For the past few months I have been juicing every morning before I go to work.  It may seem weird to start your day with a green drink but for me it’s just the thing I need to jump start my day.  After a while I started to wonder if I should buy a juicer for the office so I could juice in the afternoons. Considering the costs associated with buying another juicer as well as produce for the office, that idea came and went pretty quick.  I couldn’t see myself shopping for both home and office and then I started to think of the logistics of storing everything in a fridge that everyone has to share.  Not going to happen.

 Then I was introduced to Brad King’s Ultimate Wild Greens.  In powder form this product is packed with greens as well as a medicinal mushroom blend.  Excited to try it, I decided to incorporate it into my daily routine and have it with my afternoon snack.

 Expecting it to taste like pond scum I was pleasantly surprised to find that it basically had no taste and was equally as happy to find that no sweetener of any kind was added to the formula.  I have tried other green drinks and have been totally thrown off  when they are sweet and have an undertone of artificial berries. Why anyone would think that jacking it up with sweetener or adding a flavor like blueberry would make it more appealing is beyond me. I also found that as far as green drinks go, it mixed quite well and wasn’t overly gritty.

Wild Greens seems to get me over the 3pm hump.  You know, that time after lunch when you start to feel a bit sleepy and your productivity starts to go down the tubes.  I have also noticed that I am not starving when I get home so it must be also helping to balancing my blood sugar.  I am extremely excited about this product and have my husband taking it to work with him!

 So what exactly is in this green formula you might task? 

 Check it out:

• Oganic Barley Grass
• Organic Alfalfa Grass
• Organic Mushroom Blend – includes 6 of the most powerful medicinal mushrooms: Cordyceps, Reishi, Nin-chang-chih, Himematsutake, Lion’s Mane and Maitake
• Organic Wheat Grass
• Organic Oat Grass
• Apple Fibre High Pectin
• Organic Kale
• Peppermint Leaf
• Organic Parsley
• Rhubarb
• Dandelion Herb
• Cleavers
• Shepherd’s Purse
• Male Fern Root
• Organic Sea Buckthorn Juice
• Organic Schisandra Berry Powder

These ingredients boast a plethora of therapeutic benefits and are packed into one highly alkaline formula.  Click here to read more

So…Want more energy?  Want to gently detox? Want to support your immune system?  Try 2 scoops a day of Brad King’s Ultimate Wild Greens and you are bound to experience this and more.

Wild Greens can be found at your local health food store.

-Heidi

So what is all this talk about raw food and raw food diets these days? Is it just the next flash in the pan fad or does it really have staying power? Is it all what it is cracked up to be and is it really worth changing your lifestyle? Let’s face it, we are creatures of habit and changing the way we eat and what we eat can be difficult considering most of us have been doing it a certain way all our lives.

It only stands to reason that eating foods in their natural state must be better but why?

Nutrients / Vitamins/ Phyto-nutrients are lost when we heat up our food.

This poses another problem. Along with all the nutrients, cooking also destroys the enzymes in our food. When you eat raw, all of the enzymes remain in tact. These enzymes allow your body to break down and utilize all the nutrients in the food. Cooked food on the other hand is stripped of these active enzymes which forces our bodies to use our own enzyme store to break down the food. The result being that instead of our own enzymes focusing on healing and fighting infection, they are forced to turn to food breakdown.

According to Dr. Paul Kouchaff MD, eating cooked food causes an increased immune response in the body resulting in the production of more white blood cells. Essentially this means that our bodies actually treat cooked food as it would an infection or foreign invader!!! I also read that cooked food can be attributed to tumor growth and the development of cancer. This would explain why cancer and other diseases are steadily on the rise. With our busy lifestyles we simply are not getting enough fresh fruits and vegetables. Instead the average diet consists of processed foods that contain additives and harmful chemicals.  Unless we eat organic produce, even our fruits and vegetables pose a problem. 

