The edgiest place on the Internet. 

Kathy Xu

Hey! I'm Kathy and I study a Master of Dietetics. I believe food nourishes not only our bodies, but also our minds. Everything in moderation. You can follow me @balanceyourplate for all things food!
Guide to Waiheke Island – One Day Travel Plan

Guide to Waiheke Island – One Day Travel Plan

Overseas travel may be off the books right now, but why not plan a few local trips? It's less admin to plan, and there's the added bonus of supporting New Zealand businesses - especially those that relied heavily on tourism. My guide to Waiheke Island is an easy...

Easy Recipes for Exam Season

Easy Recipes for Exam Season

Perhaps you have acquired some new cooking skills in the kitchen during lockdown (hands up if you tried to make bread), but sometimes you need quick meals with minimal clean up. Take note, because these 3 easy recipes for exam season will get you through the toughest...

Guide to Winter Wellness

Guide to Winter Wellness

Our immune system is a complex and mysterious thing. It can't be 'boosted' by a single supplement or pill and is affected by a range of elements which work in conjunction to support it. Our guide to winter wellness will help you spend more days healthy rather than...

How To Look After Yourself During Lockdown

How To Look After Yourself During Lockdown

Top tips on adjusting to what will be your new 'norm' over the next few weeks. From peanut slab recipes to advice on how to deal with family members/flatmates. 1. Maintain some sense of routine Just because you are working from home doesn't mean you should completely...

4 Ways To Cut Your Grocery Bill

4 Ways To Cut Your Grocery Bill

A STUDENT FINALLY SOLVES THE MYSTERY OF HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON GROCERIES WHILE STILL EATING WELL. 1. Read Labels & Choose Your Battles When deciding between brands like store-brand (such as Essentials, Pams, Value) versus name-brand, I always read the...

3 Simple Recipes to Kick Start the New Year

3 Simple Recipes to Kick Start the New Year

REGARDLESS IF YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION IS TO EAT BETTER OR NOT, WE COULD ALL DO WITH SOME SIMPLE AND HEALTHY MEAL IDEAS AFTER THE HOLIDAYS. Perhaps you're preparing for flatting life, and need a bit of inspiration for meal ideas without the luxury of your parent's...

4 Tips For Guilt-free Holiday Eating

4 Tips For Guilt-free Holiday Eating

DECEMBER IS AN ENTIRE MONTH OF OVERINDULGING, AND HANGOVERS ASIDE IT CAN LEAVE YOU ENTERING THE NEW YEAR FEELING PRETTY SHABBY. I know December can be tricky for making a last ditch attempt to achieve your long forgotten New Year’s resolution to eat healthy and get...

Your Simple Guide to Holiday Entertaining

Your Simple Guide to Holiday Entertaining

CHRISTMAS PARTIES, DRINKS AND LONG AFTERNOONS IN THE SUN WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILIES - WHAT BETTER WAY TO SPEND YOUR SUMMER? The age of grammable food is upon us and the holidays is an opportunity not to be missed. The below guide will help you become a GREAT host by...

5 Ways To Celebrate The End Of Exams

5 Ways To Celebrate The End Of Exams

CELEBRATE THE END OF EXAMS WITH A BANG!  Freedom from the library is on the horizon, so in your downtime (*cough* procrastination time), it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll do with all your free time! 1. Day Trip Escape the big smoke for a day –...