I am sooo very behind on my blogs and can't believe how busy I've been since getting back from Beautiful BC. I promise to share some amazing info with you regarding the conference I went to, but I've got to get my notes in order before I get ahead of myself!! AND...I promise I will share some amazing photos with you shortly as well. I must warn you though...you will be jealous of the beautiful scenery Vancouver has to offer...so be prepared! All in all, my trip was great! I fell in love with Vancouver and can't wait to go back. Aside from the amazing city, I thoroughly enjoyed the conference and got to hear some incredible talks on Vitamin D, Cancer, Health and Pregnancy, and also picked up some great books and loaded up on some supplements! But....lets put that aside and let me share with you an amazing Morning Picker Upper!! A drink loaded with minerals, healthy fats, electrolytes, antioxidants and vitamins! I thought I would share this drink with you because it truly is a nourishing smoothie that just really makes you feel good- inside and out! I came across this smoothie last summer when I was reading CLEAN- by Alejandro Junger. I've mentioned his book before, and it really is one of my favorites! Anyhow, last August, after getting back from Cuba, I caught a not-so-friendly bug and was feeling quite ill for afew weeks! So, I made myself this smoothie almost every morning and it was soooo great! It brought me back to life! So here's the recipe:
UBER GREEN SMOOTHIE
1 1/2 cups almond milk (Almond Fresh or Almond Breeze...or make your own!!)1/2 cup coconut water (either from fresh coconut or VitaCoCo or ONE brand)
2 leaves dark green Kale or Swiss Chard- coarsely chopped
1/4 avocado (squeeze some lemon on the remaining avocado, put in the fridge and eat the next day)
1/2 cup mango chunks (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup ice
Blend all ingredients until smooth. This smoothie looks rather green!! If you plan on sharing it with your kids...it might not go over so well. Or you can tell them it's Shrek food!! The mango gives this smoothie a really nice sweetness, and the avocado gives it a great creamy texture. Even though the Kale/Swiss Chard is rather bitter, you can't taste it in this drink because it's masked from all the other ingredients! It's a really great morning drink because it's loaded with energizing nutrients.
Kale provides you with beta carotene, vitamin C, iron, manganese and calcium.
Avocado is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium and of course...lots of healthy Omega 3 and 6.
Mangoes provide vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, vitmain B6, and lots of potassium.
Almond milk is a great substitute for dairy as it's not as mucus forming, and much easier to digest. Most almond milk on the market has added calcium, and it also loaded with vitamin E.
Lastly...my favorite....COCONUT WATER!! It really is the best way to quench your thirst. A few facts about this amazing nut (or fruit, or seed?!?!?)
- It contains Lauric acid, which gets converted into Monolaurin in the body and has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
- It is a universal donor, being identicial to human blood plasma
- It's a natural isotonic beverage, the same level we have in our blood
- Has saved lives in 3rd world countries as an IV!
So drink up this green goodness and I promise you will feel AMAZING!!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Beautiful B.C.
In a few short days I'll be heading off to Vancouver to attend the 39th Annual International Conference for Orthomolecular Medicine. Whew!! That was a mouth full! I've never been to Vancouver before and I'm really looking forward to spending time in a city that is full of greenery and has one of the smallest carbon footprints of any major city in North America. I can't wait to check out the cafes, the restaurants, and STANLEY PARK, which has just over 150,000 trees! Oh ya....and the seminar! So....what exactly is Orthomolecular medicine? Orthomolecular was a term used by Linus Pauling, (who by the way won TWO nobel prizes) that is based on the use of optimum doses of nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and trace elements. All these nutrients are substances natural to the body and when used in correct doses, can resolve imbalances or deficiences. Linus Pauling, back in the 60's, suggested that mega doses of vitamin C may be helpful in dealing with cancer. Of course, he was scrutinized by the medical community, but having two nobel prizes under his belt, his studies couldn't be ignored! In 1979 he wrote a book with Dr. Ewan Cameron (a surgeon) titled- Cancer and Vitamin C. If you could get your hands on this book, it describes the impressive results from their trials with vitamin C. I would pay a visit to http://www.orthomed.org/index.html to learn more about Orthomolecular medicine and about the leading researchers and pioneers who study the relationship betweeen health and disease with nutrition. I still can't understand how Medical doctors today (some...not all), don't understand the importance of eating a healthy diet. Most doctors think cutting back on sugar by replacing it with splenda, or lowering the intake of fat by consuming margarine is a 'health conscious, preventative nutritious choice!!' These are FAKE FOODS PEOPLE!! Aside from fake, they are highly toxic. Eating closest to nature is what will keep you healthy, and yes...that means eating BUTTER NOT MARGARINE! If we could combine Allopathic Medicine with Orthomolecular Medicine, we would see people suffering from disease actually get better!!
