The word detox has become well known in the past decade because we live in a world of abundance but have an attitude of lack towards our health. For most, it is associated with juicing vegetables and drinking only water while suffering from hunger and headaches – not extremely appetizing. However, the stigma should be lifted as detoxing is vitally important for optimal health. The actual definition of detox is a period of time in which one rids the body of toxins.

When transitioning into a healthy lifestyle it is imperative that a detoxification period is incorporated to clean up the synthetic, toxic chemistry in the digestive system. You are only as healthy as your digestive system! The body has two ways of defending itself from the effects of toxins. First its produces mucus to coat the chemicals to buffer any potential irritation. Secondly, the body generates fat to store the toxins in as they are lipophilic or fat loving substances. The toxins will then have a protective...

Apples are available almost year round in Ontario and one of the only fruits available in the winter months. Apples are perfect little packages of health, which is how they got their slogan: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Here are some nutritious facts on apples and a simple recipe to help you incorporate this amazing fruit into your daily life!

1. One of the highest fruits for antioxidant activity! Most of the activity is concentrated in the peel.

2. Great support for brain health. Apples protect against oxidative stress-induced activity towards neuron cells and possibly can prevent or slow the occurrence of Alzheimer’s.

3. Due to their high antioxidant content, apples lower the risk of heart disease and cancers.

4. Preventative measures against diabetes! Eating an apple a day stimulates the beta cells in the pancreas to secrete insulin, keeping it healthy and supporting the organ.

Apple Parsnip Soup

· 1/4 cup olive oil

· 3 leeks, white parts only,...

The season of winter can seem long and drawing. Many Canadians are affected by seasonal affective disorder or SAD – a depressive state during the autumn and winter months. January and February (after the holidays) seem to be the months most are affected. SAD has been associated with a lack of sunlight due to the dark and cloudy days and the blistering cold weeks where no one leaves the house. I believe that this with the combination of poor eating habits cause the depressive epidemic we see each winter.

Other than taking vacation to the tropics there is little to do to improve sun exposure for Canadians. Taking a vitamin D drop each day is one suggestion that I always recommend when dealing with SAD (I prefer the brand Orange). However, diet can significantly determine mood. Here are some foods to stop eating, and better alternatives, during the winter months (inspired by Dr. Axe https://draxe.com/bad-mood-foods):

Agave nectar: This naturally sourced sugar has become very...

The word detox has become well known in the past decade because we live in a world of abundance but have an attitude of lack towards our health. For most, it is associated with juicing vegetables and drinking only water while suffering from hunger and headaches – not extremely appetizing. However, the stigma should be lifted as detoxing is vitally important for optimal health. The actual definition of detox is a period of time in which one rids the body of toxins.

When transitioning into a healthy lifestyle it is imperative that a detoxification period is incorporated to clean up the synthetic, toxic chemistry in the system. The body has two ways of defending itself from the effects of toxins. First its produces mucus to coat the chemicals to buffer any potential irritation. Secondly, the body generates fat to store the toxins in as they are lipophilic or fat loving substances. The toxins will then have a protective barrier and cease to cause further harm.

It is not ideal to...

Do you smoothie? I know this isn’t gonna be a healthy habit post for everyone - but when done right smoothies can be one of the most nutrient dense meals of the day.

Why are they beneficial?

1. You can hide a surprising amount of veggies in each serving

2. It is quite easily absorbed by the body as smoothies are basically broken down foods (the digestive system doesn’t have to work as hard)

3. You can add a ton of boosters that turn a smoothie into a superfood

How do I smoothie?

I always start with a base (water or a nut mylk - preferably coconut milk or cashew they are creamier) then I add my veggies (spinach, beets, celery, cucumber) I BLEND HERE SO THE VEG GETS NICE AND BROKEN DOWN - very important unless you want to chance getting a mouth full of leaves.

I then add the sweetness (I think this is the most important as you need something to make it taste fantastic (as to achieve you consuming the entire smoothie and making it again and again). Here I usually go for...

There is nothing better than a warming dish of curried vegetables on a winter day! The combination of spices and coconut really make this dish AMAZING! Inspired by Angela Liddon this plant based meal is a must have during the winter season.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tabespoons virgin coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced
• 4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 medium/large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch
• 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 14oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 14oz can light coconut milk
• 5oz package baby spinach 
• Freshly ground black pepper

For serving

• Cooked basmati rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves
• Unsweetened shredded coconut
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. The oil is hot enough when a cumin seed...

There are 3 different ways at looking at recipes or labels with the words gluten free written across.

1. You roll your eyes in annoyance as this is clearly a marketing placement since the entirety of North America seems to be so afraid of "gluten", a substance that has been around for as long as wheat has grown on the earth - so what's the big deal? And you avoid completely

2. You gravitate to all that say gluten free since gluten must be bad for you if the media has so many negative things to say.

3. You understand what gluten is and how it affects the boy. You realize that the consumption of gluten in the North American society is far greater than it has ever been in the history so naturally sensitivities are on the rise. BUT you look at the ingredients on all foods labelled GLUTEN FREE as you also know that most recipes are loaded with sugars and other unhealthy substitutes.

Hoping that all of you are looking at this recipe with the open mind of #3! Gluten is a substance in many...