Food and Recipes

August 26, 2014 In Fitness, Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight By Rich Ralph

How do Athletes Benefit from Good Nutrition?

When I was younger I used to think athletes had vastly different, mysterious, intense nutritional protocols in order to compete at their level. It is true that an elite athlete’s body typically has a much higher metabolism and increased demand for nutrients. However, the fundamentals of proper nutrition still need to be in place. Many people think that in order to become a great athlete, they need to drastically modify their diets right away. The tendency of many is to run out and purchase excessive amounts of protein powders, bars and shakes. I believe that in order to truly perform...

August 25, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Gluten-Free Desserts: Warm Figs with Almonds

One of the first fruits to be cultivated by man, fresh figs are naturally sweet. Enjoy this gluten-free and vegan Warm Figs with Vanilla Maple Almonds Recipe. Fresh figs have arrived in the local markets and they delicious raw and baked. These luscious delicate, thin-skinned fruits may be purple, brown, or greenish gold. Choose unbruised, ripe fruits that yield to gentle pressure and eat within a day or two. Figs are a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, and manganese. Enjoy this sweet fruit baked with Hail Merry Vanilla Maple Almonds in this gluten-free and vegan dessert recipe. Feed...

August 25, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight, Uncategorized By Vancouver Health Coach

5 Good Reasons to Fall in Love with Healthy Fats

Quite commonly from time to time I will overhear conversations and various perceptions about an essential nutrient dear to my heart, Fat. “Eating fat will make you fat” and expressed fears of eating fats of any kind to avoid gaining weight are among the conceptions I often hear. In our society today, there is a strong focus on non-fat or low fat food products. Sometimes I almost catch myself starting to feel sorry for this lovely macronutrient. But in time, these impressions are beginning to turn around and fat is getting the recognition it deserves for being extremely important to...

August 24, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Recipes for Health: Hummus Tofu Dip

There has been a great deal of scepticism about the health benefits of soy in recent months. This skepticism has developed because much of the research on soy was done using whole soy foods, such as soy milk and tofu. Scientists in the field are concerned about the untested effects of isolated isoflavones* from soy (whether natural or synthetic) that are sold over the counter as supplements in pill and powder form. These type of supplements may be more harmful than helpful. Why? The average intake of soy isoflavones from food among Japanese women is 50 to 200 milligrams a...

August 20, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Benefits of a Carbohydrate Rich Diet

A very popular weight loss concept today encourages the avoidance of a high carbohydrate diet. By eliminating complex carbohydrates, which are broken down into sugar - or glucose-  we are restricting the body’s preferred fuel source. This leaves the body with no choice but to switch from burning sugar to burning fat so that faster and more rapid weight loss will be achieved. While having the body in this fat burning state may be considered beneficial as suggested by specific diet plans, there are definite concerns that arise when carbohydrates are being consumed in very minimal amounts or not at...

August 18, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Top anti-inflammatory foods

In past articles, I have discussed how inflammation is the underlying cause of most chronic and autoimmune disorders.  The major cause of inflammation in the body is the food we eat so eating anti-inflammatory foods is important for good health. Food allergies and intolerances have been implicated in a wide range of medical conditions, affecting every part of the body: from mildly uncomfortable indigestion, to severe illnesses including celiac disease and diabetes, to developmental disorders such as ADHD and Autism. The inflammatory reaction occurs when an ingested food molecule acts as an antigen, a substance that causes the immune system...

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 16, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

The Power of Matcha Green Tea: DoMatcha Review

An infamous superfood known for its high antioxidant content, matcha green tea has gained popularity in recent years, being called for in smoothie recipes, lattes and even baked goods. Matcha is a ceremonial Japanese powdered green tea, traditionally used by Zen monks to symbolize harmony, purity, tranquility and respect. Matcha comes from the leaf of the tea and has an impressive nutrient profile, containing roughly 15 times the nutrients as a cup of traditional green tea. Matcha is most abundant in vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll and the cancer fighting antioxidant, EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate.) It also contains L-theanine, a mood enhancing, and anxiety...

August 13, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, Holistic Health, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

What is Candida?

Candida albicans is a yeast that is normally found colonizing the digestive tract and other mucous membranes of the body.  After antibiotic use or periods of immune suppression, this yeast can proliferate, causing a yeast infection in the digestive tract, on the tongue ("thrush"), in the nasal sinuses, vagina, urinary tract and in the folds of the skin.  In addition to causing symptoms ranging from nagging to severe, chronic Candida infection can derange your immune system leading to allergies, frequent infections, and autoimmune conditions. Symptoms of Candida Infection: 1.) Bloating, gas, difficulty digesting many foods, heartburn, chronic indigestion, irregular bowel movements...

August 10, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight By Crystal Di Domizio

Community Supported Agriculture: Affordable Local & Organic Produce

Inspired to start eating more local and organic produce but don’t know where to start? Joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) might be exactly what you’re looking for! Over the last decade CSA has become a very popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food straight from the farm. How does it work? At the beginning of the growing season (late winter, early spring) the farmer will offer a certain number of “shares” to the public for purchase. In exchange you will receive a weekly box of fresh, organic produce for the duration of the season. CSA helps support local...