your GENTLE shift to AMAZING health...

We have moved!

2010-06-10T07:58:00.001-06:00

Please take a moment to come and check out our new website and blog! Same great information! Much more user friendly and actually has some recipes on it now! We will be adding to the new site daily so bookmark it and keep coming back!

www.bundlesofenergy.com

The Search for an Oatmeal Muffin Recipe

2010-06-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

I had a craving for oatmeal raisin muffins last night.

The problem was that I didn’t have an oatmeal raisin muffin recipe.

I started “googling” online to find a healthy recipe that someone else had already tried and succeeded making. I searched through site after site of muffins that were “healthy”- and I learned that the word healthy can mean different things to different people. I was searching for a recipe that used only a little bit of honey as a sweetener, not cups and cups of sugar. I had no organic butter in my fridge, so the recipe had to be dairy-free. I wanted to use my new all purpose celiac flour to try making the muffins gluten-free (I had gluten-free quick oats at home).

There was not one recipe that satisfied my need! I could give up and be gloomy all evening, or I could get out my muffin pans and my beaters and experiment. And that is what I decided to do.

When I cook meals I like to try out different things: I will try out new spices, and use a ‘pinch of this’ and a ‘pinch of that’. And my meals always seem to turn out, for the most part. However, when it comes to baking, I like following a recipe. I’m just not the baking kind of girl, so I steer clear of attempting things and instead follow what I know works. I wasn’t sure that I could bake a tasty healthy muffin.

I wanted those muffins bad, so I had to let my guard down and go for it. I took a healthy cranberry-raisin muffin recipe I had and began to substitute this for that. And, to my surprise, it only took one attempt. I did not waste batches and batches of muffins before I found one that worked. Indeed not. They actually turned out. And the true test of how delicious they were came from my man, who ate many throughout the evening.

I learned that even if you don’t think you are good at baking, sometimes if you just try you will surprise yourself. I also learned that you can take the basis of any of your “old” recipes and re-create something new. It is possible to make muffins with only a tablespoon of honey instead of 2 cups of sugar. You don’t need loads of sweeteners to make something taste good.

So, I ask you: what recipes have you altered to make them healthier? What recipes have you made up when you were really craving something?

My next attempt will be an extremely healthy oatmeal raisin cookie. Yes, I AM hoping it can be done…..I’ll let you know.

Infrared Saunas

2010-06-01T12:46:00.003-06:00

Since the weather is still quite dreary here in Calgary, I thought this information would be helpful.

If you have never experienced relaxation that a infrared sauna can provide, I suggest that you make time to try it out. In addition to relaxation, the infrared sauna can be used for a variety of things including

pain management
detoxification
skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne
increasing flexibility
increasing cardiovascular health
boosting the immune system
arthritis
fibromyalgia
seasonal depression disorder

You can find infrared saunas at many health and wellness clinics and spas. If you are in High River, check out Elements of Health.

Picky Eaters: Veggie Time!

2010-05-29T23:42:00.001-06:00

Helping kids develop healthy eating habits – Part 4

I love sitting down at the dinner table with my family to enjoy a meal. A common occurrence however, is for my youngest son to eat everything but the vegetables on his plate. He will quickly consume the food he ‘likes’ and then do his best to leave the table and play with out finishing his vegetables.

He is very creative in his attempts to get away with this. He will try every excuse from “I don’t feel well”, to “My tummy is full”, to “I will finish later…I promise!”, to completely ignoring us. He will be polite, he will get upset, and eventually he will push almost every button you have, depending on his mood that particular day. If you have a picky eater, you will know exactly what I am talking about.

In order to manage a state of calm during his creative attempts at manipulating his dinner time, my husband and I have used some equally creative diversion tactics. We have opted to making healthy eating a source of fun instead of what can often feel like punishment.

We have conversations about what foods are good for him and what is not, making sure our talks were relevant to a four year old, but we found a few simple tools can often be far more effective. Here is one such example:

 Use a fun system that your child will enjoy. We have a piece of colorful construction paper taped to the fridge, on which I have drawn columns. When Sam eats a piece of fruit, he can select a sticker of his choice and add it to the page. When he eats a vegetable, he can select another sticker.
 Because my son likes fruit, but is not really big on eating his veggies, we offer him larger stickers (that he really likes) for each veggie and smaller ones for the fruit. When he asks for snacks throughout the day, we check the sticker page with him to help him determine what would be the most appropriate snack.
 Note: I encourage variety over quantity, so under each sticker we write the name of the food he ate. That way as he adds to the page, he is aware that he already had one type of veggie or fruit so he must now select a different variety. This gives him a sense control over his food choices, but with the necessary guidance to ensure his choices are appropriate. For example, when he has had a banana and an apple, I may suggest some carrots, cucumber or broccoli. He is kept within choices I approve of, but the actual food he eats is by his own choosing.
 At the point in the day when he has earned at least 7 stickers (min 3-4 veggies), he is allowed to choose a fun activity to do, or he allowed what ever desert we may be having after dinner.

Be creative with your kids and have fun with food. Remember that healthy food can taste great AND be fun-it is all in your perspective and approach. Remember though, for this or any other system to be effective, you must be firm in your commitment to following through on the agreed upon rules. Be sure to explain the rules clearly to your child-in advance- and make sure you do not give in if they have not eaten what was agreed to. This will help them establish genuine healthy eating habits.

Searching for the Perfect Breakfast

2010-05-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It kick starts your body and gives your brain the fuel it needs to get going. I have been one of those people who stands tired at the refrigerator door or pantry staring off trying to think of something quick and easy to make. So, I decided to share with you all some of my favorite morning foods to get me moving!

Slice up apples and put a small amount of raw almond butter on each slice. The apple is a great source of fiber and the almond butter will provide some good fats and even some protein.

Highwood Crossing Flaxseed granola with plain yogurt and frozen berries: yummy and it provides carbohydrates to fuel your brain.

Scrambled eggs with bell peppers and green onions. Eggs are a great source of protein , and bell peppers a good source of vitamin C.

Rolled oats or steel cut oats with cinnamon and sliced apples or berries: full of fiber and antioxidants, and the cinnamon helps with blood sugar control.

Cold cereals with unsweetened almond milk: sometimes I crave something that reminds me of my childhood!

Ezekial sprouted grain bread (you can find this at health food stores or at Superstore) with an unsweetened jam (only fruit, no sugar please!) or a natural peanut butter (the only ingredient should be peanuts!), or poach an egg and serve it on top!

These are just a few of the many options out there! Try one of these next week, or share some of these ideas with someone you know who doesn't eat breakfast. And remind them just how important this meal is. What are your favorite foods to eat for breakfast?

Gardening by the Moon

2010-05-26T17:22:00.003-06:00

I am happy to report that our little seedlings are thriving well, we had a few casualties, but for the most part we have some great starter plants that are now garden ready. Cody and I also purchased the rest of the seeds over the weekend that need to go directly into the garden such as carrots, beans, peas and lettuce. You can also buy these all as starter plants for easy no fuse gardening, although they tend to be bit more expensive. So now the obvious question: How do you know when is the right time to plant?

I don’t think there really is a set answer for this question; every gardener seems to have their own theory. So this year we choose to rely on a little instinct and the moon. I realize this may sound a little weird. However after a little research I learnt that gardening by the moon is the oldest gardening tradition. Long before watches or calendars everything was governed by the phases of the moon. If you haven’t put in your garden yet you are in luck, because the next full moon is this Thursday!

This type of practice is referred to as moon or lunar gardening, and it is centered on the moon's gravitational effect on the flow of moisture in both the soil and plants, similar to how the mood effects ocean tides. Understanding these effects and timing your garden accordingly is the basis of moon gardening. This practice goes very in depth, but here are some basic guidelines to be mindful of:
First Quarter Phase (First quarter up to 12 hours before full moon)

The energy is rising- this is a good time to plant anything. Planting and transplanting any plants that produce above ground, especially vine-type vegetables that produce seeds inside (such as beans, peas, peppers, squash and tomatoes). This is also a great time to plant all cereals and grains.

Full Moon Phase – (12 hours after full moon up to last quarter)

There is a peak of electromagnetic energy of all living things during the Full Moon and a slow withdrawal of downward energy for the next 2 weeks following it. This is the best time to plant perennials, biennials, bulb and root crops and anything that produces below the ground. So think carrots, beets, garlic and potatoes. The energy flow is shifted downwards into the roots during this time. This is also the best time for pruning and harvesting. Medicinal herbs are also most potent if picked during this time.

I will include some photos next week of the newly planted garden. How are your gardens going? I’d love to hear about how you decided when the best time is to plant.

Happy Full Moon Everyone!

Marcie Brown

Picky Eaters: There is help!

2010-05-22T18:32:00.003-06:00

Helping kids develop healthy eating habits. (Part 3)

Well this week the tip I have to share fairly simple and highly effective. This is a technique I stumbled on somewhat unexpectedly, although I must say, had I really taken time to stop and recall past experiences, I would have realized the power of this technique and put it to use much sooner.

Have you ever tried to ask your spouse to do something another way, only to have your voice fall on deaf ears or end up in an argument? Well getting picky eaters to try new foods, or just eat a healthy balanced meal, can have exactly the same result. I recall many mealtimes that were filled with negotiations and arguments, prior to learning skills for dealing with this challenge.

So this week’s tip is: Let someone else help! Bringing your kids to one of our hand’s on cooking classes, allows them to interact with and learn directly from our nutrition experts. Inspiration and ownership of what they eat, along with the power to choose for themselves, results in an entirely new perspective for them – eating healthy food is no longer a chore, but rather a source of fun and pleasure.

Kids are welcome to attend our workshops and encouraged to be active participants. The enthusiasm of the kids as they participate often results in the parents being asked to stand back let the kids take charge of creating the recipes for you to eat. Nice reversal of roles isn’t it? So join us as we host workshop throughout the spring and summer. Sit back, relax and watch the magic happen.

Our next workshop is this Tuesday, May 25th. Contact us for more details;
michelle@bundlesofenergy.com

Cleaning Can Be Easy

2010-05-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

This morning I want to share with you the cleaning products that I use in my house. I know that a lot of you, like me, are concerned with the chemicals in conventional cleaning products. Many people are starting to search out "greener" toilet bowl scrubs and sink cleaners. I have a call to action: let us all try to cut down on the toxins that we are putting out in the environment. And this is easy to do!

The biggest question I get about natural cleaning products is "does this actually work?" I have found a line that is made locally in Calgary that gets the job done! Check out Small Planet which produces and sells environmentally friendly cleaning products that are free from synthetic ingredients and chemicals.

My favorite is the Squeaky Clean Scrub. It is a tile and tub cleaner that has fungus and bacteria fighters like clove, lemongrass, and tea tree oil. Not only does it leave my tub sparkling, but it smells great and is gentle on the hands! Start by replacing one of the cleaners in your home and give natural a try! You'll be surprised at how effective they work, and you'll feel good knowing you and your family won't be breathing in toxic chemicals! Small Planet products can be purchased at the Calgary Farmer's Market and at Community Natural Foods. Spud! will also deliver the products directly to your home!

Tips From Mother Earth

2010-05-19T15:34:00.000-06:00

One of the most important lessons I have learned regarding healthy eating is that is it supposed to be easy. When you are eating whole, real, healthy foods Mother Nature has already taken care of the prep work. I came across this great concept I would love to share with you about how certain foods are beneficial to specific areas of your body. Consider it like Mother Nature’s tips for eating.

It’s no mistake a sliced Carrot looks like an eye. Research has shown that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four red chambers, just like our hearts. Tomatoes are loaded with lycopine which is great for the health of hearts and blood.

A Walnut looks like a little brain. The wrinkles and folds separate into a left and right hemisphere. We now know walnuts help develop neurotransmitters for brain function due to high levels of healthy oils.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery and Rhubarb look just like bones and specifically target bone strength.

Avocados, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of women. Avocados can help balance hormones, shed post baby weight, and prevent cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and have been proven to help balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Cut Oranges and Grapefruits look just like female mammary glands, and are beneficial for breast health and the movement of lymph.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells.

Who do you know that could benefit from this information? Do Mother Nature a favour a pay it forward!

Love Your Food and Eating! Series: post 3 of 5

2010-05-17T10:24:00.001-06:00

Last week we created menus and shopping lists together with our kids. Did you try any of those strategies out? I would love to know what worked (and what didn't work) for you. In the meantime, let's move on to the next step, meal preparation. Meal prep could be as simple as just throwing a few ingredients together but if we really want to teach our kids some great life skills, it should involve a few more steps. That being said, all of these steps can involve some great quality time with the family and be quite enjoyable!

