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TRADITIONAL

WISDOM

MENTORS

WANTED: WISE PEOPLE...

You have a great life; a beautiful family, satisfying career and time to play in the garden on weekends. BUT you want to make a difference and can't find how...

KIDS PARTIES

From Cupcakes to Sushi. Catering for those with allergies.

TESTING FOR FOOD ALLERGIES

About 8% of all children and 2% of all adults suffer from food allergies.

DAIRY INTOLERANCE

Thousands of Australians suffer from a dairy intolerance? Are you one?

MEXICANA CHICKEN

Recipe from Symply Too Good To Be True Book 3.

ORANGE AND PECAN TEACAKE

Annette Sym brings you another superb Dairy free recipe.

ALLERGY AWARENESS

Up to 60% of our entire population is either gluten insensitive or intolerant.

THE ONLINE ALLERGY SHOP

As a mum with a child who suffers allergies, Stephanie started Allerchic.

TALK WITH A SEX THERAPIST

People choose to see a sex therapist for a whole host of reasons.

RICH CHOCOLATE SQUARES....

RECIPE FROM SYMPLY TO GOOD TO BE TRUE BOOK 4 BY ANNETTE SYM

BEAUTY ON THE INSIDE AND OUT

Do you want to age gracefully? If you want to look your best now and in years to come READ MORE

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE PIE

RECIPE FROM SYMPLY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE BOOK BY ANNETTE SYM

DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AS A GODDESS?

Great tips for a modern day woman.

5 STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH FENG SHUI

A REAL LIFE GLUTEN FREE STORY

Beth shares her Gluten Free story - probably similar to yours?

GLUTEN FREE CHOC MOUSSE PIE!

Try this yummy and surprising good for you gluten free choc mousse pie.

I'M

GOING

GLUTEN

FREE!!

FAB GLUTEN FREE...ITS POSSIBLE!

Exploring the nitty gritty of the gluten free life. All you need to know and more

FLOURISING GLUTEN FREE

Going gluten free can change your life and help you flourish and be your best!

FREE EBOOK FOR LOW FODMAP

Life can be simple without FODMAPs you just have to know how...

Our deliciously FREE Ebook will give you ideas on foods to avoid and those to enjoy as well as info about the Dietary Guidelines and loads more...it also includes a weekly meal 'pitch'!

DOWNLOAD HERE!

GUIDE TO GLUTEN FREE COOKING

Lee Holmes from Supercharged Food shares her gluten free secrets!

PURIFICATION FROM TEA

Instead of seeking to purify or detox in an adhoc fashion, the Chinese use tea.

AVOID GM FOR PURIFICATION

What is the point in purifying if you are consuming GM products?

NATVIA BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

Delicious fruity muffins using Natvia and organic ingredients. Sweet Success!

BANANA AND OATBRAN MUFFINS

Delicious, nutritious and great fun to bake with the kids!

POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE: YOU?

Kylie Patchett of the Tall Poppy Project explores purifying your mindset.

DETOX YOUR BODY WHY BOTHER?

We detox our body to purify, but why bother when the house is toxic!

PURIFIED BY NATURE - BAMBOO

We spend a crazy amount of time inside. Do you know how toxic it is?

PREPARING FOR A FLOOD

Our FAB Michelle Pymble is about to get flooded again....third time in as many years. She has some great hints/tips.

READ HERE

RELAUNCH PURELY THE BEST YOU

It can take a bit of work to become the best you, but Alison Morgan has a guide

2012 BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

Our friends at What Can I Eat? have developed a delicious guide for you!

DOWNLOAD NOW

SWEET: A SUGAR ALTERNATIVE

We all know the perils of a diet high in sugar - there could be another option!

MAKING AND KEEPING GOALS!

is one of the hardest things to do after the new year glow has gone...

TOP 5 - OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT

Why take fresh picked olive leaf extract? For our top 5 reasons!

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING FOR MUM

Dr Melanie Strang explores emotional wellbeing for Mums.

WHY WE FAIL AT WEIGHT LOSS

Sally Symonds explores why we fail at weight loss - despite our best attempts.

A NEW SMILE A NEW BEGINNING

Veronica Whitter had a transformational 2011 - survived a facial tumour, walked 310km and a new business!

ARE YOU SABOTAGING YOURSELF?

New contributor Debbie Spellman explores the concept of self-sabotage.

ROSEY ROSEHIP NEW BEGINNING

Have you tried rosehip as a natural pain reliever? It may help a new beginning!

