Renée Naturally

SNORING. It can be freight train loud, kitten purr soft, scary, and in some cases, endearing.

Strawberries are synonymous with summer and a bright and warm New Zealand Christmas. Be it sliced on the top of a pavlova...

Your smile and the appearance of your teeth and mouth are important factors in making a good first impression.

Move over beige, boring smoothie combos …blue spirulina is here to shake things up and brighten your day!

Spring is often synonymous with shedding layers, discarding winter hibernation habits, & getting ready to get a bit more bounce in our step.

Stressing and slaving away at your desk all day under fluorescent lights isn’t exactly conducive to health and wellness.

Tofu is a great source of vegetarian protein. It contains all the essential amino acids your body needs and is rich in minerals & vitamins.

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries for its therapeutic benefits. Recent scientific studies have shown that certain essential oils...

“If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.”

Have you been working or studying long hours? Here are ten tips to help you enhance your own natural energy levels.

A Kiwi classic, with a modern upgrade to suit the more health-conscious ginger crunch fans! I’ve been making ginger crunch from the Edmonds Cookbo..

Many would vouch that potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Baked, fried, boiled, mashed, sliced or diced, they’re also the ultimate in convenie..

This has to be one of the easiest throw-together dishes in the history of healthy living! It is super healthy, and super quick to make…

Ok, so first things first, I want to clear a little something up before I dive into the “superfood” Lucuma. The health world has been abuzz with..

#vegan #dairyfree #glutenfree This magnificent magenta-colored hummus has both the looks and the substance and sustenance to back the beauty!..

Nature’s One-Stop Shop How lucky are we to inhabit the lush landscape that is Aotearoa New Zealand, a veritable smorgasbord of rich nutrien..

Our everyday lifestyle choices can benefit us physically and mentally. Choosing healthier habits will lead to a longer, happier life. Plus it will low..

Can we really believe Christmas is almost upon us? It feels like this year has truly rushed by…yet don’t we all say that year after year?! For m..

Simple to whip up and it’s loaded with dark chocolate, freeze-dried raspberries, macadamias, and pistachios, and it looks festive...

Move over November, Movember is here again! Movember is an initiative to help raise awareness and funds to help support Kiwi men's mental health, su..

You may have heard of the Green Goddess Dressing, a surprise, surprise, green dressing which is said to have originated around 1923, at a hotel in S..

Put simply, the eye works in two ways; it enables us to bring images of the outside world within, and also shows images of what is within the body, ..

#vegan #glutenfree A rich, silky mousse that tastes like Jaffas…but is healthy?! It sounds too good to be true, but in this vegan mousse, y..

Mental health can be defined as a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. To be in prime mental health means being able to maintai..

#glutenfreen #dairyfree These are one of my favourite additions to any cheese board or salad. They are slightly spiced, slightly salted, and ..

So. Here we are (almost) post-pandemic, having spent the better part of 2 1/2 years attempting to arm ourselves every which way to ward off the drea..

#glutenfree #dairyfree I’m not sure about your neck of the woods, but in mine, lemon season has been going off! There’s nothing quite lik..

I’m not going to beat around the bush about this winter and bugs. You can chill out now thanks colds and flus! We get it…you’re back, seemingl..

Most of us are aware that diabetes has become a rapidly rising health concern in New Zealand. Diabetes can occur when the pancreas doesn’t secrete..

Gone are the days when cauliflower was merely an over-cooked, watery afterthought to accompany a roast. Its status was elevated thanks to the cheese..

For many of us, winter and weight gain seem to go hand in hand like a blustery cold night and a creamy warm bowl of comfort food. As mercury drops, ..

If you’re a fan of feijoas, you’ll know that it is hard to stop at just a few. In fact, I have a knife scar on my finger from childhood, proof o..

A successful weight loss program must be consistent with all four cornerstones of good health: a nutritious diet, adequate exercise, a positive ment..

