The countdown to Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is on and Cancer Council Queensland is calling on Queenslanders to cater with a healthy twist!
Over 4000 events are expected to be held in the state this year from now until the end of June and if you’re hosting or attending, you’re going to have to think of a dish to make.
Cancer Council Queensland is sharing tips on how to hold a healthy morning tea, so you’re being kind to your waistline, while raising funds to support the one in two Queenslanders who will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan said while indulging in the occasional treat is fine, it is important for Queenslanders to know that there are healthy alternatives out there that are just as delicious and better for you.
“At least one-third of all cancer cases are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices, so it’s important that we find ways of encouraging one another to work towards a healthy weight and enjoying a healthy diet,” Ms McMillan said.
“Providing a healthy morning tea doesn’t have to be a challenge and simple changes – think less sugar, less fat, and more fruit and veggies – can make a big difference.
“Try swapping salted nuts for unsalted nuts, having some veggie sticks instead of a second scone, or featuring a colourful fruit platter as a centrepiece.
“From healthy zucchini slice to blueberry and banana bread to bruschetta , there’s plenty of recipe inspiration at www.biggestmorningtea.com.au too!”
Here are four ideas to help make your morning tea spread healthier.
One, make your own stations. These are great because everyone can build a snack how they want it. Fill the station with healthy ingredients, such as a selection of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, nuts and low-fat sauces and cheeses.
Two, serve fruit and vegetable skewers. Use skewers as a quirky way to serve your fruit and vegetables.
Three, ensure there’s refreshments: An easy way to reduce your kilojoule intake and reduce your cancer risk is to swap out sugary drinks and alcohol for water, so always ensure you have water available. To make it a little more fun, try still or sparkling water infused with sliced fruit or vegetables, for example, lemons, limes, oranges or cucumbers. Also, don’t forget tea – from green, black, oolong to cold-brewed, the options are endless!
Four, try wrap platters. Instead of the usual sandwich platter, try wraps. Include vegies, lean meat and fish wraps with a mix of salad and vegetable combinations added with the fillings. Cut wraps into small portions before serving.
The official date of Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is Thursday, May 23, 2019, but people can register to host an event anytime in April, May or June.
Register now to host an event your way at biggestmorningtea.com.au, or by calling 1300 65 65 85, and you’ll receive a free host kit with everything you need to make your morning tea a success.
ENDS
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea recipe
Blueberry and Banana Bread
Ingredients
- olive or canola oil spray
- 4 ripe bananas, peeled
- 1/4 cup sugar or honey
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1 cup wholemeal self-raising flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
Method
- Preheat oven to 220ºC (200ºC fan forced). Spray a 20 x 10cm loaf tin with oil; line base and sides with non-stick baking paper.
- Reserve one whole banana for presentation and mash remaining 3 bananas in a large bowl (1½ cups mashed).
- Add sugar, milk and eggs and mix with a fork until well combined.
- Sift flours and cinnamon on top of banana mixture, returning husks from the sieve to the bowl. Mix ingredients together until just combined, taking care not to over-mix, then gently fold through blueberries.
- Spoon mixture into prepared loaf tin and smooth the surface. Slice remaining banana thinly and overlap slices through the centre of the loaf.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes then cover with foil and bake for a further 20 minutes. Centre of loaf will remain moist but not wet when tested with a skewer. Allow to cool in tin for 5 minutes then turn onto a wire rack.
- Cut into one cm slices and toast before serving, if desired.
For more information, or interviews, media can contact:
Lisa Maynard, Public Relations and Social Media Manager, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5171 or 0488 015 702
E: lisamaynard@cancerqld.org.au