It is estimated that 1 in 6 couples in Canada have trouble conceiving, which can be difficult both physically and emotionally. Luckily, there are natural ways to support fertility, such as making strategic dietary and lifestyle changes, that can help you reach your goal of parenthood. Nutritional therapy enhances … [Read more...]
Two Spins on Strawberries for Valentine’s Day
The tiny strawberry is packed with vitamin C, fibre, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. The heart-shaped silhouette of the strawberry is the first clue that this fruit is good for you! These potent little packages protect your heart by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering your blood pressure, and can help … [Read more...]
Five Foods to Increase Your Fertility
A healthy lifestyle is important at every point in a women’s life but maintaining a healthy diet is especially important when you’re trying to conceive a baby. Studies have established a very close connection between dietary intake and fertility. Here's how to dine your way to increased fertility by adding these recommended … [Read more...]
The Low Down on Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that’s used by every organ in your body. It helps to normalize your blood pressure, keep your bones strong, regulate the rhythm of your heart, balance blood glucose, facilitate nerve conduction and enable the contraction and relaxation of your muscles. This powerhouse mineral is also used to treat … [Read more...]
The Health Benefits of Spinach
If you’re looking for a superfood that’s versatile and tastes good, look no further than spinach. While spinach grows well in fields and gardens almost anywhere, this leafy green vegetable came from the Middle East. Spinach is low in calories and sugar, high in fiber, and is highly nutritious. Here are some reasons why … [Read more...]
Vegan Banana Bread
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup mashed overripe banana (about 3 medium bananas) 2 cups flour* 1 tsp baking soda 3/4 tsp baking powder 3/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup yogurt** 2/3 cup pure maple syrup (or honey) 1/3 cup milk of choice*** 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup organic vegan … [Read more...]
Quinoa Tabbouleh with Pomegranate Seeds
Prep time: approx. 20 mins Servings: 6 Serving size: ¾ cup Ingredients: One cup quinoa (precooked) 1 2/3 cups water (for cooking the quinoa) 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (other herbs can be added as desired: cilantro, dill, etc) 2 small cucumbers, finely … [Read more...]
Easy Herb & Veggie Omelette
Ingredients: 3 eggs 1/4 cup organic grass fed milk (or dairy alternative)* 1 tbsp organic grass-fed butter (or dairy alternative)** 1/4 Bell pepper (chopped) 2 tbsp Green onion (chopped) 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped) 2 tbsp Fresh Dill (chopped) Salt, Black & Cayenne Pepper (to taste) *I find that when it … [Read more...]
Five Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
If all you know about chia seeds is that they’re used to grow a green hair-like coat on terracotta Chia Pets, it may be time to take another look. In addition to growing decorative green fur, chia seeds are packed with nutrients and super healthy to eat. Here are some of the ways that eating chia seeds can improve your … [Read more...]
Six Health Benefits of Turmeric
If you like to eat curries, chances are that you’re eating your fair share of the spice turmeric. Bitter and warm, turmeric root gives curries and other Asian dishes their bright yellow color. Because it contains the chemical curcumin, turmeric is also used as a healing herb. So beyond being the spice behind a number of … [Read more...]
How To Survive The Holidays
The holidays are upon us! ‘Tis the season to be jolly…and gain weight? Many of us fear gaining weight during the holiday season or even plan on it. But it’s possible to navigate all the sweets and the cocktails without gaining weight and still enjoy yourself… just follow these easy tips! First of all: Remember … [Read more...]
Using Chinese Herbs to Aid in Weight Loss
Ultimately, when looking to lose weight, you must consume less food and calories than your body uses. Because of this, the most effective way to lose weight is to not only eat less total calories, but to also exercise in order to increase the number of calories your body uses. This is the most common approach to weight loss … [Read more...]
Gluten Free Shortbread
Ingredients: 3/4 cup white rice flour 3/4 cup cornstarch ½ cup icing sugar Pinch of salt ¼ tsp. finely ground cardamom (optional) 3/4 cup butter 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2-3 tbsp. chopped unsalted pistachio nuts (optional) Directions: Whip the butter with an electric mixer for about 1 minute. Stir in the vanilla … [Read more...]
