Nutrition & Wellness
Saghi: Hungry For Change
What a week! I wasn’t feeling well for a few days, so I missed my cardio and strength training sessions last week. So what do I do while resting on the couch? Watch a documentary on healthy eating of course. If I can’t work out I might as well learn more about nutrition. I had heard about this documentary called Hungry for Change. I decided to watch it. All I can say about it is that it was a MAJOR eye opener! Most of you know I have a weak spot for baked goods and other sweets… let’s just say I think twice now when I walk by a Tim Hortons or Starbucks when I get my cravings. I strongly recommend this documentary to anyone who wants to learn more...
Read MoreAnti-Inflammatory Foods
This is a confusing issue for most. Inflammation in the body is a necessary thing – sometimes good, sometimes bad. Basically, it is either the body’s response to something unfavourable (an infection, an intolerance, an injury) or something a bit stressful and not necessarily in a bad way (a tough workout). It is the body’s method of self-protection and attempt to remove something harmful: cells, pathogens, irritants. To some people, certain foods will increase inflammation (dairy, gluten), and to some people, simply eating too much in one sitting repeatedly leads to chronic issues of inflammation. Inflammation itself leads to MORE inflammation and can...
Read MoreGoing Au Naturel – 2 Week Update
Easy, this is not. But, I have managed to get rid of ALMOST all of my heavily toxic products in favour of more natural and earth-friendly ones. I am not by any means perfect at this point, and I highly doubt that I will ever be. But what I have changed so far will make a great big difference in my insides and as well in what I’m rinsing down the drain. I had to add some Aveda shampoo and conditioner to the hair department. Their “Scalp Benefits” seems to be the cleanest type. Hugo Naturals shampoo and conditioner is lovely, smells great, but frankly the Aveda leaves it a bit softer and less dreadlock-like. I DO blame myself for this –...
Read MoreAdd These Proteins to Your Diet, Vegetarian or Not!
A lot of people are veering toward a diet that is sustainable without the inclusion of much meat, given its health benefits, and of course the ghastly practices that mass production of meat has led to. Although protein is of course essential (for cell maintenance, growth and repair – for muscles, organs and nutrient delivery – for healthy skin, hair and nails), much of our society has become obsessed with the macronutrient because of the low carb diet craze. Too much of anything gets stored, and that includes protein. Generally, 8gram of protein for every 20lbs of bodyweight is a good place to start. If you are doing a lot of strength training, you may...
Read More3 Top Benefits of Brown Bagging Your Lunch
Life gets busy, we scramble, and we end up saying “oh screw it, I’ll just buy lunch today” when we’ve failed to prepare. If you need a little reminder of how much smarter it is to invest 5 minutes every evening or morning to pack yourself a lunch, here it is: 1) It’s much easier to eat a nutritious, filling and clean meal. Most restaurant / takeout options have tons of hidden fat, salt and calories that are energy zappers and waistline expanders. Even salads are often served with multiple portions of fat (be them healthful or not – they would be more than we would add at home as consumers like to “get their money’s...
Read MoreConfessions of a Beauty Product Junkie -> Going Au Naturel
I am a bit behind the times. I avoided a lot of education about the chemicals in my beauty products, because I have such an extensive collection and the idea of overhauling it was incredibly daunting. I mean, being attached to beauty products is unhealthy in itself (hello, victim of marketing schemes much?) – but I have finally become too uncomfortable with the concept of parabens disrupting my hormones to be able to continue. I wasn’t ready before, and now I am. Did you know that parabens are found in breast cancer tumors in 19 out of 20 women? I’ve been studying ewg.org’s Skin Deep website and am finally beginning to learn a ton of...
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