The night before (usually after dinner cleanup), we (being me and whomever is up for dinner duty the next day) take a quick look at the posted menu to remind ourselves what we decided to make this week. We pull out the menu and read it together, making sure we do in fact have all of the ingredients. It could be as easy as that or sometimes, a recipe requires some actual preparation. The beans may need to be soaked, some meat might need to be thawed or something might need to soak in marinade overnight. Have you ever gone to make something for dinner and realized too late that you were supposed to have started something the night before? I certainly have! This is a very worthwhile step that just takes minutes (and counts as reading minutes for your school aged children)! At this point, we also go through and divide the tasks appropriately for the child who will be making it. The three year old will NOT be chopping onions :)

When the time comes to actually make dinner, the recipe gets read aloud again. If it is a little more complicated a recipe, then we can discuss how it is going to go. It also helps to get all of the kitchen tools and ingredients taken out so that they are ready and within reach when needed. Then we get to work! I have to admit, I love to cook, try new recipes and just BE in my kitchen. It has been extrememely difficult for me to let go of my control in this area but I do believe it is such a valuable skill for the kids to partake in and learn. Jamie Oliver would agree. He says that good health begins with educating our children about food. If you havent already, please take 20 minutes and watch his inspiring TED speech:

Make one meal this week with a kid or your spouse. What strategies do use to make sharing your kitchen easier?

Picky Eaters: Dinner Time

2010-05-14T01:00:00.000-06:00

Helping kids develop healthy eating habits - Part 2

Getting our children on board with eating healthy can be a significant challenge to say the least. This challenge is aided daily by the messages we all receive from high powered marketing ad campaigns that are everywhere. So how do we take this matter in hand and begin influencing our children in a positive, successful manner? In this week’s blog, I am sharing the first of many tips that I have learned in working my children as well as from other parents that have successfully navigated this issue.

Here is my tip of the week for dealing with picky eaters:

Dinner Time: Have you ever had the challenge of your child sitting down to eat and after just a couple bites they claim to be full or not feel well? If you have a picky eater at home, then you know this routine all too well…My son Sam, who just turned four, is a master at this particular technique. He has a list of reasons for not finishing his dinner that is longer than my arm. Here is how we handle this particular challenge with him…

I never make my son finish his dinner in one sitting. HOWEVER, it is an absolute rule that while he can leave the table when he claims to be full, he is not allowed any other snacks or food until he returns to the table to finish his dinner. If he is genuinely hungry and just does not want the dinner that was served, he may move straight into crying or negotiating for some other type of food. What we found however is that as soon as you give in and allow other food to be eaten in place of dinner, he immediately learns how to use this regularly to get what he wants instead of what may be best for his health.

This means that while we will let him leave the table, his plate of food will remain until he is ready to eat - even after all the other dishes have been cleaned up or removed from the table. This also means remembering that his uneaten dinner is still there.

Guaranteed, Sam will return within about a half hour of leaving the table, requesting something else to eat. He will constantly request other foods throughout the evening, and using his well honed skills, he will attempt to wait long enough that you may forget about his uneaten dinner. This is where you must stay sharp! It is a simple case of reminding him: Finish your dinner then you can have something else to eat.

This may require repeated GENTLE reminders. I recommend remaining calm-by first acknowledging that your child knows you well and will use many creative and effective tactics to get you to cave in and give them their way. Secondly, you must commit to following through on this technique-as soon as you give in and let them eat something other than their dinner, they WILL know they can get away with this again.

Thirdly, relax and do not force your child to eat. Every child will eat when they are truly hungry and they will not go hungry for long, nor will they get sick from not eating enough one night. If ever they choose to go to bed at night without a full dinner and you hold to this commitment, they will get the message that dinner matters. For certain they will try again to skip dinner and take you through the routine, but over time you will have successfully contributed to very healthy eating habits that will have a lifetime of benefits for your child.

Stay tuned next week as I continue to share more of the techniques I use to successfully deal with picky eating habits. Next week I will be talking about how to make eating enough veggies and fruit everyday a fun experience for your child. I encourage to you write comments to me with regards to your questions, concerns or personal success stories.

(Note: This blog is a continuation from May 7, 2010)

A New Restaurant....For Me!

2010-05-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

I found an amazing vegetarian restaurant here in Calgary! Located in trendy Kensington, this cafe had the most wonderful atmosphere and food! The next time you are looking for something different to eat, check out Gratitude Cafe!

Gratitude Cafe was such a unique restaurant! Our table had decks of playing cards that invited us to play games while we waited for our food. And the cafe lives up to its name: all of the dishes you can order have wonderful names like "I am grateful"- which is a lettuce wrap stuffed with quinoa salad, guacamole and black hummus. I stared at the menu for a long time trying to decide which meal I was going to order- I would have loved to try them all! I settled on the "I am amazed"- a hearty vegetarian lasagna. I haven't had lasagna in a long time, and it was delicious!

A lot of the meals can be made vegan and gluten-free, so there are options for those with food allergies or preferences.

My man ordered the "I am appealing"- which was a calzone stuffed with vegetarian chili. He got to choose from an array of veggies to stuff into it. I can't believe he was able to get through the entire meal. He is such a good sport coming with me to vegetarian restaurants. He absolutely loved the food. We love supporting the small local cafe's and restaurants; the food is always so fresh and filling!

If I would have had more room I would have tried the dessert. So the next time you are going out for lunch or dinner, try something different and swing by Kensington for a fun vegetarian experience. And let me know how the dessert is!

Food Rules

2010-05-11T09:40:00.002-06:00

Good Morning!

Today I wanted to share with everyone a great little book that I stumbled across last week. Michael Pollen, author of "The Omnivore's Dilemma" comes out with the perfect pocket sized reference guide to eating. He calls his new material "Food Rules: An Eater's Manual". In his book, Michael writes simple, to the point "rules" that will help readers to become more aware of their food, where it comes from and how it preforms in their bodies.

I love the simplicity of this book. He doesn't go into great amounts of detail when explaining his "rules". Michael's "rules" easy to understand, and useful for everyday eating/grocery shopping.

I highly suggest this book to anyone who is hoping to get quick information about food, minus the song and dance. For those who are well versed in the area of food and nutrition, this book works a nice quick reference guide. http://michaelpollan.com/foodrules.php

Love your food and eating! Series: Post 2

2010-05-10T11:28:00.001-06:00

Dinner time is one of the most valuable teaching and learning opportunities in daily life. To do it well requires organization, planning and precise execution! It makes sense then to include our kids at a young age in every step along the way, from menu planning to meal preparation, eating together and of course, cleaning up! Every Monday for 4 weeks I will delve into each of these steps offering some great tips and strategies to make eating healthy a joyful experience for the whole family!

A joyful dinner experience begins days before with menu planning. I can tell you from experience that I have bypassed this step only to be left in the lurches, scrambling to think of something last minute to make! Undoubtedly, this leads to me preparing the meal in a state of chaos and much less likely to enjoy what I eventually put in front of everyone. On a more positive note, most of the time I do begin with this step and then find it so easy to consult my plan and know I have all the ingredients on hand to make the meal stress-free. Also, note that the menu does NOT need to be pretty or take much time. It just needs to be written down!

To make our planning all-inclusive, we have separated the week into one night per person. We have six people in our family with the youngest being three years old and yes, even she gets a night! She may not be all that helpful yet but she is excited to be involved. When kids are excited about the process, they are more likely to love the result, greens and all! We each get to choose our meal, keeping in mind that there must be veggies, grains and protein. Note that veggies come first as they should be the largest portion on the plate. We also do not allow repeat meals on back to back weeks.

Each person then figures out what ingredients are required and checks the pantry and fridge to see if it should be added the grocery list. David Bach, author of the "Finish Rich" series of books, says there is much money to be saved by simply knowing what you have on hand, making a grocery list for what you don't and following that list at the store. By doing this you will also be much more likely to use everything you buy, putting an end to wasted food (and money)!

At the store, the family contribution continues. Sometimes we split the list up and give each of our ten-year-olds their own to fulfill. The youngest ones stay with us but are given an item to be on the lookout for. We read ingredients together, analyse cost differences and discuss the impact each product might have on the environment via growing methods, shipping, and use of pesticides and hormones. I know some people can hardly imagine shopping with the kids but I promise you that by engaging them in the process, they will be better behaved! Our children are learning in this process WHY we are eating the food we do so that when they leave home someday, they will have the tools to continue to eat well.

Usually by the time we get home from groceries, the last thing I feel like doing is unpacking , let alone preparing the produce for later, however, doing it at this point makes it easier to use in the future and more likely that it will all get eaten. The kids can help here too. We wash and cut carrots and celery, enough for a large container that we can easily grab for dinner prep as well as several small containers that are easy to grab for a healthy school snack. The fruit all gets washed and put in the fruit bowl on the table so that when the smallest ones are hungry and dinner is not ready yet, they can quickly grab a snack without my help! Once everything is neatly put away, with the week's menu proudly displayed on the fridge, I can sit back and relax, knowing that the week ahead is planned and everything is ready!

It takes some time to follow these steps but in the end saves time and money, and most importantly, develops healthy life skills in the kids and deepens the family bond. I am the first to admit that this is very idealistic but it is possible and I have done this many times and found it to be very successful. Could you see yourself adding one or more of these steps to your family routine? Are you already doing something else that works well for you? I would love to hear other tips and anecdotes!

Picky Eaters: The Parent’s Perspective

2010-05-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

Helping kids develop healthy eating habits.

How do we get our children to understand that eating healthy is good for them when sugary treats taste so yummy?

Children are bombarded daily - via television, radio, grocery store shelves, print ads, and more - with messages about what they should eat. Often those messages are the result of high powered marketing ads that are aimed at making money, not at creating genuinely healthy food for your kids. Children seem to be born as masters at manipulating their parents, and so when this skill is combined with the power of the ads that influence them daily, getting them to eat healthy can be a challenge.

Teaching healthy eating habits is a goal of most parents, but it can be full of challenges and obstacles. I was blessed with 2 amazing children that have taught me a lot about the challenges of dealing with picky eaters. My picky eater, Sam, starts each morning with a couple of bites of breakfast and then promptly moves on to relentless requests for candy. He is masterful to say the least, as are most picky eaters. They seem to be born with their instincts perfectly honed to know exactly how far to push us as parents; they know just when to cry, they know just how many times to ask, and they know just the right time to catch us...in a moment of distraction. You know, the moments when you will say yes to almost anything, without realizing what you just agreed to, because you are so focused on a particular task or deadline, or just desperate for a few moments of peace.

I have had good motivation to be alert to such tactics, as both my children are seriously impacted by some of the seemingly ‘harmless’ ingredients commonly found in junk food. I have spent the last 8 years learning to read labels and trying to gain an understanding of what is really in the foods my kids are eating. Any parent would be put on high alert if their children experienced night terrors as a result of eating red dye and this is exactly what occurred for my family. This personal experience was a blessing in disguise for my family as it put us on a path to healthy eating and has brought us tremendous awareness and benefits. In fact, it contributed to the creation of Bundles of Energy, which has begun opening the door to hundreds of people in transforming both their understanding of, and ability to, make the gentle shift to healthy, whole, natural foods.

My sons continue to educate me daily in how much there is to learn about raising kids and healthy eating. What worked on my older son typically does not work as well with my younger son, and so I am constantly on my toes creating or looking for new ways to keep him on track to eating well.

I want to help other parents out there with picky eaters by creating a series of blogs on my personal experiences. Stay tuned each week as I write about the actual techniques I have learned and developed to create success in dealing with these challenges. I encourage you to write comments to me with regards to your questions, concerns, or personal success stories, as it will be a learning opportunity for all of us.

Bundles of Energy Workshops

2010-05-06T08:00:00.006-06:00

Bundles of Energy is excited to announce that we will be hosting FOUR nutrition workshops in Calgary in May. Our Eating For All Ages workshops will provide you with easy recipes for the whole family. Come for good food, good company, and learn some simple ways to gently shift to amazing health.

Note: Bundles of Energy workshops are now offered on a "Pay what you think it is worth" basis. We are confident that you will love our workshops, and we want to make them accessible to a wide audience of people! Learning about nutrition is now easy, fun, and affordable so grab a friend, bring the whole family, and sign up to start your gentle shift. To register contact jenn@bundlesofenergy.com.