I think it is important to note that although going totally raw might be for some people, simply introducing more raw food into our diets can boast amazing health benefits as well. It is also important to choose oganic produce when at all possible. I have read that by eating raw foods first, our bodies are then better equipped to deal with the cooked food that comes after.

Reasons to Eat More Raw Foods:

• Better digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Increase energy
•  Improved Sleep
• Improved Mental Clarity
• Weight Loss
• Eliminated Constipation – regular bowel movements
• Improved Immunity – less colds and flus
• Increase in vitamins/minerals/phytonutrients directly from your food

For me I am convinced that I certainly do need to eat more raw foods. Going totally raw however is another question. I can’t see how I could pull that off with my lifestyle and I am also not sure that I can live without chicken and fish…(and I am not into sushi or eating raw chicken)…..nor am I sure I want to.

I hope I have given you some food for thought and perhaps the next time you go to grab a midday snack you’ll catch yourself surprizingly reaching for an apple. 

I’ll be making the transition one carrot at a time….

-Heidi

I often wonder what is really happening to us.  Why are we as a country getting bigger?  Can we blame it solely on fast foods and processed diets?  How about video games and lack of exercise – sure.  But what is really behind this epidemic?  Are we lazy or are we just stressed out?

According to Brad King, M.S., MFS “When we constantly stress over things—many of which we have no control over, we end up elevating the powerful stress hormone cortisol. Perception equals reality in the face of stress. During stress, cortisol can easily become more important to your body than other hormones, and since it is produced along the same biochemical pathway as your sex hormones, it usually ends robbing the body of the very substances needed to keep these hormones in abundance. The byproduct of this hormonal imbalance is weight gain, premature aging and loss of libido (just to name a few).”

This rise in cortisol is also what is keeping you up at night and craving sugars and caffeine to get you through the day.

I think stress does play a major role. Gone are the days where women stay home and tend to the house and kids. Both parents are usually off to work and left trying to juggle everything else from laundry to lunches, soccer to parent teacher interviews.  Too much has got them running on empty. Don’t get me wrong here, I work full-time and like it that way, all I am saying is that life is busier now.  Even our children are under more stress. Changes in the educational system have them bringing far more projects and work home which limits their down time. If they are also into any extra curricular activity which most kids are, that leaves them even less time to just “be a kid”. Times have changed and we need to do a “Stress Makeover” or we’ll all see the ugly side of burn out real fast.

So how do we get less stressed and back on the road to health?

• Exercise – lowers stress by lowering cortisol, increases endorphins (feel good brain chemicals) and elevates mood. Go for a walk each day on your lunch; join a class with a friend. Get your body moving!
• Meditation/Prayer – Set aside some time each day to de-stress. If you have difficulty turning off your brain, try listening to a guided meditation.  Cozy up with a book or if you are spiritual spend some quiet time in prayer.
• Go on a Media Diet – I got this tip recently on Dr. Whitaker’s website www.drwhitaker.com Exposing ourselves to all the horrendous events that are detailed in the news and in the papers has a profound effect on our stress levels.  Refrain from watching the news or reading the paper for 3 weeks and see how you feel. 
• Evaluate – Scale back on the things you can, stop spreading yourself so thin.  Make a list of your obligations and weed out the “must dos” from the “should dos”.
• Diet – Carefully choose what you put in your mouth.  Have healthy snacks ready for the times you know you’ll be pressed for time.  Prepare healthy meals ahead of time for evenings that you have a lot going on.  Pack a lunch.  This will keep you from choosing foods to fill the hunger gap that are full of empty calories and do nothing to help your stress level.
• Supplementation – there are many supplements that can help combat stress. One of my favorites is Brad King’s Ultimate Anti-Stress . This product works to lower cortisol, help the body adapt to stress and helps to bring your re-balance your hormines. I have often taken this product in the evening after a stressful day at work and find that I am able to relax and drift off to sleep quicker.  Visit Brad King at http://www.awakenyourbody.com/ I also like Gaba and l-theanine for their calming properties and find that they are helpful during times of heightened stress/anxiety.  These products can be found at your local health food store.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed these days, do yourself a favor and start taking care of yourself.  Reevalute your life and clear out the stressful clutter. You deserve it!

