Staying warm and healthy.

Poached Pears in Sugar Free Syrup

Serves 4

4 Buerre Bosc pears

Lemon juice

1 cup xylitol

6 cups water

1 Vanilla bean pod

1 Cinnamon stick

1. Peel each pear starting from the stem and peeling downwards. Drizzle each pear with a little lemon juice to help from going brown while you prepare the other pears.
2. Put the cup of xylitol with the 6 cups of water into a saucepan over medium heat and stir until the xylitol has dissolved. Increase heat to high and simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Split the vanilla bean in half and scrap the seeds into the xylitol mixture along with the halved vanilla bean. Break the cinnamon stick in half and add to xylitol mixture.
4. Add the pears to the poaching liquid and simmer, covered with a square of baking paper for 15-20 mins or until tender. Turn occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Serve pear warm with some of the poaching liquid.

I don’t know about you but I love having my favourite recipes stuck on the wall near where I am cooking so here is a printable version for you to do just that with.Poached Pears in Sugar Free Syrup

What is In Season for May;

Although there are only 2 weeks of May left, most of the organic fruit and vegetables for winter start in May. Check out apples and pears, which are flourishing now! Good reason to make our Poached Pear recipe!

Look at for our yummy recipe for the week; Poached Pears in Sugar Free Syrup.

If you have any family favourite recipes we would love to hear about them. Share them here or on our Facebook Page.

Printable version for your fridge;Whats In Season – May

Coconuts are actually a fruit not a true nut as nuts do not open at maturity to release its seed like a coconut does. Coconuts are high in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper and iron and good levels of antioxidants.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has become one of the most sought after oils right at the moment. Yes it is a saturated fat which in the past has given it a bad name as it was considered the same as animal saturated fat. But it is very different. Animal saturated fat can increase cholesterol whereas coconut oil will actually help decrease bad LDL cholesterol as it does not enter as a lipoprotein formation (cholesterol). Because of its high saturated fat content (92%) it remains solid or semisolid at room temperature and easily becomes a liquid with minimal heat.

What makes coconut oil a healthy oil for everyday use in raw food and cooking, but also for skin and body care is it is one of the richest sources of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). MCFA’s do not require the liver and gallbladder to digest and emulsify them so they provide faster energy, increased metabolic rate and increased circulation. MCFA’s also support good digestion and assimilation of fats. High in lauric acid which has antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and disease fighting properties (only other source is breast milk). Interestingly a study is currently underway to see the antiviral effects for HIV. Rich in antioxidants and due to the MCFA’s which an deeply penetrate the skin, its a great anti-ageing moisturiser and great to apply after sun exposure to the skin or any other burns or abrasions. It can also be used for hair care particularly in helping with dandruff.

Its believed to help with weight loss as the MCFA’s speed up metabolism faster than long chain fatty acids as they are digested faster and converted to energy at a faster rate. Also coconut provides satiety so it makes you feel fuller.

Can also assist in bone health due to the high levels of minerals.

It is an excellent oil to cook with at high temperatures as it is extremely stable at temperatures above 160 degrees Celsius. In general it is a more stable oil as it has less problems with rancidity compared to some more delicate oils such as flaxseed.

So look for extra virgin cold pressed oils. A couple of our favourites are Coconut Magic and Elesis. Add a tablespoon to your morning smoothie, use it as a cooking oil, add it to any baking instead of other fats/oils, use it as a hair conditioner and skin moisturiser. Its extremely versatile. If you wish to add some essential oils to it especially if you wish a calming skin moisturiser add Lavender and Lime. Coming into Winter add fine rock salt to make a body scrub to help stimulate your skin in the morning before the day begins.  Or for your hair Rosemary is a great essential oil for your scalp.

If you can’t make it in store no problem we have all these items online @ Vive Health.

1kg Sweet Potato
250-300g Gluten Free Plain Flour
Sea Salt

1. Steam Sweet potatoes in their skins, drain, then peel (with a small sharp
knife) when cool enough to not burn your fingers

2. Mash by hand or in food processor, fold in sieved flour and salt and combine well

3. For ease of handling, divide into four, lightly flour bench, and roll each into a long sausage approx 2cm in diameter

4. Cut into approx 1.5cm thick pieces and throw into a large pan of boiling salted water

5. Gnocchi is ready when all pieces rise to the surface. Drain well, and serve with your choice of pasta sauce

Here is a healthy gluten/dairy free, no sugar, no grains but extremely delicious banana bread recipe.

