Author:Vancouver Health Coach

October 4, 2014 In News, Yoga By Vancouver Health Coach

Changing with the Seasons: Connect to your Sadness with Yoga

And then the rains came. Somehow we jumped from sweltering Summer days to Fall colours on trees and grey skies. The change in weather brings new smells, temperatures and overall mood. And while many are already grieving the Sun’s demise, darker times offer a great opportunity within a yoga practice to address your innate human sadness. Zen Buddhists honour the pure and tender heart within each of us which, they believe, is the part of the mass consciousness that became separate upon having this human experience. Simply, however, this tender heart is the part of us which is able to empathize...

8 Tips For Better Digestion

Digestive disturbances can be irritating and uninvited, like your in-laws. Symptoms like bloating, flatulence, constipation and acid reflux can be your body’s intelligent way of trying to to let you know when something isn’t peachy. Proper digestive function is essential to optimal health and vitality, energy and prevention of disease. It is intimately connected to weight loss (or weight gain), your mood and how you feel overall on a regular basis- which should be fantastic for the most part. Here are 8 simple and effective tips to help promote digestion. ** If you do experience these symptoms frequently on a regular basis, it’s...

October 3, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Supplements By Vancouver Health Coach

Seasonal Affective Disorder – Natural Alternatives

SAD is a condition affects about 2-3% of the general population and describes those who have clinical depression only during the autumn and winter months. Symptoms include depression, difficulty sleeping, poor appetite, difficulty concentrating and functioning at work, extreme fatigue and even suicidal thoughts. Reduced exposure to sunlight has prompted the recommendation of phototherapy as a means to treat SAD. Phototherapy provides broad-spectrum light that includes wavelengths between 280-320 nm which allow the skin to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is known to be very common in North America and recent media attention has highlighted the need to supplement with...

October 3, 2014 In Emotional Health, Family Fitness, News, Spotlight, Weight Loss By Vancouver Health Coach

Stress and Weight Gain – What’s the Connection?

Ongoing stress results in the production of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced from the adrenal glands. Cortisol mainly functions to regulate energy production and mobilization; it does so by selecting the right type and amount of macronutrients (carbohydrate, fat or protein) that is needed by the body to meet the physiological demands (eg. stress) that is placed upon it. This hormone mobilizes energy by moving the body’s fat stores from one location to another to provide fuel for muscle tissues. Under stressful conditions, cortisol can provide the body with protein for energy by converting amino acids in muscle into useable carbohydrate (glucose) in the...

October 2, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight, Uncategorized By Vancouver Health Coach

5 Ingredient Plantain Pancakes

If you’re in search of a gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and grain-free but off-the-hook delicious pancake recipe, look no further. Plantains are becoming increasingly popular by many who experience food sensitivities and discomfort when eating grains. They are similar to a banana, although starchier and less sweet. Being slightly higher in calories they contain more minerals than a banana and can be enjoyed in several different ways. This recipe is fool-proof and you will not be dissapointed. Unlike some, these pancakes are easy to flip and stay together. Make them as obnoxiously large as your pan or as tiny and cute as you’d like....

October 2, 2014 In Fitness, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Bring Your Own Boot Camp

Boot Camp programs are popular this time of year as a means to prepare for the very dreaded BATHING SUIT SEASON. Sure, it’s great if you can convince yourself that this is the Summer you’re not going to allow a few rolls and dimples to ruin your day at the beach. But let’s face it – unless you gave it your best shot before pouring yourself into Spandex (a material obviously woven by Satan’s handmaidens), you’re not going to fully enjoy the warmth of the sun on your Back of Many Creases. It’s not necessary, however, to hand your money over...

October 1, 2014 In Fitness, News, Workouts By Vancouver Health Coach

Core Stability Bridging (Part Two)

This is the second of a three part series of Core Stability Training. All of the exercises can be made more difficult using external resistance from balls and stretch bands as well as balance equipment like half foam rolls, wobble boards or balance pods. The trunk muscles help transfer energy from the legs through the core (trunk) to the upper body and arms. This is especially important in rotational or asymmetric swinging sports like tennis, golf and soccer. Begin with Base Work (see the previous article Basework & Bridging: Part One) Start by lying on your back with knees bent up to...

October 1, 2014 In Eliminating Toxins, Food and Recipes, News By Vancouver Health Coach

Animal fats: The Joys and Pain of Eating Meat

Through the year, Vancouverites enjoy a multiple array of restaurants to choose from with which to satisfy their culinary appetites. Foodies and those who simply love to be “out and about” will often try a new restaurant weekly, sampling a variety of foods from exotic India, spicy Thai, or succulent Mediterranean. While Vancouver boasts a large number of vegans and vegetarians, there are those amongst us who are die-hard meat lovers. For those in the latter category, a juicy steak is simply heaven! While their taste buds are no doubt tickled to fulfillment, what is often not considered, is the effect...

September 30, 2014 In Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Is Natural Choice Always the Best Choice When it Comes to Health?

My dog has fleas. Creepy crawlies are getting me in the night! Despite my best efforts to deter fleas from my dog, she got them. I can’t SEE them, but she has bites and is scratching. And I have bites! I recently got back from a trip to California, during which time I stayed at a not-so-swanky hotel, so my initial fear was that I brought bed bugs home with me. But no – thank God – we’re just dealing with fleas. That said – Still very gross! Upon moving to the Lower Mainland, I did everything a yogi dog owner...

September 29, 2014 In Green & Healthy Living, News By Vancouver Health Coach

Chiropractic Explained

Chiropractic is the most widely used natural health care in North America, though probably the most misunderstood. It is based on the understanding of the self-healing capabilities of the human body. The body is a self-healing, self-regulating organism. The nervous system is the master control system of the body and is responsible for maintaining the function of every muscle, organ, cell and tissue. Therefore, if there is any interference in how the nervous system is working, the body loses its ability to heal and self regulate. A chiropractor’s role is to eliminate any interference to your nervous system, thus allowing your...