My weekend in nature!

Yes, it was a cold weekend in Barrie, but it was also very beautiful with all the snow. After being inspired by an episode of Bear Grylls (man vs. wild) on friday night, we decided to have our own family adventure out in the snowy woods! We dressed warm, brought a sled and packed a backpack full of warm tea and snacks. We hiked out into the woods on the Simcoe County trails, and made a fun game out of it for the kids. My four year old loves to pretend to be Bear Grylls, so he was picking up sticks and dried leaves along the way to make a fire and roast his 'cariboo':)
We actually did go off the path a little way and made a lovely fire! It was amazing to experience that with our kids, who were thrilled. We had our warm tea and snacks, and everyone was in great spirits. A lady that works for the Simcoe Trail system even took our picture, stating that they were trying to promote more families getting outdoors, and that our little scene would make a lovely picture for their website! http://www.simcoecountytrails.net/
I too try to promote families getting more active together (especially in nature), so it made my day as well.
Having the sled was great because when the snow got too deep or the kids got tired, we just pulled them along in it. It was a great day, and the kids crashed for a nap when we got home! It was a great start to the holiday season!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
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!

HOLIDAY HOURS

CLOSED on December 24th to 28th
Open by appointment December 29th
CLOSED December 30th
Open by appointment only on Dec. 31st
CLOSED on January 1st
Open by appointment only on January 2nd
Back to normal schedule January 5th


Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
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!

Sunday lunch & dinner

Yesterday my fridge looked barren, but I managed to create some good meals for the family.
For lunch, I wanted to do a salad but had no lettuce of any type BUT I had a head of red cabbage. I shredded the cabbage, diced 1/3 of an onion, grated 2 carrots and added a few shredded brocolli florets. For the dressing I used Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and a tablespoon of agave syrup. Mixed it all up and served with a sprinkling of sunflower seeds and a small handful of dried chowmein noodles for a little crunch (kids love this).

For dinner I had some frozen salmon steaks which I cooked on the frying pan with olive oil, garlic, orange juice and soy sauce - the liquid cooked off and the salmon had a nice glaze. I diced a turnip and boiled it in saled water. Drain and serve with a pat of butter or flax oil. I roasted some potatoes with garlic and olive oil, oregano and salt & pepper.
For dessert the kids ate frozen blueberries which we all picked this summer at Barrie hill farms. They really love this frozen treat!

Two wonderful and healthy meals with not option in the fridge!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
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!

Nature Deficit Disorder

I have been meaning to blog about this since the OAND convention, but just didn't have the time. Last night I had the privelage of talking the Barrie's Holistic Mom & Dad's group. The discussion was about 'Boosting your Child's Immunity', and I mentioned how many factors are involved in immunity. One of which was 'fresh air'. Getting outside into fresh air and sunlight are so important on many different levels - mood regulation, better sleep, oxygenation and of course immunity.
'Nature deficit disorder' is a term coined by Richard Louv which describes our children's lack of outdoor play, which is responsible for many behavioral disorders that we're now seeing in adolescents. Our children are finding an increased number of indoor activities - television, internet, video games - and are not participating in as many outdoor, unorganized activities as they have in the past. They are disconnected from the environment, and from nature. This is becoming a problem on so many levels for our children, that it's time to make some changes. Encourage kids to walk to school, to play outside, to engage in outdoor sports, and to go 'explore' (within your comfort level). As a family, it's important to engage in these activities together to role model them for your kids - take weekend hikes, go tobogganing, go to the playground, go camping, whatever is in season!
Limit time spent indoors and set guidelines about TV and computer use. The whole family will benefit!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
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!