What is the Vagus Nerve and what does it have to do with me?

Vagus NerveRead more

So guys, there is this thing and its called the vagus nerve. What is it to me….you make ask? Why in the world do I need to know about this? Well, what if I told you that you could reduce inflammation with this beauty. What if I told you that could reduce chronic pain…! What […]

Alex’s Veggie-Packed Minestrone

Veggie-Packed MinestroneRead more

I love eating with colour and this beauty certainly does not disappoint! A cold weather staple, soup is by far one of my most favourite things to make. Its super nourishing and is also quick, easy and cheap. You can chock the pot full with as many or as little ingredients as you like and […]

Ask Alex: How can I stop sugar cravings?

Stop Sugar CravingsRead more

I have an overwhelming craving for sugar, especially in the afternoons, what can I do to stop this?  Great question. Sugar cravings affect so many of us. They are most likely caused from a diet high in processed foods which is subsequently quite high calorie and has a very low nutrient density. An unbalanced diet, like […]

Crunchy Rainbow Slaw with a Pomegranate and Dijon Dressing

Crunchy Rainbow SlawRead more

I love a good crunchy rainbow slaw and I love one with so many colours, hence the rainbow! In my eyes, the more colours, the merrier. This beauty has liver-loving beets, eye-loving carrots and brain-loving cabbage.  I love the texture of this salad. The crunch of the pomegranates with the smoothness of the dijon mustard. Yum, […]

Strengthening Immunity.

Strengthening ImmunityRead more

Good nutrition is essential for a strong immune system. Strong immunity plays a protective role against seasonal illness such as the common cold, the flu and infections as well as other illnesses such as arthritis; allergies and asthma (sorry for all the alliteration!), all that can all flare up in the cooler months. Here are some […]

Ask Alex: What is acne and what is it telling you?

AcneRead more

What is acne and why is it causing me grief? Acne is localised skin inflammation due to blocked sebaceous glands. It can manifest in many different ways. Some people get small red pimples, while others get to be bigger pus filled cyst-like spots. Acne is choosy but can tell you a whole lot about why […]

Roasted Broccoli and Cabbage Salad

Roasted Broccoli and Cabbage SaladRead more

I love a good green salad, one with as many greens as I can fit! This one is super easy and is full of fibre and important phytonutrients too! The perfect addition to grilled fish or chicken. Serves 4 as a side. Ingredients: 1 head broccoli, washed and broken into florets 1/4 green cabbage, shredded 3 […]

Who am I? Why Optima Health? Why trust me?

Optima HealthRead more

WHO AM I? Who am I…? This is actually a really hard question to answer. Simply, I am Alexandra Handreck. Most people call me Alex. I am a sister, a daughter, a niece, a cousin and a friend. I love animals, the colour orange and making salads. I love to cook, I actually enjoy grocery […]

Ask Alex: Sources of Iron and some background on Vitamin D.

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Today’s ‘Ask Alex’ has turned out to be nutrient special as we focus on two of the most important nutrients – iron and vitamin D. My doctor has told me that I need to increase my iron, but don’t eat red meat…how can I do that? Firstly, what is iron used for and why is […]

Ask Alex: Some answers on fruit sugars and skin health.

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I’m trying to reduce my sugar intake, does that mean I have to avoid fruit? Personally I can’t think of a more appropriate snack option. Fruit is quick to grab, highly portable and full of important vitamins and minerals. They come from plants, they’re wholefoods and in my eyes, the best form of ‘fast food’ […]

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