4 very ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup coconut oil or grass-fed butter, melted
4 free-range eggs
1tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup organic coconut flour (do not substitute another flour – it will not work)
1 heaping tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
optional add-ins: 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, slivered almonds, raisins, etc.

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius . Throw everything together in a medium bowl and mix until combined. Pour into a lightly greased (use coconut oil or butter for greasing) bread pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until center is set and top is golden. Enjoy!

*Your bananas should be extremely brown, almost to the point when you would throw them away or freeze them. If they are not overly ripe, your bread will not be as sweet and probably not taste as good. If you are using non-ripe bananas, you should add about a 1/3 cup of maple syrup to the batter.

Dietary intake of magnesium in the West has declined to less than half of those recorded 100 years ago, and is still falling. Furthermore many scientists believe that the amount of magnesium required for optimum health has been underestimated in the past, and now new research suggests that even small shortfalls in magnesium intake can seriously impair day to day energy levels.

Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body, being required for more than 325 enzymatic reactions, including those involved in the synthesis of fat, protein and nucleic acids, neurological activity, muscular contraction and relaxation, cardiac activity and bone metabolism. Even more important is magnesium’s pivotal role in both anaerobic and aerobic energy production, particularly in the metabolism of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the ‘energy currency’ of the body. The synthesis of ATP requires magnesium-dependent enzymes called ‘ATPases’. These enzymes have to work extremely hard: the average human can store no more than about 3oz of ATP, yet during strenuous exercise the rate of turnover of ATP is phenomenal, with as much as 15kgs of ATP per hour being broken down and reformed (from adenosine diphosphate and phosphate)!

In a recent very tightly controlled three-month US study the effects of magnesium depletion on exercise performance in 10 women were observed. In the first month, the women received a magnesium-deficient diet (112mgs per day), which was supplemented with 200mgs per day of magnesium to bring the total magnesium content up to the RDA of 310mgs per day. In the second month, the supplement was withdrawn to make the diet magnesium-deficient, but in the third month it was reintroduced to replenish magnesium levels.

At the end of each month, the women were asked to cycle at increasing intensities until they reached 80% of their maximum heart rate, at which time a large number of measurements were taken, including blood tests, ECG and respiratory gas analysis. The researchers found that, for a given workload, peak oxygen uptake, total and cumulative net oxygen utilisation and heart rate all increased significantly during the period of magnesium restriction, with the amount of the increase directly related to the extent of magnesium depletion.

In plain English, a magnesium deficiency reduced metabolic efficiency, increasing the oxygen consumption and heart rate required to perform work – exactly what any individual doesn’t want!

Sports and fitness are two areas which can really benefit from judicious use of health foods and supplements. Targeted products may help to enhance health, performance and recovery.

Ergogenic means able to enhance work performance. Well utilised supplements and functional foods enhance energy production, use or recovery and have the ability to provide athletes with a competitive advantage. In sports, ergogenic aids may increase muscle power, endurance, strength and/or size.

Vive’s offerings are all tried and tested. We only sell those supplements shown to be effective – which means we bypass hype for results. Try some… and you’ll find the effects are their best advertisement. Here are some of our best and brightest:

1. Designer Physique Whey Protein Isolate Plain (250g, 750g, 1kg)

Whey Protein Isolate contains one of the highest concentrations of protein and lowest amount of fat and carbohydrates of protein products available. This range is produced by micro and ultra filtration processes which ensures a high quality extraction process while maintaining protein quality. It is also free of nasty artificial additives like sweeteners or preservatives.

Whey Protein Isolate is preferred by many body builders and athletes as it is quickly absorbed into the body and contains high amounts of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are concentrated in muscles, and are used to fuel and build the muscle fibres.

2. Endura Rehydration (800g)

This contains vital electrolytes – mineral salts which need to be present and in balance in the blood. When we sweat during exercise, this can contribute to loss and imbalance of electrolytes, giving symptoms such as muscle cramps or weakness. Drinking Endura Rehydration during and after sports ensures that the body has a ready supply of vital electrolytes to function at it’s best.

