I have to admit it: half of the great ideas for this blog come from my husband. Like this morning. I was doing calf raises on the step, hot and sweaty after a relaxing (except for the hills) bike ride. Nutritionchic was the last thing on my mind. “Why don’t you write something for the 12 days of Christmas?” he suggested. Like what, I wondered. I’ve been thinking about it ever since. So leading up to xmas I’ll be showing off some of my son’s school artwork – specifically the 12 days of Christmas! Aussie theme today and here’s my son’s 1st day drawing …

For those of you unsure what a “joey” is … it’s a baby Kangaroo!

Now it’s the afternoon, hot and sunny. I’ve just topped up the fruit bowl with new season’s apricots, peaches and strawberries. Actually I bought cherries too but I’ve eaten the whole lot without sharing even

Yoghurt, oats, nuts – do you find it hard to eat these super-health foods? Tired of porridge for breakfast? Husband hates yoghurt? Here’s one solution – Swiss muesli. It tastes delicious and is so easy to make. The amounts are just a guideline. You can use more or less of each ingredient to get the taste and texture you like best.

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup apple juice

1 cup water

1 apple, chopped (leave skin on)

1/2 cup almonds, chopped

It’s Christmas drinks. There’ll be booze and food – and plenty of it. I’m all for enjoying a glass or two of champagne or wine but it’s no good if you wake up the next morning feeling seedy and guilty. If you feel like being healthy at this year’s Christmas parties, here’s six tips to help you:

1. Have a healthy snack and a glass of water before you go.

2.  Start with sparkling water. It fills you up and quenches thirst with no kilojoules (calories). Soda water does the same but beware of tonic water – it’s just like any fizzy drink – packed with kilojoules (calories).