There is a biological reason your body is craving more food, especially more carbs this time of year. Once upon a time, we relied on hearty foods like plenty of fats and carbs to keep us warm and sustained through the winter when food was scarce. While we may have an unending supply of food available to us now, our bodies are still operating on this program. Which brings me to today’s focus: starchy vegetables.
Read MoreWith back to school nigh, many parents or students might be finding their summer brain can’t wrap around the concept of packed lunches again. Stress not, I’ve gathered 10 (thats two weeks worth!) of packed lunch ideas for you.
Read MoreSummer here on Vancouver Island could not be a more blissful experience… especially when it comes to the abundance of local fare! The benefits of eating local are many, with positives for the environment, our bodies, and the community. Let’s have a look at some of the benefits, tips, as well as round up some inspired recipes for a few ingredients in season here in August!
Read MoreIn a junk food saturated world, it’s easy to get lost eating nutrient void treats and snacks that serve only the taste buds and leave the body wanting– and often packing on the pounds. Most junk food is not only devoid of nutrients, but packed with calories, sugar, and salt. Not to mention chemical additives that wreak havoc on the body. And while I’m ALL for eating purely for pleasure as an important part of being alive, wouldn’t it be nice if your favourites also packed a healthy punch and used real food ingredients??
Read MoreHow good are you at staying hydrated? For a lot of people, getting enough water can be a struggle. Maybe you feel like you're drinking and drinking water and all it's gotten you is a lot of extra trips to the bathroom. True deep hydration goes beyond just chugging water throughout the day. There are key aspects that allow your cells to truly absorb the hydration that you are providing, and we are going to cover them today.
Read MoreI don’t know about you, but cooking after a day of working when you’re tired, hungry, and ready to eat NOW is pretty much the bane of modern existence. It’s easy to just reach for what’s convenient, order take out or succumb to ‘girl dinner’ (if you know you know) rather than preparing something well rounded and nourishing to fuel your body. I’m a big advocate for laying the foundations for good health by consistently well nourishing, hydrating, sleeping well and moving. But the whole cooking aspect is a challenge! It’s not always feasible or desirable to meal prep for the whole week at the weekend (where are my leftover haters at?) so I’ve decided to round up 10 ‘ready in 30 minutes’ weeknight recipes. This is enough for two whole work-weeks!
Read MoreMagnesium. You may have heard it mentioned in regards to sleep, relaxation, or maybe chocolate, but did you know that it is one of the most crucial minerals your body needs to perform over 300 functions? Moreover, did you know that more than a third of Canadians are actually not consuming the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium, let alone the optimal amounts for their bodies to truly thrive? If we take a look at common health issues that plague many of us and compare them to the list of magnesium deficiency symptoms the picture is clear. It’s time to optimize our magnesium intake and stop feeling ‘bleh.’ This miracle mineral could just be the secret to feeling alive, energized, and ready to tackle the challenges of life.
It can be hard to find things to keep kids entertained over Spring Break. Add that on top of the daily responsibilities of life, and many parents can be wondering whether this is really a break at all. One of the faults of our modern approach to child rearing is we often separate ‘kid activities’ from the rest of life, when generations past found enrichment, bonding, development of essential life skills, and yes– fun, in involving kids within the responsibilities of the household. So gather your little chefs and get ready for a fun-filled cooking adventure this spring break! I’ve rounded up six family friendly recipes to cook with your mini-me’s for nutritious fun.
With on-the-go lifestyles and hectic schedules, the concept of mindful munching often takes a backseat. However, the art of snacking with intention can be a transformative practice, aligning your nutritional choices with health goals and fostering mindful eating habits. Let’s explore the importance of mindful snacking, providing strategies and ideas for nutrient-dense snacks that not only satisfy your cravings but also contribute to your overall well-being.
Read MoreHave you ever wondered what magic lies within the world of medicinal mushrooms? These hidden healers not only sprinkle a myriad of health benefits but also add an extraordinary flavor symphony to your culinary escapades. Join me on this whimsical journey as we dive into the uses of these extraordinary fungi, discovering delightful ways to savor their goodness and infuse our lives with a touch of nature's enchantment.
Read MoreInflammation, the body's natural response to injury and infection, is a double-edged sword. While it plays a crucial role in the healing process, chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health concerns, from joint pain to more serious conditions like heart disease, cancer, and depression and anxiety. Let's explore how inflammation affects health and dive into a collection of 10 delicious recipes rich in anti-inflammatory goodness.
Read MoreWhen it comes to comfort foods with a healthy twist, few options rival the goodness of bone broth. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I've seen firsthand the incredible health benefits that this soothing elixir offers. Let's delve into the world of bone broth, explore its advantages, and discover various delectable ways to enjoy it, including some mouthwatering recipes for beef and chicken bone broth.
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisper, the fall season brings with it a bountiful harvest of vibrant and nutritious produce. It's the perfect time to embrace the flavors and colors of autumn in your cooking. In this week’s blog, we'll explore a variety of delicious vegetarian recipes that celebrate the abundance of fall produce. From colorful root vegetables to hearty squashes, apples, and pears, these dishes are not only flavorful but also creative ways to make the most of the season's offerings.
Read MoreIf you're on the lookout for a superfood that's versatile, nutrient-packed, and a breeze to incorporate into your meals, look no further than chia seeds. These tiny seeds might be small in size, but they're big on benefits. Let's explore why chia seeds deserve a prime spot in your pantry and unveil a variety of mouthwatering recipes to help you make the most of their healthful potential.
Read MoreAs the summer season unfolds in British Columbia, we are presented with a golden opportunity to prioritize digestive wellness by embracing mindful eating and indulging in the abundance of local, seasonal produce. By adopting mindful eating practices and incorporating locally sourced foods, we can enhance digestion, support gut health, and derive maximum nutritional benefits from the summer harvest. Let’s explore the concept of mindful eating and highlight the digestive benefits of the vibrant produce available this season.
Read MoreIt’s no secret anymore that gut health is of the utmost importance. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients, detox waste materials, regulate hormones, and has even been shown to have an impact on our brains. Let’s have a look at the benefits of fermented foods, as well as some yummy recipes.
Read MoreAs this month we celebrate Mother’s Day, I figured it was a good time to talk about an issue that plays a role in many women’s health. Hormone imbalance is something that affects the modern woman at staggering rates. It’s estimated that 80% of women will experience some form of hormone imbalance in her life. The good news is that diet plays a big role in our hormonal balance, and with a few simple changes you can support your body to function optimally.
Read MoreIn the last couple of decades, more and more awareness has been brought to the issue of food intolerances. With the rise of industrial pesticide use, higher stress levels, and more chemical additives in our foods. more Canadians are experiencing food intolerances than ever before. Many people are not aware that food intolerances could be a factor for them, so I wanted to put together a guide showing how food intolerances can impact us, symptoms, potential causes, as well as highlight the process of sensitivity testing within the naturopathic setting.
Easter time is here! And with that, many will be planning an Easter morning brunch. For many people dealing with gluten intolerance can put a wrench in holiday eats, so let’s have a look at some fabulous gluten free brunch ideas for Easter morning.
Read MoreWhether you’re a breakfast lover or a reluctant morning eater, the jury is in that eating breakfast is an important part of building good health. However, with busy schedules and the morning rush it can be difficult to figure out what to serve up for this oh so important meal. Don’t worry, that’s why i’m here. I’ve rounded up some yummy weekday and weekend breakfast recipes to help you kickstart your day with nourishment.
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