Ok, guilty! As a little girl sometimes I did want a pumpkin to turn into a carriage fit for a Princess and sweep me off to a glamourous ball! But wi..

As a little girl, I was lucky enough to have a beautiful Polish neighbour that invited me and my family into her home with open arms. She was my ‘..

"Drink more water” is one of the most fundamental guidelines in the pool of health advice splashed around our everyday lives. Water makes up about..

Sugar sure has been in the spotlight in recent times, and not for being a superstar or superfood! The sweet stuff has been coming under scrutiny int..

A delightfully light and fruity summer smoothie. The addition of marine collagen powder is optional in this beauty, but research suggests that addin..

We all know it can be a chemical-laden world out there, with all the pollution and environmental toxins that we often hear about, but many of us don..

Now that salad season is upon us with warmer days and festive celebrations ahead, this healthy and attractive salad is a great recipe to have on han..

As a Naturopath, it’s not uncommon for me to hear from clients that they have a hard time fitting in the daily recommended portions of fruits and ..

Medjool dates naturally have a sweet, caramel flavour, making them the perfect base for this versatile raw salted caramel sauce. It's a lovely vegan..

We all need a quick pick-me-up every now and then when life feels a little arduous, boring, stressful, or even just a bit Groundhog day-ish (we’re..

#dairyfree #glutenfree This smoothie bowl looks and tastes a treat! It’s the perfect start to the sunnier days ahead, being light, fresh, a..

Green-Lipped Mussels (named after the unique green colouring of their shell) are found exclusively off the waters of New Zealand.

#glutenfree #dairyfree It seems that ever since ‘Sex and the City’s’ Miranda and Carrie talked crushes while stuffing themselves with t..

Natural bee pollen has long had health enthusiasts buzzing with excitement (and vitality)! Bee pollen is a coarse powder-like material produced by t..

This recipe is inspired by a cake devised by the celebrator of all things delectably delicious, Nigella Lawson. I’ve played with my own versions o..

Waking up with a hangover is undeniably rough. Too much grog inevitably makes you feel groggy in the aftermath, possibly with the booze blues and qu..

These herby blanched almonds are sure to be a hit with all, and cover many essential successful snack elements; salty, crunchy, more-ish...

While it’s tempting to turn to caffeine or sugar in hope of a quick energy burst, there are healthier and more sustainable ways to keep awake and ..

I might just have to claim it. These have got to be the easiest chocolate chip cookies ever to make, and it’s a bonus that they’re gluten & ..

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an ancient, vibrant yellow spice traditionally used in Indian and Asian cooking as far back as 2,000 BC. The revered spi..

So you’ve decided that the grass is greener vegan-side, but where do you start in transitioning to a vegan diet? Forgoing previously loved animal-..

A healthy, refreshing & health-enhancing vegan smoothie that will help you glow from the inside out.

It's important to be mindful of the fact that some of these so-called health foods aren’t necessarily the best options for us.

Most of us in the Western world are lucky enough to have had some sort of education on the fundamentals of good nutrition. Ok, so maybe we don’t a..

The raw-food movement has been hot for a while now, with many claiming the health benefits are indisputable. As a nutritionist, I always...

I created this dish for a group of girlfriends one afternoon and they all went crazy for it...

2020 shook us up on so many levels. A global pandemic has put our physical health at risk, while also no doubt impacting our mental health in one wa..

Gluten-free This is a delightfully light and fresh dessert, perfect for serving up after summer BBQs or just whenever you have additional sto..

Christmas. As the well-known carol says, it’s the most wonderful time of year. And it is...when you finally get there and can relax knowing the le..

You can’t really go past a good ol’ pav for a Kiwi Christmas. Twisting tradition a little, this mini pavlova wreath is a real crowd-pleaser with..

A considered, regular morning routine is a powerful thing. A physically and mentally healthy low-stress morning can really help to set the tone for ..

