Food

September 27, 2014 In Food, Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Why Are Food Additives In My Food?

How much do we know about what we are eating? Ingredient lists the length of a children's short bed time story are really not uncommon in commercially prepared, boxed and fast foods. Being able to pronounce half of those ingredients at best is the norm and even if you can pronounce those ingredients- do you know what they are and where they came from? First of all, what are food additives & preservatives doing in our food anyways? As a teacher of mine once said, 'Convenience is the killer.' Food additives and preservatives are mainly in our food for the following reasons: So food doesn't spoil...

September 10, 2014 In Eliminating Toxins, Food, Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Eating Ayurvedic: A Diet For Everyone

The concept behind food as medicine is that food is a spectrum between nourishment and healing, and given the very large spectrum of foods, there many valid approaches to diet. But when we talk about diet, we need to understand the difference between a diet that nourishes, and a diet that heals. We need to understand how the different qualities of food impacts our health, for good and for ill. There is no such thing as a wrong food, with perhaps the exception of highly processed, refined foods, but only because they are biologically inappropriate (e.g. microparticles). But almost all...

August 31, 2014 In Editor's Picks: Must Haves for Staying Healthy, Food, Food and Recipes, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Protein Pumpkin Smoothie Recipe

Fall season calls for plenty of root veggie recipes. Last week I gave you the low down on pumpkin seeds, so here are the benefits of pumpkins themselves! One of the first things we tend to recall about pumpkins are their glowing bright orange colour which indicates they are high in an important cancer fighting antioxidant, beta-caratone. A component of vitamin A, this micronutrient is oh-so important for your immune system, the health of your eyes and your skin. Vitamin A has also been shown to support digestive healing, which suggests it may be effectively used with ulcers and other areas...

August 17, 2014 In Editor's Picks: Must Haves for Staying Healthy, Food, Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, Holistic Health, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Raw Vegan Recipe: Brazil Nut Hummus

Raw brazil nuts are one of the lesser-known nuts to Americans, but a staple to Amazonians, revered for their exceptionally high levels of selenium, a mineral that plays a key role in metabolism and for its cell protecting antioxidant properties. The antioxidants in Selenium help the body absorb Vitamin E, digest protein, and stimulate the thyroid. Just one or two Brazil nuts a day provides enough of this trace element’s Recommended Daily Allowance of 55 to 100 micrograms per day. Among healthy people in the U.S., selenium deficiencies are uncommon. But some health conditions, such as HIV, Crohn's disease, and conditions...

August 14, 2014 In Editor's Picks: Must Haves for Staying Healthy, Food, Green & Healthy Living, Holistic Health, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Benefits of Container Gardening

Do you know that gardening activities can burn 300 to 600 calories per hour depending on the level of work you are doing? It is an ideal form of exercise as it combines strength, endurance and flexibility. It helps in stress reduction, lowers blood pressure and relieves muscle tension. In addition to health benefits, gardening is a creator of beauty, wouldn't you feel a sense of fulfillment if you are the one creating it? One way of gardening that's becoming popular is container gardening. This is an approach to gardening where containers are used in growing plants. It's easy and simple...

July 25, 2014 In Food, Green & Healthy Living, Holistic Health, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Where do Parasites Live?

Guess what is living in your intestines? Parasites. You may now be wondering what these freaky little creatures are and why are they choosing to set up camp in your body? You also may have only heard of parasites in infected animals or in foreign countries. However, parasites are around us everyday no matter the conditions. These microscopic creatures are on the rise due to an increase in international travel, contamination of water and food supply, overuse of chemicals, mercury and prescription antibiotics. Parasites can negatively effect our health, it's that simple. However, getting rid of them is not so easy. ...

July 22, 2014 In Editor's Picks: Must Haves for Staying Healthy, Food, Green & Healthy Living, Holistic Health, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Could You Be Iron Deficient?

Being iron deficient is not unheard of and may be more common than we realize. Iron is a super important mineral needed to form hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout each part of our bodies starting from the lungs. This mechanism is essential for our survival. We need sufficient amounts of iron for many functions in the body which include circulation, energy production, immune system function, digestion, utilization of nutrients (especially fatty acids) and cognitive function.. just to name a few. Iron is a mineral needed most in women (especially during pregnancy, breast feeding and menstruation)...

July 21, 2014 In Editor's Picks: Must Haves for Staying Healthy, Food, Food and Recipes, Holistic Health, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

5 Minute Breakfast: Goji Berry Oatmeal

You have heard it before, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Indeed it is, but it's what you have for breakfast that really counts. Having breakfast with a good source of protein and a complex carb is important for many reasons. Protein (such as nuts and seeds, eggs or greek yogurt) and complex carbohydrates (such as whole grain oatmeal or quinoa) help balance blood sugar which you need for energy, brain function, a happy mood and craving control. A latte will not suffice! I also understand that being on a time crunch is one of the most common...

May 30, 2014 In Editor's Picks: Must Haves for Staying Healthy, Eliminating Toxins, Fitness, Food, Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, Holistic Health, Weight Loss By Vancouver Health Coach

Healthy Glow Hemp Protein Smoothie

Hemp could win an academy award for being an excellent source of plant based protein. This quality alone has made hemp protein a desirable addition to vegan and raw food diets but you certainly don't have to follow a specific diet to enjoy the benefits of this plant powerhouse! In addition to protein and fiber (which are needed for good digestion and blood sugar balance) hemp provides both omega 6 and omega 3 essential fatty acids which are needed for a healthy heart and nervous system, glowing skin, happy hormones, weight loss and much more. Your body cannot produce these fats...

February 1, 2013 In Editor's Picks: Must Haves for Staying Healthy, Eliminating Toxins, Food, Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, Holistic Health, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Vegan Noodle Soup for Cold and Flu Season

I love this soup for cold and flu season because it’s simple to make and packed full of immune supportive veggies and spices! I'll give you a quick lowdown before the recipe. Leafy green vegetables such as kale and swiss chard, along with broccoli and celery have a high amount of vitamin C, Mama Nature’s version of antibiotics. Vitamin A assists the liver with flushing toxins from the body to be safely eliminated and a healthy dose can be found in carrots. When you have a cold or flu, inflammation is part of your body’s immune response to fight off bacteria. (This is...