Relaxing Indulgence -Wine

   Many of us feel like our sanity is slipping away on a daily basis. So what do we usually do on our "I've got tomorrow off" days but consume way too much hard liquor and spend your "day off" in bed.
 I believe it is due time that we jump on board with our parents' advice of "a glass a day". Many new studies show that not only does one glass of wine each day promote relaxation and better sleep, but it also aids in digestion as well as postpones or eliminates your risk of heart disease. Like any healthy living tip, moderation is key. Alcohol obviously poses a significant risk to your internal organs, especially your pancreas, when too much is consumed for the body to process and benefit from. Studies have concluded that no more than 2 glasses of wine be consumed per day to get the most amount of benefits without consequence.
  This all seems a little "hoity toity" to some of you, but trust me, you will soon realize alcohol is much more useful this way, and you won't get that nasty "hardbar" hangover. My boyfriend and I now have many memories of giggling and having a genuinely good time when we do have more than "just a glass" and there's no more "sloppy bar nights" to get embarrassed over. I will raise my glass of wine over whiskey any day. Both for health, and well being. So, take a sip! Step into the world of subtle fruity freshness and melt into your couch tonight. I dare ya'.
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(ps. you don't have to buy a $30+ bottle every time, a lot of the local $10 wines are just as good.)

Satisfy Your Brain: What You're Really Craving

Keep Everything running smooth with Good Fat 

  The first step to losing weight or just plain eating healthier is losing your addictions to the food you eat; we all have cravings. We crave things for a reason, usually our body "needs" something. Unfortunately, with all the delicious temptations out there, our eyes crave what our body might not. Your "sweet tooth" might really be your mind associating an unhealthy food with something it needs, such as vitamin C. Time to re-train your brain. Your "fast food" craving might actually be your body telling you to eat more "fat". (ie. omega3&6)
    Many people are still fearing fat, yet fat has many benefits when used in a diet correctly. Cutting it out all together will only trick your body into storing more of it. Instead, try reducing your overall fat intake and replace "bad fat" with "good fat".. that way your body and mind are still satisfied, and you can focus on your workout instead of snack time.
So, here are some really easy and tasty ways to cut down on your fat while leaving your mind and palette satisfied! feed your body what it's really been craving all along!

• Avacado & Sea Salt (more potent flavour, less needed) instead of Mayo (sandwiches)
  (try it in cottage cheese!)
•  Instead of buying pre-cut fries full of trans-fats, Toss Home Cut Fries in Olive oil and Bake them, don't fry! (way healthier option that only takes a few moments) (suggestion: while tossing cut fries in olive oil, add garlic powder, oregano and a little sea salt for a delicious restaraunt-style fry)
• Nuts are a good source of Omega3 fats and a better alternative to the crunch you'd get from chips.
• Whole Grain Crackers are also a good alternative to the usual bag of salty snacks.
• also try cooking with sesame oil or olive oil instead of vegetable and canola oil, fewer calories and it doesn't skimp on the flavour! You won't miss cooking with butter!

   Switching sinfully fatty foods to good fats has not only caused me to have more energy and healthier cravings, but my skin has also benefited. Good fats are equally good for the skin because, instead of causing acne like many fatty foods, it actually helps heal & protect the natural moisture barrier of the skin, and my cellulite is gone!  I don't crave fast food at all anymore, I'd be much happier to have an avacado and cottage cheese than some deep fried French Fries! MacD's doesn't hold any power over me!
What other reasons do you need to make a few changes?

What this blog is all about:

   Lately I've been wondering why childhood obesity rates are still on the rise when there is so much emphasis on healthy eating. It's really not that hard, whole foods are good, and processed, have all sorts of issues that are only still being discovered now. Is it because the majority of people have passed on their bad habits or inherited insensitive taste buds? Possibly, but maybe it's because they there is no "healthy food" available? Could it be that some people just don't understand what is and isn't as healthy as they think?
  I wanted to start this blog to show people that despite money or access to fresh produce all the time, you can still improve your diet -and health- every time you eat.
  Being someone who suffers from multiple medical conditions, I needed to change my diet to make my life work. Whether you have a digestive problem, immune-deficiency, mobility problem, or you just want to eat healthy to increase immunity, stay fit & live longer, I've got plenty of tricks and tips to get the most out of every meal. I come from a large family where my mom had to feed 7 of us on a tight budget. I'd like to think I've learned from the master.
 It's time to go back to the way our parents (or grandparents) viewed food, where you know you can't trust it if it's not a natural ingredient.

ps. We've reached the 7million+ mark in population, it's due time we talk some sustainability.