My favourite thing about Bircher Muesli has to be the fact that you wake up in the morning, and breakfast is pretty much good to go!

With a worldwide rise in the popularity of holistic health, it’s little wonder that we are turning to the East for inspiration in the quest to opt..

#dairyfree #glutenfree This recipe is definitely a case of “don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it!” When we’re talking about Mexica..

Fresh juice is a wonderful way to incorporate into your diet some of your 7+a day fruit and vegetable requirements.

Juicing is a fantastic way to squeeze fruits and vegetables into your diet, especially if you typically don't manage to consume your 7+ a day. Fresh..

Most women are familiar with that noxious and heady smell as you open a bottle of nail polish. The anticipation of painting the fashion town red wit..

This healthy smoothie is a creamy sweet treat for toddlers and parents alike!

The childhood instilled notion of nourishment attached to oats, milk (albeit dairy-free in this case), sweet honey and relaxing chamomile...

Toddlerhood is a time of rapid development that requires the right energy and nutrition. It is a crucial time in a young life...

Whether you want to detox, lose weight, or just get away from the daily grind, there’s no question that visiting a health retreat can do wonders f..

#glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan Baking. For many, a savior, a distraction, and a sweet indulgence during the COVID_19 lockdown. And with flour ..

Unless you have been living under a rock the last few years, you’ve most likely heard of the Paleo diet. The Paleo diet is based on what our ances..

A good cuppa tends to soothe away daily stresses, even if just for the duration of those savoured sips. A chai always hits the spot for me, but the ..

Parents are quite likely spending more one-on-one time with their kids than they ever have before, due to New Zealand’s Covid-19 lockdown. As a re..

I’m pretty sure these are about the best ‘on the go’ snack out there.

The eggplant in this dish is silky smooth inside, coated with a slightly crisp skin, the almonds add crunch, and the raisins burst...

Feeling frequently stressed-out or generally lacking in the energy department? You may be suffering from what is frequently referred to as ‘Adrena..

More often than not, a 'good' dip is laden with cheese to give it that creamy texture. Cannellini beans are a good alternative...

The World Health Organisation estimates that 80% of the earth’s population today depends on plants to treat common ailments.

The wellness industry has well and truly bloomed over the last decade, and it shows no signs of slowing down. So what are the next frontier trends i..

My go-to Summer pasta! Fresh, light, herbaceous and most importantly, refreshingly easy to throw together after a day lazing at the beach.

The Christmas season is here, which means it’s time for all things green, red, merry, bright...sugary...rich...alcoholic...calorific...and indulge..

This salad recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and will go down a treat at Christmas lunches or dinners. With a red and green colour palette...

Quality sleep is absolutely essential to both a healthy body and mind. Impaired sleep, altered sleep patterns, and even mild sleep deprivation can s..

I live with a man who lives for pies. Generally viewed as stodgy, rich and meaty fare, I decided I had to get a healthier (gluten-free, meat-free) r..

This is the kind of recipe that you need to safely tuck away in your repertoire ready to cook up for someone who 'boo-hoos' anything that is this 'n..

Bad breath (medically known as ‘halitosis’) can be embarrassing and something that most people want to get on top of pretty quickly! It’s typi..

Akin to the family favorite ‘Nutella’, but without the added sugar (in Nutella, cane sugar is the main ingredient, even before hazelnut).

When you’re feeling under the pump at work, family tensions or financial pressures are rising and that ol’ “I’ve just been so busy” call t..

As a (perhaps slightly odd) kid, chocolate cake really didn't do it for me, no matter if it was Barbie herself who dolled the icing...

The ability to remember things is for most of us, as natural as breathing. We take it for granted that we will recall a conversation that we had las..

The dreaded winter cough. It’s a pain in the, ahem, chest. Count yourselves lucky if you and your family have escaped one of the many viruses doin..

We’re in the dark depths of winter now and the seasonal lurgies are out in full force. This Warming Winter Tonic is akin to a comforting...

