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!

Moksha Yoga...hot hot hot

I'm a little behind with my posts, but I have wanted to share with you my recent experience with Moksha yoga. When I was living in Toronto as a naturopathic student I used to do this form of yoga on a regular basis, but since moving to Barrie, I haven't had the opportunity to continue (the closest studio is in Vaughn). Recently however my good friend and neighbour Terri Ann and I have made a commitment to try to get a class in once a week. We made our first trip last week and boy was it worth it! It's 90 min of an amazing yogo workout in a HOT room. You are drenched with sweat by the end and have an incredible feeling of peace (I actually felt that I burned off all the adrenaline that is normally coursing through my veins!). This style of yoga is excellent for most people, however it's extremely beneficial for individuals with poor circulation, those that are perpetually cold and as an adjunct to a naturopathic detox program. It's been worth the commute to Vaughn!

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!

Wow it's been cold outside!!

So I think it's pretty safe to say that many of us are feeling the post-holiday, long cold winter January slump! This is the time of year where we no longer have the holidays to look forward to and the winter wonderland now just looks like a gray, cold and uninviting place to be. I'm finding that with two small kids this weather is getting to me as well, as I'm feeling a little limited with my activities. It's time to get creative. First off, as a naturopathic doctor I encourage everyone to be taking vitamin D during this time - not only for it's immune stimulating activity, but for it's effect on mood/depression during this time. I don't know about you, but I haven't been in the 'sunlight' for a while now! Secondly, be determined to find some indoor activities to keep you going. Doing your exercise indoors is a great option - treadmills, mini-trampoline or yoga are all great. Next, find some fun things to do with the family that doesn't require snow-suits! We've been making more trips to the Rec centre for family swim times. There's also indoor playgrounds, Chapters, Library and various play-groups for those with young children. And finally, at the first opportunity of milder weather, bundle up and get outside. Even with the limited sunshine, natural light has a mood elevating effect! And that's my naturopathic prescription!

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!

My Family Chicken soup recipe

So I thought I'd share a traditional soup recipe that was made for me as a little girl whenever I got sick (it's true what they say about the healing power of chicken soup). Now, whenever anyone in my family has the sniffles/colds/flus, this soup is the first thing I make. I'm pretty sure it's been passed down through several generations, with only a few small changes! I hope you like it, and I hope it warms you from the inside out.

Anna's Chicken Soup:
Chicken drumsticks (10-12) or leg & thighs (6-8)
8-10 carrots
2 parsnips
2 stalks of celery
2 medium onions
4 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste

If you can use organic produce, even better. Use chicken that has bone in it (avoid using breasts), the bones release lots of minerals. Chop all your veggies. Put everything in a pot and cover with water. Simmer for 1.5 hrs. Adjust salt and pepper at the end. I like to add a splash of Bragg's seasoning for extra richness. I cook rice pasta or brown rice separately and add it to the bowls as I serve them (to prevent them from getting too mushy/starchy) - this is my naturopathic spin on the traditional recipe!
Enjoy!

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!

It's all about moderation!

During the holiday season there seems to be an over-abundance of baked goodies everywhere I go. Yes, even naturopaths indulge on occassion. During this time of year I try to be even more diligent with the majority of my meals, knowing that my sugar intake is a little higher at the moment. I use lunch as a great opportunity to get my veggies - I make a yummy salad to bring to work daily, and throw some lean protein on there for added energy (usually in the form of beans or raw nuts/seeds). I also have a high fiber, whole grain cereal for breakfast (with soy milk) which keeps my insulin steady until lunch. As a naturopath, I believe that giving my body what it needs 90% of the time takes the guilt out of the holiday indulgences!

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!

Homeopathic Flu Shot!

Homeopathic Flu Shot is now available at Vitality for Life!
Protect you and your family this winter season with this naturopathic alternative in a safe and non-invasive way. This homeopathic therapy is gentle enough for babies, seniors and people of all ages. The homeopathic flu shot contains a specific mix of two well studied homeopathic combinations, shown to improve the killer activity of white blood cells by 41% (thus boosting the immune system). This blend helps fight cold and flu symptoms and flu-like infections, and also helps shorten the duration and intensity of any flu symptoms.
source: www.heel.ca

Vitality for Life is now offering the homeopathic flu shot, and for those afraid of needles (or for young children), a 30 second immune mouthwash is also available!

As a naturopathic doctor I recommend three injections or gargles during cold and flu season. Call the clinic today to reserve a time to drop in! I've already injected my husband, and have given both boys the gargle (my sons are 10 months and 3 years old)...I'm really excited that we have this natural alternative available.

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!