits better with her young family. Jo and Helen discuss how to find fulfillment in your work, and Helen shares her dream of giving women the opportunity to build their own business doing something they love, something that has a purpose, is family-friendly, promotes good health, and fosters beautiful connections. We love what Helen is doing with her community based business, Primal Alternative – check it out here. If you’d like to know what’s involved in starting your own Primal Alternative franchise you can find out more here. Helen also does health coaching, and has her own podcast: Primal Alternative Podcast Primal Alternative are the producers of our Quirky Cooking Grain Free Pastry (and our Sweet Potato Pastry), and will be stocking more of our products soon! From the Intro: Jo has been in the Northern Territory cooking at the Hope for Health retreat for the past week. Find out more about Hope for Health and the work they are doing to improve the health of Indigenous Australians, here. Interested in the Hope for Health “Together Retreat”, June 2019? Learn more here. The post AQJ 136: Finding Connection & Fulfilment in Your Work, with Helen Marshall of Primal Alternative appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Rhiannon Crispe is an occupational therapist and passionate autism advocate. She thinks outside the diagnostic box and sees every child as an individual with unlimited potential. On this episode, Rhiannon shares some of the ideas and interventions that can empower parents of kids on the spectrum, and explains that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to the complexities of autism. Jo and Rhiannon discuss questions such as: – What is autism? – How has our understanding of autism changed over the past 50-70 years? – If autism is a behaviourally defined condition, why do we need to be looking beyond the behaviours? – Can nutrition make a difference for autistic children? – What can parents do at home to support the health and development of their child? Rhiannon is the host of Homebase Hope a fortnightly podcast dedicated to empowering parents of kids on the spectrum. She is hosting Australia’s largest free and online autism event in April – The Autism Summit. Useful Links: Rhiannon’s Website, Homebase Hope Australia’s largest, free and online, Autism Summit – learn more here Our Quirky 10th Birthday Giveaway! Hope for Health Indigenous Health Retreat, Darwin Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions! The post AQJ 135: Empowering Parents of Kids on the Spectrum, with Rhiannon Crispe appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Jo and her two eldest kids (19 and 21) have just come back from travelling overseas, and in this episode Jo shares her travel tips, especially for those who are on special diets and find the idea of overseas travel a bit daunting! She talks about: What foods you can and can’t take on flights overseas (and in Australia) Her favourite travel snacks, and how to pack them Tips for travelling gluten free in Spain Eating out, and what foods may have hidden gluten Doing your research before you go and preparing ahead Mistakes they made and what they learnt on the trip The importance of travel for kids (and adults!) You’ll also hear about the places they travelled and their itinerary – so watch out, you’ll be wanting to book flights to Spain after this episode!! Make sure you also listen to the intro of the last podcast, which was recorded in Spain with their friend and tour guide, Victor Garrido of ‘We Love Malaga’! Listen here. Useful Links: A Gluten Gree Guide to Spain Top 10 Food Markets in Spain! (Always check out the markets wherever you go – they’re amazing!) Food Tours in South Spain that we recommend – let them know if you’re gluten free and they will accomodate you! Malaga Walk & Taste Tour Gourmet Malaga Tapas Tour Authentic Andalucian Food Tours & Cooking Classes Sevilla Tapas Tours The post AQJ 134: Travel Tips – Travel Food, Eating Out and Being Prepared! appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