3. Fatigue Reviva 30 x 20g Sachets Lemon Lime

Designed by scientists and tested by doctors, this is a cutting-edge amino acid and carbohydrate formulation designed to increase energy and recovery of peak performance. At Vive, we’ve sold this to international athletes and referees, as well as using it ourselves for a little extra ‘pep’ when needed.

The formulation is specially designed to be shuttled straight from the gut into the blood, meaning that it requires no digestion, and means the nutrients get where they are needed much faster, and with much more potency. Fatigue reviva also helps to prevent muscle breakdown and dehydration.

4. Fill2Pure Water Filtration Drink Bottle BPA Free 500ml

The last thing you need when rehydrating is to take in nasty chemicals like BPA which may interfere with your performance. These bottles also contain a filter, which instantly removes up to 99.99% of Aesthetics, Microbiological Contaminants (including viruses and bacteria), Chemicals (including Chlorine and Fluoride) and Dissolved Solids. This means that you can take it hiking and bushwalking, and fill it up safely from any stream or river in Australia or New Zealand.

5. Kre-Alkalyn Creatine (180Caps)

Creatine can increase maximum power and performance in high-intensity anaerobic repetitive work (like weight lifting). This particular form of Creatine has a very alkaline pH, which means that it helps the body absorb more creatine (thus you need less). This stable form also means it is less likely to cause nasty side effects like bloating, headaches, nausea or muscle cramps.

Use creatine for the ability to train longer and harder, with reduced lactic acid burn and muscle fatigue.

6. Horleys Acetyl L-Carnitine (120c)

The cells need carnitine to burn fats for energy. This particular form of Carnitine is easily absorbed and crosses the blood brain barrier, meaning that the brain cells can also use fats for fuel. This means that not only can it help burn fat and improve energy, but that it also helps to focus and sharpen your mind.

7. Musashi L-Glutamine (150g)

The body needs more glutamine when we exercise as it is involved in muscle repair (and growth) as well as glycogen storage. Taking additional amounts of this amino acid may help to reduce muscle soreness post-training, increase lean muscle mass, and help with immune system function.

Musashi supplements often come as powders, which makes adjusting your individual dose super easy!

8. Zen Therapeutics Tincture (50 mls)

Hands up who hasn’t woken up after a particularly hard training session in a bit of pain or stiffness…. not any more! This tincture is a combination of traditional Chinese and Western herbs used for the relief of joint and muscle pain and the treatment of traumatic injuries.

These herbs increase circulation, reduce pain and inflammation and speed the healing process. You’ll be back in the gym in no time.

Nutritionist Megan Crockart gives her top tips for ways in which you can start the new year towards a cleaner, fresher, healthier you over this informative 3 part series! Here is part 3, the final tips in this series…

Tip 3.1 – Increase Antioxidants

We are exposed to many toxins in our every day from the water we drink and wash in, the air we breathe to the food we ingest. Antioxidants are crucial for our bodies in that they go in and clean up any damage that these unavoidable toxins create. Fresh fruit and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants and eating a variety of colours is going to ensure you get many of the different antioxidants on a daily basis. 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegies a day is a good general guide to follow. Try to see if you can eat 25 different plant foods a day! It is easier than you may think. Juicing is a great way to get many antioxidants. For extra support to add to your diet I highly recommend spirulina, which can be bought in tablet or powder. For even greater amounts of antioxidants Martin and Pleasance Vital Greens is a fantastic addition to your morning juice/smoothie.

Tip 3.2 – Go Nuts

Nuts are a great every day snack. There are so many nuts to choose from including almonds, pecans, walnuts, brazil, macadamia, pistachios, hazelnuts, cashews. If your nuts are too hard to eat either soak them overnight in water (this also makes them easier to digest) or eat them ground up eg with yoghurt and fruit. Just make sure you buy organic if possible, but more importantly, raw and unsalted nuts!

