Not only does the lack of light in the winter months affect our sleep, it also affects our mood, appetite and overall mental state as a byproduct. When it’s cold out, it may be tempting to lounge around and do less in the day, especially on dreary days, but napping too much can actually negatively affect our sleep. Let’s take a look at a few things that negatively affect our sleep-wake cycle and some solutions to try this winter.
Hair loss is natural. Hair falls out and hair grows in, and while it is normal for the average human to lose 50 and 100 single hairs a day, when our health is out of balance, we may have more hair loss than usual. Many think that hair loss is only the concern of men, but it is estimated to affect more than 50% of women. Let’s take a look at some of the leading causes as well as prevention tips.
There are so many fish in the sea, and they have many benefits for our health! Rich in many essential vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, and low in saturated fats, seafood can be a key player in a nourished and balanced diet– especially when it comes to improving and maintaining cardiovascular and brain health. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits.
Read MoreBreathing in, breathing out… Did you know that the way we breathe affects all aspects of our lives? Science is showing that our breath is our greatest tool for a balanced life, and a calm mind. Let’s take a look at how the breath can serve you through a conscious breathwork practice.
This month we are bringing awareness to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). 1 in 140 Canadians live with Crohn’s or Colitis, and with the exact cause for disease still remaining unknown, there are many theories as to why it develops. With many preventative dietary and lifestyle changes available, it is still possible to navigate these diseases without the need for medication. Let’s shine more light on gastrointestinal health and take a look at these diseases.
This month’s spotlight is shining on a yummy fall favourite: Sweet Potato! Often colloquially referred to here in Canada as the ‘Yam’, I bet you didn’t know that even sweet potato is a superfood. This root veggie is good for our eyes and skin, maintains healthy blood sugar levels, and helps build immunity.
October 20 was World Osteoporosis Day. This is an important subject to bring awareness to, as bone fractures affect millions of people worldwide each year. By the age of 50, the average Canadian woman has a 40 percent chance of suffering at least one fracture caused by brittle bones. One in every four Canadian women and one in every eight men over this age will be diagnosed with osteoporosis.
The leaves are beginning to fall, there’s a definite crispness to the air, whispers of ‘sweater weather’ are abound… it’s time to get cozy and nourish ourselves with some yummy fall inspired foods! Here are some fall recipes of all types to inspire you in the kitchen during this cyclical shift in your body and seasons’ changes.
Period Action Day (PAD) is occurring on October 8 in the US, and it inspired me to write on this important subject, because it could use attention here in Canada as well. Not all women and girls have access to menstruation products in North America, let alone the rest of the world, and this day brings awareness to that concerning fact.In the wellness communities, it is also being brought forth that not all menstrual products are created equal, and some of the popular brands actually contain many harmful chemicals.
Read MoreWe are living in a world where there is a lot of pressure on the body to look a certain way, and somehow that got us measuring our worth to our size.
With all the weight loss fads out there aiming to drop the pounds as quickly as possible, there are some important questions to be asking. Please take this with a reminder that your worthiness has nothing to do with the size of your jeans - but if you are thinking about losing weight because you want to be the most energetic, well-nourished version of yourself, this guide is for you.
Read MoreThe Superfood Spotlight is shining on Chocolate this month! Not only is it a yummy dessert, but this popular superfood has lots to offer in support of good health! Be sure to be mindful of the quality of ingredients and sugar content in your chocolate treats and recipes as that will affect the amount of health benefits.
Read MoreCoffee isn’t necessarily bad for your health, however, consuming too much caffeine can greatly increase a rise in blood pressure as well as induce symptoms of anxiety and issues with sleep. It is also not particularly helpful to consume in high quantities for those with stomach related issues, such as IBS, because of the way it stimulates the colon. As a coffee lover I won’t ask you to give it up for good, but let’s look at some of my favourite options to help you cut down on your caffeine intake.
Read MoreLunch prep doesn’t have to be stressful - in fact, it can be quite fulfilling to get creative as we are setting our children up for success in the classroom. We all want our kids to feel good at school. For this to happen, they need to have the energy and focus to learn, socialise and play, so let’s take a look at the foundation that sets our kids up for a great day.
Read MoreThis tasty fruit has a big reputation for its water content, and not only is it hydrating, it is also rich in many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other dense nutrients! If you are looking to support your heart & skin health, waste elimination, regulate body temperature, satiate your appetite and relieve sore muscles - this juicy fruit is on your side. This month’s Superfood Spotlight is Watermelon!
Read MoreAs the summer fun continues on, there may be some rising anticipation in parents for the ‘Back to School’ transition from all the summer activities to more time on screens. It is becoming more widely known that screen time has adverse effects on ours and our children’s health. So how do we cultivate and model healthy habits before and after the day at school? Here are some of my screen managing tips for families:
Read MoreAs more time is spent outside this season, environmental factors play even more of a role in our experience. We may expose our skin to the sun for too long at the beach, get stung by a wasp on the patio, or become a feast for the mosquitoes on a camping trip. While many over the counter or prescription remedies can provide relief, they also come coupled with potentially harmful toxins. Thankfully there are many effective natural alternatives, and I’ve put together a master list to cover your Summer pharmacy needs naturally.
Read MoreThey say that this treat is worthy of a scream! Do you scream for ice cream? Whether you are on a dairy-free or sugar-free diet, there are options for everyone. This favourite dessert is quite easy to make from any of your favourite ingredients, and is sure to cool you down & sweeten your day or night. I’ve brought together some different options to inspire your treat-making creativity in the kitchen and save yourself a trip to the frozen section at the supermarket.
Read MoreAs berry picking season continues, this month’s Superfood Spotlight is focusing on the juicy, red, heart-shaped favourite… Strawberries. I bet you didn’t know that even their greens are a superfood! Let’s break down some of the benefits and recipes for not only the berry, but their little green crowns as well.
Read MoreAhhh Summer– sunshine, BBQ’s, events galore, vacation mode. Self care is a balancing act no matter what time of year, but it can feel especially hard to keep up in the hustle and bustle and break from routine that comes with this season. As we all step into ‘summer mode’, I want to focus on helpful self care tips specific to this hot-weather season.
Read MoreJuly 5th was National Injury Prevention Day, and with Summer being a more active time for many of us, I thought it was a great time to talk about how to prepare the body to prevent injury while staying active. Prevention truly is the best medicine, and I’ll cover some practices and nutrition to set your body up for resiliency.
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