-Heidi

A dear friend of mine recently gave me a wonderful gift – a juicer.  Instead of letting it collect dust alongside many of my other kitchen gadgets, I decided to get on the juicing bandwagon. For the last 3 weeks I have been juicing every morning.  I have already seen a difference in my skin and feel mentally clearer somehow.  I am excited to see what other benefits will come in time.

I started juicing primarily because I saw it as a way to get in more nutrients.  Let’s face it, how many of us eat enough fruits and veggies everyday?  I decided to concentrate my juicing on veggies as I seem to find it easier to eat fruit throughout the day but my greens were lacking. To my surprise it was easy to fit juicing into my morning routine.  I also found that by adding an apple to more potent green combinations, it actually made the drink more palatable. The more I experiment, the more I like it because the combinations are endless and you can switch it up everyday to keep it interesting.

 Health benefits of Juicing:

• Rapid absorption of nutrients since your body doesn’t have to work to break it down
• You are able to consume more by juicing (I look at the heap of veggies that I juice every morning and marvel at all the goodness I am getting in just in my morning juice!)
• Juicing utilizes the whole food, peel, seeds and all which contain powerful nutrients that you wouldn’t get otherwise
• Powerful enzymes are contained in raw food – these enzymes are lost through cooking (heat)
• Antioxidants and immune enhancing nutrients are concentrated in the juice which helps combat free radicals, boost your immune system and slow the onset of age related disease
• Juicing helps with inflammation, digestion, disease protection, immunity, healing, weight loss, depression and more!

It is important to purchase a quality juicer that creates the least amount of heat in the process since heat damages the live enzymes.  It is also important that the juicer doesn’t create a lot of foam.  Foam equals oxidation of the juice which lowers the antioxidant benefits.

 Juicing Tips

• Buy Organic – whenever possible buy organic.  I’d like my juice free of pesticides please…..
• Sip it slowly – to help your body digest it is important for the juice to mix with your saliva so instead of guzzling the juice sip it like your would your morning tea or coffee
• Don’t Delay – Juices are best when consumed fresh – within 15 minutes is preferable
• Go Green or Go Home – Experiment with different green veggies and add in an apple, a few carrots or a cucumber if you find the combination too strong
• Taste the Rainbow – Make it a habit to try an array of colorful veggies and change up your combinations regularly to get maximum health benefits
• Purchase a quality juicer – durable, easy to clean, quiet and one that juices with the least amount of heat (friction)

There are many juicing recipes on the internet or you can experiment on your own.

 Try juicing today and taste the rainbow!

-Heidi

A few weekends ago we had family over for our daughter and son’s birthdays since they fall a week a part. Sometime during the dinner conversation we got into a discussion on sea salt and whether or not it really is better than regular table salt.  Since sea salt is all I have in the house it made me wonder.  I had converted over to sea salt in the summer when my Naturopath had me do an elimination diet and although I had assumed it was better for me because why else would she recommend it, I didn’t know exactly why.

So what started as a family discussion turned into a research project for me.  I found many references on the web, many of which said that there is no difference, that salt is salt.  However after further digging I also did find articles to the contrary.

Sea salt contains larger crystals so therefore it is believed that people use less to get the same desired taste.  Sea salt is also unrefined whereas regular table salt has all the other minerals stripped away resulting in almost pure sodium chloride. Sea salt therefore contains less sodium overall in addition to containing magnesium, calcium, potassium, bromide etc that is not found in regular table salt.

Table salt often also has anti-caking/clumping agents added to it along with iodine.  Sea Salt naturally contains iodine, just less of it. I have also read that some sea salts have added iodine so be sure to check the labels.

