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03.07.2015

#FlannerysFoodie – Mona Hecke

We got up close & personal with Gold Coast Naturopath, nutrition specialist and busy Mum, Mona Hecke, from The Lunchbox Revolution to talk all things food, health & well-being. She even shared one of her favourite recipes with us, Red Lentil Soup.

You can find the recipe HERE!

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR HEALTHY LIVING INSPIRATION – WHAT INSPIRES YOU AND YOUR FOOD?

The power of community and how when we come together for a good cause, we can create the change we want to see in the world. Jamie Oliver is great example of this and I hope to meet him one day. His contribution to the world as far as awareness of healthy eating should be applauded.

And the public, they are the ones who motivate me to continue the work I do. Getting emails, letters, phone calls and visits from people telling me about the positive changes that continue to happen since embracing a healthier lifestyle for them and their children. That makes it all worthwhile.

 WHAT ARE YOUR GO TO STAPLES IN THE KITCHEN?

My basic must haves include: good quality Oils like Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil and Flaxseed Oil, Lemons, Garlic and Chilli, Eggs, a variety of fresh greens including sprouts, a pantry of raw staples like nuts and seeds, frozen organic berries and probably Salmon….from these ingredients you can create just about anything including deliciously healthy desserts.

FUSSY KIDS – ANY TIPS FOR LUNCH BOXES AND DINNER TIME?

Kids are never too young to help, so the sooner we get them involved in the process the better. I am not a big believer in hiding vegetables, I am a great believer in educating our kids to be a part of the process, the shopping, the preparation, the cooking, even growing your own herbs is a great place to start. When this becomes part of their everyday life, it becomes a healthy habit for life!

So keep the meals simple, even deconstructed and let the kids create their meal from a selection of raw ingredients. When they have some creative input into their meal, they are more likely to try new things!

IN TERMS OF FLANNERYS OWN, WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCTS?

I love Flannerys Bulk Foods because this way I can always get as much or as little as I need, and I can have a greater variety of great produce to choose from. I also like the fact that by choosing Flannerys Own label, I know I am still getting a quality product while getting good value for my money.

ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE WITH FOOD INTOLERANCES OR BEGINNING TO CHANGE THEIR LIFESTYLE CHOICES?

As a Naturopath all too often I see people make decisions about following a new dietary pathway without taking into consideration where their nutrients are coming from, especially if they choose to eliminate certain foods. Do some research, talk to health professionals who can help you make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need, and this applies to any age group. We need different vitamins at different stages of our life so it is important this is addressed or you could find yourself feeling worse rather than better. Flannerys staff are educated in knowing where nutrients in our food come from, so why not take advantage of their expertise and years of knowledge.

RECOMMENDED LOCAL FOODIE HAVENS

We are so lucky on the Gold Coast to have a plethora of amazing health cafes, just moved to Nobbys, so loving the vibe there! And a great cup of coffee of course! Loving the raw food movement in desserts too. It’s the perfect way to have the most incredible treat that is also healthy but feels perfectly indulgent at the same time. On the weekends I love the Miami Marketta for the eclectic mix of people, food and music. Sharing good food with family and friends is the perfect mix!

mona-hecke

You can find out more about Mona Hecke by visiting her website:

https://thelunchboxrevolution.wordpress.com/

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