In this episode, you get two discussions on health and wellness topics for the price of one! 😀 The main interview is on supporting parents of kids with developmental disorders to eat well, and the importance of play therapy in helping to change your child’s diet for the better. Plus in the intro, we discuss another topic you’ll find very interesting – how the lifestyle in Spain impacts their longevity, and what we can learn from their way of life! Intro: Jo introduces listeners to her friend Victor Garrido (a tour guide and quirky cook in Spain), and they chat as they drive through South Spain about the Spanish way of life, and why Spanish people generally enjoy long, healthy lives despite some habits that would seem to work against health and wellness. Once again we see it demonstrated that good health is so much more than just a great diet! Victor Garrido runs the We Love Malaga tour company in South Spain, and is a long-time follower of Quirky Cooking. He is passionate about sharing his country and its history and culture with visitors to Spain, loves to cook, and his history and food tours are well worth experiencing! You can find Victor at @boke and @welovemalaga on Instagram, and on the We Love Malaga website. You will find reviews for his tours here on Trip Advisor. If you’re thinking of visiting Spain, we highly recommend looking him up! Main Interview: Jo interviews her friend Crystel Poggioli (Paediatric Occupational Therapist and GAPS Practitioner) who works with special needs kids and super fussy eaters about the strategies she uses in therapy sessions to help them learn to eat well. She discusses why healing food is so vital for reducing the symptoms of ADHD/ADD/Anxiety, the importance of play therapy, and many of the strategies she uses to help support these children. Crystel Poggioli has been a Paediatric Occupational Therapist for over 23 years with a range of experience including Royal Children’s Hospital, Brisbane; the inclusive education system in Vancouver, Canada; and working all over Far North Queensland in the education and health system. She established The Whole Child in 2011 and has been providing holistic occupational therapy services to children and families ever since. Having a private practice allows Crystel to blend her passion for natural health, down-to-earth strategies including gut healing and play therapy. Crystel had the privilege of training in person with Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to become a Certified GAPS practitioner, and she loves how occupational therapy and GAPS work together so well to bring healing and recovery. The Whole Child provides occupational therapy and GAPS services in the clinic, in the community and via Skype or email. As well an online shop stocks products that Crystel really believes in (10% discount on books for the month of February). At the same time Crystel is blessed with her own family life – and on a homeschooling journey with 6 children… so far they’ve been homeschooling for 10 years, with the youngest being 3 and the eldest 15. Crystel finds that above all else being a mum is the biggest self-development program you could ever embark on! You can find out more about Crystel and on her website, The Whole Child You can also connect with Crystel on Facebook, The Whole Child The post AQJ 133: Play Therapy for Fussy Eaters, with Crystel Poggioli (OT) appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Sharon Collon of The Functional Family is passionate about supporting families with special needs. She loves to share step by step, practical strategies and solutions to improve your daily life and routine, helping to reduce the stress and overwhelm that parents of special needs kids are often dealing with. Over the past ten years she has researched and tested these strategies in her own family, teaching her children the skills they need for life, and helping many other families she has come into contact with. She is big on life hacks that really work, and big on getting results to get your family to a place where you have time for adventure, laughter and joy! Sharon’s online course, Calming the Chaos, offers life changing strategies to parents who have a child or children with ADD, ADHD or anxiety. This course offers practical information about how to structure the home to assist the whole family. It tackles everything from organising your home, creating routines and systems, becoming your childs’ advocate, and transitioning your child from activities, to creating joy in your home. Everything that you need to survive and thrive as a parent of a child with special needs. We are shaping future adults. Right now it might be a child who has trouble brushing their teeth and getting ready, but in the future it could be the adult who can’t get to work on time. It’s so important to teach them the skills now, so they can grow up to be functional, happy and well-adjusted adults. Useful Links: The Functional Family website Calming the Chaos course – $20 off!! (plus more info about the course here) Facebook page Instagram The post AQJ 132: Calming the Chaos – Supporting Kids with ADD, ADHD & Anxiety appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