When asked for her opinion on sea salt, Dr. Marita Schauch, BSc, ND said: “I prefer sea salt over table salt because sea salt is usually unrefined and contains an abundance of naturally occurring trace minerals.  Conventional salt production usually uses chemicals, additives and heat processing.”

Although I believe that either forms of salt should be used sparingly I am now convinced that sea salt is better. I like getting mine in a grinder because I do find that the salt comes out coarser and feel that I use less that way.

Since Sea Salt has increased its popularity it is available not only in health food stores but also in most grocery stores.

 Happy Friday Everyone!

 -Heidi

I recently read the book “The Power of Maca” by Lorrie Ingram (www.lorrieingram.com).  Although I have known about Maca for a while now I was surprised at how little I actually knew about this amazing superfood from Peru.

 What is Maca?

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable that grows in high altitudes in Peru. Often compared to a turnip or radish, Maca is a small root vegetable that packs a whole lot of punch.  Containing an impressive nutrient content of amino acids, minerals, sterols, 20 fatty acids as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 B12, C, D and E and much more, Maca just might be THE most powerful superfood on the planet!

Forms of Maca

Traditionally Maca is a food that is part of everyday life in Peru.  It is used in soups and stews, ground and added to baked goods, made into tea as well as brewed in alcoholic beverages. Maca is enjoyed by all the ages and is considered a household staple. Since Maca cannot be grown in Canada due to the unique growing conditions required, we can get Maca in capsule, powder and liquid forms.  Maca is definitely increasing in popularity in Canada as people continue to learn and reap its amazing healing benefits.

 Healing Power of Maca

 Due to Maca’s nutrient dense composition, it boasts many health benefits for both men and women including:

• Improve libido
• Increase Energy
• Enhance sexual stimulation
• Assist to overcome depression
• Immune Booster
• Hormone Balancer – Help with symptoms of PMS and Menopause
• Decrease stress and anxiety
• Enhance Fertility
• Improve Concentration

 Another wonderful thing about Maca is that it is a food so you needn’t be concerned about taking it with other supplements or medications.

Brad King’s Ultimate Maca Energy capsules, powder and liquid can be purchased at your local health food store. This line is superior in the fact that the Maca is ethically farmed, sun dried, free of common allergens and non-GMO.   Visit Brad at http://www.awakenyourbody.com/    

Check out Brad’s Maca interview on OptimyzTV  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QwSS46B5Lg&feature=player_embedded#!

 To quote Lorrie’s book: “As my dear friend always says; If you do not take time to care for your health now, then you better make time to be sick later.” 

So what are you waiting for?  Start today and discover for yourself the amazing powers of Maca – You’re worth it!!

-Heidi

Ever wonder if the phrase “An apple a day, keeps the Doctor away” is actually based on truth?  We pack these puppies in our kids’ lunches just like our parents did but do we ever stop and ponder “What’s in an apple?”

After having endless returns of apples in my sons lunch bags I decided that if I wanted to insist that they eat them I better give them some good reasons why. Since Gabe, the younger of the two seems to like food facts I thought the best way to get him to eat them was to give him food for thought.  

 ABC’s on Apples:

•  Nature’s toothbrush – Apples help prevent tooth decay because the biting and chewing stimulates saliva (If I could say that it replaces the toothbrush then I’d have a real selling point with my boys!!)
•  Mind over Matter – Apples increase vital neurotransmitters that help to combat the effects of aging on the brain as well as lower the risk of Alzheimers
•  Protect your Plumbing – Apples are high in fibre which helps prevent constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and can even help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Do boys ever grow out of potty talk? They are 10 and 13, please let me know)
• Keep the doctor away – Apples contain quercetin which is a powerful antioxidant and immune booster
•  Protect your Peepers – The antioxidant properties in apples help to prevent cataracts
•  Long Live the Liver – both the fibre and antioxidants found in apples help to detoxify and support the liver
•  Put Parkinson’s in Park – The antioxidants in apples protect against free radicals  damage that can cause the breakdown of dopamine
• The Skinny on Apples – High in Fibre, low in calories, apples are good for any diet!
•  The Big C – Apple peels contain triterpenoids that have been identified to have powerful anti growth activities in cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Since they are also rich in fibre apples also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer
• The Heart of the Matter – Apples protect your heart by aiding in lowering cholesterol levels and keeping your arteries healthy

