I think it's about time some of these label messages need to be explained. Take for example this new product range from Uncle Toby's - Fruit Fix.  The product description says they are 99% fruit ingredients, each snack counts as one serve of fruit, contains no artificial colours or ingredients, are a source of Vitamin C, folate and fibre, and are Heart Foundation Tick Approved. 

So...you're thinking these snacks are healthy right?  Well look at what these claims really mean and make up your own mind. Read on...

I'm sure you have heard the hype that has been around for a while now surrounding the antioxidants in chocolate providing health benefits.  But is all chocolate the same and how much do you have to eat to get these health benefits?  Is it all just a farce or can eating chocolate actually be good for you?

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans and just like any plant food they contain antioxidants called flavonoids.  Research using chocolate looks at the effects of these flavonoids on health.  So far the results have shown a weak but protective effect against heart disease.  Read on...

Overweight and obesity continues to be a major public health problem in Australia not only in adults but in our children.  Check out these tips parents and carers can follow to help kids be healthy and set them up to manage their weight long term.

1. Be a role model - young ones copy behaviors of adults. Set  good example when it comes to eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle. Read on...

Are those desserts tempting you at the end of  a meal...or are you a savory girl who can't resist a fried entree?

What ever your weakness, eating out is never easy when you're trying to watch the waistline but these tips will help you think before you splurge:

Read on...

So you've starved yourself silly to fit into that dress for your partners work Christmas party, or to impress that guy who works in the Marketing Department (they're always the hottest...or best dressed and groomed!).

 But now you're feeling moody, your concentration span has dropped - need something sweet at 2pm instead of 3pm...and you just lack that energy, that get up and go that you used to.  Well ladies, it's time you knew what you are doing to yourselves. Read on...

Here we are right in the middle of summer with the sun shining strong in all it's glory.  While it is important to protect yourself against those harmful rays, too much protection and avoidance of the sun can lead to weakened bones.

Our body's use the UV rays from the sun to produce Vitamin D in the skin.  Most of the Vitamin D we need is obtained through this process.  Read on...

So for all those protein dieters out there this will be a welcomed change to the old tuna in a can staple.  I can't say I actually get the whole high protein diet thing, I like my fruit, bread and ice cream way too much to only have them occasionally.  But now you too and can start to have some added variety to your diets with this new product from Heinz called - Canned Chicken. So in the spirit of things I closed my eyes and gave it a go.

It comes in a few different varieties - Natural Smoke Flavour, Red Curry, Chicken in Soy & Ginger and Sweet Chilli. Read on...

Australians spend over $1million per day on weight loss products.  So why is it that so many of us are overweight and struggle to keep the weight off?  Could it be as simple as the word diet or is there more to it...

Diets generally speaking are developed to help us cut down on our energy intake.  Have a think about it - the High Protein Diet: who could sit down and eat chicken tenders by the packet load, or cans of tuna for breakfast for the rest of their lives. The Cabbage Soup Diet: need I say anymore? One bowl of that and I'm out! The 'Eat One Food Type Per Day' Diet: bananas one day, lettuce the next..how boring.  Read on...

Anyone heard of bis-phenol A (BPA)?  It's a chemical used in the plastics  industry and is found in products like some drink bottles, babies bottles, some plastic food containers and in the inside coating of tin cans. In recent studies using rats, the chemical has been linked to many health problems and even obesity. 

BPA is an endocrine disruptor meaning that it can act like a hormone in the body and cause changes in hormonal regulation of the body's functions. The Canadians have banned the use of BPA in the food industry in severe precautions.  Australian authorities from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) say that the levels we are exposed to are  not high and we shouldn't be alarmed.  They also say that the amount of BPA used in the research was far greater to the levels we are exposed to  in everyday living and that duplicated research in primates did not result in the same effect. 

Just another reason to stay away from pre-packaged commercial foods and get back into the fresh stuff I say. 

Will you be changing your food purchases?  Let us know.

 So here we are into another year.  The traffic is beginning to return and your at your whits end trying to come up with new ideas to occupy those kids before school returns next week.  Well why not get them into the kitchen and start getting inspired for school lunch boxes.

Primary school days are where your child appreciates the lunchbox and what gets put in it.  It isn't until year 5 and 6 where the lunchbox becomes 'uncool' and the canteen rules. But what should you be putting in it to keep your kids growing strong and healthy?

Stick to the food groups and keep it safe!

Read on...