Tuesday, November 6, 2012

RAW TOUR 2012



Feeling Healthy, Being Alive!

Clive Langton, Director of RawBC

The increasing interest in health information, prevention and knowledge continues to grow in the Maple Ridge community. Individuals are looking for more ways to achieve the best possible level of health and well-being and last night's attendance was evidence of that. The interest in healthy living and the raw food lifestyle is on the rise and it is exciting. We can all feel healthier and  more alive by introducing great tasting raw foods to our diet.

A heartfelt thank you to Clive Langton, Director of RawBC for the educational, and entertaining evening. Clive inspired us as he shared his own personal journey. His presentation exuded passion, enthusiasm and a nice dose of humor which I always appreciate and enjoy. 


 
A shout out to Maple Ridge Naturopathic Clinic for organizing and hosting the event. Dr. Jason Hughes a Naturopathic doctor, clinical supervisor and teacher at the Boucher Institute Of Naturopathic Medicine launched the evening with a brief informative presentation on "cell" function. His teaching abilities are quite evident.

Dr. J. Hughes, Gina Huges

Gina K Hughes a Raw Food Chef and real food mentor made delicious treats for everyone to sample. People's facial expressions painted a thousand words as they bit into the raw treats. I glanced over my shoulder and noticed a woman who had just bitten gingerly into the raw vegan dessert ball. Her eyebrows rounded, a grin began to form and then she lifted her head in amazement "It doesn't taste vegan, raw or healthy! she replied. 


 
Gina K. Hughes will also be hosting the Golden Ears Raw Food meetup once a month in Maple Ridge. Gina's passion is to support you through your raw food journey and to cheer you on into great health. More details will follow with location and time.


Special thanks to Roots Natural Organic Foods for donating the lovely door prizes. Roots continues to be an active participant in promoting health in the community of Maple Ridge. They are exceptional!

Louella & Me
Overall, it was a wonderful educational community event. I foresee many more in 2013.  Staying healthy together!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Immune Boosting Foods & Nutrients




As autumn progresses and winter approaches staying positive and optimistic can be a challenge. Do waves of disappointment sweep over you? 

Maintaining health this time of year doesn't have to be a losing battle. Keeping your body healthy and in "harmony" during the seasonal transition is possible.

The much dreaded flu and cold season is upon us. So, how can you bolster your defenses against these lurking invaders?  


A strong immune response is crucial to protect the body against disease and illness. Here are some immune boosting foods & nutrients to fight off those "pesky" bugs.


Onion & Garlic: When combined these flavorful healers contain numerous antiseptic and immune boosting properties. Garlic, this potent onion relative contains the active ingredient allicin, which fights infection and bacteria. 

Yogurt: The "live active cultures" found in yogurt, are healthy bacteria that keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs. Studies show that eating a cup of low-fat yogurt each day can reduce your susceptibility to colds by 25 percent. 

Honey: Honey has numerous medicinal properties and is a natural way to soothe sore throats. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to help fight infections from viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fats,which reduce inflammation, increasing airflow and protecting lungs from colds and respiratory infections.

Bone Broth: My Mama and Nonna/Grandma know best and they were right. Home made soup is one of the greatest remedies to strengthen your immune and  most importantly the digestive system.  Use pasture raised beef or chicken and to Increase soup's immune-boosting power add some onions and garlic.

Mushrooms: Studies show that mushrooms increase the production and activity of white blood cells, making them more aggressive. Shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms appear to pack the biggest immunity punch

Green Tea: Polyphenols, potent plant antioxidants, is what gives green tea its immune-boosting effects. So drink up!  

Vitamin D: Laboratory studies indicate that the nutrient may help immune cells identify and destroy bacteria and viruses that make us sick. An immune-booster must!

Vitamin C: Is a powerful antioxidant that protects against infection and enhances immunity. Vitamin C works by increasing the production of white blood cells. 

Probiotic: While yogurt is a good source of probiotics, I highly recommend an additional high potency multi-strain probiotic supplement. Probiotics support the immune system,balance the intestinal environment and inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms. 

