Where does your food come from?

This weekend I finally got the opportunity to watch the movie 'Food Inc.' I've been wanting to see it for a LONG time and CBC finally aired it, and it's now available for viewing on their website (for those of you interested). It was an eye-opening depiction of the actual sources of our food - especially animal products. It exposes North America's industrialized food system and its effect on our environment, health, economy and workers' rights. It made me cringe. On Saturday morning my husband and I were inspired to go to our local farmers market, which we haven't attended in a long time.
The farmer's market experience was amazing - we actually saw the people who grow/make our food and had the opportunity to speak to them about their process. These local and environmentally responsible food sources not only taste better but are more nutritious because they are not mass-produced. My son talked to the bee-keeper who gathered our honey. Another lovely lady shared her process for baking the gluten-free brownies I purchased for my son. Another farmer was passionate about the different varieties of breads him and his wife baked for that day. It was a wonderful opportunity to pick the 'best' of what was available (each vendor had his specialty after-all). We vowed to do this on a regular basis and buy as much as we can from these local sources - not just for the health of the community but the health of our family as well. The food was enjoyed by all!

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!

Fermenting to Heal the Gut!

Recently my (Polish) friend Carol and I were talking about how we remember our mothers fermenting things like cabbage and sour milk in jars on the kitchen counter-top. We couldn't recall exactly how they did it, so I had to do a little investigating. I've always been interested in trying it because of all the wonderful health benefits to fermenting (the various lactic acid bacteria that ferment your food are wonderful for restoring a healthy gut flora, which as a Naturopath I know to be the foundation for good health and a healthy immune system).
I tried a very easy recipe for fermenting cabbage. Shred 1/2 to 3/4 of a cabbage (i used red) into a glass bowl. Sprinkle with 2 TBSP pickling salt (not iodized, which kill the bacteria). Pound the cabbage slightly to release the juices. Place into clean mason jars (pack it in tight). Cover with filtered water, leaving 1 inch at the top. Close the jars and let sit 4-7 days on your counter. Be careful opening the lid once fermentation has taken place because it will fizzle over and the lid may pop off from the gases! Eat a few TBSP/day, or add a few TBSP of the liquid into your fruit smoothies (great way to get the kids to eat it). This is a powerful probiotic, and wonderful for kids suffering from ear infection, allergies, or those who have taken Antibiotics and now have a disrupted gut flora.
Here's a couple websites for more info!
http://www.rawmom.com/raw-mom-blog/archives/1079
http://www.healingcrow.com/ferfun/ferfun.html

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!

'Delicious Detox' finally on the shelves!

I have been waiting for a book that I could confidently recommend to my patients to help them on their quest to good health and as a support during their Detox. My good friend Carol Morley has finally published this much awaited book called 'Delicious Detox - Fast and Easy Recipes to Boost Energy and Improve Health'.
It will help anyone that wants to eat delicious meals during their detox, or simply to change their eating habits. It is complete with shopping list, weekly menu plan, and really user-friendly recipes! Carol is one of the best cooks I know, and I've tried many of her meals - they're always healthy and delicious!
I will be recommending this book to anyone doing a cleanse or wanting to increase their healthy recipe repetoire! It will be on Vitality for Life's shelves for $24.95 - but during the rest of April, as a detox promotion, you will receive $2.00 off!


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!