Olive Baby Spring/Summer Newsletter is Here!

If you haven't already signed up for our Spring newsletter, you can do so now on the bottom right hand side of the Olive Baby homepage (www.olivebaby.ca).
You don't want to miss our upcoming issue which which contains the following articles:
-Staying Healthy on Vacation
-Onion Poultice instructions
-Benefits of Olive Oil
-Facts about Calendula
-The Fertility Anti-Nutrient

Happy reading!

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

Vitality for Life is an integrative health clinic in Barrie, Ontario. We offer the services of a Naturopathic Doctor, Chiropractor and massage therapists.

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

Banana Bread

Yesterday I was in the mood for baking, so the kids and I made this delicious and healthier version of Banana Bread. I love that it has tonnes of fiber (from the flax seeds) and is not overly sweet or dense. There were a few steps that the kids were able to help with, like mashing the bananas and mixing it all up, which was fun for them, and not overly messy for me! I've done both the egg and egg-free version, and don't notice a real difference.

Anna's Banana Bread
3 or 4 ripe bananas – mash with fork
1/3 cup melted butter
¾ cup brown sugar
1 egg (OR 1 TBSP oil & 1 TBSP water)
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 ½ cup whole wheat flour (or alternative flour like rye, spelt, barley or kamut)
3/4 - 1 cup ground flax seed
Optional:
½ cup raisins
½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds

*if you find batter too dry, you can add applesauce, soymilk or water

Preheat oven to 350 F. With wooden spoon mix butter, sugar, egg, vanilla and salt into mashed bananas. Add flour, baking soda and any of the optional ingredients, mix. Pour batter into 4x8 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper. I like to sprinkle whole flax seeds and/or raw sunflower seeds on top. Bake 1 hr. Cool before slicing. Enjoy!

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!

Fun for the Kids, Great workout for you!

This past weekend was such a beautiful and sunny one that we realized the snow will soon be gone. We took advantage of it by getting outdoors and enjoying some last minute tobogganing at our favorite hill! As I was climbing the hill after each run, dragging the sled (with 4 year old attached), I realized what a great workout I was getting. My heart was pumping, my legs and gluts were burning and I was sweating! I was thinking that it would make for a great 'Biggest Loser' challenge - how many times can you make it up an icy hill dragging a 50 pound child on a sled! Anyway, for those of you struggling to find time for exercise, get outside with your kids and get creative. There's many activities like toboganning that serve double purpose - the kids are having a great time and you're getting your daily exercise. Climb the monkey bars, chase a soccer ball, play tag, ride a bike, run with the stroller. It's all the little things that add up!

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!

Roasted Beet Salad

I know, I'm Polish and therefore should eat a LOT of beets. I do love them, but I leave the cooking part to my mom - I just find them too difficult to peel. That being said, i recently discovered a very easy way to make them, and I think it's going to open the beet horizon for me! Beets are so good for you - they are full of iron and are considered a 'liver' food, which supports the liver in detoxification.
So here's what I did - wash them and place them on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet (cut off the greens first of course). Drizzle in olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt,pepper, and rosemary (optional). cover with the foil to create a sealed pouch. Bake at 400 for 1 hour or until tender. Let them cool, then put on some rubber gloves and push the peels off (or use a knife if they're not falling off). Cut them into wedges, and put in a bowl with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss. This can marinate for a few days and you can use as needed. I was using them for lunch for 3 days straight - I served them over a bed of organic baby spinach, a handful of raw sunflower seeds, and a TBSP of goat cheese. DELICIOUS!!

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!