Hello, Winter! Hello, Cold! Hello, Snotty Nose! Hello, Sore Throat! We’ve all now (somewhat reluctantly) welcomed in winter...a season where some ..

Chicken soup isn’t just good for the soul. A hot bowl of homemade chicken soup has long been regarded as a natural remedy for...

Cuts and wounds are a part of life, especially during childhood when falling from trees or tripping on concrete are a rite of passage.

There is something about oat cookies that conjures up nothing but wholesome memories. The warm milk and cookie moments you wish you could...

Pregnant women are beautiful. Bumps, lumps, hormonal pimples and all. It’s a miraculous time and a woman’s body is doing an incredible thing, gr..

These high-protein snacks are deliciously more-ish to munch on as they are, or thrown onto an antipasti platter for a substitution...

Chat to most acne sufferers, and they’ll most likely tell you that it is a complicated condition to treat and often a stressful journey trying to ..

I threw these together when I was away at the beach with a group of friends, having had some roast sweet potato leftover from the night before. Some..

When school is back in full swing, many parents start wanting to up the nutrition ante again, to fuel developing minds & growing bodies...

Pecan pie is a classic dessert that I admit to being pretty nervous about 'messing' with. Pecan pie purists will think I'm nuts for creating this stap..

It seems that everyone is fizzing about the wonders of kombucha, and if you haven’t already tasted it or experienced the benefits of this...

I was on a mission. My munching mission was to pretty much ‘free’ the classic choc-chip cookie for those who have food sensitivities.

‘Tis the season to celebrate and I think we’re all ready to toast “Cheers to that”! It’s time to relax, be with family and to indulge in som..

A tantalizing touch of the Pacific, with the sweet spice of Mexico. Hola! Take your taste buds on a stress-free journey. This is ridiculously easy to ..

#dairyfree #glutenfree Best tucked into straight from the fridge, one bite and the light coconut meruinge-like topping breaks to allow the cold ras..

What we eat and what we drink really are vital parts of what we are – and what we will become. From before we are born all the way into old age, sus..

New-Zealand’s Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 8th October - 14th October. This year’s theme is; Let nature in, strengthen your wellbeing �..

#glutenfree #dairyfree So you may be dairy-free, but do you still scream for a lick of ice-cream every now & then? No need for the trembling bo..

When it comes to treating the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, a whole-body approach is the best plan of attack. Taking drugs to help minimi..

This is a simple concoction, yet with distinct flavor complexities ...peppery, zesty, rich, fresh & salty.

World Breastfeeding Week is a global event between 1 - 7th August that aims to celebrate, protect, and promote the act of breastfeeding. Breast milk i..

#glutenfree Pregnancy is undoubtedly incredibly demanding on a woman’s body, but ultimately, it can be a radiantly happy time where energy is in ..

#glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan A lusciously creamy cheesecake with no cream cheese, sour cream or any cream at all for that matter. Say what?! No ki..

Many of the world’s most common diseases are related to chronic inflammation in the body. Think heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, high blood press..

“Hey bro, how’s your health? Are you feeling well?” Men checking in on their fellow brothers, fathers, sons and colleagues to see how their heal..

To me, a polenta pizza base is infinitely tastier than your standard flour-based pizza. It's also a tonne easier than trying to make your own 'traditi..

Waking up to sick kids can throw even the most efficient of routines right out the window and send one’s week into a total spin!

Pesto may just be one of my all-time favourite condiments, but store-bought varieties are often loaded with preservatives...

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting around 90% of New Zealand diabetes sufferers. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produc..

Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles affects the nerve endings...

This silky and sweet frosting uses soaked cashews as the 'butter' base and is lightly sweetened with Medjool dates & stevia.

A divine coulis doesn't have to be loaded with cane sugar. In fact, I like letting the natural tartness creep into the sweet...

