A Few Of My Favourite Things!

I consistently have people asking me what some of my favorite books are, or favorite websites that I check out. So here is a list of my favorite things! Books, magazines, websites, all things that have provided me with some really great health info. The best part is getting to share this with all of you!

Books:

You Are What you Eat by Gillian McKeith- I'm sure some of you have heard about this crazy, high energy British gal who really knows how to put her clients in their place! Gillian McKeith is someone I really admire and she advocates eating a WHOLE FOODS DIET!! Right up my ally! Her book provides some really great information about foods to eat, foods to avoid, why foods cause disease, understanding your body, and the list goes on. (It's also very colorful and a very easy read, which is definitely important for some people...like me!)

The Conscious Cook by Tal Ronnen- This book is definitely for the more adventuresome 'chef.' The recipes in this book are all vegan and are highly nutritious, bursting with flavor, out of your mind concoctions, that you MUST try!

The Fitness Food Cookbook- Very easy, nutritious recipes that I'm sure will please even the fussiest eater!

Clean by Alejandro Junger- Definitely one of my absolute favorite books! Dr. Junger is quite the popular man among celebrities who want to detoxify. This book really explains the functioning of the digestive and intestinal system in very simple terms! I have used his detox protocol with many of my clients and myself and trust me...if you follow his plan, you will feel great.

Glow- by Christina Pirello- I read this book years ago, and I still refer to it today. The recipes are super yummy, and each chapter explains the best protocols and methods for getting that true 'glow.' You won't find overly scientific information in this book, and you'll probably refer to it numerous times not just for health info, but as a beauty guide as well.

The Perfect Blend- The BEST smoothie and juicing book, mainly because the pictures are so great! You'll literally will want to drink the smoothie right outta the page!


Magazines:

Self- I love the recipes in this monthly magazine, and they have some really great exercises that I take with me to the gym! I would also check out their website, www.self.com for great workout videos and tons of tips on health, beauty, nutrition, etc.

Life Extension- This magazine may be hard to find, as I've only seen it at the airport! However, I did see it hiding in the magazine section at Chapters, so keep your eyes peeled! The info you'll find in this magazine will be a little more scientific. Lots of research, lots of new technological advances in medicine, ie. stem cell, and lots of info on anti aging.

Psychology Today- Again, the info in this mag will be more scientific based, but the articles are great! Ranging from love at first sight, to lap dancing, to winning American idol...you'll definitely be intrigued to keep reading! Also check out their website at- www.psychologytoday.com

Vegetarian Times- If you're looking to include more vegetarian fare into your diet and struggling to come up with some recipe ideas, then vegetarian times it is! This mag will give you lots of ideas and get you salivating after every page!

Websites:

foodnetwork.com- If you don't already watch the food network religiously like me then your missing out!! Go to this site and find any recipe from some of Canada's top chefs!

wholeliving.com- You'll find everything on this site from food, beauty, self help, green living info and lots more!

http://www.chopra.com/dailydevotion- Daily inspirational readings that are very uplifting and simply beautiful.

menshealth.com- Great recipes, hot guys with ripped abs, lots of fitness info, hot guys with big biceps, and well....ladies....you get the picture ;)

Hope you enjoy some of these great reads!

Get Informed!

As I was grocery shopping today, I couldn't help but journey into the 'unhealthy' aisles and take a look at what Michael Pollan likes to call "edible foodlike substances!" You know...all that man made, factory processed, preservative, additive, nutrient-less food! But I must admit, the marketing on these products sure is eye catching! But...I know better, and I made my way back to all the healthy, brightly colored REAL food! As I was checking out, I couldn't help but look into people's grocery carts (a bad habit, something I do all the time!), and notice the lack of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. People's carts were filled with sugar, sugar and more sugar! White bread= sugar. Cereal=sugar. White pasta=sugar. Cookies, cakes, frozen pizzas, the list goes on! So...this has inspired me to spread the word; which is what my blog is all about; but I really want to get into people's heads! So here is a list of videos that I think you should take the time to watch. Some of them are DVD's, and others I've included links to which you can watch on the net. These videos will get you thinking about where your food comes from and more importantly, where your dollar is really going.

http://www.sierraclub.org/truecostoffood/ - This video is about 15 minutes long. Click on- see the movie- on the top left, and then choose your preferable resolution. It takes afew minutes to load and is worth the wait! It's a cartoon which is great to show kids and the title- the true cost of food, says it all!

http://www.themeatrix.com/ - Another cartoon, these 5 minute movies are very informative.

http://www.foodmatters.tv/ - This one is really my favorite! You can either purchase the DVD for $24.95 or pay $4.95 and view the online version. This movie will really get you thinking. Also, under the take action subheading, you can view some mini clips about cancer, depression, heart health, and so on.

Other DVD's I suggest you watch are- Food INC and Fast Food Nation. You can check out the website for Food INC at http://www.foodincmovie.com/.

Also, The Future of Food, and The World According to Monsanto are two great DVD's about Genetically Modified Food. These movies really get my blood boiling!!

I hope you find these movies informative, and I hope they help you to make a conscious decision about where you purchase your food. I would definitely love some feedback!

Happy Movie Watching!