The Healthy Side of Chocolate...

'February is Heart Health Month'

With Valentines Day just around the corner many are rushing to buy their special someone a little something special. I suggest, if you're going with chocolate choose the DARK CHOCOLATE...

Dark chocolate has many health benefits. It is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants.

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Lowers Blood Pressure
Lower Cholesterol
Stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure
It contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant
It contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulant

Check out what people are saying: The Bittersweet Treat and The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

For a homemade, creative and healthy gift idea check out the recipe corner... 

Nutritionista's Recipe Corner:

Dark Chocolate wafers

You can mix in anything you like, such as:

Cranberries, shredded coconut, almonds, pumpkin seeds, raisins, walnuts, dried blueberries and/or dried strawberries

I tossed in cranberries and crushed walnuts!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Stay Healthy! 

Oatmeal for Heart Health: Creative Ideas...

'February is Heart Health Month'

I saw an old friend at the grocery store and as soon as she saw me she said, “So oats are good for your heart! But how much fun is oatmeal every morning?"

This post is dedicated to the nonbelievers…

Who says oatmeal needs to be boring?!?! All you need is a little creativity, something sweet and a dash of spice…

                                                                                                            seriouseats

                                                                                                                                    

Here are some of my favourite combinations to add to oatmeal:

A banana, walnuts, ground cinnamon, almond milk and honey.

Strawberries, sliced almonds and soy milk.

Mixed berries, ground cinnamon and honey.

A sliced peach, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, agave syrup and crushed almonds.

Cubed apples, ground cinnamon, almond milk and raisins.

Sliced apples, ground allspice, honey and sliced almonds.

Cranberries, walnuts and brown sugar.

Pecans, ground cinnamon, ground ginger and honey.

Unsweetened shredded coconut, sliced almonds, raisins and honey.

Sliced pear, sliced almonds, cinnamon and honey.

If you have any creative ideas share them. I love trying new combinations!

Stay Healthy!

February is Heart month: The essentials to keeping your ticker strong...

When people think of February they tend to think ‘Valentines Day.’ People forget that February is ‘Heart Health Month.’ I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how important your heart is or how the health of your body effects the strength and power of your heart. These are things that I believe you all already know.

For a refresher check Out ‘Canada’s five most deadly diseases’ and try the ‘How Healthy is your Heart?’ quiz.

What I will do is draw your attention to heart strengthening super foods.

While living on Valentines Day goodies and chocolates for the entire month of February seems tempting and divine, think of your heart and aim for a healthier diet. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and vegetarian and/or lean proteins into your diet.

                             blisstree.com

Foods for the Heart: walnuts, salmon, oranges, avocado, trout, fibre rich cereal, black beans, almonds, oats, artichoke and olive oil.

Add Garlic, onions, sage and turmeric to your food to add flavour and strengthen your heart.

Keep these all in mind and work on incorporating them into this month's meal choices!


Nutritionista's Recipe Corner:     

    Chopped Beets

    Chickpeas

    Chopped Cucumber

    Alfalfa Sprouts

    Corn

    Lemon Juice

    Wasabi Mustard

    Bon appétit! 

Stay Healthy!

Healthy Birthdays - A New Fad or Here to Stay?

"Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision; fresh hope. And out of hope progress." - Bruce Barton 

This weekend was my beautiful cousin’s eighth birthday. Her talented mother put together a ‘Hawaiian Hula’ party. Aside from the wonderfully themed décor and the adorable company, the food was delicious and nutritious… Well except for the chocolaty ‘Hula’ sensation of a cake she made!

The menu included a variety of salads, chicken stir-fry, beef patties, shrimp curry and salmon. Surprised?!?! I was!!! Especially since pizza, burgers, fries and chicken nuggets tend to be the menu of choice for birthday parties.

I was thrilled to see that there were so many healthy options and that the children were enjoying the food without a single complaint. This made me think about two articles I read on obesity in North America.

"One in four Canadian children is now estimated to be overweight and 1 in 10 is clinically obese," Carolyn Abraham, Globe and Mail.    

Check out Fat Nation: Canadians are heavier, wider, weaker and Childhood obesity.

Since obesity has become such an ‘epidemic’ shouldn’t we be paying closer attention to what we're consuming??? I think it’s time to kick this ‘epidemic’ in the behind and change our eating habits.

Trade fatty nutrition-less fries for antioxidant rich baked yam ‘fries.’

Start by making a nutritious change a week. Take it one day at a time… Before you know it making healthier meals and choices will come naturally!

What do you think: Are healthy birthday parties just a trend or are they here to stay???

Thanks 'Everyone Needs a Little PR' for the wonderful Detox critique! 

Stay Healthy!