Saturday, May 8th
Sport Nutrition Workshop - Private
3pm - 5pm

Thursday, May 20th
Eating For All Ages - Open Invitation
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: 87 Mountain Park Circle S.E.

Tuesday, May 25th
Eating For All Ages - Open Invitation
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location to be Determined

Special Event! Come join us at Results Fitness Studio for a fun afternoon of food!
Sunday, May 30th

Sun, Fun and a Healthy BBQ - demonstration and sampling
noon - 1pm
Results Fitness Studio
925 - 1 Ave. NE

For more info contact us and sign up for our free newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming events!

Simply Salt

2010-05-05T10:00:00.002-06:00

I happen to love Epsom salt. I realize it seems like a silly thing to love, but sometimes the best things in life are simple. I believe a good box of Epsom salt can completely change your day. You might remember your grandma keeping these under her sink, and the truth is she was on to something. Here are some ways I use Epsom salts in my home:

Baths- Anyone who knows me well will vouch that I am a bath junkie! I add about 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts to a warm bath. This is because Epsom salt is high in magnesium which helps relax tired muscles and calms busy minds. This is great for post workout, injury or workday and according to Jenn, post pregnancy.

Scrubs- These are ideal this time of year. Add Epsom salt to your favorite oil to make a homemade scrub. Combine 1 part oil (such as olive, coconut or grapeseed oil) to 3 parts Epsom salt. You can also add any essential oil so it smells amazing. Mix in a small bowl before you jump in the shower and scrub away your winter skin. This is not only a completely natural body scrub, but it also costs pennies compared to the ones you find in the store.

Gardening- During my search for gardening know-how I found out that adding a pinch of Epsom salt to your watering can and compost can kick up the nutrients in your soil and therefore your plants.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. I have also heard of using Epsom salts for shampoo, bruises and acne! It is amazing how such a simple thing can have so many uses and benefits. I would love to hear about the different ways you use them in your home.

Marcie

Happy Hormones for a Happy Body by Marcie Brown

2010-05-04T23:38:00.001-06:00

It always shocks me to consider how many individuals in North America are in some way affected by mental health issues, whether it be depression, severe anxiety or simply monthly PMS. What we often overlook is where these issues stem from. In the past, society has perceived mental health issues as a choice or a weakness in character, when in reality it is a mechanism far beyond our control. Mental health can be an overwhelming topic due to the fact that reoccurring symptoms can have multiple conception points. While trying to decide what I wanted to discuss for this topic, I kept coming back to the same concept of hormones, because not only is this is an area of particular interest for me, but also so many issues with mental function come back to one thing - the endocrine system.

Your brain has the ability to send signals to your body to complete tasks. This includes obvious tasks such as moving your arm, and more complex tasks such as reminding your pancreas to send insulin, your heart to beat and your mind to feel happiness. It is the more complex tasks, the ones we never have to consciously consider, that we owe thanks to the endocrine system. This system is really just a series of glands and hormones. Think of these glands as the centres in your brain that send out a message. The type of message depends on the gland itself, for example, the adrenal glands send out signals to the body to deal with stress. The message itself is delivered in the form of hormones.

So why is this all so important? Well besides that fact it keeps your heart beating, it is your endocrine system that keeps everything in check. Our endocrine system happens to be very delicate. We need a healthy environment with limited stress and good nutrition for properly working glands and to produce hormones. In addition to that, the hormones being released need to have perfect timing and the perfect shape in order to be used in the body. If these hormones don’t deliver the message properly or on time, the body will eventually start to illustrate symptoms. These symptoms tend to be subjective and present themselves in the shape of tiredness, irritability, lack of concentration, headaches, food cravings, low energy, difficulty sleeping and changes in weight. All of these symptoms can be classified as mental health issues.

So a healthy endocrine system is a must in order to regulate your metabolism, sleep, reproductive system and digestive system just to name a few things. How do you keep your endocrine system and your hormones happy? Think of your endocrine system like a big loop, the more positive and healthy your glands are, the more positive and healthy the hormonal feedback to your body will be. Here are a few other natural considerations to regulate your bodies hormonal output and reduce stress on your endocrine systems to better your mental health.

Reduce intake of hormone containing foods. This includes decreasing our intake of dairy products and commercial meats, especially those higher up on the food chain. These foods tend to be high in synthetic hormones that are fed to commercial farm animals to promote growth. Limit the intake of these foods to once or twice per week, or switch to organic sources that are hormone free.

Eat foods that support a healthy endocrine system. Consider your nutritional intake as the fuel to power your endocrine system. These nutrients come from consuming a healthy diet. Include lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and quality proteins from beans, tofu and legumes. Our brains also love essential fatty acids, so try to incorporate as many good quality oils as possible. These oils can come from nuts, whole grains, and oils such as olive, flaxseed or fish. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water!

Get more sleep. Lack of sleep over prolonged periods of time has been proven to drastically decrease proper endocrine functioning. Each individual has different needs when it comes to sleep, but do your body and mind a favour and get some good quality rest. To increase the quality of your sleep, reduce stimulants before bed. That means no TV, computer, food or exercise within an hour of going to bed. Consider a good night’s sleep as your natural form of hormone therapy.

Take care of your pituitary gland. This gland is also known as the master gland. It secretes over ten important hormones and regulates the other endocrine glands to function efficiently. Foods that keep it healthy are foods high in B vitamins (especially B6) and vitamin E. This includes foods such as eggs, walnuts, wheat germ, whole grains, carrots, ginseng, avocados and dark leafy greens.

Exercise regularly. Daily exercise is necessary for a healthy body and mind. This will help stimulate and nourish your endocrine system. A 30-minute walk or the equivalent is all that is necessary.

Keep positive. Use your mind to your advantage. Relaxation, meditation, deep breathing and letting go of tension and negative emotions is very important. When we think positive thoughts, there is an abundance of energy and health available to us. Remember you get to choose your thoughts… Choose wisely!

Ask Carrie

2010-05-04T23:35:00.000-06:00

Does eating healthy mean eating boring foods, and what are some fresh herbs I can use to “spice” up some of the foods I am cooking?

Since May is Mental Health Month in Canada, I want to talk about the importance of ENJOYING the foods we are eating. I see a lot of clients who think that eating healthy means eating foods that taste like cardboard; they associate ‘health food’ with something that must be feared! Images of brown beans and green goop circle through their heads. This line of thought inevitably leads to resistance to eating ‘healthy’ and when eating becomes stressful, it isn’t doing the body any good! We have to take pleasure in the foods we consume. All of that meal preparation needs to be worth it when we take that first big bite!

If you absolutely hate a particular food, you don’t have to eat it just because it is “good” for you. Instead choose something you love. We have access to many varieties of fruits and vegetables, so if you don’t enjoy eating brussel sprouts choose a different green vegetable you can cook up for dinner! Take a stroll through the Calgary Farmer’s Market. Be adventurous and try out different whole and local foods. You may find a vegetable you have never heard of. Give it a try, it might surprise you!

Enjoy what you are eating, and allow Bundles of Energy to show you how to prepare easy meals that are healthy and that actually do taste good! Part of holistic nutrition is listening to your body. Pay attention to the tastes you love. Use spices and flavorings that make you happy. Prepare foods that you take pleasure in making. Because at the end of a stressful day I know I want to relax, put my feet up, and enjoy a tasty meal that I absolutely LOVE.

Try some of these herbs and spices to add flavor and depth to dishes; fresh herbs can turn a dish from bland to a hit so easily. Let us show you how!

DILL: Fresh dill leaves can be purchased in grocery stores - look for green and feathery leaves that are only slightly wilted and add them to many different types of meals. Fresh dill provides a sweet flavor to foods while aiding the digestive system. Store fresh dill in the refrigerator in a container with a damp paper towel as it will keep for only a few days. It is wonderful on salmon; just place a handful of fresh leaves over the fish along with ½ a squeezed lemon and bake. It is also great with potatoes; just add fresh dill along with organic butter or coconut oil for a delicious blend of flavor (and don’t forget the green onions!).

PARSLEY: Parsley is a very popular herb and garnish for dishes. It is very high in nutrients, specifically vitamin C and chlorophyll. When buying parsley it should be a bright green color and have a fresh smell to it. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Parsley can be added to soups, stews, stir fries and even salads. See this month’s recipe for a great salad with couscous and parsley.

OREGANO: When purchasing fresh oregano choose leaves that are a bright green colour with no yellowing. It can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp cloth for up to a week. Oregano is a powerful antioxidant, and it can easily be added to dishes by gently washing the leaves and tearing them up into small pieces. Add fresh oregano to soups and stews, homemade pizza and pasta sauces (oregano goes well with tomatoes), and even add fresh oregano to scrambled eggs. Cook your eggs with bell peppers, green onions, fresh oregano and a dash of organic grated cheese for a delicious breakfast.

Food For Thought by Adrianne Smith RHN

2010-05-04T23:31:00.002-06:00

What do the foods you consume have to do with your concentration, energy levels, sleeping patterns, happiness, sex drive, intelligence and memory? The answer is: Everything! Food fuels the body’s every biochemical reaction.

It may surprise some people to know that the body and mind are not separate. Foods chosen to fuel the body will either nourish or pollute the mind. Most of us have heard the very true term “you are what you eat”, so it should be easy to understand that “you think what you eat” as well.

There is an undeniable link between food and mood. Consider a few common examples; drinking coffee which contains caffeine makes the body feel more alert, and the mind, sharp. Consuming sugar leads to a “sugar rush” sending the body into a hyperactive state, followed by the inevitable “sugar crash”. Eating turkey can make body feel sleepy due to its tryptophan content.

Active individuals know that in order to build muscles, they must consume adequate amounts of protein, as well as exercise the selected muscle group. Everyday, thousands of North Americans set off to their local gyms to work on building muscle mass and strength. If you consider that muscles can be exercised and strengthened, one can understand that the brain too can be exercised and strengthened. Just like muscles, the brain requires specific nutrients in order to grow and increase its capacity.

Brain Food

The brain’s primary source of fuel is glucose. We obtain glucose by consuming carbohydrates. The best carbohydrates for fueling a healthy brain are called “complex carbohydrates”. Complex carbohydrates take time to be digested and used by the brain, resulting in a slow-releasing, constant energy source. Simple carbohydrates found in food items such as pop, candy, cookies and junk food, are quickly broken down by the body, and sent straight to the brain. Simple carbohydrates or “refined carbohydrates” are associated with the “sugar rush” experienced shortly after eating very sugary foods and do not provide healthy fuel for the brain.

What foods supply complex carbohydrates?

• brown rice
• quinoa
• millet
• amaranth and other whole grains
• lentils
• black beans
• chickpeas and other legumes
• broccoli
• carrots
• sweet potatoes
• celery and other vegetables

In addition to complex carbohydrates, the brain also relies on good quality fats to keep it nourished. The brain is approximately 60% fat! The type of fat consumed directly affects the health of the brain and influence how a person thinks and feels.

What types of fat does my brain need?

• Omega 3: a polyunsaturated fat, EPA and DHA
• Omega 6: a polyunsaturated fat, GLA and AA
• Cholesterol
• Saturated and monounsaturated fat

Both cholesterol and saturated fats can be made in the body. Omega 3 and 6 have to obtained through diet.

Sources of Omega 3

• fish: salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring
• flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
• raw walnuts
• eggs: look for free range, organic eggs coming from grass and grain fed chickens
• grass fed beef
• grass fed lamb
• acai berry
• milk and milk products: coming from grass fed cows

Sources of Omega 6

• avocado
• eggs: look for free range, organic eggs coming from grass and grain fed chickens
• hemp seed and hempseed oil
• pumpkin seeds
• flaxseed and flaxseed oil
• soybeans
• turkey: look for free range, organic
• chicken: look for free range, organic
• whole grain breads

How is the brain exercised?
Keep your brain healthy and happy through diet and lifestyle choices.

• reading
• problem solving
• adequate sleep
• stress management
• physical activity
• yoga or meditation
• rest
• creative projects
• giving and receiving love

External Factors Affecting Mental Health - Guest post by Dr. Jim Bews

2010-05-04T23:25:00.000-06:00

It’s Spring! Hurrah! Many of us feel better as this new season comes on and replaces the shortened days of winter. Our mood is better; in fact our whole mental health seems better. What if there were some logical things that could help our mood be better all year long? Turns out there are.

