Ever wondered where canola oil comes from? Not the canola plant that’s for sure. It doesn’t exist. Or it didn’t exist until fairly recently I should say.I have an entire chapter in my upcoming book UNJUNK which is all about deceptive labeling and ingredients to avoid.Knowing how to shop is an important part of getting your family healthier because today, we eat what we buy and bring home from the supermarket.And canola oil is one of those foods deceptively marketed as heart healthy, when in fact it is one of THE WORST oils to consume!They basically use high heat, high pressure...
Does Winter Make You ‘SAD’? (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
Winter is here and low mood often comes along with it. But Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, is more than just “winter blues”.SAD is characterized by 2 weeks or more of depressive mood with symptoms ranging from disturbed sleep, low motivation and interest, low energy, increased appetite, and feeling hopeless or worthless.The good news is that the following combo can usually help alleviate symptoms of SAD significantly:1️⃣ Vitamin D3:Low vitamin D can lead to a higher incidence of colds and flu, as well as depression. If you’re prone to getting sick and depressed with...
Healthy Sugar Swaps
Willpower and deprivation have no room in a healthy lifestyle.Instead I believe in finding healthier alternatives and these healthy sugar swaps are the perfect place to start.Of course we still need to limit our sugar consumption overall – even from healthy sources – but when you feel like having something sweet, always go for the healthier variety.I blend up fresh dates to make an amazing homemade ice cream, coconut sugar to make cookies, and maple syrup for my delicious homemade Nutella – all of which I share in my upcoming book UNJUNK!What are your favourite healthy sugar swaps? Let...
Start with Baby Steps, Not Giant Leaps
This isn’t my typical post but it’s an important conversation to have.I recently met someone who eats McDonald’s Every. Single. Day!I also know other people addicted to soda who drink 5 to 6 cans per day.One thing I’ve learned over the years working with private clients is to always meet people where they’re at.It’s unreasonable to recommend to someone who eats fast food every day to start cooking homemade meals like wild-caught salmon and broccoli.It IS possible however to order salad with that fast food burger and choose water over soda as their next health swap.If you’re feeling...
8 Habits For Healthier Cell Phone Use
Chances are, you’re probably holding your cell phone while reading this, right?For most of us, cell phones are never more than an arm’s reach away.And while it’s very easy to say avoid using cell phones, let’s be real. That’s not going to happen.But what we CAN all start doing is practicing healthier habits when using our cell phones.Why bother?Well in the past 100 years, electropollution (or EMFs – electromagnetic fields) has increased by 1 QUINTILLION – that’s a billion billions!! And even very low levels have been shown to impact our biology (resource link in...
Benefits of Sole Water
Do you crave salty food and/or salt your food before even tasting it?These are classic signs of salt deficiency and a possible need for other electrolytes. When you drop the intake of refined foods and start eating more whole foods, many feel better when they add salt back in.Why? Because when you start eating a lower amount of refined carbohydrates this increases your need for salt due to lower insulin levels and greater salt loss in urine. This is why many people on low-carb diets crave more salt.Other factors that increase salt needs:???????? exercise,...
Causes of Bloating & 6 Herbs To Reduce It
Bloating has you looking 4 months pregnant?This has to be one of the most common digestive complaints and usually boils down to these 4 things:
1️⃣ ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????; a fancy word that means ‘low stomach acid‘. Not enough stomach acid = inefficient protein breakdown so food sits there and putrefies.Causes of low stomach acid?????????Stress, too much alcohol or caffeine, a high refined carb diet, zinc deficiency, sluggish thyroid, H. Pylori infection2️⃣...
Healthy Snack Swaps For Kids
I was out with a good friend the other day and she was feeling guilty about being a “mean mom” as her daughter put it.As a way to protect her daughter from the onslaught of junk food everywhere kids turn today, my friend found herself having to say “NO” to chocolates, chips, ice cream, etc.The result? Her child started sneaking junk food behind her mom’s back.My friend is not alone. I too was a “mean parent”.When you know about the type of food additives allowed in food product manufacturing, it’s hard to just sit back and allow your kids to eat these so-called...
The Right Way to Eat Nuts
Proper preparation of nuts is one of these traditions, which I discuss in greater detail in my upcoming book Unjunk. Traditionally, people understood instinctively that nuts are best soaked or partially sprouted before consumed because nuts contain enzyme inhibitors which can put a real strain on the digestive mechanism if consumed in excess.These enzyme inhibitors protect the plants and prevent germination until the conditions are just right.By soaking nuts in filtered water, you essentially replicate the moist environment needed for germination and de-activate/neutralize...
Can’t Have Rice, Pasta or Gluten? Try These Low Carb, Gluten-Free Swaps Instead
Who are these suggestions meant for? It’s for the person who wants to:✔️reduce gluten✔️reduce grains and flour in their diet✔️regulate blood sugar levels✔️add more fiber✔️add variety and try something different????????Autoimmunity is becoming epidemic, and avoiding glutenous grains is usually one of the main dietary modifications needed for remission. Why? Because gluten can promote intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut) which is a precursor for all autoimmune disease activation – regardless of the diagnosis!!Those who struggle with chronic depression will also...