It is clear that apples indeed have many health benefits so we can attest to the truth in that age old phrase.  But will it be enough to get my kids eating the shiny fruit instead of sending them packing?  I will tackle that, one apple at a time.

 Happy Friday the 13^th!!!!

-Heidi

Ok so this is not about the rebound as some people know it in the dating scene.  I am talking about mini trampolines, also known as rebounders.

Since I am always switching up my fitness routine, mostly because I like to keep things interesting, I decided that it had been a while since I used my Rebounder.  So after making the pact to myself that I will do at least 10 minutes a day, I dragged it out of hiding and got jumping.

I forgot how much I liked it.  No impact on the joints, you can watch your favorite show, oh and it reminds me of jumping on beds when I was a kid.  What could be better?  Time flies when you’re having fun!! 

It wasn’t too long before my daughter Bevann wanted into the action.  Kids love to bounce.  The challenge was trying to fit both of us on at the same time and coordinate our bounces so one of us didn’t go flying. We managed and I ended up doing more than 10 minutes which was a bonus.  As I tucked it out of the way, I found myself recalling all the benefits of rebounding…..  Something fun AND good for you…..

• Great for circulation – oxygen in tissues = no disease
• Aerobic exercise that creates no stress on joints
• Helps support the immune system
• Promotes lymphatic circulation
• Strengthens the heart and other muscles
• Improves balance
• Aids in digestion and elimination
• Helps increase energy
• Exercises every part of your body
• Helps prevent osteoporosis
• Aids in weight loss
• It is fun!!

If you are looking for something active to do that is fun I highly recommend it.  You can freestyle it on your own or most trampolines come with a aerobic video you can do if that suits you better.

Be wary though, not all trampolines are made equal.  You want to make sure you get one that is durable and has adequate springs so I suggest doing some research. Mine is a Rebound Air and folds in half for easy storage or transport.

Happy Jumping!!!

 -Heidi

Today is Christmas Eve Eve. Even though this week was spent finishing crafts I decided on tackling last minute and braving stores for some late shopping, I was very touched at some of the heartwarming people I came across this busy holiday season. Expecting to get run over by a manic shopper trying to beat me to the checkout or falling a victim of road rage as someone honks their horn and utters threats when I take a few extra seconds to park my car (sound familiar?), this year things were different.

 I ran into one store and standing by the entrance was an elderly man from the Salvation Army that was taking donations as people came in and out.  I smiled as I walked by thinking to myself that I will drop some change on my way out.  As I completed my transaction I dug into my pocket and got my change ready.  As I handed the gentleman the money, he smiled and gave me a big warm hug and thanked me for smiling at him on my way in.  I was so touched by his kindness and wondered, is a smile all it takes to make someone’s day?  Could life be that simple? 

 I went on to pull into the gas station to fuel up and grab a tea before hitting the other stores on my list.  I saw Bob, a guy that works across the street from my office who I occasionally give rides to since he doesn’t drive. He’s a simple man and from what I can tell by our brief conversations, doesn’t seem to have much. Yet despite his situation every time I see him he is friendly and polite and is proud that he remembers my name.  I say hello as I pass him on my way into Tim’s and ask him if I can buy him a coffee.  His face lit up as he told me his order and I headed in and got in line.  What he doesn’t realize is that yes I bought him a coffee and maybe I give him lifts across town every now and then, but he has given me something far more important.  He has made me realize that it doesn’t matter what your situation is, there is always something to smile and be thankful for.  If hope had a face, it would be Bob’s. 