Gluten Free Turkey Stuffing with Apples, Pecans and Cranberries
1 1/2 cups wild rice 3/4 cup short-grain brown rice 6 cups stock, chicken, vegetable or water 1 tsp Unrefined sea or Himalayan salt 1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil 1 small or medium onion, finely chopped 1 cup celery chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 Tbs. butter 2 apples, core and dice 1/3 cup pecans, coarsely … [Read more...]
Inflammatory Bowel Diet
Though this diet may seem counter intuitive because generally it is healthier to eat unrefined whole foods it is great diet for the flare up stage of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In fact for some it can be just as affective as prednisone. Grains: Refined white breads, buns, bagels, muffins, biscuits, soda … [Read more...]
Gluten Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients: Dry: 2 cups almond flour (meal) 1 cup gluten free oats 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. nutmeg ¾ cup raisins and/or dried cranberries ½ cup chopped pecans (or other nuts) Wet: 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh) 1/4 cup grapeseed oil or softened … [Read more...]
TCM and Summer Nutrition
Traditional Chinese Medicine & Summer Nutrition By Dr. Jeda Boughton, B.A., R.Ac., Dr. TCM Summer is a time of growth and activity, a time when British Columbians want to be outside socializing and enjoying the weather. It is also a season of barbecues, beach picnics and weekend camping trips, which are often … [Read more...]
Cashew Carrot Loaf
This dish is rich in foods that benefit fertility such as carrots, brown rice, and sesame seeds! It’s also a great alternative to meat loaf and a handy way to use up leftover brown rice. 1 medium onion, chopped 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound carrots 1/3 cup broth from carrots 1/2 cup … [Read more...]
Kitcheree
*Serves 8 Main Mix: 5 Tbsp. Organic Ghee or Virgin Coconut Oil 1 tsp. Mustard Seeds 1 Tbsp. Organic Turmeric, ground 2 tsp. Organic Coriander, ground 3 Tbsp. Organic Cumin, ground 2-3 tsp. Unrefined Sea Salt (*Le Paludier) 2 large Leeks, chopped 2 cups Whole Green Mung Beans, soaked & rinsed 1 cup Brown … [Read more...]
Sesame Tofu
If you don’t like tofu or are trying to feed tofu to someone who doesn’t like it then this is the recipe for you! This recipe is easy, delicious, and will convert even the most steadfast of those against tofu! 1 block firm tofu sesame oil Braggs or soy sauce 2 tbs sesame seeds Cut tofu into the desired … [Read more...]
Power Spheres
This recipe packs a powerful punch of energy and foods that benefit fertility such as coconut, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds. Try substituting almond butter for peanut butter for an extra fertility food! 3/4 cup dried apricots 3/4 cup dried apple 4 brown rice cakes 1 cup unsweetened coconut 1/2 … [Read more...]
Basic Protein Smoothie
For one serving: 1 banana (fresh or frozen) One handful of fresh spinach (or greens powder) ½ scoop of probiotic powder (optional) 1 Tbs flax seeds (unground) 1 Tbs cooked beans 1 Tbs Cooked brown rice 1 – 2 cups of liquid (almond milk, rice milk, water, hemp milk) For a variation use the basic smoothie and … [Read more...]
Spicy Pumpkinseed-Miso Dressing
*Makes 2½ cups ½ cup Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (*unpasteurized) ½ cup Filtered Water 1 cup Virgin Olive Oil or Cold-pressed Garlic-Chili Flax Oil 2 Tbsp. Omega Pumpkinseed Butter, Hempseed Butter or Tahini 1 Tbsp. Naturally Fermented Miso (*brown rice or barley miso) 1. Place all ingredients in a blender and puree … [Read more...]
Salad Dressings Made Simple
Making your own dressings rather than buying them off the shelf at your grocery store will put you WAY ahead in the health department. If you make your own dressing you have control over the ingredients. To make a simple salad dressing you need a balance of oil, acid, salt or sweet and spice. Choose high quality, … [Read more...]
Caesar Salad Dressing
3 anchovies or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (Optional) 3 cloves garlic 1/2 cup parmesan cheese 2 lemons, juiced (1/2 cup) 1/8 teaspoon worcestershire sauce 1/8 cup capers and juice 2 drops tobasco sauce 1 tablespoon dijon mustard 1/4 cup olive oil Mix all ingredients except the olive oil in a food processor or … [Read more...]