As a Medical Doctor and Psychotherapist for the past 41 years, I have seen many people with mental health issues often presenting as depression and anxiety. The drug companies encourage doctors to prescribe antidepressants for many of these people. But think about it for a moment. In depression and anxiety disorders what is the first thing to go? The answer is sleep. The natural second thing to go is energy. What if there could be a way to get people their energy back through getting a good night’s sleep? Logically that would seem to be a good thing.

Next, if the thousands of drugs and chemicals that come into our bodies through our water, air and food are toxic invaders and some of those chemicals end up in our brain cells, could they be causing a toxicity that might show up as depression and anxiety problems? That seems logical as well. What if we could purify water and purify the air so that we didn’t have chemicals invading our bodies? Wouldn’t that be a good thing to do?

Four Steps to Improve Mental Health

1. Get a good night’s sleep.
Eighty-five percent of people in North America complain that they don’t get a good night’s sleep on a regular basis. When we don’t get a good night’s sleep we notice it right away and everyone else in our lives notice it too. That is stressful. We all have STRESS of some kind in our lives anyway. And yet the greatest stress reliever we can have in our lives…..is a good night’s sleep. You know, the kind of sleep where we get up…. having all the energy we want … to do the things we love to do in our lives. When we don’t have that energy we often miss out on the second greatest stress reliever… exercise. Next when we don’t sleep well often we tend to overeat (and we find it much harder to lose those extra pounds). More stress. In fact our risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and even sudden death goes up by many times when we don’t sleep well.

2. Drink pure water.
I recommend a water system that filters out drugs, chemicals and bacteria and provides water at an optimal pH for the body. Filtering out drugs and chemicals is easy. Most filters will do this. Filtering out the dead bacteria in our water requires micro-filtration to the one micron level at least, but be aware; most store-bought filters do not filter down to this level. The other really important thing with your water system is that it takes the acidity out. Only water that is at the ideal pH (7.4), can be totally absorbed by our cells. Ninety-nine percent of the body’s circulation is comprised of water. The water in your circulation is the delivery system for nutrition to your cells and is also very important for the removal of waste products and toxins. Imagine if we could cleanse our brains with this purified water. That would undoubtedly improve our mental health. Water truly is the “RIVER OF LIFE”.

Ensure the water system you use has independent third party certification. for example from the National Sanitation Foundation in the United States. Many companies make claims, but never allow their water systems to be tested independently and do not have this certification. It’s important. Don’t be taken in.

3. Breathe pure air.
Use a high quality HEPA air filter and negative ion generator. All air is ionized; but it is the negative ions that have very positive effects on our bodies. They are responsible for that good feeling we have when standing by a waterfall in nature. They act as natural antidepressants as well as promote good mental performance and concentration, improved physical performance, fewer respiratory problems and better sleep. Being surrounded by negative ions on a daily basis can have a significant positive contribution to mental health. A high quality air purifier can be easy to incorporate into your home and very affordable, but be sure it is certified to be 100% ozone free.

4. Eat well.
Good nutrition is extremely important to good mental health. Eat clean, whole foods to give your body the nutrients it needs. This means eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The nutrients provided by whole foods help support the brain.

These are some basic things we can do to improve our mental health. All of these things; good sleep, pure water, pure air and pure food supplements promote better mental health and overall well-being.

Dr. JIM BEWS, MD CCFP
(If you would like to send any questions or comments to Dr. Bews or to find out more about the sleep, air or water filtration systems he recommends, you can send requests to michelle@bundlesofenergy.com or info@bundlesofenergy.com .)

Body Worlds and the Brain

2010-05-04T21:54:00.002-06:00

Finally the "Body Worlds" expo has reached Calgary!

I wanted to take this opportunity and encourage our followers to explore this exhibit at the Telus World of Science and learn more about the amazing human body.

Calgary's presentation of "Body Worlds" focuses on "The Human Brain". Guest speakers and presentations will discuss the inner workings of this precious organ, as well as various aspects of mental health.

Don't pass up this amazing opportunity! Check it out, and let us know what you think!

Uncle John’s Certified Organic Bathroom Reader

2010-04-29T07:43:00.001-06:00

My best friend bought me the Uncle John’s Certified Organic Bathroom Reader. Let me tell you how fantastic this book is! It is full of information about the green movement, the environment, organic, and just about anything else you can think of related! I want to share some of the really interesting facts that this company has researched!

“Each month, Americans throw away enough aluminum to rebuild every commercial airplane in the company” (p. 13).

So keep recycling! Throw those aluminum cans into those blue bins!

“Since they were introduced in 1977, trillions of plastic grocery bags have found their way into lakes and oceans, where they can harm wildlife that mistake them for food or get trapped inside” (p. 145).

This is more incentive to bring those re-useable bags with you to the grocery store. If we all cut down on the amount of plastic bags we are using we can help clean up the environment.

And another plastic bag quote: “Plastic bags are made from ethylene, a byproduct of oil, gas, and coal production – all nonrenewable resources. The petroleum used to make 14 plastic bags is enough to drive a car one mile. What’s more, plastic bags may take up to 1000 years to decompose” (p. 145).

I keep cloth bags in the trunk of my car, in my house, and you can even buy bags that fold up into tiny pouches that can be kept in a purse or in the backseat of a car.

So if you like random facts and information, and are interested in health and the environment, pick up this bathroom reader from Chapters. It will make you laugh out loud, inspire you to make a change, and I am sure you will even learn something from it!

My Garden Update

2010-04-28T10:00:00.002-06:00

Hello again bloggerland, I am proud to report Cody and I have had some progress in the garden these past few weeks. We planted about 60 seedlings in the past month and have been giving them some much deserved love as they grow. In the process I have learned a few valuable tips:

1) The answers are somewhere- I have had many questions, such as; when is the right time to plant things? How do I know how much water or sun everything needs? The answer is simple: just ask. Between Google, some great gardening books, my mom, seed packet instructions and a few helpful people in line at Rona, every question I could have imagined to ask has been answered.

2) Plants can and will grow in pretty much anything- This is one of the coolest things we discovered. At first we were buying those expensive little seed trays and pots from Rona or Walmart. Although they looked great, as plants grew we needed to transplant them. Turns out you can turn anything into a planter. We used milk cartons, yogurt containers, mason jars and coffee cans. All you need to do is poke a few holes throughout the container so that the soil can breath.

3) A few seeds is plenty- I'm sure this is considered a common beginner mistake, so it is only fair we made it. Just because there are 30 or so seeds in the pack does not mean you need to plant them all, or even close. We ended up with about 5-10 of everything and are already deciding who we are going to give all our extra seedlings too.

4) Not everything will grow- Although we were very successful, there was one batch of flowers and a few other plants that just did not grow. We have gotten into a habit of talking to our plants, thank to Adrianne, and all the tough love and affection in the world couldn't get them to grow. So green thumb or not, sometimes you just need to part ways and move on.

I added a few pics of some of the seedlings, there are zucchinis, cucumbers, strawberries, dill, parsley, basil, and some flowers so far. And just in case anyone is wondering our compost is a rocking! It smells good and it feels great to not be throwing our waste into a plastic bag.

Happy gardening everyone!

Marcie Brown

Rouge Restaurant: voted one of world's top restaurants

2010-04-27T17:32:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Rouge!

San Pellegrino's Top 100 Restaurants of 2010 ranks Calgary's Rouge restaurant number 60! Rouge claimed it's place along with Langdon Hall Restaurant (number 77) as the two only Canadian establishments to make San Pellegrino's list. This is exciting news for Calgary foodies and those who are in support of the whole, local and natural food movement.

Rouge's philosophy about food is truly beautiful and inspiring. Chef Paul Rogalski describes the restaurant's close relationship with local farmers and producers as being a top priority. Their focus on quality, homegrown ingredients surely contributes to the caliber of food that Chef Rogalski creates.

It is not often that we can sit down in a restaurant and eat "real" food with whole, fresh ingredients. Rouge shows us that respecting food and where it comes from is a far superior way to dine. Please check out Rouge, and support whole, local and natural foods. Visit their website at www.rougecalgary.com

Thinking of the Environment

2010-04-13T08:25:00.003-06:00

I came across this great website a few years ago, and I have used it many times for any questions I have about toxic chemicals and the environment.

I was first introduced to the Environmental Working Group when I had questions about what types of chemicals were in the body care lines that people were using. You can put in the name of any brand of body product (shampoo, conditioners, creams, and even makeup) and the database will break the product down into the individual ingredients. Then, each ingredient is rated based on scientific literature. They explain if and why any of the ingredients are linked to health concerns and they let you know which products are tested on animals (more and more people are looking for products that have not been tested on animals). They also give a link that will take you to products that have a lower toxicity than the one you are testing. This can help us make better choices when it comes to body care products that we put on our skin every single day.

Currently, they are sending around a Healthy Homes Checklist that people can use to look at some of the ways they can reduce toxic chemicals in their homes. I have printed one off and I am looking forward to going through my home and making some changes!

I have also noticed a sunscreen section on their website where they have rated sunscreens as part of their campaign for safer and more effective sunscreens. This will come in handy for the upcoming summer months.

So check it out because I know for me I can always learn new ways to cut down on my exposure to chemicals!

Acquiring a Green Thumb

2010-04-07T15:36:00.011-06:00

As part of my nutrition program I did a Co-Op last summer at an herb garden in Toronto working under the watchful eye of a medical herbalist. In the process I discovered a deep love of gardening. The garden is a great place to calm your mind and get a little dirty. So after a bit of convincing my boyfriend was so kind as to let me overhaul his garden this year, with his help of course. So i decided to keep an ongoing blog of my first real attempt at a garden. I am looking forward to sharing my learning curve with all of you out there in blogger-land, as well as hopefully getting some feedback from some experienced gardeners.

One of the first things we did was getting our compost set up. My boyfriend Cody has a condo with a small back yard, so our first challenge was space. We found a lot of great design ideas for building our own compost by using old pallets. Unfortunately these are about 3 feet by 3 feet and we just didn't have the space. So we did the next best thing... took a trip to Walmart.

We ended up using a 34 gallon plastic garbage can (you can also use a metal one). Cody then used a drill bit to punch holes throughout it, including the bottom. This is a very important part, the more oxygen the better, this will keep your compost from getting stinky. A properly done compost should never smell funky.

The next step is to fill it up. The best ratio for compost is 3 parts brown stuff to one part green. The brown portion includes dead leaves, newspaper, egg cartons and mulch, basically anything no longer living. The green portion includes fresh glass clippings, egg shells, fruits and vegetables. We choose to dig up the previous garden and start completely fresh this year and so we also added all the the roots we dug up.

Next you need to add some water and an activator, these you can find pre-boxed at Rona or Walmart for around 10$. We found out that human urine is a very effective activator, and some gardeners swear by it. This is due to the nitrogen content. Of course after that discovery Cody was set on peeing on it, I think its a boy thing. If you are using urine it needs to be diluted however with water, about 1 part urine to 10 parts water. Give it a good stir and then you wait.

Continue to add your waste from your kitchen and yard as the months go one. It is supposed to take about two months to get a good compost, so i will keep you updated. Make sure to keep stirring it as you add new things. This is not only environmentally friendly, but provides some awesome organic matter for great gardening. I included a few photos of our homemade compost. I would love to hear if anyone has any more tricks and of course about your own versions.
Happy composting everyone!

Marcie Brown

Belly Blues

2010-04-01T19:09:00.000-06:00

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common intestinal disorder in North America, and is now being diagnosed in children as young as six years old. The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research estimates that anywhere from 13-20% of Canadians suffer from this disorder, and interestingly of those affected only about 10% seek professional help. Symptoms of this painful syndrome include: gas, bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea, cramps, headache and nausea. Although the causes of IBS are unknown, many experts believe that poor diet and lifestyle choices are to blame.
Risk factors of IBS include:

• stress

• anxiety

• diet high in processed foods

• food allergies

• food sensitivities

• poor sleeping patterns

• parasites

Symptoms vary greatly, and because there is currently no test used to determine the presence of IBS, doctors typically use other diagnostic procedures to rule out other intestinal diseases. Some physicians believe that IBS can lead to more serious intestinal pathologies such as Chron’s disease or colitis. A dietary approach will help sufferers deal with symptoms associated with IBS, and help them to avoid more serious disorders in the future.

Adrianne’s Tips for IBS

• Food allergies should be eliminated especially dairy and wheat.

