As we turn the corner into June, Vancouverites can start enjoying the beautiful local produce grown right here in Southwest BC. It’s been officially 10 years since two locals launched a simple experiment to reconnect with the people and places that produced what they ate. For one year, they would only consume food that came from within a 100-mile radius of their Vancouver apartment. The 100-mile Diet was born!
Read MoreThe Mediterranean diet is a way of eating rather than a formal diet plan. It features foods eaten in Greece, Spain, southern Italy and France, and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. More and more research is showing that by following this way of eating we can lower our risk of certain diseases, improve our mood, boost our energy levels and keep our heart and brain healthy. It’s not a coincidence that these guys are living until they are over 100! As a dietitian and food lover I needed to do some research into this so-called Mediterranean diet, so I packed my bags and went to southern Italy for 3+ weeks (hard work – right?)
Read MoreWe’ve all heard it a thousand times: breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that our skipping meals will wreak havoc on a person’s metabolism and cause weight gain. But does the science support these age-old beliefs?
Read MoreDuring the colder, winter months our bodies crave comfort foods – foods that ‘stick to your ribs,’ making you feel full and satisfied, but why? Unfortunately, the verdict is still out on this one; but some say it’s related to our serotonin levels, which are at their lowest during the winter months. Serotonin is a brain chemical that regulates mood, appetite and sleep. So, eating a carbohydrate-rich meal or snack will increase your brain’s production of serotonin making you feel better…at least temporarily. Now what to do when you’ve eaten too much?
Read MoreYour exhausted, it’s been a busy day, but your finally getting ready to sit down and enjoy some ‘me’ time. So, whether you have your favourite TV show ready to go on Netflix or a great book calling your name try these sweet alternatives to appease any sugar craving:
Read MoreIf you were to become a sustainabilist for one month of the year I would pick August to be your month! But before we dive in I should probably define this made up word. Well, sustainability is a system (like the food system) that maintains its own viability, in other words it can maintain itself. So, if you were to become a sustainabilist then you would be trying to live sustainably for instance by eating locally. Whew!
Read MoreMy very pregnant sister was gracious enough to request a blog entry on the link between sprouts, like alfalfa and mung bean, and food borne illnesses for pregnant women. Well, my timing is terrible! Not only has she given birth to my beautiful niece, but Violet is now 2 months old. Despite the fact that I’m a little slow at responding this is still an important message for pregnant women and anyone else who might be immunocompromised.
Read MoreJune 14th is World Blood Donor Day, which means it’s the perfect time to donate blood. However, if you’re anything like me, your luck with being a successful donor might be low. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve called the clinic to book my appointment then arrived on time only to be turned away because my hemoglobin was too low? Well, it turns out I’m not alone.
Read MoreWhen I was 10 years old, my grade 5 schoolteacher told me that the secret to a healthy, long life is oatmeal and what was her evidence? Well, her mom, who was 101 and still healthy and strong ate oatmeal every morning! Almost 20 years later and I still remember this story but now that I’m studying nutrition it’s time to explore this phenomenon – is oatmeal really the secret to becoming a centenarian? Oatmeal is a great way to start your day. Homemade quick rolled oats with melted brown sugar and a tad of cream just makes the most delicious bowel of oatmeal; however, you might find yourself hungry again in no time! How can this be? Doesn’t oatmeal have a ton of fibre?
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