During this Orthomolecular conference, I'll be learning about- The Origins of Modern Disease, Nutrition and Pregnancy, A Diet for Longevity, The Importance of Iodine (an underutilized nutrient), Cancer Care, Toxic Chemicals and Mental Health, and much much more!! I can't wait! I'll have so much to share with you all when I get back. So enjoy your week, and I'll be back with lots of great info and probably some amazing Vancouver pics!
Bye for now!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Roasted Portobello Sandwich w/ Sun-dried Tomato Aioli
At my house, as soon as the days get warmer, the barbecue gets used often! I love grilling veggies on the barbecue, but my parents prefer to grill meat!! So...here is a recipe that is oh-so-good, that I swear will get meat lovers everywhere drooling!
This recipe is taken from the book- CLEAN FOOD by Terry Walters. I've made a few of my own tweaks to the recipe.
Portobello mushrooms are so meaty and full of flavor which make them a great substitute for meat in recipes. This sandwich is so full of yummy-ness (yes...that's a real word?!?!) that I'm sure it will become a staple in your house this summer.
Ingredients:
- Portobello mushrooms (1-2 per serving)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp minced fresh herbs of choice (thyme, oregano, parsley, basil)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Sourdough bread or Nordico Oval bread from-Artisano Bakery
(www.artisanobakery.com)- 2 slices per serving- Roasted red peppers, sliced into 1/2 inch strips
- Avocado, thinly sliced
- Romaine or fresh spring mix lettuce
- Mustard (honey dijon)- optional
Aioli:
- 6 sun dried tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 1 1/2 cups grapeseed oil mayo or I like to use vegenaise and I add a touch of sriracha hot sauce to the mayo
- 2 tbsp freesh italian herbs of choice
- pinch of sea salt
Preparing Aioli- soak dried tomatoes in hot water for 15 mins. or until soft. With food processor/blender running, drop in garlic. Process until minced. Squeeze excess water form tomatoes and add them along with mayo to the food processor. Scrape down side of the processor as needed and blend until smooth. Add herbs, salt and process lightly. Transfer to a container and refrigerate to allow flavors to blend. This aioli will last approx. 4-5 days in the fridge.
Roasting Portobellos- Preheat oven to 400F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Wipe mushrooms with a damp towl to clean. Discard stems and rub smooth side with olive oil. Place smooth side down on cookie sheet and sprinkle insides with italian herbs, pepper and pinch of salt. Roast for about 8-10mins. until soft. Remove and set aside.
OR....
Grilling Portobellos- Grill on high heat for approx 10-12 minutes. I like to marinate my mushrooms in some olive oil and garlic for about half an hr before grilling.
Assembling- Slice bread and lightly toast. Spread aioli on toast and top with roasted portobello, roasted red peppers, avocado and lettuce. Spread mustard on second piece of toast and top sandwich. Serve warm.
Take a really big bite and enjoy!!!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Nature provides all we need
I attended an amazing seminar this weekend on Pediatric care which was taught by Dr. Robert Abell, a Naturopathic Doctor who lives out in Austin, Texas. He shared some amazing protocols for treating childhood ailments, but he also shared a great story about a 6 year old boy he treated back in 2001. It was quite a jaw dropper. So...the story goes....in 2001, this 6 year old boy came into his office and had been diagnosed with asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis. He was on approximately 10 different medications to treat his 'diseases' and had been taking these meds continually for 3 years...not one day break from his meds! AND....if he missed a day of his meds, his sinusitis got really bad. So...this isn't the worst part. This child had SEVEN nasal/respiratory surgeries!!! SEVEN!!!! Can you imagine the trauma this poor child had been through almost his entire life!? With each surgery, his parents were told that there is no way...NO WAY....that his infections would recur....BUT....they always did! So....they go to visit Dr. Abell in April 2001. He starts the boy off on some very simple protocols...some probiotics and some UNDA numbers. UNDA numbers are a combination of plant remedies in a homeopathic dilution.....remedies the way nature intended! So, 2 weeks go by, the little boy is doing great. Another 2 weeks go by, he's still great and then Dr. Abell gets him off all his meds! His parents obviously freak out, fearing that their son will get an infection from being off of his meds, but no.....he's perfectly fine! So finally, after treating the boy for about a year, and giving him some very simple protocols, their son is CURED of asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis. To this day, the boy who is now 15 has never had ANY respiratory problems. The best part is that he was treated initially by 'TOP' UCLA physicians. The mother wrote a letter to these doctors asking for them to contact Dr. Abell and discuss the protocols he used to cure their son and not once did he recieve a call. So even though Dr. Abell isn't reading my blog....I would just like to applaud him and all the Naturopathic Doctors who truly understand disease, physiology and work to treat root causes of disease, not just symptoms. I truly believe we can always rely on nature to heal.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Oh Sweet Sugar....
