Alcohol and Health: Understanding the Risks and Benefits

Alcohol and Health: Understanding the Risks and Benefits

By Dr Megan Michaux Perhaps the black sheep of the lifestyle medicine family, the harmful substances and behaviours pillar, often gets pushed aside during discussions and consultations. Why? Maybe because it is one of the most challenging areas to change, or because...

Mango Coleslaw with Tangy Oil-Free Dressing

Mango Coleslaw with Tangy Oil-Free Dressing

Dr Lydia Altini It’s mango season! Combine the natural sweetness of ripe mango with crisp, colourful vegetables and a tangy oil-free dressing for a refreshing dish that feels like a taste of the Caribbean on a warm summer’s day. This vibrant mango coleslaw is light...

Green Goddess Dressing

Green Goddess Dressing

Makes 1 Litre Most commercial creamy dressings are "SAD" staples—loaded with inflammatory oils and preservatives. This "HAD" version uses raw sunflower seeds and avocado to create a nutrient-dense fat source that supports heart health. Ingredients: 100g raw sunflower...

Sorghum Tabouleh

Sorghum Tabouleh

Serves 6-8 This dish is the perfect entry point into the Heritage African Diet. It replaces imported wheat (couscous or bulgur) with Sorghum—a climate-smart African grain that is naturally gluten-free and low-glycaemic. Ingredients: 1 cup fresh parsley 1/3 cup fresh...

Supporting Patients on GLP-1s: The Lifestyle Medicine Advantage

Supporting Patients on GLP-1s: The Lifestyle Medicine Advantage

Dr Lydia Altini MBBCh DipIBLM In early November, the first-ever South African clinical practice guideline for treating adult obesity was published in a Special Issue of the South African Medical Journal (SAMJ).1 With obesity now a global epidemic driving major health,...

Fasolada

Fasolada

Fasolada is a Greek white bean stew that is known for rich and simple flavours. The combination of beans and vegetables mean it is rich in fibre, packs a decent plant-based protein punch, and also offers a good amount of calcium, iron, and potassium. Ingredients: 500...

A Lifestyle Medicine Approach to Addiction

A Lifestyle Medicine Approach to Addiction

There is a huge societal stigma associated with addiction.  Many people view addiction as a sign of weakness or lack of willpower.  But we now have a whole new understanding of addiction and its management.  The following points will be covered briefly in this blog:...

Black bean and sweet potato skillet

Black bean and sweet potato skillet

This one-skillet wonder is full of nutritional value and is fun to eat! Sweet potatoes bring vitamins A and C, as well as a fibre kick, and black beans ramp up that fibre dose, provide micronutrients like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and add plant-based protein...

Tofu Salad Sandwich

Tofu Salad Sandwich

Look no further for your new go-to lunch meal! This tofu salad sandwich requires a bit of prep, but all your hard work will be rewarded by the explosion of fresh and savoury flavours as soon as you bite into it. Ingredients lettuce, leaves red onion, sliced cucumber,...