NEW, FUN OCEANIC BEGINNING

Why not try something new this Summer and get fit in the ocean! It works!

SLOB TO SELF EMPOWERED, 8WKS

"I was sad on the inside"...but my life had to change and it did!

YOU CAN DO IT, OVERCOME IT ALL

Ravyn Summers was born with Cerebral Palsy and was told he would never walk or talk...you should see him now!!!

NEW BEGINNING-HYPNOTHERAPY

How can hypnotherapy help you on your new beginning. Read Rebecca's story.

ANTIOXIDANTS-WHAT ARE THEY?

Naturally occring, antioxidants assist the regeneration of healthy cells.

OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST's RECIPES

Lauren Burns OAM shares some of her delicious health conscious recipes from her book - Food From a Loving Home.

YUM!

CHRISTMAS MILK ALTERNATIVES

There are a wonderful variety of dairy alternatives this Christmas...Try them!

CHRISTMASY GLUTEN FREE COOKING

Try delicious GF recipes by KitchenAid Home Economist Jo Richardson!

CURBING THE CHRISTMAS KILOS

There are delicious ways to keep the Christmas kilos off with these simple recipes from Sally Symonds.

EATING TO SEASON CHRISTMAS STYLE

Loe to indulge at Christmas? Eatng to the season will no undo your hard work!

GENETIC ENGINEERING HERE AND NOW

What are the consequences of Genetic Engineering?

GM FOODS SAVING MODIFIED DIET?

Could genetic engineering be helping the health of people with modified diets?

TRY...SUPERCHARGE YOUR DIET

Delicious, healthy and easy to prepare...they are SuperFoods.

TAKE TIME OUT...YOU SHOULD

'Those who fail to take time to be healthy will ultimately have to take time to be sick' Dr James

IT'S NOT ABOUT A FAD...

It's about education. Guest writer Hela tells it like it is - do your research before choosing diet.

EAT FOOD FROM NATURE

Linda Morrison says...eat food from nature, it is simply better!

LO.GI:UNIVERSAL PHENOMENON

Healthy life guru Sally Symonds finds out more about LOW GI and what makes it special!

GENERATION X'S PERSPECTIVE

Guest contributor Emma Wilson shares Gen X's perspective on the future of food...it is not all bleak as they are educated, self disovery junkies who read labels and know what they want!

I MAY SEE RED..BUT NO YELLOW

Kylie Hollonds of What Can I Eat? advises on the deadlies in yellow food!

CLEANING WITHOUT CHEMICALS

It is possible to clean your house without the use of chemicals...what a great way to DETOX your home!!!

FIVE SIMPLE STEPS TO DETOX

Nisha's detox steps are fabulous and easy and well worth a go!

WEIGH IT UP ALLERGY FRIENDLY

Our fabulous allergy expert, Barbara Macciolli has contributed to a wonderful new book by Weigh It Up - featuring lots of delicious and healthy recipes, many of which are suitable for people with allergies.

READ HERE

COMMON GUT PROBLEMS

We find out about common problems with the gut...what to look out for and what to be aware of.

WHAT TOXINS ARE IN OUR FOOD?

Kylie Hollonds uncovers some nasties lurking in our food - things to be aware of and avoid, for sure!

READ HERE

SPRING CLEAN YOUR CLOSET

Check out these great tips for making a fresh start in your closet this spring!

There are lots of ways to make sure you keep the moths and the mess out of your wardrobe.

SPRING SPORTS THERAPIES!

Spring is the perfect time to get in shape - but it is important to find you right exercise!

Sally Symonds tells all!

EMOTIONAL SPRING CLEANING

Adam Mule from Think Yourself Thin expores the concept of emotional spring cleaning - to celebrate the change of the seasons.

YUM! DETOX JUICE FOR SPRING

Nisha Langdon shares her fabulous spring detox juice - you will love the delicious flavour the fresh beetroot brings to this tasty and great for you treat!

READ HERE

GLUTEN FREE PANCAKES

Delicious gluten free pancakes from Guest contributor Kylie Hollonds of What Can I Eat?
READ HERE

WHAT IS YOUR PELVIC FLOOR AND HOW GOOD IS YOURS?

New contributors Meg Campbell and Linda Morrison explore this not often talked about muscle...and what to be aware of!

WHAT IS WORSE THAN A CHIKO ROLL? YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED

Can you imagine that there is anything worse? Sally Symonds shows that there are - calorie wise!

TURN THAT COOKER OFF!

We welcome our new regular contributor and health and wellness enthusiast, Nisha Langdon, who this month explores the exciting and emerging RAW FOOD movement.