• Processed and fried foods should be eliminated. This includes cookies, margarine, processed cheese, processed deli meats, fast food and so on.

• A whole foods diet consisting of plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds and legumes should be introduced. If an IBS flare up occurs, one may wish to steam or cook vegetables for easier digestion.

• Drink no less than 2 liters of fresh filtered water daily.

• Take appropriate measures to cope with stress. Until stress is under control, IBS will continue to wreak havoc on the intestines.

• Get plenty of sleep! Lack of sleep encourages stress within the body.

• Avoid coffee and other stimulating substances such as refined white sugar and overly spicy foods

• Avoid ice cold beverages which can cause the digestive system to spasm.

• Peppermint tea is very calming to the body and aids in digestion.

• Digestive enzymes 15 minutes before meals will encourage proper digestion of foods .

• Chew your food! This will lower workload of both the stomach and intestines.

Top Foods For Intestinal Health:

1. Miso Soup

2. Ginger Root

3. Mint

4. Un-Sweetened Organic Yogurt

5. Apples

by Adrianne Smith

Stressing Digestion

2010-04-01T19:03:00.001-06:00

It is no surprise that stress and anxiety are listed as common risk factors in digestive disorders such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), colitis, heartburn and ulcers. If there is one thing I have learned while studying health and wellness, it is that the proper functioning of any organ comes from the fusion of a healthy metabolic and emotional state. We forget sometimes that our stomachs are connected to our nervous systems. To understand how this works, imagine yourself trying to eat anything before you have to participate in some form of public speaking, or while dining on a first date. Think back to a time when you were sad or depressed and the only suitable cure you could think of was a chocolate bar or a pint of ice cream. These types of experiences show that our emotions have a significant impact when it comes to digestion.

This may come across as somewhat of a design flaw of the human body. However, consider the human body as it was used thousands of years ago; we were wired for a different lifestyle. There is a reason for this; it is called our autonomic nervous system. This is a portion of our human design that was ideal for the caveman, but is somewhat backfiring in today’s world. For example; traditionally if you were running away from, let’s say, a Saber Toothed Tiger, a section of the autonomic nervous system called the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) would kick in. During that stressful event, in order to keep our blood flow directed toward the limbs required to run away or fight back, our bodies would limit any extra energy expending such as digestion. We would sometimes also get rid of anything that could be weighing us down, such as stomach contents. This would explain the phenomenon of diarrhea, constipation or the feeling of nausea.

So how does this relate to us today? Well I’m going to assume it has been a while since anyone has encountered a Saber Toothed Tiger in a back alley. Today however, daily stress is more present than ever. Instead of crossing paths with a deadly animal on the rare occasion, our constant stress comes in the form of blackberries, deadlines, rush hour traffic, family relationships and paying the bills and I’m just considering my afternoon. Humans of our generation are overworked and over stressed, our bodies have been wired to put digestion aside and worry about the task at hand. Unfortunately for most of us, that rarely leaves time at all for digestion and in turn a lot more reliance on the band-aid response of over-the-counter remedies.

So what can we do? Let’s be honest, we are not going to get rid of those immediate stressors right now. Although we can learn to kick start the second half of our autonomic nervous system which is the parasympathetic nervous systems, appropriately titled “rest and digest”. The best way I have found to do this is through light meditation. Our minds are a very powerful tool. If we can think of an argument we had with someone we love and lose our appetite; that must mean we can focus on something positive and gain it back. We can use this technique to take the first steps toward digestive health and complete health in general. This step is understating that change is needed, and recognizing that you possess the power to make it.

So, in addition to a healthy diet and exercise, try the following meditation technique to help develop digestive wellbeing and get those parasympathetic nervous systems firing. This technique will take you anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to complete and can be performed as often as needed.

Digestion Meditative Technique:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place where you won’t be distracted

2. Choose a position; this could be sitting, lying down or one of your favorite yoga positions. Be sure that your position allows your spine to be in a straight neutral position

3. Take a few deep breaths to ground yourself

4. Close your eyes

5. Scan your body for any areas of tension. If you become aware of any tension present, direct your breath into these areas and help them to let go

6. Now direct your breaths into your belly. Focus on a strong smooth inhale and a deep slow exhale. Allow your belly to fully extend and contract.

7. Once this breathing begins to feel natural, try to quiet the mind

8. It is almost impossible to have no thoughts, so simply aim for very few thoughts. Let the thoughts you do have be directed towards a healthier you

9. Focus on having a healthy flowing digestive system and any ailments or pathologies to be flowing out of your body leaving only healthy tissue

10. Focus your energy to your solar plexus, this is the chakra located in the centre of our torsos that affects our digestive system. Think of the colour yellow which is the healing colour for this area

11. Once you feel satisfied with your meditation and your body feels clear, focus on bringing the breath back to normal

12. Open your eyes slowly and begin to wiggle your fingers and toes

13. Stand or sit up slowly and come back to your present life feeling refreshed and balanced

“Take all that is given whether wealth, love or language, nothing comes by mistake and with good digestion all can be turned to health.” -George Herbert

By Marcie Brown

Guest post from Dr. Joe Klassen

2010-04-01T00:01:00.003-06:00

Digestive Health for Kids

There is a very longstanding wisdom that says good health starts in the gut. There can be no doubt that a healthy digestive tract is a fundamental issue for our children. Although concerned parents try to ensure that our kids get nutritious foods on their plate, it is also important that the food they eat is properly digested, absorbed and that undesired things are eliminated. It also bears study to ensure that we are not reacting to what we take in.

Digestive issues are often poorly understood as there is a huge variability among individuals and also variations over even short periods of time in any individual. With kids this can be even more complicated as they may be unable to properly articulate how and what they feel. The transient nature of the symptoms frustrates the child, caregiver and health professional alike. While I want to make the discussion as simple as possible, I still need to mention that any serious health issues need to be managed under the care of a professional, and that underlying serious issues are ruled out.

It is not uncommon for healthy children to have a tummy-ache on occasion. When it happens frequently and starts to limit our child’s play or schooling, then we have to get concerned. One of the frustrations many parents have is that with vague symptoms and nothing immediately dangerous, they are placated and told to go home and come back if there is any change. After many visits, there is a loss of confidence that “small” issues get any attention from a busy health care system. Given the nature of audience that reads this type of publication, I am going to skip the lectures on junk food, additives, colourings and high fat content as a contributor.

For anyone with some digestive complaints, a few simple tips can often improve the severity and frequency of complaints. Let’s start with a few simple tips that can help anybody. Chew your food well. This is almost a cliché of sorts in natural health, but it bears repeating especially with children who may gulp down their food to get to their next game or show. Remember not to dilute the digestive power of the stomach by having too much water with a meal. Have water throughout the day, but limit it in the half hour before and during meals to a small glass of water, letting the stomach produce it’s acid to dissolve the food. This improves ability to kill microorganisms on the food as well as to improve the stimulation of the rest of the process by having an increases-acid product moving out of the stomach to the small intestine. Being distracted while eating is a common impediment to a child’s good digestion. Try not to eat in front of the tv or standing while doing some other task. Although it is not always possible in our busy world, making an effort to have a group dinner at the family table is a boon to digestion. It is also a positive activity for the family, and some guidance from the parent’s on healthy discussions can ensure that we stay involved in each other’s lives. Offering thanks for our meal also serves as a bit of a stalling tactic to start the digestive process by anticipation. It also serves to start some very healthy habits in our kids. We go around the table after the meal is set, and everyone takes their turn sharing three things for which they are grateful today, and it really helps us see into each other, as well as start to salivate for our meal.

Gas and bloating are common complaints and are often due to overeating and rushing through a meal. When it is more persistent we should examine if there is a pattern of certain foods that sets this off. Many of us are becoming more reactive to foods such as dairy, wheat, corn, soy, eggs and citrus. The reason why this is occurring goes beyond our space here, but put simply, these foods contain some hard-to-digest proteins, are omnipresent in our diet, and are extremely concentrated in our food. Simply reducing or eliminating these foods for a period of time can offer a rest period and time to heal the gut. The judicious use of digestive enzymes or apple cider vinegar to improve digestion can help to minimize the impact of these or other reactive foods. Poor gut microflora can also contribute to discomfort in digestion. Gas-producing bacteria or yeasts can feed on the contents of our digestive tract and produce the gas that causes distension and discomfort.

Health gut flora is a whole topic of importance for our kids. The use of antibiotics without probiotic support, as well as the use of cleaning products and aggressive hygiene (eg chlorine in our water) in our community can wipeout the gut flora. Use of a probiotic on an occasional basis is adequate for most to establish a healthy flora. I don’t recommend using these constantly as we should give time for one’s bowel to establish its own balance (there are instances where this may not be so).

IBS is a condition that afflicts a larger number of people every year. It is diagnosed as a collection of symptoms after workup for other serious ailments have been ruled out. The common symptoms are abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. There are no specific tests to identify this “diagnosis of exclusion. From a naturopathic perspective, it is important to understand why there is such an irritation in the digestive system. We’ll start by looking at the quality of physical digestion; is the food being broken down to its basic components? If the food is incompletely digested, then it may cause much irritation farther down the tract, or it may serve as the food source for fermentive microflora. This leads to much gas, bloating and discomfort. The poorly digested food may also then be identified by the immune system, causing inflammation and irritation of the tissue and also more systemically (this is one relationship of foods to ADHD and other conditions). The irritated digestive tract may experience pain, cramps, and an excess or lack of motility corresponding to irregular and uncomfortable bowel movements.

More serious digestive issues include celiac disease, which is a significant immune response to the gluten contained in wheat and some other grains. Our body reacts to this protein and the anti-body/antigen complex leads to an immune attack on the lining of the digestive tract. This in turn can lead to a myriad of symptoms in the GI tract, and also to issues related to poor absorption of nutrients as in anaemia, fatigue and depression. This condition is becoming more prevalent and yet conventional medicine lacks an effective management of the issue beyond avoidance of gluten-containing foods. We see there can also be a similar reaction to other foods and one must ensure that our children are not encountering reactive foods in their diet. An excellent way to find out if there is a reaction to certain foods is to do a food allergy blood test. This blood test will show if there is an immune reaction to foods based on the presence of antibodies in the blood. This IgG test is for the delayed-onset allergies as found in celiac and other food allergies. I need to point out that it is not a test for the IgE antibodies that moderate histamine in the more obvious “hayfever” or “beesting” allergy presentation. The blood sample can be taken in your practitioners office, and is processed by a recognized laboratory. Fortunately for children, the basic panel of 96 foods can be sampled from a fingerstick and a few blood drops so we don’t have to endure a needle venipuncture and the trauma to kids (and myself) that comes with it.

Remember that much of our gut’s reaction to foods is at the root of many digestive complaints and if we can improve the quality of digestion, gut flora balance and reduce reactivity to foods, we can dramatically improve our health. When it comes to our children, it is important that we choose to select foods carefully and to observe their reaction. Many other conditions are a result of the inflammatory response from the gut, such as asthma, ADHD, eczema, depression and hormone issues. Food additives, preservatives and colourings are a whole new dimension to this issue that can be covered in future issues. As we develop a better understanding of our relationship with our food intake, we can reduce the increase in many of these childhood health concerns.

-Dr. Joe Klassen, ND practices at Fish Creek Naturopathic Medicine in Calgary, AB. He has a focus on digestive health, hormones, allergies and childhood issues. He chooses to include food and digestion as an integral approach to all health issues and includes these recommendations in his treatment guidelines.

Gluten and Wheat - what's the difference?

2010-04-01T00:00:00.002-06:00

What does “gluten-free” and “wheat-free” mean, and is it healthier for me?

Gluten is a protein that can be found in certain types of foods such as wheat, barley, spelt, triticale, rye, and sometimes oats. Since many products are made with these grains, much of the foods we eat contain gluten. People with celiac disease have an allergy to gluten, and they must eliminate it completely as it can cause damage to their intestines and make it difficult for them to absorb nutrients. See your doctor if you are concerned you may be suffering from this disease. Wheat-free products are made without the use of wheat, but still can contain gluten.

You may be noticing more and more packaging with the “gluten-free” label. This means that none of the ingredients in the product contain gluten, and that the products are produced in facilities that can not be contaminated with gluten. Those with celiac disease may enjoy them without worry. Read the label of some of the foods you are buying next time you are in the grocery store and see how many contain wheat. And now imagine having to give up all of these foods. Food manufacturers now have a variety of gluten-free options including granola bars, cereals, breads, donuts, rolled oats, and waffles!

