Yesterday I went to Nourishing Australia’s “Food & Health as Evolution Intended” seminar. The seminar was held at the University of New South Wales in Sydney and featured five lectures by Nora Gedgaudas, and lectures by Bruce Ward on naturally grazing animals and Costa Georgiadis on the importance of where food comes from.
I’d heard Nora Gedgaudas speak at the Ancestral Health Symposium in August and really enjoyed her talk – it was just 45 minutes though, so the opportunity to hear her talk for a whole day, in my own city, was too good to miss.
Meeting Nora Gedgaudas in Sydney
I was so pleased to see such a full lecture theatre yesterday. The audience was a very varied mix of medical professionals, nutritionists, as well as people who had only recently heard about Paleo. There were also a few familiar faces from the Sydney Paleo meet-up group.
As much as I enjoyed the AHS in August, food wasn’t included, and being on the UCLA campus good Paleo food wasn’t on hand. At yesterdays seminar however, the event was catered and the food was fantastic. Agape Organic Restaurant provided all of the beautiful food yesterday. Whilst the food was organic and sourced locally, it wasn’t Paleo as it included a bit of dairy, quinoa, corn chips (!) and some sweetened dressings. It was fairly easy to avoid these elements though and the good sized portion of beef and chicken at lunch was very satiating.
The seminar started with an overview of where we have come from and the food we evolved eating. The other topics covered included fats and carbohydrates; grains, the link between nutrition & mental health & primal fitness. The key messages I got from the conference concerned insulin and blood sugar. Reducing the insulin requirements – by controlling blood sugar appears to be crucial in so many aspects of our health and longevity. Gluten was also spoken about frequently – and I’m now going to be a lot more cautious to ensure I completely avoid it, especially when I’m eating out.
I really enjoy listening to Nora Gedgaudas, as she is a great speaker who has the ability to put across complex science and theories in a very accessible way.
If you’re in Australia and missed the Sydney seminar, they are going to be in Armidale on the 16th November and the Gold Coast on the 19th November; so it’s not too late to book!
Morning tea: Pumpkin, spinach and basil frittata, Ham, tomato and cheddar frittata. Salmon, pear, chilli, chive & quinoa tatare Corn chips Wagu & pork meatball & Cherry tomato relish
Lunch: Grass fed wagu beef, Roast chicken
Lunch: Roasted Vegetable & Honey mustard dressing salad Broccoli, daikon, carrot, zucchini, adzuki & miso sesame dressing salad Beetroot, parsley, sultana & honey yoghurt dressing Spiced poached pear & cream
Afternoon Tea: Carrot & celery sticks Spiced carrot dip Cheddar cheese Medjool date
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Hi Suz, I was there too and really enjoyed it as well. Nora is a fantatic speaker. And how awesome was Costa! It’s great to see this community grow in Australia. Hopefully we will meet up at the next Paleo-themed gathering
I didn’t realise you were there too! Looking forward to the next Paleo get together!
I was the one who asked a question about being a doctor and dealing with the current system at the end
Of course – that makes sense! I was sat on the opposite side! So glad you got a great question in!
It was fantastic, totally worth it. I wish it was a week-long event… so many things to talk about!
Completely agree – I wish it had been longer, such a great event!
Just one thing – it was the University of New South Wales, not Sydney! :p
Otherwise, totally agreed that Nora is amazing – no BS, no gimmicks, just pure knowledge and heart.
Thanks CL, I forget Sydney has so many Universities!
Hi Suz
I was there at Nora’s talk too. Thought the day was fantastic! It was great to meet everyone & be part of something like that
Hi Guy, that’s great you were there too! Let’s hope that was the first of many similar Paleo events!
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