Food.

It's the stuff of life - literally. Essential fuel for our bodies and our minds; joy for our taste buds and agent of togetherness. But it's also a topic that's literally exploded on the internet in recent years. There's a lot of trends and nutritional 'fake-news' to wade through.

So we got together with our resident Nutrition Expert: Robyn Dery, to hear her top tips on navigating the food space and her approach when it comes to food for Tweens.

 

Hey Robyn! Tell us how you came to be interested in food

I've always had a love of food. My family were big entertainers and some of my happiest childhood memories are centred around planning feasts and cooking for people. Before I could travel it was a way to explore. Food to me represents community, generosity and stories. In my business as a nutritionist though, I've seen plenty of unhealthy relationships with food. And it's this contradiction that's spurred my mission to empower kids with positive food ingredients and positive food relationships

You’re a dietitian in a clinic, a baker for a store, a helper in the school vegie patch, and a mum of 3 - what's your ethos:

As a nutritionist, and mama of growing kids, getting the balance right between delicious and nutritious, has become what you might call a 'life passion'. We are so lucky to have so much choice and beautiful ingredients in Australia, but sometimes choice is overwhelming. Everyone’s body and interests are unique. My aim is to help Tweens navigate the ‘fake news’ and equip them to decide on their own health strategies.

Our Tween community love a good snack. Have you any secret or not so secret recipes you'd be willing to share?

Yes! Here's two to get you started. These are the perfect pre homework snack as fuel for concentration - or post homework healthy treat to tide you through to dinner 😋

Choc Peanut Butter Bliss Balls

225gm (3 cups) rolled oats

560 gm (2 cups) peanut butter

165gm (1/2 cup) honey

75gm (1cup) desiccated coconut

1 tablespoon vanilla essence

200gm (2/3 cup) chocolate chips

5-8 tablespoons water

Process all ingredients except chocolate chips in food processor until blended, leave it a bit chunky. add as much water as you need to make it stick together, but gradually so you don’t end up with a sticky mess. Put mixture out of the food processor into a different bowl. Stir through chocolate chips with a spoon. This way you don’t mush up the chocolate chips AND the blade is  out of the way.  Roll into balls the size of a ping pong ball. Refrigerate.

These can be kept in the freezer or the fridge. And are delicious straight from the freezer too. Just always check with your mates if there's anyone with nut allergies before handing these around. (obvs). 

Raspberry Bliss Balls

120gm (1cup) frozen raspberries

10 dates, soak in hot water for at least 15 minutes, then drain

155gm (1cup) raw cashews

150gm (2 cups) desiccated coconut

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

a pinch of salt

Mix all the ingredients in the food processor until it is well combined and sticks together when pinched.  Take the blade out of the food processor bowl and put in a safe place. Shape the mixture into balls the size of a ping pong ball.  Refrigerate.