“You know how this is supposed to be the season of joy? Well, I don’t know about you, but most years I feel like I’m just running around in the kitchen like a mad woman! I actually want to have time to sit down… time to DO the joy, and to SHARE the time. It’s very much about being organised and having a game plan, but also having stacks of simple recipes that you can mix and match and use in different ways, and dress up or down. I’m really keen on mixing and matching, I love putting a whole lot of things out on the table so people can take a bit of this or a bit of that. And you know what I really like about that? I like that it brings people together. You’re not just preparing things and putting it on their plate, they’re actually involved in the meal.” (Jude Blereau) “You know what I also like about this approach? …[The food is] put out in a way where you have to take a bowl, and when you’re pouring for yourself you have to pour for the person next to you, so it makes you of service to the people around you. So you’re sharing a meal in a really communal way… you’re actually connecting with someone as you pass the plate to them… and no matter how the year has been with them, if you put something on their plate an exchange of gratitude takes place.” (Fouad Kassab) In our last podcast for 2018, we sit down with Jude Blereau of Wholefood Cooking for a wonderful chat about food that nourishes both body and soul, and how to make the Christmas season a beautiful time of connection and joy. Grab a cuppa and and join us around the kitchen table, as we discuss: Delicious, whole food dinner party ideas How to create a Christmas dinner that brings everyone together in a beautiful way Some traditional recipes that need to be brought back Making space in your life for the things you want to do Pre-Christmas pot luck dishes – great recipes to make and take Wholefood desserts, seasonal foods, roasting a turkey Why ‘keeping things simple’ is not about quick recipes, it’s about getting organised Avoiding the food pressure and enjoying this time with family & friends Bringing joy and deliciousness to your Christmas table! Useful Links: Jude’s online Christmas cooking class More Online Cooking Classes for the New Year! Jude’s cookbooks Jude’s blog The post AQJ 131: A Delicious Wholefood Christmas – with Jude Blereau appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Christmas is a dangerous time of year for those living in the GAPS village. Taken out of their natural habitat – clean water, chemical-free living, wholesome whole foods without additives colours and preservatives – and instead plunged into the chaos of conventional diets means GAPS folk need to be extra careful. Today we interview the wise elder Elyse Comerford on her experience on how to face the world during Christmas. This episode is full of tips and ideas that will make it easier for GAPS people to enjoy delicious, healing food with their loved ones during the holidays. We chat about: Whole food and GAPS menu ideas Elyse’s favourite Christmas foods and treats Healthy main dishes, salads, and desserts that everyone will love at a potluck Christmas dinner Food prep short-cuts Nourishing treats for the adults and kids How to cope with food reactions if they happen GAPS friendly food gifts to share Tips from Elyse on other ways to make Christmas special besides the food! (Elyse Comerford is an Integrative Nutritionist and Certified GAPS (Gut & Psychology/Physiology Syndrome) Practitioner, Holistic Health Coach, Exercise Scientist, Keynote Speaker, Mentor, Mum to Dylan, and a massive sustainability advocate. Elyse is also the GAPS mentor for members of our Quirky Cooking for Gut Health Program, and helps answer questions from listeners on our podcast.) Useful Links: For those of you working towards beginning GAPS on the school holidays, you can begin with a consultation with Elyse and you’ll be off to a great start! Elyse has a 50% off consultations special for a limited time, you can contact her here. Join in Elyse’s 12 Days of Christmas to get some nourishing Christmas recipes! Make Jo’s GAPS Gingerbread

Over the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, Jo and Fouad are interviewing a few of their favourite health-foodies about their best Christmas tips, with a focus on ways to reduce the holiday stress and enjoying a beautiful, healthy Christmas with friends and family. Each one will share some of their favourite Christmas traditions, and what the holidays look like for their family. In this episode, take a sneak-peek into nutritionist Cyndi O’Meara’s family-focused Christmas! Jo and Cyndi chat about: Cyndi’s family traditions ways they enjoy Christmas without the stress how to reduce the ‘gift clutter’ the fun of going away for Christmas the importance of time out together over the holidays learning to say ‘no’ to the craziness how Cyndi helped her kids make good food choices on their own the wisdom in not being too ‘precious’ about food at Christmas and how she let her kids learn for themselves how food makes them feel her thoughts on the importance of ethical, sustainable food at Christmas some fun ideas for stocking stuffers and Cyndi’s delicious substitute for rum balls – recipe coming to her FB page soon!! Cyndi O’Meara is a nutritionist, film maker – ‘What’s With Wheat?’, best-selling author, international speaker and founder of Changing Habits. Learn more about Cyndi here. Useful Links: Cyndi’s ‘Changing Habits, Changing Lives’ book Cyndi’s online ‘Marketplace’ The Changing Habits Facebook page Our upcoming events The post AQJ 129: A Simple, Healthy Christmas with Cyndi O’Meara appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Our gut health and GAPS practitioner Elyse Comerford joins us on the show once more to answer your questions. Today’s discussion includes fasting and in particular broth fasting, what to do while you’re on or recovering from antibiotics, Elyse’s approach to SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), reflux and weight management while on a healing diet. Listen In The post AQJ 128: Your Gut Health Questions Answered, with Elyse Comerford appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

It seems that the culture of exercise as portrayed by media equates very low body fat, summer abs and shredding with health. Relatively few exercise practitioners are advocating holistic movement practices, and with the majority of exercise media focusing on attaining aesthetic goals, many of us feel far too daunted by exercise. In addition, if we are on the healing path and have been suffering from poor health and fatigue, improper exercise could further complicate our issues. In this podcast we interview Carl Hammington, a movement and FUNctional training expert. Carl discusses how realistic fitness goals can be tailored to the individual, how movement can contribute to healing, and how to integrate movement into your life in a way that is sustainable. Carl has been in the health and fitness industry for 16 years. He has been actively involved in corporate health, has run health retreats, is a presenter and has presented health and fitness seminars around New Zealand and internationally. He is a co-founder and Academic Director of Wellington’s fully integrated gym HealthFit Collective. Carl is behind the mic on the Wellness Couch podcast, BestMe Radio. More about Carl here Carl’s Health Fit Collective website – health assessments, programs, online education, corporate health, and more! Carl’s Podcast, Best Me Radio Our upcoming events The post AQJ 127: FUNctional Movement with Carl Hammington appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Calorie restriction, colitis, leaky gut, nourishment in time of stress, weight gain, weight loss, kids that don’t eat vegetables – these and much more are on today’s agenda. Jo and Foo take questions from listeners for a session of ‘Ask Us Anything’. Join us for another information packed episode of A Quirky Journey! Useful Links: Weston A Price’s recommended diet for pregnant & breastfeeding mothers Our Life-Changing Food Cookbook for simple nourishing meals Solidteknics Pans – our favourite non-toxic cooking ware (use the code 10QCP for 10% off) Podcast: Ulcerative Colitis and Changing Your Mindset for Healing Vegetarianism Explained by Dr Natasha Campbell McBride Fouad’s “Fire, Feast, Fable” Event The post AQJ 126: Q&A with Jo & Foo appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