If you do not have an allergy to gluten then you do not need to worry about the gluten-free label on foods.
There is an assumption that gluten-free products are healthier; however, this is not entirely true. Yes, some products will be healthier because the manufacturers use whole grains (such as quinoa, brown rice and buckwheat-see below for information on how to incorporate these in your diet) and the least amount of ingredients possible to ensure the product is gluten-free. But, as with any processed foods, many gluten-free products contain a lot of additives and sweeteners to help replace the stabilizing properties of the gluten. So be aware that gluten-free does not always mean healthier, and start reading those labels!

Many people who do not have a gluten allergy still find wheat hard to digest and often experience bloating and abdominal discomfort after eating wheat, pasta or bread. Just as with the “gluten-free” label, a “wheat-free” label will mean there is no wheat but not necessarily that it is a healthy choice!

So, if you are allergic to gluten, sensitive to wheat, or if you just want to try something else, there are many choices of grains out there for you! Variety is key to a healthy diet; try some of these alternative grains in place of wheat! These grains can also be used as flours in recipes!

How to Cook Grains

Buckwheat: you’ve probably seen buckwheat pancake mixes around the grocery store. Buckwheat is not technically a grain but it grows from a thistle which produces buckwheat groats. These buckwheat groats are little triangle-shaped fruits with a fibrous covering that we can use like grains. Buckwheat groats are gluten-free and can be cooked and used in place of rice, or in salads, or as a breakfast cereal. Buckwheat pancakes are one of my favorite ways to use this “grain,” and next time you are in your local health food store look for Grandma Nunweiler’s Old Fashioned Pancake & Waffle Mix. Just add some olive oil, an egg, some frozen blueberries, and crushed banana, and cook! 1 cup of buckwheat groats to 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, turn to low heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Quinoa: is actually not a grain, but a seed of a leafy plant that is closely related to the spinach plant, but it is considered a grain because we use it like one. Not only is it a source of calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and iron, but it is also a good protein source. It comes in white/yellow, red, or black varieties and it fluffs up making it fun to use in recipes. Make sure you buy pre-washed quinoa, or wash it yourself using a strainer because quinoa contains a soap-like coating. Substitute this ‘little wonder’ for rice, add it to soups and stews, or cook it and cool it and then add it to salads. Add 1 cup of washed quinoa in a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, turn to low heat and cover with a lid. Cook it just like rice for 15-20 minutes.

Brown Rice: looking for an alternative to wheat pasta? Brown rice pasta is a great alternative for those who are sensitive to gluten, or for those of us who like to try something different! You can find Tinkyada rice pasta in grocery stores, and it comes in a variety of forms; spaghetti, spirals, fusilli, and elbow pasta are just to name a few. It cooks just like wheat pasta, but may take a few minutes longer. Substitute rice pasta in your casseroles, lasagna, spaghetti, and pasta salads. Add 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water to a pot. Bring to a boil, turn to low heat and cover with a lid. Brown rice takes from 40-50 minutes to cook.

Bundles of Energy will have more recipes and information on how to cook a variety of grains that are available in the grocery stores! Check out this month’s quinoa salad recipe.

If you have more questions or if you are suffering from a gluten allergy, you can check out The Canadian Celiac Association for more help.

Quotes

2010-03-18T10:16:00.004-06:00

I would love to share two quotes that I have come across the past week.

Elson M. Haas wrote the book Staying Healthy with Nutrition which I used as a text book at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN). I recently was re-visiting his book and came across a great quote which I decided fit with my life.

"When we shift our attitudes, we can change our entire lives" -Elson M. Haas

This quote got me thinking about staying positive. I am the kind of person who lets every little thing bother me. I worry and get stressed over the little things. So for the past week I have been focusing on the positive and really working on not letting little things get me down. I've been smiling more and enjoying the things that come my way. Being positive has made working out more enjoyable (instead of a chore I now think of running as "me" time), and I have been enjoying my meals more. Instead of "making" meals I am "creating" meals. The smallest change in thinking can result in a huge alteration in life.

Another quote I found really encompasses part of what Bundles of Energy is about.

“Food that's beautiful to look at seems to taste better than food that isn't.” -Emeril Lagasse

I love brightly coloured foods. I love "creating" a soup with all different types and colours of vegetables and beans. I buy green and yellow and red bell peppers from the grocery store. Who wants just a green salad when you can have a green and yellow and red salad?! I even add frozen blueberries to pancake mixes for not just the taste, but the look!

And really, who wants to eat something that looks bland?

I know that is what Bundles of Energy is about.....helping people create healthy, beautiful meals we can be proud of!

Eating Out

2010-03-09T07:53:00.005-07:00

I would love to talk about one of my favorite restaurants here in Calgary. If you have never been to The Coup you are missing out on something great. Many people think that vegetarian meals have to be bland and simple, and the word vegetarian brings up visions of plates of beans and salads. The Coup is dispelling those myths by creating wonderfully delicious vegetarian meals, while promoting whole, organic, and local foods. You can taste the fresh and seasonal vegetables in the dishes! I enjoy supporting local businesses who want to make it easy to eat healthy.

One of my favorite things to eat is the 'el taco', and my meat-eating significant other loves the 'falafel quesadillas'. The soup of the day is always full of tasty spices and seasonal vegetables. And if you want to try something outside of the box order the smoothie of the day and be prepared to be surprised: who would have known that a banana and basil smoothie would have tasted so good?! On the weekends I have often stopped in for a breakfast frittata with organic free range eggs, yams, and seasonal vegetables. It is a great way to start off a busy weekend. They also have a variety of salads to choose from, and if you want to start with an appetizer, try the hummus.

So the next time you feel like going out to eat but want to try something different, check out The Coup at 924 17th Ave S.W., and be prepared to want to go back to try something else!

Snack Idea

2010-03-08T11:08:00.005-07:00

Hello Everyone! I would love to pass along a wonderful snack idea that I stumbled across yesterday while snooping around one of my favorite blogs! This is a perfect way to include a variety of great textures, colors, shapes, tastes and nutrients into your child's diet. Use this snack plate to introduce new interesting foods into your child's diet without overwhelming them. I absolutely love this and think that you and your family will as well. Let me know what you think, and include your ideas!

http://todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/sycamore-stirrings.html

Have a great day, Adrianne

Find Your Inner Peace

2010-03-03T11:32:00.004-07:00

Periods of stress can be incredibly toxic to the body. On a daily basis, we encounter various situations, evaluate them, and deem the situation to be either stressful or not. The degree to which we experience stress is based on our interpretation of the situation, and how our body decides to cope with it. Finding healthy coping mechanisms for stress will promote the body's health, and our ability to deal with similar situations in the future. Training our minds to find peace is a wonderful coping/healing tool that anyone can practice. Relaxation exercises such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing encourage the mind to connect, grow and become strong. When our mind is well trained, we have an incredible ability to find peace during hectic times. Learning how to calm the mind is a skill that doesn't come without dedication and practice. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources available to support our search for inner peace. Have a wonderful day!

Check out:

bodhitreeyoga.com

http://www.how-to-meditate.org/breathing-meditations.htm/

http://www.chopra.com/meditation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PF3ngl7fuY

Your Gentle Shift to Amazing Health

2010-03-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Making changes in your life can seem like the toughest challenge you ever take on; however, it is a very simple process. The nature of the human mind is such that we tend to make the process very difficult for ourselves.

As I write this article I am watching the 2010 Winter Olympics. It brings back many memories, the type you might refer to as bitter sweet. It is a lot like life in general-so many wonderful times and so many challenging ones. I am reminded of the times I had a ‘bad’ race as an Olympic Speed skater; a result that I would have given anything to change. As a successful athlete I was aware I had a choice though: stay stuck in the misery of a ‘bad’ race or look for the opportunity to learn from what occurred. I quickly realized that every experience is an opportunity; it is all a matter of my perspective.

In order to succeed at a high level in sport, you must achieve a mindset of looking for constant subtle changes. You make these changes in order to create the most consistent success and benefit in your performance. This premise can be applied to all areas of life: relationships, career, health, and more. It starts with an evaluation of what is working and what is not. When you are honest about what is not working, and you let go of the excuses that keep you stuck; you allow an opportunity to create change or a shift in your life. The steps you can take to begin creating such a shift in your life are as follows:

Step one: Create awareness: What is NOT working? What ever it is, you must be clear about what you want your life to be like right now. You must be specific about the elements of your life that you want to change; the areas where you would like to produce different results.

Step Two: What is your motivation for change? In other words, what do you REALLY want to experience? For example; do you want to participate in your favorite sport or to play with your kids without tiring? In order to be active and fit, you may consider the benefits of eating a healthy diet. Your desire to be active then becomes the motivation that inspires your actions – in this case, the action of eating healthy meals.

Step Three: What do you need to do in order to create space for change to occur in your life? As you let go of habits, or what is not working, you open yourself to change. We all have reasons and excuses, often very sensible ones that keep us stuck in patterns of behavior. As these patterns repeat themselves throughout our lives, it seems so difficult to change the things that do not work. The reality however, is that it is as simple as letting go of one reason or excuse, and creating a new possibility in it’s place.

In transforming the eating habits of my family, I found that it was unsuccessful to simply take something, like wheat, out of our diets. My focus was entirely on what I was eliminating. What was missing was not the wheat, it was the clarity about what I really wanted in its place. So I began researching meal ideas that ideas that allowed for a more gentle transition; I let go of my excuses (I had many), and I focused on finding options that would work to create balance between my needs and desires and those of my family.

My motivation was my children’s health; theirs was eating food they liked. I had to shift my focus to what we would eat. I began looking for fun, wheat-free recipes the kids would like. I slowly added new meals and gave my family an opportunity to get used to the new tastes. This created support as our focus shifted to the fun new tastes that were being presented. My own focus shifted to interesting new meal ideas, instead of the stress of changing our diets. When I added a meal or snack everyone enjoyed, they no longer missed the food that we were working to avoid. As I began to discover alternative foods to bring into our lives, I began to create a more subtle, lasting change in our eating habits.

I recognized at this point that I had let go of one more very important thing to allow me far greater sustained success; my excuses and my reasons for maintaining my habits. I no longer allowed my reasons for was not changing to stay in my way. I began asking different questions in my head. When I thought, “This is driving me crazy!” I shifted my thoughts and asked “What could I do differently here to create an experience I want?”

If you are ready to make a change in your life I recommend focusing on one key area at a time. Whether you want to eat better, get organized or make more money, you’ve got to be clear in your mind about the change you wish to achieve. You will only create what you do want when you start to focus on the result and take action to achieve that result. If you constantly focus on what you do not want, you will keep your energy and actions on your unwanted results and experiences, thus perpetuating them. You cannot change who you are, however you can change the way you approach things allowing new ideas to have space in your life.

What is the experience you really want as a result of making a change? The possibilities are endless…The results are far greater than any one desire or commitment for change. Be clear about what is the purpose for your change. Acknowledge what is keeping you where you are. Identify what you can do toward achieving that change and connect to the supports you require to be successful. What will be your first gentle shift?

Michelle Giangualano
Founder
Bundles of Energy
Olympic Speed Skater 1994, 1998

We Are What We Eat!

2010-03-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

Healthy eating is an important notion we are seeing everywhere right now; it has become very popular in the news and in conversation with family and friends. Our society has taken on the quest for health through foods that are fat-free, sodium-free, and calorie-free. What people don’t know is that by extracting so many things, the food has become energy-free. We are obsessed with food that is no longer food, but more or less a chemistry project. What we should be searching for is what needs to be in our food, not what we needs to be missing or extracted from our food. Therefore I am challenging you to forget what you have been told about fats, proteins and carbohydrates and to see food the same way our body does, as life energy.

Food fuels more than our organs and cells; it also has great potential to feed our spirits. Processed, refined or fabricated foods are produced quickly in mass quantities, with flashy packaging and catchy commercials; imagine the processed foods that lie in middle isles of your favourite grocery store. Now, imagine an apple that spends the entire summer growing up from the earth with rain from the sky and the sun of a beautiful summer day.

That apple contains so much more than the obvious nourishment and vitamins that an “apple a day” offers. That apple also contains minerals that have been redeposited time and time again into the soil from where the tree grew. It contains energy and life from the same sun that warms each of us. It has been carefully cared for and nourished as it grows, not unlike each person we are and we know. Furthermore, that apple contains enough seeds to grow trees to produce a million more apples. When you are eating living food, be aware of the power it possesses. The energy present in live food can also be seen in a pumpkin seed, strong enough to grow an entire pumpkin; the protein source inside an egg is of such a great quality that it will provide growth for an entire chicken.