Tip 3.3 – Have Fun

Reducing stress levels is essential for good health. Making sure our stress hormones, particularly cortisol, doesn’t get out of control is necessary to avoid such things as increased inflammation, storage of fat, increased appetite, skin problems and digestive problems. If you can’t avoid stressful situations, then make sure you handle that stress with whatever relaxation techniques suit you, it could be anything from going for a walk, a massage, meditating, taking a bath, reading a book, catching up with friends/family, watching a funny movie – whatever gives you a laugh and helps you relax. Make sure you take time out for yourself every day!

Tip 3.4 – Low fat isn’t always better

Low fat is often encouraged, but check your labels before you buy a low fat version. Labelling can be misleading if it has “light” or “lite” on it which can actually mean lighter in flavour not fat. Also extra sugar can be added to replace the fat that is taken out, so you may not be getting as much fat, but are you now getting more sugar in your diet. If you are not burning this extra energy sugar provides it will eventually turn to fat in your body. If you think about full cream milk, it only has a total of 4% fat, so in effect 96% fat free. Is this a better option than one that has undergone further processing (often more chemicals and destruction) and added sugar?

Missed Part 1 and/or 2 of this 3 part series? Click here for Part 1. Click here for Part 2.

Still need some extra help? Kick start the year with a healthier you! Join Megan’s 4 week detox program (very limited spaces left – additional options for those that don’t live in Brisbane). Click here for more information.

Nutritionist Megan Crockart gives her top tips for ways in which you can start the new year towards a cleaner, fresher, healthier you over this informative 3 part series! Here is part 2…

Tip 2.1 – Regular Eating

Many people don’t eat regularly enough throughout the day to maintain good blood sugar levels. Eating 3 main meals and 2 healthy small snacks through the day every day will maintain blood sugar levels and help with those dips in energy, particularly the 3pm slump that various people feel. Eating regularly also keeps the metabolism firing. This is particularly important for weight loss – if you hardly eat throughout the day (scared you will put on weight), your body will actually hold onto the fat and your basal metabolism slows down in the event it won’t get food again for awhile. Make sure your meals and snacks are healthy options and don’t just grab things like chips, chocolates and soft drinks.

Tip 2.2 – Don’t Eat Before Bed

Avoid eating before bed, particularly large meals that are hard to digest. At least 1-2 hours before you go to bed should be your last meal. Some even recommend at least 3 hours prior to bed. If your body is trying to digest a large meal, even though often after eating a large meal you feel sleepy and can fall sleep, your sleep is not going to be the quality of sleep it needs to stay healthy as in Tip 1.4 in part 1 of this series the hormone grehlin will increase causing over eating the next day.

Tip 2.3 – Buy Organic/Free Range

Increasing awareness of organic and free range foods is really starting to increase in Australia, which is very important to make sure you aren’t getting anything extra in your food that you definitely don’t need. Buying organic is going to help you achieve your health goals as organic products are free from pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, possible hormones, and many other chemicals. Our bodies are not designed to process these levels of chemicals on a daily basis. If you can’t buy organic and the only other option is free range, then definitely get free range. Do you really want to eat a chicken that has been in a cage, has barely moved its entire life who has never seen the sun? The animals have a better quality of life which means the meat is going to be healthier for you to eat.

Tip 2.4 – Increase Omega 3′s

Omega 3 is very important for the healthy functioning of our bodies ranging from brain health (mood, memory, sleep), skin and hair to anti-inflammatory properties for conditions like arthritis and joint pain. Omega 3 is very high in animal foods such as oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), kangaroo and grass fed beef. Making sure your beef is grass fed is significant in making sure you are not only getting a good amount of Omega 3 but many other nutrients that you won’t get from grain fed beef. For vegetarians flax and chia seeds have the highest levels of Omega 3′s, although without some added vitamins and minerals our bodies don’t convert the essential components EPA and DHA in our body as easily. If taking a supplement is for you, a great capsule is Herbs of Gold Omega Concentrate. If liquid fish oil is more your thing, Nutralife Fish Oil with Vitamin D tastes great. Melrose Organic Flaxseed oil is a great vegetarian option.

Missed Megan’s tips in Part 1 of this series? Click here….

Stayed tuned for Part 3….coming soon….

Still need some extra help? Kick start the year with a healthier you! Join Megan’s 8 week weight loss program or 4 week detox program (options for those that don’t live in Brisbane). Click here for more information.