A few years ago, the Australian government introduced “My Health Record”, a nation-wide health database which Australians could choose to be a part of. Australians will now be automatically opted into this system unless they choose to opt out before November 15th, 2018. Some feel there are data security risks with having a centralised system that contains your sensitive information. Today we are joined by journalist Kale Brock to discuss the pros and cons of this system, what it would mean to have your health record online, and why many are choosing to opt out. Kale Brock is an award nominated writer, producer and speaker. With a background in TV journalism, Kale has a special interest in health & wellbeing. His recently released documentary, The Gut Movie, investigates the human microbiome in a scientific and fun journey in which he travels to Namibia to live with The San tribe. Kale’s books, The Gut Healing Protocol and The Art Of Probiotic Nutrition, have generated international acclaim. (More about Kale Brock here.) Useful Links: Watch Kale Brock’s video discussing My Health Record here. Follow Kale on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Find out more about Fouad’s Fire, Feast, Fable event in the Blue Mountains! The post AQJ 125: My Health Record – What’s It All About? appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Join us for part 2 of our podcast on adrenal fatigue. Once more we are joined by our GAPS practitioner Elyse Comerford (and her very cute son, Dylan!), to dive more deeply into this fascinating topic. So many of us, whether we know it or not are dealing with some degree of adrenal fatigue. In part 2, Elyse talks about iodine treatment, thyroid, supplementation, and cortisol. We also touch on how adrenal fatigue affects weight gain, and look into practical advice that helps us overcome this condition! Useful Links: Elyse Comerford – Website, Facebook, Instagram, Podcasts, Blog, Events & Retreats Microbiome Store Iodine program Blue Blocker Glasses Rosita’s Cod Liver Oil Iodine Books: ‘The Iodine Crisis’ Lynne Farrow; ‘Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It’ Dr David Brownstein Adrenal Fatigue Webinar with Elyse The post AQJ 124: Healing Adrenal Fatigue – Part 2 appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Find yourself feeling constantly tired, always needing that second cup of coffee, or day-dreaming about sleeping on the couch? Our GAPS practitioner Elyse Comerford joins us to talk about adrenal fatigue, a super common cause of daily exhaustion. In part 1 of 2 episodes on this topic, Elyse discusses how to identify adrenal fatigue and what we can change in our lifestyle, emotional and mental lives to overcome exhaustion. Useful Links: Elyse Comerford – Website, Facebook, Instagram, Podcasts, Blog, Events & Retreats, Online Programs, Shop Adrenal Fatigue Webinar with Elyse Kakadu Plum Powder for Vitamin C The post AQJ 123: Healing Adrenal Fatigue Part 1 appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Earlier this year, Jo and Fouad were excited to connect with Dr Kama Trudgen and Tim Trudgen of Hope for Health and learn about the important work they are doing with the Yolngu people in Arnhem Land, a remote part of the Northern Territory of Australia. In this podcast they interview Kama about the story of the Yolngu people, and how Hope for Health is helping to reawaken their health and wellbeing by combining traditional practice with modern approaches to health. For thousands of years the Yolngu of East Arnhem Land had thrived, enjoying a vibrant and self-reliant culture. However, in just 50 years their diet has changed so dramatically that they now face a significantly reduced life expectancy due to a resulting epidemic of chronic disease. But there is hope. Through the development of this Indigenous-driven, diet and lifestyle program, the community is seeing transformational changes. By blending traditional Yolngu culture with experiential nutritional education and an integrative approach to medicine a movement within the community has been created. We welcome you to join us in supporting this pioneering program empowering the Yolngu people. Jo and Fouad will be joining Hope for Health on their next retreat as volunteers, managing the kitchen and cooking nourishing food for the attendees and workers. Hope for Health depends on donations and community support for these retreats, so if you’d like to do your bit to help, please see links below. Thank you!! Useful Links: Learn more about Hope for Health Join Hope for Health on this journey by becoming a regular monthly sponsor or making a one off donation: https://www.hopeforhealth.com.au/donate Follow their journey on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and please share with your friends! The post AQJ 122: Hope for Health – Reawakening Indigenous Health appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

