9 Time Saving Tips in the Kitchen December 9, 2009

1. Freezer Saviour: having frozen vegetables on hand means you can use them for soups or quick stir-fry’s, freezing does not compromise the nutritional value of the vegetables. Once you have made an abundance of food, (and I encourage you to make larger batches of food when you can) freeze the leftovers and use them on those days you don’t feel like cooking. Quiches freeze well, as do beans, burritos,pastas, chilis, stir-fry’s and soups! Frozen fruit can be used for smoothies, and can be incorporated into a fruit crumble dessert, or atop your morning oatmeal. Whatever fruits are going soft in your fridge, can be frozen and used later (bananas, berries, mangoes). You can also make and freeze waffles, pancakes and muffins for a weekend brunch or breakfast for your kids (if you have em’).

2. Keep the Basics on hand: Staples like flour, herbs, spices, mustards, grains, vinegars and oils store well and can be used in many different recipes. If you need a no fail recipe for vinaigrettes, here are some recipes and ratios to follow. If you know that you use ginger, garlic, onions, carrots, celery or sweet potatoes often in cooking, stock up. Beets, potatoes, onions and cabbage are great to have on hand when you don’t have any fresh veggies to use. If you have a regular supply and make sure to restock it efficiently, you’ll be able to save time and the stress of last minute shopping. Canned items such as beans, lentils, canned diced tomatoes, coconut milk, fish…etc help make very easy meals when you don’t have much time to go shopping for fresh ingredients. Canned lentils with some chopped parsley, yellow pepper, cherry tomatoes and feta will make an easy and filling lunch! Add some olive oil and lemon, salt and pepper and its’ ready to eat. Here’s another great recipe for you with chickpeas. Canned tomatoes and coconut milk can be added to soups, stews and sauces. For some more condiment ideas check this out.

Give Your Immunity a Healthy Boost November 30, 2009

Elbowing has become the new high five. I don’t know if anyone out there is actually making this look cool, but there is a whole marketing campaign attempting to do so. They are trying to retrain people to avoid shaking hands or kissing both cheeks. We are to avoid all physical contact with others until further notice.

Healthy Ontario estimates that Canadian adults get an average of four colds a year, while Health Canada says up to 25 per cent of Canadians (that’s eight million people) will come down with the flu each year.

Let’s see what Elmo and Gordon have to say about this:

Now if after all the avoidance of physical contact, sneezing into your elbows and carrying around hand sanitizer in your bag doesn’t work, and you feel yourself coming down with something why not try the brew of Ginger Tea in the recipe below to soothe your throat and feel better.

It’s Good For Your Heart… November 5, 2009

When a client asks me, “What is good for my heart?” they usually expect to hear me rant about green tea, anti-oxidants, and a diet low in fat and cholesterol—typical recommendations from doctors and nutritionists. But I can never talk about food and health without addressing the bigger picture.

On this blog, I give you tips on how to have a Tasty Life through easy recipes and hands-on health tips. My intention is to inspire you to help you achieve fantastic health and energy eating whole foods, affordably and easily!

I choose to focus on food because that is one area we are all in touch with at least three times a day. We eat the foods we feel like or the ones we have cravings for. Sometimes a chocolate brownie will do the trick, while other times we might feel the urge to eat a good dose of greens and whole grains (wishful thinking, right?). But we sometimes forget to pay attention to the inedible things that will nurture us.

In the Grind: Coffee and Health October 6, 2009

“The best part of waking up” for 80% of the world’s population, is with some coffee in their cup. There are many reasons for worshipping coffee; whether you are like my mother and enjoy the morning ritual, or the heat emanating from your cup, the fun foam that tickles your nose, the scent of soil in the beans, or that first bitter sweet taste that makes you groan awake and say “good morning.” Coffee is the quintessential pick me up.

As a Wellness Coach I don’t judge what clients consume as “good or bad” because when I tell them that they  shouldn’t eat something, they usually end up rebelling. Instead, I invite you all to become aware of the effect certain foods have on your unique body. Here’s how caffeine works in the body, specifically in the brain. Everyone reacts to caffeine differently, and before I grind into coffee- I want to point out that in moderation coffee has actually been studied to have certain health benefits. When you do partake why not chose fair trade?

The Most Important Meal of The Day September 23, 2009

I did a survey asking friends, family members and the occasional stranger what their favorite meal of the day was. This was not a very scientific study so don’t expect any pie charts, but most people responded with breakfast!

If you are on the coffee and doughnut bandwagon, I would suggest jumping off now and taking a look at the many available options listed here which are filling, and will provide you with more energy to start your day.

Healthy Eating On the Road August 31, 2009

I fondly remember family road trips because despite the cramped quarters we shared in the back seat for countless hours, the arguments about who would sit shotgun, or whose feet were the source of the smell, when lunch time came around we all made peace.

The tradition was to have a healthy meal and a special treat. Our favourite lunch hands down was tuna salad with lots of veggies on a whole wheat baguette (that we got at a deli or made at home), followed by a stop at the Ben and Jerry’s factory in Vermont for a pint of ice cream that was shared by all six of us– two up front, four in the back seat.

While some people look forward to road trips as  a time to let go and eat fast food, or indulge in “forbidden” junk food like chips, doughnuts, or chocolate bars, I want to invite you to try including real food– that is, fruits, nuts, veggies and whole grains– on the menu. If you’re driving for hours you could use some high quality energy, and junk food won’t keep you full for long!

Keep reading for 10 tasty tips on how to eat healthy on the road!