New Baby Products...very exciting!

As a Naturopath and mom, i'm always on the look-out for natural baby products that are safe to use on my children's (and patients) skin. One of the general complaints that I (and many other naturopaths I have spoken to) have is that even the gentlest of products are fragranced with essential oils (usually lavender, if not several other ones). These are not suitable for infants, nor children with sensitivities. Several months ago my good friend Terri-Ann started making her own moisturizer for her baby Rachel, whom she adopted from South Africa. I had been commenting on how great Rachel's skin always looks - well nourished, free from eczema, and glowing! Rachel is able to swimming in chlorinated pools, as the moisturizer protects her sensitive skin from the harsh, drying effects of the chorine (most black-skinned babies are not able to regularly visit a public pool as it damages their skin in a relatively short time). Terri-Ann made me a jar of the product and I used it faithfully on not only my kids, but on my own dry hands and feet. It worked fabulously! I quickly realized that this was something I needed to share with my patients. Knowing how natural and gentle this moisturizer was re-ignited my own passion for botanical medicine and the preparation of ointments and salves (which we learned during my years of schooling). I have been working the last few weeks on creating a product that we could properly package and distribute at the clinic, and online. This has been such an exciting endeavour, and one that I've extremely passionate about. We are very close to launching the product at Vitality for Life, so stay tuned!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Another tasty and healthy lunch idea!

So this morning I had to get my naturopathic juices flowing once again when there were no leftovers to take for lunch. I quickly cooked some Rye pasta spirals. Once done, i added 1/2 can of black beans, chopped up brocolli/red pepper/carrot/celery, and added olive oil and balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. I'm eating it as a cold pasta salad, and it's delicious! What a wonderful naturopathic meal...I left some for my husband and kids - hopefully they feel the same!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic director
Vitality for Life Health Center
Barrie, ON
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Mmmm....my simple and healthy lunch

This morning, like most mornings at my house, was pretty frantic. Trying to get the kids fed, diapering, playing silly games, all while getting ready for work. When I looked in the fridge, there was absolutely nothing I could bring to work for lunch, except some brown rice from the night before. So, being a naturopath, I had to get creative! I opened a can of black beans, added 1/2 the can to the rice, and put a little soy sauce and sweet chili sauce on my creation! I grabbed a handful of cut-up veggies, some raw almonds and i was ready to go! I just finished my lunch and boy was it good! The whole grain and protein combo will keep me full and energized through the rest of the day i'm sure! There's no excuses not to have a healthy, naturopathic lunch as far as i'm concerned!!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
Barrie, ON
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Barrie's Biggest Loser

Last week I had the privilege of speaking to the contestants of Barrie's Biggest Loser Challenge. It was great to see a group of individuals that are commited to making a change in their health and in their life. I spoke about the benefits of a naturopathic,whole foods diet, and bringing our diet back to 'nature'. I encouraged everyone to simplify their diets, make more foods from scratch, and go back to basics (whole grains, veggies, beans, fruit etc). We discussed some of my favorites (green tea, beans, fish oil supplements), and talked about what to re-stock their cupboards with, to create a more naturopathic diet. I was really pleased with the questions they had for me regarding flax seeds, soy milk and dairy (an often touchy subject!). I really enjoying sharing my knowledge of nutrition, and I hope it has made a difference for some of the contestants!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
Barrie, ON
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!