Lemon lovers rejoice! If I call it lemon, then lemon it shall be. I'm not one for just squeeze of lemon in my citrus sweets.

've turned the tide on the classic here, with a fresh take on this favoured dish in the form of a much healthier, flavoursome rendition.

The heat is on! It’s looking to be a scorcher of a summer which means plenty of al fresco dining, beach picnics and warm evening BBQs. Food plays su..

Earl Grey tea and lavender flowers pair beautifully in these moist and lightly fragrant darlings, delicately sweetened with honey and dollop

A healthy smoothie is usually packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and should contain satiating fats and protein to ensure..

This little honey is as dreamy as she sounds. Delicately sweetened, moist & decadently rich... Yet without refined sugar, gluten or dairy!

Spring is a time of year when you likely notice that your body naturally craves a gentle cleanse. The energy in nature becomes lighter...

The combo of goat's cheese,  honey & thyme is the stuff dreams are made of. Time to step away from your staple jam…

It’s fascinating to think that about 100 trillion bacteria consider your gut home. While a lot of this bacteria is welcome, some are guests that see..

Cake! Of the raw strawberries and cream kind! Oh me, oh my!

Feeling a little under the weather? Can’t put your finger on what is causing a seemingly random collection of symptoms?

A heavenly trio of a textured hazelnut & ginger base, silky & sweet salted caramel centre + lightly baked maple pears.

Research shows that it can take as many as 10 to 15 tastes before a child learns to appreciate a new flavour or food.

 To me, lasagne of any kind has always been an ultimate comfort food so I was delighted that my creation of a very healthy version...

It’s safe to say that most of us are fairly well versed on the numerous health benefits of eating our greens. Childhood memories may mean...

I was pleasantly surprised to discover just how easy (and cheap) it is to make almond milk myself!

Straight up...I'm going to warn you that these super-food babies are hugely addictive. What chips aren't though, right?

Firstly, pine ‘nuts’ are not actually nuts but are in fact the edible seeds from about 20 different species of pine cones.

When setting out on the journey to improve one’s health, many people find their first port of call is finding a suitable health professional to help..

Oh, sweet bowl of comfort, how you warm my Autumn soul!

This dark beauty of a tart has texture and taste to die for. While it's gluten and dairy-free, it's rich and moreish like any good...

Studded with nuts and bejewelled with pomegranate, this vegan dish is as aesthetically pleasing as it is tasty.

Without a doubt, soy is one of the most controversial foods in the natural health world. Depending on who you ask, you may be told...

You’d be hard pressed to walk into a supermarket these days without spotting the words ‘Gluten-Free’ proudly positioned on packaging, jumping ou..

Gluten-free, Vegetarian A seemingly unlikely combo, but when it's foolproof in its success and so charmingly bright, why wouldn't you give it a sho..

Fear not ice cream lovers with dietary restrictions...you can still indulge in sweet satisfaction! After many a trials to achieve the perfect consiste..

Go beyond falafel & hummus with this zesty chickpea dish that is sure to be a staple in your summer repertoire!

For thousands of years, honey from around the world has been revered for its remarkable healing properties.

Cranberries, native to North America, have a long history of medicinal food use. Native Americans used the fruit for the treatment of bladder and kidn..

Producing milk to sustain life is a miraculous thing indeed. It can also be incredibly draining if you’re not looking after yourself properly and ea..

'Tis a good morning when you start your day with chocolatey goodness. This deliciously crunchy granola is the stuff dreams are made of...

Pregnancy is an amazing journey but certain stages can make for a fairly bumpy ride! Most of the discomforts that occur during pregnancy are the resul..

I made this egg dish kind of by accident. What started as something with lofty aspirations as a main ensemble, got flipped on it's head...

Centuries ago, cacao beans were so revered, that they were regularly used as a form of currency. Fast-forward to the modern...

Granted that it's not for all, there is a place for red-meat based meals in a healthy eating regime. These softly spiced lamb koftas are delectably mo..