Glazed doughnuts, chocolate chip cookies, pecan pie, creamy puddings, cakes, candies...oh the joy of sweetness! We all love to indulge in a sweet treat, but a treat no longer it is! We eat sugar waaaaay to often. In the old days, sweets were truly a treat and were few and far between. Generally, these treats were sweetened with raw honey, or real maple syrup...the good stuff! Nowadays, our sugar fix comes from highly refined sugar. This highly processed sugar is virtually in every packaged food in the grocery store and probably lurking in all of your cupboards! It also goes under the alias- high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, maltodextrin, maltose...just to name a few. Consuming just 4 tablespoons of sugar a day has been linked to numerous diseases and imbalances in the body. Here are just a few:
- Lowers ability of enzymes to function
- Impairs structure of DNA
- Raises adrenaline levels in children
- SIX tablespoons paralyzes phagocytes, which suppresses the immune system by almost 90%
- Causes hormonal imbalance
- Contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection
- Causes free radical formation in the blood stream
- Increases fasting levels of glucose in the blood
- Candidiasis (yeast infections)
- Overstresses the pancreas, causing damage
These are just 10, of the 124 known diseases and imbalances caused by sugar! Not only do you need to worry about processed sugar, but you also need to be watchful of artificial sweeteners! Aspartame, sucralose, cyclamate, acesulfame potassium...these are definite NO NO'S!!! The fact that they are called ARTIFICIAL says it all!! Do we really need to consume something unnatural, something foreign to the body, something ARTIFICIALLY made??!! NO WAY! These artificial substances are known neuro toxins. What this means is that they can actually alter brain chemistry and specifically act on nerve cells...not a good thing! You must avoid these at all costs. Even though we may be consuming small amounts of these artificial substances at a given time, consuming them on a daily basis, day after day, adds up to quite a bit over the years!
Lately, I've been using stevia or xylitol, more plant based natural sweeteners. But above all, my favorite is agave nectar! This sweet treat comes from the cactus plant, and I like to add it to my tea or even my baking. The dark agave tastes similar to maple syrup and it is yummy!
The best sweet fix of all is FRUIT! Fruit is nature's candy. Aside from being sweet, fruit is loaded fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and lots of supportive nutrients. So ditch the sugar, and eat more fruit to fix your sweet tooth!
- Lowers ability of enzymes to function
- Impairs structure of DNA
- Raises adrenaline levels in children
- SIX tablespoons paralyzes phagocytes, which suppresses the immune system by almost 90%
- Causes hormonal imbalance
- Contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection
- Causes free radical formation in the blood stream
- Increases fasting levels of glucose in the blood
- Candidiasis (yeast infections)
- Overstresses the pancreas, causing damage
These are just 10, of the 124 known diseases and imbalances caused by sugar! Not only do you need to worry about processed sugar, but you also need to be watchful of artificial sweeteners! Aspartame, sucralose, cyclamate, acesulfame potassium...these are definite NO NO'S!!! The fact that they are called ARTIFICIAL says it all!! Do we really need to consume something unnatural, something foreign to the body, something ARTIFICIALLY made??!! NO WAY! These artificial substances are known neuro toxins. What this means is that they can actually alter brain chemistry and specifically act on nerve cells...not a good thing! You must avoid these at all costs. Even though we may be consuming small amounts of these artificial substances at a given time, consuming them on a daily basis, day after day, adds up to quite a bit over the years!
Lately, I've been using stevia or xylitol, more plant based natural sweeteners. But above all, my favorite is agave nectar! This sweet treat comes from the cactus plant, and I like to add it to my tea or even my baking. The dark agave tastes similar to maple syrup and it is yummy!
The best sweet fix of all is FRUIT! Fruit is nature's candy. Aside from being sweet, fruit is loaded fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and lots of supportive nutrients. So ditch the sugar, and eat more fruit to fix your sweet tooth!
Friday, March 12, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, March 1, 2010
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!
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!
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