She also shares gives a delicious raw chocolate ganache recipe to die for!

AUGUST GUEST FOODIE

This month Tiffany Sharp McDonald (Natural Dr Tiff) shares some delicious and healthy RAW FOOD Recipes.

Full of nutrients and vitality - these are a must try!

READ MORE

CAN FLOWERS HELP STRESS?

Lee Holmes explores the interesting topic of flower essences and the positive effect they may have on stress.

Can the essence of flowers really help you destress?

10 KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

From scissors to scales, Sally Symonds explores the top ten things making life easier in the kitchen!

THE VEGO DILEMMA

Check out CEO and Founder of I'm Not Fussy, Rebel Black's discussion on the dilemma of being raised a meat eater.

ARE YOU PACKING PLASTIC?

Donna MacMullin explores the dangers and alternatives for plastics in every day life.

As the founder of Itty Bitty Greenie, Donna has her finger on the pulse of all things great and green!

READ MORE

10 FOODS GONE BAD

We welcome our newest regular guest contributor Sally Symonds - one of the most inspirational women in motivation in this country. This month Sally writes about 10 Foods that have 'Gone Bad' - you will be surprised to see which ones feature on the list!

INNER JEWELS OF LOVE

Spend some time with Liz in the kitchen as she creates a delicious, beautiful and balanced life, through her amazing recipes!

RICH*RADIANT*REAL JOANNE

NEWELL MAY GUEST FOODIE

Try Joannes delightful recipes with the kids - you will have fun and they taste delicious!

GREEN TEA KEEPS ON GIVING

Natalia Padgen explores the delicious and great for your chinese green tea!

WHY EXERCISE WON'T MAKE YOU THIN CRITIQUE

Regular contributor Nick Petrovic critiques the notion that exercise won't make you thin for us this month. It is a really great perspective.

Check it out

RYN AND CORDIE...

FABULOUS FOODIES

We are thrilled to have Ryn and Cordie join us for the month of April, sharing their delicious foodie fare and matching wine! Decadence plus...and friendly for the 'unfussed' of us!

UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN'S FOOD ALLERGIES

By Natalia Padgen

GLUTEN FREE MARCH!

Melinda's Gluten Free is a household name in trusted gluten free fare. As March includes Coeliac Awareness Week...we thought it appropriate to promote Gluten Free Options this month! Thanks for the recipes Melinda!

BANDAGED BEAR APPEAL!

We are THRILLED to be supporting Bandaged Bear Appeal for the Westmead Children's Hospital!

Check it out

MASTERCHEF MARCH!

We are very excited to welcome 2010 Masterchef Contestant, Aaron Harvie as our guest foodie for March! Aaron has contributed a delicious recipe for Old El Paso Fish Tacos, which we know you will love!

THE DIRTY DOZEN

This month Kylie Hollonds from What Can I Eat joins us as a regular guest contributor and talks about the nasty chemicals you should avoid in your life!

We are thrilled to have Kylie with us!

FEBRUARY FOODIE - FAB!

Cindy Kennedy is our Feb Foodie and is FANTASTIC! Cindy has lived in some really unusual places which has inspired her passion for cooking - and now, she has a gorgeous business Orara Cakes. Have a look at her delicious lemon icecream! YUM!

SUPER DELICIOUS NUT LOAF

This is a really fantastic gluten free snacktime option...loaded with protein from almond flour and walnuts and using a sugar replacement, it really is a great high tea treat.

Check it out

ALL ABOUT VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is critical for your health and supports bones, muscles and teeth. Natalia Padgen writes an overview of this excellent Vitamin!

ALLERGY FREE GUEST FOODIE

Queen Bee Allergy Free blogger, Barbara Macciolli is our new Guest Foodie and we are thrilled to have her! Why not try her allergy free Christmassy Treats - Crispy Pork Belly pictured!

CHECK THEM OUT

IF COWS MILK DOESN'T CUT IT

Natalia Padgen explores the benefits and pitfalls of dairy alternatives for milk. She looks at substitutes including almond, rice, soy and oat milk, providing you with the information to support your decision making! This is a great article.

KATE WEISS:MODERN MOTHER

Exploring the dilemma of modern motherhood with Founder of Table of Plenty, Kate Weiss

NICOISE SALAD FOR SUMMER!

Our Guest Foodie Lee Holmes has served up a delicious Nicoise salad which is perfect for lazy Saturday lunches or can be sorted out for an easy salad box for lunch at your desk or on the run...YUM!

