Delicious Black Bean soup!

I wanted to share with you my recipe for a mexican-style, healthy black bean soup. I never measure the ingredients, so feel free to play around with the amounts!
Ingredients:
-1 large onion
-3 cloves garlic
-3-4 celery stalks (include the leaves for extra flavor)
-1 Tbsp cumin
-1 carton of organic chicken or vegetable stock (or water)
-3 cans of beans (I use 2 of black beans, and one of either white or red kidney beans)

Saute the onion in a little olive oil, add the celery and cumin. After a few minutes, add the broth/water, garlic and the beans. Simmer for about 30 min, then puree with a hand blender. Serve with organic blue corn chips (crush them on top). Optional, add a dallop of plain yogurt. Great naturopathic lunch!! Lots of protein, fiber, folic acid and some iron. Enjoy!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
www.vitalityforlife.ca

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

Natural approaches to gardening!

I have asked Julie (our office manager) to write a segment in our upcoming newsletters on the topic of eco-friendly gardening. Julie has a background in Horticulture and a love of plants, and she has shared with me various tips on a more naturopathic approach to growing healthy gardens and lawns. Be sure to read her segment through the spring and summer months!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
www.vitalityforlife.ca

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

Spring Fever anyone??

We have had some nice weather in the last few weeks, intermingled with some snow, but I think we're all getting a taste of what's to come. I certainly noticed people's moods were much improved (including my own), and there has been a revived sense of optimism and motivation. People are slowly coming out of their hibernation. At my house, spring means planting our seedlings for the garden! Carlos and Jordi (my three year old) enjoyed planting some seeds while I was at work (Jordi requested that Cayenne peppers be grown in a pot in his room). I enjoy seeing my son learning about food and where it comes from, so anything to keep him interested! We have decided to enlarge and expand our garden this year, so I'm very excited about this. Our neighbours have a rather large garden so we try to grow different things and then swap the harvest. It seems that every year is a learning experience and I'm enjoying it more than I ever imagined. Growing a portion of what you eat just feels right, and brings you closer to nature, and the seasons!

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

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

Olive baby 'skin-saver' now available!

I just wanted to let everyone know that the first product in the 'Olive baby' line is now available at the clinic! It is our olive-oil based balm that is a wonderful skin nourisher and moisturizer, ideal for even the most sensitive skin. No fragrances (not even essential oils), chemicals, preservatives, nut oils or dyes. 100% natural. An ideal naturopathic solution for maintaining healthy skin (in baby and the entire family!). Stay tuned for our other products, to be released this April!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic doctor and Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
www.vitalityforlife.ca

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

Easy and tasty Curried Lentil soup!!

Terri Ann and I had a little play date last week and she shared with me her delicious curried lentil soup. It was a hit for both adults and kids! This is a great way to get loads of fiber and protein (vegetarian source!!). I tweaked it a touch. Here is my naturopathic version!

Saute one large onion and 2 cloves of garlic with 1-2 TBSP curry powder
add about 2 cups of red lentils
add 1 cup brown rice
add enough water to cover plus an extra inch or so (keep watching, you may need to add more as it is soaked up.
Bring to boil then simmer on low until rice is soft. Puree if you like it smooth.
Season with Bragg's liquid seasoning to taste.

Serve with a dallop of plain yogurt and/or fresh chopped cilanto (optional)

Enjoy!

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

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

Pregnancy and New Parents Survival Guide!!

I'm excited to let you know about a booklet that has been put together by myself, our chiropractor and massage therapist. We are all mothers and felt it would be wonderful to share our many tips and tricks with our pregnant patients and those that have little ones. It is full of helpful ideas to ease your transition into parenthood in a natural and healthy way! I'm pleased to say that the Vitality for Life 'Pregnancy and New Parents Survival Guide' is ready for printing, and will be available for our patients this week!
Stop by and check it out!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
www.vitalityforlife.ca

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