Something really incredible happens when we choose to feed not only our bellies, but also our spirit; food changes. Eating food is a transfer of life and energy, and in turn we change. We are providing our body its basic needs beyond nutritional values and calories. The health we are able to provide the body is immeasurable. Just as our bodies take time to create life, so should the food we put into it. By eating foods that grow, change and develop, we give ourselves the capacity to grow, change and develop. This is what is truly meant by healthy eating.

I trust in the truth of this concept because I have felt it and experienced it in my own life. Therefore I now challenge you to try and eat one thing everyday purely for its life energy. Feed your spirit and watch as it flourishes. When you eat the foods that serve your body with life and energy, your body will then function from a place of true health. Always put in yourself the things you wish to be and do not forget these simple words; we are what we eat.

By Marcie Brown
RMT and Reiki Practitioner
Nutrition Expert
Bundles of Energy

“Did you ever stop to taste a carrot? Not just eat it, but taste it? You can't taste the beauty and energy of the earth in a Twinkie.” ~Astrid Alauda

The Low-Down on Eating Organic

2010-03-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

Why is it important to eat organically?

Chemicals and pesticides are applied to crops to help them grow quicker and to ward off pests. Antibiotics are given to livestock to keep them healthy in unhealthy living conditions. The foods we eat have been sprayed and dosed with substances that are foreign to our bodies. Organic farming began when some farmers decided they wanted to protect people and the environment from these compounds.

When you eat organic you are helping to:

• Protect the environment by cutting down on the chemicals released into our ecosystem

• Support farmers who want to return to a natural approach

• Support sustainability in farming-many farmers use crop rotation to keep the soil enriched, aiding in the growth of the food. Crop rotation can also help protect against pests by affecting their cycles.

• Keep chemicals from accumulating up the food chain and into our bodies

How do I know when a product is organic, and can anybody put an organic label on their food?

For a product to be certified organic it must be approved by a government official. Canada has a new organic logo that can be placed on products that are certified organic according to Canadian standards.

Here are some things to help make shopping organic easier. If the product states:

• 100% Organic: entirely organically produced ingredients

• Organic: if the product is at least 95% organic

• Made with Organic Ingredients: if 70% of the ingredients in the product are organic

• Some Organic Ingredients: less than 70%

Also remember that buying something that states the product is free range, naturally grown, or antibiotic free does not mean that it is: these terms are not strictly regulated. The label has to say certified organic or specific standards have not been met.

Where can I start if I want to incorporate some organic foods into my diet?

Eating organic can put a strain on the wallet, and so if you are looking to reduce some of your exposure to chemicals try buying some of the following organic:

Meat is the most important food to eat organic. Animals are often given hormones and other medications that can be present in the meat. The feed the animals consume can also be treated with chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. Organic farmers use natural breeding methods, try to minimize the amount of stress to the animals, and are generally concerned with animal health and welfare. Certified organic meat contains no synthetic growth regulators or hormones, and there are strict regulations on the environment that the animals live in, for example the animals must have access to the outdoors for a specified amount of time.

Produce:  Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization that strives to help protect public health and the environment through research and public awareness has published information about the amount of pesticides found on products.

Top Fruits             Top Vegetables
Nectarines              Celery
Apples                    Bell Peppers
Pears                      Spinach
Peaches                  Potatoes
Strawberries
Cherries

*Remember that whether you buy organic produce or not, make sure you wash it thoroughly!

Coffee is another product that you may want to buy organic. Since many countries do not regulate the use of chemicals on crops, coffee can have high amounts of these harmful compounds. Try buying an organic fair trade coffee next time you are in the grocery store. This also helps support the farmers by ensuring they are paid fairly for the coffee.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHEMICALS AND THE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT? CHECK OUT RACHEL CARSON’S BOOK “SILENT SPRING”, WRITTEN IN THE 1960S, WHICH OPENED UP MANY PEOPLE’S EYES ON THE CHEMICALS THAT WERE ALLOWED TO BE USED IN FOOD PRODUCTION.

ALSO CHECK OUT THE CHECK OUT CANADIAN ORGANIC GROWERS FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EATING ORGANIC IN CANADA.

Carrie Dancey
RHN
Bundles of Energy

Substitute not Sacrifice

2010-03-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

Making small shifts in our daily routine can lead to big health benefits. The choices we make everyday impact our metabolism, thinking processes, sleeping patterns, energy levels and attitude. Below is a list of common household food items that can be substituted for a healthier option.

Adrianne Suggests........

Instead of White Flour: White flour is stripped of its two most nutritious parts; the bran and the germ. Most white flours are bleached to ensure its perfect “white” color. Found in a variety of products from white bread, pasta, cookies, pancakes, muffins, bagels and wraps. Labels that read “enriched wheat flour” contain refined white flour. Whole Grains: 100% whole grain products and flours including spelt, brown rice, sorghum, whole wheat, kamut, buckwheat, oats, quinoa and many more.
Try Whole Grains: 100% whole grain products and flours including spelt, brown rice, sorghum, whole wheat, kamut, buckwheat, oats, quinoa and many more.

Instead of White Sugar: When sugar undergoes a refining process, it is stripped of its vital nutrients including chromium. Watch out for cookies, pop, candy, cereal, and fruit juices that contain added sugar. Sucanat: This alternative to white refined sugar is a form of cane sugar that contains the molasses content and its original nutrients including chromium. Sucanat can be used cup for cup to replace sugar in recipes.
Try Sucanat: This alternative to white refined sugar is a form of cane sugar that contains the molasses content and its original nutrients including chromium. Sucanat can be used cup for cup to replace sugar in recipes.

Instead of White Salt: White salt is stripped of its vital nutrients and contributes to poor cardiovascular health. Prepared and prepackaged foods have the highest salt content. Sandwich meat, margarine, and canned soup are some of the worst offenders. Sea Salt: Sea salt contains its original mineral content. High mineral content results in a colored salt. Look for pink, grey, brown and black. Any color besides white is a good choice.
Try Sea Salt: Sea salt contains its original mineral content. High mineral content results in a colored salt. Look for pink, grey, brown and black. Any color besides white is a good choice.

Instead of Margarine: Margarine is a highly processed food product. It is typically high in sodium and funny fats that do not contribute to a healthy body.
Try Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a wonderful alternative to margarine. This fat is a clean burning, plant based product. It can replace margarine in recipes, used on toast and for sautéing. Anywhere you can use margarine, coconut oil can be used in its place. It tastes great too!

Choosing to make these small changes will improve your health in the short term and well into the future. Which one will you try first?

Adrianne Smith
RHN
Bundles of Energy

Healthy Child. Healthy World.

2010-02-27T19:59:00.002-07:00

Healthy Child. Healthy World. This is a fabulous clip! It really gets the message across. Tell a Friend!

Out in the Mountains

2010-02-24T12:55:00.002-07:00

I have been watching a lot of the Olympics this past week! It is so exciting to watch athletes compete in so many different sports. And I have found myself more into these Olympic games than any other games before. Watching them has made me really appreciate how close we are here in Calgary to the Rocky Mountains. With just a short drive I can go hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing in the greatest playground out there!

I went out snowshoeing on Saturday with some family. It felt so rejuvenating to get out in the fresh air. We drove out to Kananaskis where there was a lot of snow to explore. The weather was beautiful and sunny, and I needed to get out in nature to re-charge my batteries. Snowshoeing is not only great exercise, but it is so easy. You can rent snowshoes at many different places in Calgary.

After snowshoeing for about an hour, we had lunch at the top of the trail, and we were joined by four lovely ladies who were out snowshoeing with their dogs. They gave us the wonderful idea to use the garbage bags we brought to sit on as toboggans. So we spent almost an hour sliding down the steep hill and climbing back up! We had many fast runs, and many wipe-outs, until we were exhausted and ready to continue on the trail.

I guess what I learned is that sometimes you need to get out and act like a kid. I know that I get caught up with work and the stress of day-to-day life. Kids can show us how much fun we can have. And I sure had it snowshoeing and tobogganing in the mountains! So do something this weekend that you did as a kid. You'll be smiling all week long!

The Power Behind Food Cravings

2010-02-08T14:10:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my mom and I were walking around the farmers market spending some time together and as we walked though one of the sections filled with fresh produce she grabbed a huge bag of beets and explained that she has been craving them for days. I told her it was probably a big indication that it was exactly what her body was needing at that time. Our society has developed such a negative attachment to the concept of food cravings. We assume these are always our bodies craving some form of processed, unhealthy snack that we would ram-sack a 7-11 at 3 am just to get ahold of. But in reality, our cravings for certain foods are typically our body’s means of expressing it’s basic needs for certain nutrients and healing, so listen up!

There are few key tastes that our body tends to crave such as salty and sweet. The junk food industry has capitalized on these tastes, so the key is being able to listen to your body’s needs and fulfill these cravings with healthier options. Did you know Dorito chips contain iron? Very small amounts of course, not the most bio-available but iron none the less. Our bodies are aware of this and it can be directly tied to the cravings. North America has the highest rates of iron deficiency anemia in the world, so it’s no wonder Dorito sales have done so well.

Our bodies are incredibly aware of their needs and we can have some ideas of what healthy options are, but at the end of the day your most valuable tool is to just trust your instincts. Next time you walk through your grocery store forget your list at home, walk through the fruits and vegetables and choose whatever foods are appealing to you in that moment. Don’t worry about meal planning or cooking, all of that will come together. Just shop from your heart and listen to your cravings. That’s the best way to ensure you are giving your body exactly what it is asking for. I guarantee it will thank you.

I Love Supporting Local

2010-02-08T07:42:00.001-07:00

Walking through the Calgary Farmer’s Market in Calgary is one of my favorite things to do on the weekend. It is a way to connect me back to the community I live in. When things get busy in life it is easy to forget how food gets from the farm to the grocery store. I could wander down the aisles of the market for hours, taking in all of the fresh fruits and vegetables, many of which come from local farms here in Alberta. It is a great way to build a relationship with the people who grow the food you eat.

Walk over to the many vendors who provide Alberta raised meat products. There is something great about talking with the person who helped raise or grow the product you are purchasing. I have had many conversations about recipes; they seem to know the best way to prepare their products.

There are many vendors with Alberta and B.C. grown vegetables, some organic and some not. Local artists have beautiful pieces on display that make for a unique gift for someone special. There are wonderful jewelry shops with handmade products for sale, and there is always some form of entertainment to enjoy while you shop.

Some of vendors that I shop at regularly are:
Grazin Acres - Eggs, poultry & grass fed beef

Hoven Farms Organic Foods - Organic meat

Sunworks Farm - Organic meat

Lund's Organic Farm - AB Organic produce

Alf's Greenhouses - AB greenhouse produce

BlushLane - AB & BC produce

The Calgary Farmer’s Market allows us to eat seasonally; vendors will provide foods that are in tune with the season you are shopping in. I love shopping at the Farmer’s Market because I will often discover a food that I have never heard of before. I also get many ideas for lunches and dinners from the different vendors.

Check out the website for directions. It is open for the fall and winter months on Friday and Saturday from 9-5, and Sunday from 9-4. If you have never checked it out you are missing out on a great adventure! Bring many reusable shopping bags…. you’ll fill them up fast!

Love your food and eating! Series: Post 1 of 3

2010-02-05T16:33:00.000-07:00

Well I have done a tonne of different things with my kids over the years to instill responsibility and accountability in them. Why a tonne? Well, if you have kids you probably know that while something may work extremely well at first, the glory of it quickly fades! There are a few things though, that remain strong in our home. The kids, husband and I expect and look forward to them. My next few posts will be about these special rituals.

As a family, we have always made a point of sitting down at the table to eat meals together (especially dinner). About 6 months ago I came across a great book, The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections by Amanda Blake Soule, full of great crafts, projects and a few ideas for traditions or rituals. I am the first to admit that we are not a religious bunch and so have never said "grace" before meals, but the idea of regrouping, centering ourselves and being thankful for the wonderful food that has been lovingly provided and prepared for us is one I grabbed onto. Here is our pre-dinner ritual:

We all take our seats with our plates served. We hold hands, physically creating a circle around the table and joining us together. We take a deep, reflective breath (we added this in the hopes of ridding all the negative energy from the day and preparing us to sit politely and enjoy the meal - it works!).
Then we say:

Earth we thank for this food,
For rest and home and all things good,
For wind and rain and sun above,
but most of all, for those we LOVE!

