Food and Recipes

August 9, 2014 In Fitness, Food and Recipes, News, Running, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Preparing for a Marathon: The Nutrition Factor

Optimum nutritional habits are essential during your marathon training. Fundamental components include hydration status, carbohydrate and protein intake as well as electrolyte repletion, and joint health. To ensure proper muscle recovery post-exercise and to reduce your risk of injury, consider the following points: Restore electrolytes and water (essential electrolytes being: sodium, potassium, magnesium) in the form of a sports re-hydration drink. Electrolyte repletion is essential as minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium promotes post-exercise recovery while ingredients such as citric acid and malic acid are essential factors required for energy production. Drinking plenty of water before during and after your...

August 9, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Misleading Food Labels: 3 Reasons We Don’t Know What We Are Eating

Do we actually know what we are eating?  Seems like a no brainer, right? What we put in our mouth is our choice. We have complete control over what passes through our lips. Well, I am about to argue that that premise is false, and this is why. 1) Fraudulent or misleading food labels. The label says one thing, but the food is something else all together. This is far more common than one would expect. There is the obvious example that recently made the news. People in Europe coming home from the grocery store with steaks labeled "beef", only to find out later...

August 8, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Sun, Heat, Dehydration and Kidney Stones

Kidney stones occur more commonly in the summer, so stay hydrated to avoid one of the most painful conditions there is. Well, with the heat wave we've been enjoying over the past week, I've found myself pondering how to stay comfortably cool, keep the apartment cool enough to be able to sleep, get my vitamin D dosage without burning to a crisp, and focusing on staying hydrated enough. Dehydration creates a number of problems in the body, including increasing blood pressure, accelerating osteoarthritis (the wearing down of joints), and increasing the risk of kidney stones. Kidney stones tend to develop more frequently in the...

August 8, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Pumpkin Seeds: Healthy Food for Movember

Halloween and Movember are quickly approaching, and soon enough, people will be carving up pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns. While you are preparing your pumpkins, remember to save your seeds; otherwise, you are throwing out a number of highly beneficial plant-based nutrients. Nutritional highlights There is an incredible amount of nutrition in pumpkin seeds. These powerful little seeds contain essential minerals such as iron, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, manganese, and zinc. Furthermore, they are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin B1, B2, and B3, protein, and monounsaturated fats. There are also antioxidant phytonutrients like lignans and phenolic antioxidants which research has found may deter...

August 7, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Hemp Oil, Hemp Hearts and Protein

The verdict is in! I was the lucky winner of Fitness Goop’s contest for articles on healthy living, and I happily accepted my prize: a giant box of goodies from Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils. They were very generous! My package contained a giant container of hemp hearts (no joke—it’s 5lbs), a container of hemp oil, hemp Pro 50 protein powder, hemp Pro Fiber protein powder, a yoga mat and carrying case, and a reusable shopping bag. Score. I pulled all of my loot out and sat staring at it proudly until I realized, “Wait a minute. I’ve never used...

August 6, 2014 In Beauty & Grooming, Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, Holistic Health, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Homemade Facial For Dry Skin

'Tis the season when dry skin dominates. You're not alone if you're skin has turned from soft and vibrant to dull and flaky this winter. The good news is you can find natural and easy ways to brighten dry skin at home in your kitchen! Not only is this facial recipe moisturizing, thanks to the beneficial oils from the avocado and olive oil, it's also great for oily and acne prone skin too. Lavender essential oil and raw honey have antibacterial properties that help cleanse pores and remove blemish causing debris. Not to mention, lavender is great for promoting a...

August 4, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight By Crystal Di Domizio

Gluten-Free Living: Eating Healthy on a Budget

Has your grocery bill skyrocketed since beginning a gluten-free diet? If you’re living with Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity, removing gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley) is an essential first step on your path to wellness. If your goal is to eat a healthy gluten-free diet then these tips are for you! In my experience, the most expensive part of eating gluten-free is the cost of pre-packaged foods which are specifically marketed as gluten-free: cereal, waffles, snacks, desserts, baking mixes, pizza crusts etc. These foods are high in cost and low in nutrients therefore the return on the...

August 2, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Is Gluten Free a Hot New Trend or Here to Stay?

I’ve worked with thousands of people over my decade or so in the health industry and I don’t think I’ve ever stopped being amazed at the dramatic effect going gluten free can have on someone’s waistline and overall health. Even if you aren’t gluten sensitive, allergic, intolerant, a celiac or even believe in all the gluten hype almost everyone can benefit from going gluten free or low gluten. Why? Well my reasoning might be different than what you are used to hearing… Recently I was involved in a conversation with a couple of trainers who were talking about gluten. Their take on...

July 27, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Food Sensitivities, Intolerances and Allergies

Gluten Sensitivity Enteropathy is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that refers to a group of different types of gluten sensitivity. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other foods derived from these grains. The most extreme subgroup is celiac disease, a genetic autoimmune condition. One percent of Americans are estimated to have celiac disease. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, their bodies have an immune response that results in damage to the intestinal villi. Some individuals who experience distress when eating gluten-containing products and show improvement after following a gluten-free diet may have gluten intolerance, instead of...

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

5 Nutrition Tips to Tolerate Exams

It’s getting close to that time.. and it does not have to be that dreadful! Nutrition plays a critical role in optimal cognitive function. Here are my top 5 suggestions to help contribute to your success when studying for & writing exams. 1. I’m sure you’ve heard it before but really, Eat Breakfast!!! Breakfast is generally best consumed within 1-2 hours of waking up. I cannot stress the importance of eating breakfast enough!! And I am not referring to your morning coffee . A healthful and balanced breakfast will help you stay focused, improve your concentration and provide you with long lasting energy...