My day of errands continued on this way. It turned out to be a day of reflection on what this time of year means to me and how I want to be all year around.  I started thinking about my kids and how I want to make sure that they understand that Christmas is more about love and togetherness than it is about what they are getting under the tree.  I know, now I sound like Dr. Seuss……

I thought about things that we do as a family and things I’d like to start doing to capture the true feeling of Christmas. Some of these ideas are things we already do; some are borrowed ideas from friends, some just ideas that came to mind.  Many of these things can be adapted and used throughout the year.  Imagine if we all had a little more Christmas spirit all year long?

•  Buy a coffee for a stranger- I’ve been on both sides of this and it feels great either way
• Christmas Carol in your neighborhood – belt out your favorite songs even if you feel silly.  Good way to feel like a kid again and lighten up!
• Give handmade gifts – much more thoughtful and meaningful for both you and the special person you give it to
• Build a snowman – complete with pipe, button nose and two eyes made out of cole.  Don’t forget the magic hat!!
• PJ Day – pick a day over the holidays that you will turn off the phone and stay in your jammies and play games, watch movies or catch up on the reading you’ve been meaning to do.
• Donate gently used toys to Charity – my kids are very fortunate and tend to get spoiled all year long so one thing we do over the holidays is purge the playroom.  The kids get involved going through their stuff and making a box to give away.  It helps them realize how lucky they are and they feel good about doing it
• Make Snow Angels – get the kids involved and make a snow angel family.  Best when it is lightly snowing so you can also catch snowflakes on your tongue
• Write a letter to someone special – tell them how much you love and appreciate them
• Attend Christmas Eve Service – many churches have candlelight services which are really pretty and joyful
• Support a local family in need – for the past few years our office has sponsored a family in need instead of gift giving. Knowing we make the holidays a little brighter for some kids makes us all very happy 
• Give the gift of time -visit a local Nursing home/Seniors Centre – many elderly people are lonely this time of year.  Nothing is better than the gift of time.  
• Smile more and wish people a Happy Holiday or Merry Christmas more often – Happiness is contagious.  Spread as much of it as you can.

 Whatever your situation is this holiday season my wish is that you feel peace and love as it carries you into a new year.

 Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday and all the best in 2012.

 -Heidi

We all know that the body creates Vit D with sun exposure but with all the hype about skin cancer and wrinkles, are we getting enough?

In order to maintain adequate D levels you need to have at least 10-15 minutes of sun exposure, twice per week on your face, arms, hands or back. Doesn’t seem like a lot however sunscreen hinders Vit D production.  Also if you are dark skinned, it is said that you need 20-30 times more exposure than those with fairer skin.

So if we’re not getting enough sun, how else do we get the sunshine vitamin?

Surprisingly, vitamin D isn’t readily found in our diet.  Commonly found in fortified foods where it is added , the only food sources include some fish, beef liver, cheese and egg yolks.  This is why most people who are concerned about their levels of D turn to supplementation.

 So what does Vitamin D do anyway……?

• Aids in the maintenance of healthy bones
• Regulates the Immune System
• May protect against diabetes
• Lowers the risk of MS
• Increases brain function as we age
• Aids in maintaining healthy body weight
• Helps severity of asthma symptoms
• Protects us against radiation damage
• Protects against Cancer
• Maintains Cardiovascular Health
• Helps with mood/depression

DID YOU KNOW……. Lower D levels are commonly found in Cancer patients

With such a wide scope of health benefits I think it is safe to say that we all need to make sure we have enough Vit D.  Especially in the darker days of winter, Vitamin D supplementation is very important. 

Although opinion may vary by doctor or naturopath the recommended daily dose of Vit D is 600IU – 4,000 IU for adults. I take 4,000 IU’s in the winter and drop it down to 2,000 in the summer.  When in doubt consult your Doctor or naturopath.

 You can purchase Vit D at your local health food store.

- Heidi