Then, beginning with our youngest, we squeeze hands all the way around the circle. When the squeeze makes its way back to her, she announces, "Let's eat!"

I feel that this ritual has completely changed dinner-time for us. The deep breath is truly cleansing and everyone is a little more present for the meal. Do we still have some battles with sitting nicely and eating properly? Well... yes, sometimes. But I believe the battles are fewer and farther in between!

How do you prepare to enjoy your food?

Microwave Popcorn: The Not So Healthy Snack

2010-02-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

I just read a very odd and disturbing article and figured i better share it with all of you! I have always been most empathetic for the individuals who are attempting to make healthy choices, but are unaware of what is really in there "healthy" snacks. This article explains a health condition called popcorn lung that is a result of the over consumption of the ever popular microwave popcorn.

I encourage the individuals who choose to have a bowl of popcorn over potato chips or cookies, but we can do better then the microwave. So next time you sit down for a good flick pass on the toxic option and try my favorite popcorn recipe that is much easier on your body, your wallet and our environment.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of organic popcorn
1 tbs of coconut oil
pinch of sea salt

- Add popcorn and oil to a large pot, cover pot and cook on medium heat until all corn is popped
- Add sea salt to taste

* can also add dried kelp instead of salt for some added nutrients such as potassium, iron, calcium and iodine

Food and Family

2010-02-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Last night I realized how important family is when it comes to eating healthy. I went over to my parent’s house for dinner last night for a wonderful home-cooked birthday meal for my brother. My family is very close, and we love getting together and sharing cooking ideas with one another. Great food, great company, and a little bit of wine makes for a very enjoyable evening!

What I realized last night is that my parents have had a crucial role in influencing me towards healthy eating. They have done this in a very subtle but effective way: by stressing the importance of vegetables to us. At every meal we would have at least 2 vegetable dishes as part of our meal. Take last night as an example. Not only did we have a wonderful, bright-coloured salad to enjoy, but we also had steamed asparagus to add to our plates. Vegetables have always been a large focus of our meals, and I realized that I took those values with me when I moved out. I love having a variety of vegetables to choose from, especially when munching throughout the day, or sitting down to dinner in the evening.

My parents make the best salads, although there is always a dispute on whether a salad should contain more lettuce and finely chopped vegetables, or whether it should contain very little lettuce and large chunks of veggies! What do you think?!

By having so many vegetables at each meal we learned early on that they were vital for our health. And the best part is that we didn’t even know that was what they were doing! Vegetables are so important, and I know that I have learned their value by example from my parents. Having these wonderful, nutritious foods at meal times shows kids that vegetables play an important role.

My family has influenced the way I eat in other ways. My parents love to act like chefs, and they get very excited when someone is at home to cook for. They love throwing things together (sometimes things that I am not too sure of!), and coming up with something new. I guess I know where I get my sense of adventure when wanting to try new combinations of things.

I also like to think that I have made an influence on the rest of my family. I always smile when I see brown rice in the cupboard instead of white rice. I feel a sense of pride when I see that they have supported a local farmer by buying free-range chicken from the Calgary Farmer’s Market. It feels good when they enjoy eating one of my “strange” meals! It is nice to know that I can help my family continue to eat healthy and open them up to some new things.

How have the people in your life opened you up to healthy eating, and how have you passed on your knowledge of food to others?

Thank-You Slow-Cooker!

2010-01-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had those days when you get home from a busy day at work and you are craving something warm and wholesome? I have them all of the time, especially during the winter months. I get home, unbundle myself, and stare into the fridge, pondering what I can cook up to keep me warm. Those are the days when I wish that I could snap my fingers and have a nice homemade soup on my table. The slow-cooker may not be magic, but it is something wonderful.

I love cooking whole chickens in my slow-cooker. I pick up a fresh organic free-range chicken from the Calgary Farmer’s Market and throw it in into the pot along with some water and a touch of drizzled olive oil. I add basil, thyme and oregano and freshly cut garlic. I chop green onions and sprinkle them in. You can’t forget the carrots, cut in long slices. Dinner that has simmered for hours creates a lovely aroma in my house, and when I get home I can’t wait to start eating. For me, chicken is a food that gives me strength and energy for the next few days.

Soups are fantastic to make in the slow-cooker. I soak one cup of a dry bean mix over night, and the next morning I add the beans to 1L of low sodium vegetable broth. I put in all my favorite vegetables and simmer for the entire day along with bay leaves, thyme, parsley, cumin, fresh basil, and some dill. Soup is my comfort food: a nice warm bowl makes all my problems seem far away. For a great bean soup try Bob's Red Mill 13 bean soup mix.

I would love to hear your favorite slow-cooker meals!

I love Emily!

2010-01-29T11:50:00.001-07:00

Emily is one of my very dearest friends. Last night, she took the long drive South from Calgary to High River to bring me dinner- What a gal!

What she prepared was a super simple, beautiful and healthy roasted vegetable salad that knocked my socks off. Some of your everyday roasted veggies were in it.........

-carrots

-beets

-potatoes

-sweet potatoes; which combined would have made a wicked little meal, but Emily added

-Eggplant

-Fennel

-Parsnips!!!!

So yummy, so creative! Creativity is what good cooking is all about. I would never have though to add fennel to a dish like this.

Can anyone share any other interesting ingredients with me?

Dinner For One

2010-01-27T14:09:00.001-07:00

A few of the wonderful members of our team are always focused on providing healthy meals and snacks for their families; I am not one of them. Don’t get me wrong, I have an excellent family, just not the immediate husband and kids situation, at least not yet. I am 23 years old and live with my two roommates, a similar living situation to many of my friends around my age. For us the challenges around meal planning often involves being motivated to create healthy and exciting meals for one.

The biggest struggle for me was to change my mentality of “meal time”; this was typically viewed as time being shared with family, friends, love and laughter. So the thought of eating dinner alone over the sink is enough to steer anyone clear from that part of their day.

Embrace these meals; start to look forward to them instead of dreading them. For this to work it has to start with the groceries! Grocery shopping should be a fun time, not a rushed get in and out affair. I like to buy my groceries on my day off, enjoying my time alone and walking slowly through the aisles of my local grocery store or farmers market. This is when I allow myself to feel inspired by my food and excited about my purchases, this way I am much more likely to want to cook them.

Always make extra everything, leftovers are your friend. One of my favourite things to cook in the winter is to buy vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, red onion, beets and zucchini and roast them covered in olive oil, garlic and lemon. The next afternoon I add them to some spinach for a yummy roasted veggie salad. Keep things simple, fresh fruit and vegetables can taste great on their own. A little lemon and some fresh herbs go a long way, and can add some powerful antioxidants and flavour to almost any meal.

Intention is always my final ingredient. I believe my mother’s homemade chilli always tasted so good because of the love she cooked it with. I try to always cook for myself for the same reason I would cook for anyone, out of love.

I now consider meals alone as part of my “me time”, they fit right up there with baths, good books and personal playlists. They require zero accommodation for anyone else’s taste buds, no complaints and you are free to eat any odd combination you find tasty without any weird looks. So next time you sit down for dinner for one be sure to honour your alone time, enjoy the silence and Bon Appetite!

For more info check out our web site, Bundles Of Energy is a great resource for new recipes, support, information and inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter today.

2010-01-27T10:56:00.001-07:00

I am sitting in my office today, watching the beautiful sunny day pass me by. It always hurts me to be inside on days like this. During the winter months, it often seems like there is never enough sun. When it is out, I want to make the most of it! Being stuck inside today has got me thinking about how I can bring the sunshine inside with me.........

I believe that one of the best ways to get sun energy into my body when I can't be directly out in it's rays, is to consume foods which harness it's energy- Plants! Plants receive all of their energy/food from the sun, and trap it. Eating a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, is a fantastic way to bring more brilliant sun energy into your life on a day that you can't make it outside!

What do you think?

A Healthy Diet Needs Variety

2010-01-27T06:54:00.001-07:00

My life has been very busy for this last while. It seems like the New Year brings lots of new challenges that keep me active and demand a lot of my time. I found myself getting into an ‘eating rut’. When things get hectic I tend to eat the similar things every day. It seems easier to buy the same groceries and prepare the same foods, but I didn’t feel satisfied with what I was eating. While munching on the vegetables that I packed for lunch for the last five days, I stopped and thought about how an important component of healthy eating is variety. Eating a diversity of foods will help provide a mixture of nutrients, and it will make meal preparation more enjoyable. I asked myself, “How can I get out of this slump?”

I knew that I had a goal in mind – to eat a variety of foods. I met this challenge head-on and set out to change my ways. I resolved that I would buy a new fruit or vegetable, something that I did not normally eat, once a month. Instead of always buying cucumbers, I used zucchini for my salads and casseroles. I used bok choy in stir-fries instead of always using celery. I made a resolution to try Brussels sprouts again, even after convincing myself for years that I did not enjoy them. Much to my amazement my steamed Brussels sprouts added a beautiful green colour and a wholesome flavor to my dishes, as well as providing my body with vitamin A, vitamin C, sulfur and iron.

Eating a variety of foods brought my taste buds back to life! My morning shake was not just another meal I had to consume. Instead, each day it was a different colour from the different fruits I would add. The deep blue shake with blueberries was for the morning before a good workout: I needed those powerful antioxidants. The pink shake with strawberries was for a mellow morning and provided my body with a high amount of vitamin C to keep my immune system healthy.

This new goal of mine opened up conversation about food. While shopping at the Farmer’s Market one day I saw an interesting cabbage-like vegetable that I was curious to try. I have found that a great way to learn about food preparation is to ask someone who is buying that food. Another shopper, delighted with my interest, informed me the vegetable was a kohlrabi. If you come across this vegetable you are in for a treat: not only is it high in fiber but it tastes delicious! Cut it up and eat it raw, or steam it, and enjoy the variety of nutrients it provides. I realized that it is easier to try a new food if someone helps you understand how to prepare it. That is where Bundles of Energy comes in.

Eating a medley of foods makes eating fun. I think trying new foods is both an adventure and nutritiously rewarding. Have you tried anything new lately? We would love to hear about it! Please comment below.

Healthful Eating; a want or a need?

2010-01-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

I listened to a radio broadcast today that spoke about business and launching the right kind of product that your market needs as opposed to wants. The idea was that people think a lot of things are great but are really only willing to spend money on something they need. I thought about this in reference to our business at Bundles of Energy. Are our offerings wants or needs?

According to the broadcast, our service is a want. We teach and support people on a journey, a gentle shift to amazing health. It sounds great but it also sounds hard, expensive and something that can easily be put off. Now what? I could think that nobody will sign up. I could give up. Well I don’t want to do either of those things.

The whole idea of Bundles of Energy is to be proactive. Do you need to eat organic food? No. A body gets by on processed, fast, cheap food. How many of us lived off of Kraft Dinner in university? I guess the question then becomes, are you okay with just getting by?

How are your energy levels?
How fit and agile are you in your extracurricular activities?
How many times have you been sick this year?
Are you the best you can be?
Do you want to change these answers or do you need to change these answers?

I decided last year that I needed to change these answers. It was a slow process. It was hard. I did not have the Bundles of Energy nutritionists to help me. I had no idea how to change our diet to wheat and dairy free. It would have been so nice to have help! So I am not going to change our service. I am happy to offer you the help you need, at your pace… the gentle shift to amazing health…

Please comment below. Let us know what you most need help with! We would love to hear from you!

Organic Spotlight

2010-01-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

Think eating organic doesn't make a difference? Think again...What you eat today makes a difference in your body today, tomorrow and 20 years from now.

I am not suggesting you suddenly start buying everything organic-the shift required to great eating should be gentle and long lasting. Awareness is the first step, starting with 1 or 2 ingredients each shopping trip is enough to begin making a significant impact. The food choices you make matter to the health of others and to the health of the planet; to you and beyond you. Our futures could depend on it....But don't take my word for this. Follow the link below to an article in today's Calgary Herald:

http://www.calgaryherald.com/life/Honeybees+modern+canary+coal+mine/2462940/story.html

This is an eye opening article about the direct link between honeybees, the billion dollar economic impact they have, and what we choose to eat. It is an excellent look at why what we eat matters on a scale well beyond our own bodies and health.