"Stay committed to your goal of maintaining a healthy lifestyle this Fall. Until one is committed, there is hesitancy"


Don't fall back into bad habits, fall into health! Stay Active, Eat Well & Take To Relax!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

It's All It's Wrapped Up To Be!



Body treatments have gained vast popularity since it was discovered that they are not solely for beautification purposes. Some of their numerous therapeutic benefits include cleansing, detoxifying, and nourishing the skin. 

Your skin is the largest organ of your body and what you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body. The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin accumulates dead skin cells that need to be removed.

Body treatments start with a body polish, scrub or dry skin brushing. This exfoliates the skin sloughing off dead dry skin.

It's All It's Wrapped Up to Be!

Body wraps begin with exfoliation by utilizing skin brushing, salt scrub or a dry exfoliating glove. Exfoliating before a wrap helps rid the skin of dead cells  and opens pores to prepare the skin to receive the nourishing properties. This will increase the effectiveness of the body wrap.

The body mask is delicately applied all over the body using smooth strokes.     The body is gently cocooned with warm linens, heat retaining foils and  a thermal blanket. The warm linens assist the skin to open pores and allow the toxins to be excreted and deeply absorb the nutrients.

While relaxing, Exodus Colon Health & Wellness clients will receive  a 15 point acupressure facial, facial massage and a light oil-free mini-scalp massage. The treatment is completed with a liberal application of one of the following: moisturizer, lotion, oil or cream to leave your skin feeling  hydrated, soft and supple.

Exodus Colon Health & Wellness offers a selection of holistic and therapeutic modalities that complement and promote the detoxification process; leaving you relaxed, rejuvenated and re-energized.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Moroccan Lentil Soup

Greetings Everyone!

Summer is finally here and in full swing! It's hard to believe that we were experiencing cool and rainy temperatures just a week ago. Our average June temperature was 15C/59F and a low of 11C/52F


I posted this exotic vegetarian soup on my official Facebook page on July 2nd. This warm and comforting dish was fitting for the below seasonal temperatures. So, due to popular demand ...Voila!

Moroccan Lentil Soup: (Gluten & Dairy Free)

Laced with pungent spices and punctuated with the freshness of  chopped tomatoes and cilantro.



2 cups dried green lentils
1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil 
l large onion, diced
1/2 cup diced carrot, l large peeled carrot
l large stalk celery, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/.2 tsp. paprika
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp.. each turmeric, ground cumin, cinnamon and ginger
Juice of 1 lemon
2 fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced
Chopped fresh cilantro

Place lentils in a bowl and cover with 6 cups cold water. Soak for 1 hour. Then strain and rinse well. Heat oil in a large saucepan.  Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and saute over medium heat, stirring often until soft, about 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle with seasonings and lemon juice. Add soaked and rinsed lentils along with 6 cups fresh cold water. Stir together and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend and lentils to soften.  Stir in tomatoes.  Heat through.  Serve soup with cilantro sprinkled over top.


Thursday, May 10, 2012

Therapeutic & Aromatic Body Therapy

Raindrop Therapy- a therapeutic & aromatic essential oil bodywork therapy



Raindrop Therapy is a powerful, non-invasive technique utilizing the antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory action of several key essential oils. As a result, this therapy enhances immunity and supports the body's natural defenses. Essential oils have the ability to penetrate the skin quickly and pass into bodily tissues to produce amazing therapeutic effects. This incredible therapy is also mood elevating and relaxing therefore enhancing overall health and vitality; leaving you with a rejuvenated sensation.

Calming & Relaxing

Soothes Tense Muscles

Stimulates Circulation

Promotes Lymphatic Drainage

Enhances Immunity

Enables Detoxification

In short, the benefits of this therapy go well beyond the physical benefits. Raindrop can not only help relieve pain and restore immediate physical well-being, but it can set in motion the healing processes that will last for weeks.

75 Minutes of pure Luxury!
 
 

Gift Certificates Available!

The Purr....fect Mother's Day Gift