EDITOR’S LETTER

Getting your health into tiptop shape can be a challenge but, as the old saying goes, “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” Well, I believe in this. I think all of us have had a health challenge at some point in our life that makes us sit up and take notice and become aware that our body is our temple. We need to nurture and protect it in order to find a healthy, sustainable path throughout life’s many journeys. Of course, we can’t cure some illnesses but, if we set ourselves up in a healthy castle, when health issues invade us, hopefully we’ll be strong enough to try and fight off any attacks. Having been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes several years ago, I know first-hand what’s involved when a drastic lifestyle change is ordered. I remember my doctor delivering the news of my health condition. Being a real foodie, I felt extremely bewildered and somewhat challenged. I literally went home, threw out my pantry staples and took myself off to the local supermarket to embark upon the next journey of my life. I did a massive shop to set myself up for the off-track adventure ahead. And that was basically that, starting my life over and learning to accommodate my health issues on not just a daily basis but, most days, on an hourly basis. I was super prepared at all times, carrying food with me, to avoid any sticky situations of not being able to eat the right food at the right time.

With all that said, this issue is dedicated to helping many of you through life’s diet-related health challenges, and with a new you, comes a new-look FOOD magazine, with a few exciting “eye-candy” design tweaks. I hope you love the new design of our cover and our “triple tested” logo.

Absolute raw foodie emotion is what we’re all about here in the FOOD headquarters, which inspired our “raw” feature that highlights treats using unprocessed sugars. Natural fruit, pure honey and pure maple syrup are turned into simply stunning creations that you’ll find yourself making time and time again – simply turn to page 26 to get started.

Diets with boundaries are a thing of the past, so flick to page 79 to see how amazing life can be with these simple gluten-free numbers. They’re so spot on, you’ll never guess that they actually are gluten-free!

Step into spring and start picking those herbs! Our weekday meals feature lots of fresh herbs and vegies, to dress anything from pita pizzas to crispy salmon. Check them out on page 56.

Your family and friends will go nuts over our baking feature this month on page 36. It showcases a variety of more-ish nuts, proving just how versatile they are.

With the warmer weather highlighting our days, and the happiness it brings, may your spring days be full of good health, milestone birthdays (happy birthday, Mum), mindful memories and laughter and love, because love makes the world go round. ’Til next month