Category: lifestyle

Love pastry? Then you'll love this ‘Baby Tomato, Pesto & Prosciutto Tart’ recipe by HIF guest blogger Helen from Scrummy Lane. Topped off with ricotta, this puff pastry tart is a quick and easy option for a simple throw-together lunch, but impressive enough to serve to guests.

With so many cheeses to choose from nowadays, it’s sometimes hard to say no to just one more slice. Regrettably though, cheese is generally high in fat and according to Susie Burrell – “Most of us need to eat a little less of it than what we do”. With this in mind, we asked Susie to explore the nutritional properties of our favourite cheeses and offer her advice on how we can have ‘our cheese and eat it’.

Do they remain committed to their healthy lifestyle or, like the rest of us, do they indulge in a day filled with treats and surprises? The team at here HIF were curious, which is why we asked our very own fitness expert Brian Killian, to let us in on what a typical “Brian” birthday includes (let’s just say it doesn’t completely involve exercise).

Hands up who loves rhubarb? As well as being delicious, did you know that rhubarb also holds some vital phyto-nutrients such as dietary fiber, poly-phenolic anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins? With nutritional benefits like this in mind, we thought you may be interested in this ‘Rhubarb and Ginger Oaty Slice’ recipe by HIF guest blogger, Helen of Scrummy Lane. Perfect to eat warm or cold, this dish is an ideal option if you enjoy an oaty flapjack or granola bar, plus its gluten free.

According to HIF health expert Susie Burrell the answer is a definite yes – “I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but while fruit is exceptionally healthy, it does contain kilojoules, which means that it is possible to eat too much fruit”. With this in mind we asked Susie for her guidance on how not to ‘over-do it’ – and of course she hasn't disappointed. In her latest post for our Healthy Lifestyle Blog, Susie discusses what types of fruit are best and offers her advice on how often you should be eating it to get the nutritional benefits fruit provides, without a kilojoule overload.

Do you have little or no willpower when it comes to eating out? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! According to Susie: “Portion control or more specifically self regulation is a skill that can take many years (if not a lifetime) to master”. But what causes this type of behaviour, and more importantly what can we do to regain our control? In this post, Susie offers her top tips to a concerned reader, and explains why commitment and behavioural changes are crucial to controlling social situations.

Hands up who needs some healthy lunch inspiration? When taking your own lunch to work day after day, it’s easy to fall into the same lack luster routine (especially when you’re short of time). Which is why we’ve asked our guest blogger Helen from Scrummy Lane for her expert advice. According to Helen: “Today’s smoked salmon bruschetta with smashed avocado and feta dish is the perfect option for an easy, light yet luxurious meal.”

Following last year’s Canstar award for their suite of Extras insurance policies, HIF has this year topped the list for Private Hospital Cover (WA) with yet another five star rating for Outstanding Value, beating 35 other health funds in their home state including HBF, Bupa and Medibank.

Are you a busy mum with no time for “me time”? According to Susie Burrell: “Any mother will know that whether she means to or not, the kids, the husband, work, friends, in fact everything tends to come before her own needs, and as a result her own health. Women who were completely in control of their weight prior to getting married will repeatedly report gaining weight post wedding and then post babies to end up 20+ kg heavier in their late 30’s and 40’s and feeling unattractive, tired and fatigued as a result.” If this sounds familiar, it’s time to take control. Read more…

According to Brian: “Opinions are divided on the validity of reflexology as a healing modality. The more scientifically oriented argue its method of action is yet to be proven under controlled conditions so therefore it is not effective. Those with a more holistic viewpoint argue that with reflexology dating to ancient Egyptian times, its longevity and continuance is proof of its effectiveness and validity.” A qualified Naturopath and Remedial Therapist himself, Brian explains: “Touch is an important part of healing and one which is often overlooked in influence by modern medicine. It is a non invasive tool which even if not yet to be proven by science, encourages and reinforces the undeniable bond between a baby and their parents”.

Are you eating healthy portion sizes? According to Susie: “When it comes to losing weight and then keeping it off long term, it all comes down to portion sizes. Sure we may know that a restaurant meal out has a few more calories than we would usually enjoy at dinner, but an issue that we consider far less often is the insidious ways in which we eat extra calories numerous times throughout the day. For example a slightly larger slice of bread, an extra teaspoon of oil or even eating from a larger plate.” Luckily, we have Susie on hand to offer her advice. In this post for our Healthy Lifestyle Blog, Susie explains her top 10 tips for portion control and describes what a healthy