The value of whole grains 

 This week I will be looking at what exactly is a whole grain, the difference between whole grains and refined grains and the value of them in our diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, they are linked to lower risks of diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer.  I will also

Crazy quirky quinoa

 Who hasn’t heard of quinoa the ‘super food’ with so many amazing qualities? Is it as good as they claim? I’m going discuss the various reasons why this food should be a staple part of our diet. We often refer to quinoa as a super grain although botanically speaking it

It’s all about the veg!

 We’ve all read the articles and heard the news that it is better for our health and well-being, to increase our intake of fresh vegetables. However, do you find that this often feels like just yet another thing you must add to your to-do list? So, here are my few

The value in doubling up

 A little introduction, I’m a registered holistic nutritionist (RHN), originally worked as nurse in the UK and Switzerland and I now live in Ottawa with my husband, two teenage kids and mother in law. Just like everyone else, I sometimes struggle with what to eat in the evenings, our days

Are Vegetarian and Vegan Diets Nutritionally Healthier

 People decide to follow a vegetarian or vegan for many reasons. Some because of the environmental impact and others for ethical concerns or on religious grounds. These reasons deserve respect and appreciation for considering the broader implications of their food choices. Some people also choose a vegetarian or vegan diet

Time-saving cooking tips for healthy meals

 Between work, family commitments and taking time to relax from it all, it can be hard to find the time to cook healthy meals. But don't reach for the takeout flyer just yet — use these simple tips to prepare wholesome dishes in no time. Chop extra fruit and vegetables. Weeknight

Vegans of Ottawa – Jessica Godard

 Photo credit: Jessica Godard In this series, we chat with vegans from around the region to find out what it’s like to be plant-based in Ottawa, discovering tips and tricks for living a like a local - vegan style. Jessica Godard was born (and mostly raised) in Ottawa and is currently

Eat more plants, less meat

 By Courtney Howard and Ian Culbert What is a healthy diet? New Year’s diet conversations still abound around water coolers Canada-wide as people debate the various merits and shortcomings of sugar, gluten, meat, dairy, tofu and other edibles.  Scientific articles, shiny celebrities and representatives of various groups who produce, transform

Upgrade your shopping list to achieve your healthy eating goals

 Eating well can be daunting, but one of the best ways to cook healthier meals is to tweak your grocery list a little. Just a few small changes over the course of a couple weeks can add up to some big improvements in your overall diet. “Some of the best

Three important nutrients to help fight inflammation

 Sarah is 35, lives in Northern Ontario and has come to see me for nagging, persistent back pain. She has tried physiotherapy in her hometown but without much relief. She also lists on her intake that she is troubled by fatigue, insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome. When I palpate and

Five things every Canadian should know about obesity

 By Carolyn Shimmin There has been a dramatic increase in the number of Canadians living with obesity over the past few decades and it is often cited as a risk factor for other chronic health conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer. This means

The health benefits of the ‘Mediterranean Diet’ is more fad than facts

 By Dr. John Sloan It's hard to find anyone these days who doesn't hate junk food. And an awful lot of people also swear by something called the Mediterranean Diet, often considered junk food’s opposite. Everyone is convinced: junk food is killing us; the Mediterranean Diet will come to the

A New Paradigm for Cancer Prevention

 There have been several advances in the treatment of cancer over the last 20 years. We have new targeted oncology drugs with fewer side effects and improved technology allowing for more sensitive and earlier detection. Evolving research guides oncologists not only when to use chemotherapy, but more importantly, when not

Get Cooking, Ottawa!

 Whether you live alone or with a large family, life never seems to stop. Between yoga, work and soccer practice, it is no wonder planning out meals and cooking at home has taken a back seat. Moulinex wants to change that! It is introducing the Get Cooking Challenge to help

Strawberry and Goat Cheese Grilled Sandwich with a Balsamic Glaze

 Recipe courtesy of Udi’s Gluten Free. Makes 1 serving Enjoy a summertime twist on a gluten free grilled cheese sandwich by adding fresh local strawberries, local goat cheese and zesty balsamic vinegar. Food Styling Suggestions Grilled Cheese cut on a diagonal with the contrast of greens against the strawberries Served on

Body Break’s Dynamic Duo Share Inspirational Story at Ottawa Outdoor and Travel Adventure Show

 Canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board and BMX bike demos left many people eager to hit the water and trails at the Ottawa Outdoor and Travel Adventure Show this past weekend. But there was one show feature that inspired people to make a lifestyle change -- one where participating in activities

Six Tips for Quick and Convenient Healthy Eating during the Holidays from a Holistic Chef

 For many people, the holidays involve indulging in buffet tables loaded with lots of fattening, processed foods and sugary sweets. For those of us who strive the rest of the year to eat a healthy diet while leading busy lives, it can be a challenging time. Not only are we

A Spoonful of Health: A Former Model Finds Remedy in Food and Helps Others to Do the Same

  Natasha Kyssa has been eating raw for more than 20 years. Former model, raw life style coach and author of the Canadian bestseller The SimplyRaw Living Foods Detox Manual, Kyssa once found her cure and salvation in raw eating; she now helps many others seek their remedies in a natural