CHECK IT OUT

RESTORING YOUR MIND

Guest writer, Nick Petrovic explores the opportunity to restore your mind with images of nature.

You can improve attention and reduce stress rates!

A journey through arthritis and allergy and back - Robyn Stitt

Upon reflection, Robyn Stitt from South Australia, realises that she had been living unwell for her whole life.

She remembers feeling bad from the age of 12 when she would go to school socials and watch other kids do the twist and have fun and thought she was weak and pathetic or had the worst pain threshold ever.

“I used to think 'look at what they can do, I can’t do a quarter of that, I am in agony',” she said.

“But I didn’t say anything because that was the way life was.”

At age 20 Robyn was diagnosed with arthritis – at a point in her life when she believed she was going to die.

“I pinched a nerve in my back and it hurt to breathe in and it hurt to breathe out, so I chose not to breathe,” she said.

“The doctors thought I was having a heart attack or had a punctured lung, they gave me oxygen in emergency, hours later they said they thought I had pinched a nerve and told me I had arthritis.”

Robyn said at this point she was taking anti-inflammatory drugs like they were ‘tic tacs’ it impeded her lifestyle, she had to allow an extra 20 minutes for getting dressed.

“I always allowed an extra 20 minutes just in case I did my back in putting on my stockings, I needed the recovery time to get over it and still be able to go out,” she said.

Whilst her rheumatoid factor was not normal, it wasn’t bad enough that the doctors would diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.

Robyn’s count was 18 but it needed to be 20, she wished she could be two more just so she could be diagnosed with something.

“I wasn’t quite well and not quite sick – I was in no mans land,” she said.

But at this point Robyn accepted everything the doctors told her.

“I lived on pills and a whole lot of other stuff that wasn’t much fun either,” she said.

“I lived the doctors way for about 7 years.

“During this time other things started happening as well, my digestion went.

“If you ignore your body signals it will give you something harder.”

Robyn was 26 years old when another hurdle came.

“I put my socks on one night about November and my feet were instantly itchy so I ripped them off and put on a different pair that hadn’t been washed with the other pair but my feet were still itchy.

“I thought I would go to bed to get warm but by the next day I was itchy from mid thigh to feet, it was so bad that scratching never relieved the itch.

“I took a hayfever tablet thinking it was the spray from the neighbour’s, but by that night I was itchy up to my ribs.

“Within 3 days I was itchy all over, my head, face, arms and I basically had to keep itching to relieve and it never went away.

“It was quite overwhelming.

“A doctor gave me Phenergan which meant I was unconscious so I couldn’t scratch, but I was still itchy."

Robyn got more tired and was still really itchy and felt like she was a danger on the road as even a five minute drive was too exhausting and she would be falling asleep at the wheel.

Robyn continued back and forth to the doctors and all the testing they did came back fine.

“I was supposed to be as healthy as an ox, but luckily my doctor knew what I was like before and eventually didn’t know what to do with me anymore so sent me to a specialist,” she said.

“It was a horrible time, even to think about it now.”

The specialist indicated that Robyn was making it up and doing it for attention and prescribed Prozac and basically told her to ‘get over herself’.

The next step was an allergist, whose referral said ‘Robyn is itchy sometimes’.

“The allergist said he believed me,” she said.

“I just wanted someone to believe me."

The Allergist put Robyn on special diets and after a period of time she was able to go back to being able to function again – but she was quite restricted in what she could eat.

It wasn’t until Robyn fell pregnant that she decided enough was enough.

“I knew that I had to stop taking pills and thought I would just have to put up with the pain,” she said.

A girlfriend introduced her to Yoga and she found a new path of alternative exploration for her health – and decided she would not allow her condition to win.

Robyn chose not to pin a badge on herself and realised that there had to be a better way of living.

Through Yoga Robyn was able to build her muscles up so they were strong enough to hold her joints the right way, she was also able to learn relaxation and take time for herself.

“It had a beautiful snowball effect,” she said.

It was as a result of this final issue that Robyn found Kinesiology and has been able to revert to a normal diet.

Robyn is a fully qualified Kinesiologist and assists other people with their health and wellness journeys.

“I am about freedom,” she said.

“I have spent the last five years living the same as everybody.

“Life is for living, life is too short to say I am not allowed.”

Robyn owns her own business Overcoming Overwhelm in Strathalbyn South Australia, where she uses complementary therapies to help busy, overwhelmed people turn their chaotic lives into order.

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A journey through arthritis and allergy and back - Robyn Stitt

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