This week Jo chats with Becky Plotner (naturopathic doctor and certified GAPS Practitioner) about some of the most common GAPS questions. In their last podcast together, Becky shared the science behind how the gut works and how it is damaged, and how to begin the healing process. In this second podcast, Becky answers questions from our listeners, covering subjects such as: how to make a nutritious, healing meat stock (and how meat stock helps to heal the gut) natural relief for headaches how to deal with adrenal fatigue working through constipation and diarrhoea how to deal with candida what to do when kids will only eat limited veggies how to support the body when having surgery important factors to look at besides GAPS when working on healing and lots more! Helpful Links: Becky’s website, Nourishing Plot Our last podcast with Becky, “Healing with Food” Upcoming Life-Changing Food Events The post AQJ 121: GAPS Q&A with Becky Plotner ND appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Jo and Fouad have been talking a lot lately about how to make simple yet powerful lifestyle changes that will help to get your health back on track, before you even begin making major diet changes. One of these lifestyle changes is detoxing your home – your body products, cleaning products, home environment, and pantry. So of course, they had to get their good friend Alexx Stuart, the queen of Low Tox living, on the show! Alexx has recently released her first book, Low Tox Life, and Jo and Foo review the book plus chat with her about ideas for simple improvements in the home. They then dig deeper into Alexx’s personal story of recovering from mould illness – the symptoms, tests, and solutions, and what she has learned along the way. Useful Links: Alexx’s Low Tox Life website The Low Tox Life book – available in our online store, and from bookshops in Australia or through Amazon UK & US Our upcoming ‘Life-Changing Food’ and ‘Nourishing’ events in Tasmania, Adelaide & Perth Fouad’s ‘Spice & Smoke’ dinner in Katoomba Powered by Eventbrite The post AQJ 120: Low Tox Life with Alexx Stuart appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

We are joined by the legendary Marcus Pearce, who has just come back from Ikaria, the island where people forget to die. Marcus was running a retreat in this special part of the world, to introduce people to the lifestyle and habits of some of the longest living people on Earth. In this episode, he shares some of the findings he came across on this recent trip. We also talk about the upcoming Wellness Summit, what junk media is doing to us, and a whole lot of more lighthearted, fun topics. If you’re in the mood for a bit of a laugh, join in! Powered by Eventbrite The post AQJ 119: The Island Where People Forget To Die – Marcus Pearce on Visiting Ikaria appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

It’s a common story. A person becomes sick, and then starts looking at ways to change their diet to heal. Other contributing lifestyle behaviours are often missed, and these can be important factors in the decline of their health. For many, identifying and addressing lifestyle issues before any food changes are made means that more space and energy can be given to the healing journey. Join Fouad and Jo as they talk about some of these issues, how to identify them, and possible ways of addressing them. Useful Links: Our “Top Tips for Good Gut Health” – this is a free download on our Quirky Cooking for Gut Health home page. Elyse Comerford – videos about Adrenal Fatigue on Facebook Help to detox your home: Low Tox Life Help to declutter your home: The Konmari Method Our upcoming events: Life-Changing Food Events The post AQJ 118: Before You Change Your Diet appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

We often talk about the bacterial microbiome on A Quirky Journey, and today we have Dr Jason Hawrelak, a leading expert on the microbiome. Dr Hawrelak has been researching the microbiome for around 2 decades, and is an educator and clinician whose work has been cited over 800 times. In this episode, Dr Hawrelak shares his wealth of information on the gut microbiome, and offers actionable insights on how to eat and supplement in order to support the colonies of bacteria that play such a massive part in human health. This is, without doubt, one of our favourite episodes and we know you’re going to love it too! Useful Links: Learn more about Dr Jason Hawrelak here Dr Jason’s ‘Meet Your Microbiome’ 4 week online course Our upcoming Life-Changing Food Events Concentrated ‘Meadow & Marrow’ broth, our cookbook, Solidteknics pans, and more… in our online store The post AQJ 117: Meet Your Microbiome, with Dr Jason Hawrelak appeared first on The Wellness Couch.