What are the benefits of getting enough sleep? Sleep is so important for so many different reasons. We all love it, yet many of us don’t get enough! Myself, I have a non-negotiable commitment to getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night with no exceptions! I owe my health, my energy, my ability […]
living well
Ask Alex: How to fight seasonal allergies?
With Spring nearly upon us, it is important to talk seasonal allergies. While Spring itself makes for a most glorious sight…sunny days, wildflower season, warming weather…it can be misery for those who suffer from seasonal allergies and associated symptoms. Allergic diseases, of any description, are among the fastest growing of all chronic conditions in Australia […]
My favourite breakfasts
Breakfast, it’s probably my equal favourite meal of the day (on par with lunch and dinner!). However some mornings it can be an absolute chore to ensure a balanced meal full of fibre, good fats, protein and complex carbohydrates. Especially when you’ve got the dog to walk, the kids to feed and prepare lunches for […]
Fusion Spiced Sweet Potato Soup
I love sweet potato. There is something so grounding about it. Its a great complex carbohydrate chock full of vitamin A as well as being a good source of vitamin C, dietary fibre, potassium, manganese and some of the B vitamins. I have been making this soup for years. I love how that it is […]
Strengthening Immunity.
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 […]
Who am I? Why Optima Health? Why trust me?
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.
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 […]
Living Well with Heidi Anderson (aka Real Heidi)
We are so happy to be able to welcome Heidi Anderson (aka Real Heidi) as our guest interview this week! This lovely lady is broadcast into the homes and cars of people in WA every morning on her hit radio show ‘Breakfast with Heidi, Will and Woody’ on 92.9. Heidi wears her heart on her sleeve, […]
Living Well with Amy Zempilas
We are so happy to be able to welcome Amy Zempilas as our first guest interview! This lovely lady is empowering the women of Perth to live a happy and healthy life through her colourful and tantalising Absolute Amy blog posts and Instagrams. She is the wife of much loved WA TV and radio personality Basil Zempilas […]