Vista no. 101, July-August 2015 by Vista Magazine

JULY / AUGUST 2015

Welcome to

A more organic way No. 101 of Being SEX-LESS IN THE CITY: regain your magnetism and sexual power with celibacy.

BEST ENERGY BARS: our favs on the market for clean, flavourful, and healthy energy that’ll keep you going, and going, and going.

Nourish your sexual energy Gentlemen, start your engines Q&A with Lorna Vanderhaeghe Sexy Ayurvedic wisdom The magic of testosterone

From Sri Lanka with love.

Mouthwatering Mediterranean delights Kim Anami

Vaginal weightlifting with

A chat with the founders of Arayuma THE ORGANIC ENTREPRENEUR

A DAY IN THE LIFE

No. 101 Self-care and taking time to relax and enjoy, is something that I think most of us are intellectually aware of, but our busy lifestyles don’t allow us to put this Surrender to knowledge into practice often enough. We’re driven by striving for more, and living with less seems like…well, less. I spent five years living in and around the Mediterranean, which offered me the opportunity to peak inside and discover some of the wisdom in their way of life. It’s not just about the grilled fish, olive oil and red wine. Prioritizing family, good food and relaxation sexually-satisfied countries (see page 13). Is there is almost internally programmed. They don’t even a link? I would say, undoubtedly yes. Even the think about it. Dolce far niente, the sweetness of current economic climate does very little to deter their way of enjoying the simple pleasures. doing nothing—without any guilt attached. Consider making a commitment to rethinking your In preparing this issue, most of our experts seem to agree on two things; we’re not having enough sex, day-to-day. As one of our experts puts it, do we really and we’re over-stressed. They also agree that if we were need all of this stuff (material and otherwise) in our lives? less stressed (and nourishing our bodies adequately), Maybe, all we really need is more rest? And a good orgasm, of course. we’d be having more sex, which is undisputedly good for our bodies, minds and soul. I love how Kim Anami (see page 16) puts it, “how we show up in bed, is how we show up in the rest of our lives.” Back to the Mediterranean—according to the data, they make up some of the most E D I TOR

The pleasures of summer

P H O T O S © K AT H A RIN E H ERRIN G ER. E D I TOR 'S P H OTO © ALY SON STR I K E, ALY SONSTR I K E. C OM

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It’s natural health like you’ve never heard it before

No. 101

Join us in July-August for our special Natural Health Show Summer Rewind series. Some of our best radio shows from the past two seasons. Tune in to hear Dr. Karol, MD talk about the best natural remedies for Pain and Inflammation, and registered dietician Desiree Nielsen to update you on Probiotics and Your Health. In August Steve will talk with formulator and visionary Jason Watkin, and holistic nutritionist Tawnya Ritco to discuss the world of Menopause for Women. Also in August Steve interviews naturopathic doctor Penny Seth-Smith about Your Optimum Health, plus don’t miss Steve’s interview with corporate chef Alana Peckam to discuss The Wonders of Flax Oil. All this and more coming this summer. There is no show like The Natural Health Show.

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Contents

Welcome to

No. 101

J U LY / A UG U S T 2 015

A more organic way of Being

Foods to cool you down.

World's most sexually-satisfied countries, vitamin C-rich baobab fruit.

Vaginal weightlifting, orgasm, and allowing intimacy to open the door to more awesomeness into your life. Q&A with Kim Anami, holistic sex and relationship expert.

The Organic Entrepreneur: From Sri Lanka with love.

A chat with the founders of organic, fair trade food company, Arayuma.

Q&A with Lorna Vanderhaeghe.

One of Canada's most prominent health experts talks about hormone and libido health.

14 16 18 24

Nourish your sexual energy: a ladies guide.

Best-selling author and wellness expert Julie Daniluk lists the essential supplements, and which foods to focus on.

Gentlemen, start your engines (naturally). Dr. Gaetano Morello, ND, gives effective, natural alternatives to Viagra™., without the side effects.

Energy bars review

Our favs to keep you going and going and going.

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Surrender to

Contents

No. 101

J U LY / A UG U S T 2 015

The pleasures of summer

The magic of testosterone.

Cory Holly on how this powerful hormone works in the body, and at the gym.

Ayurvedic spices and perspectives on sexual health

Ayurvedic spice guru, Glynnis Osher lends her wisdom on which spices will spice you up.

Mouth-watering Mediterranean delights,

Inspired by chef Yottam Ottolenghi, we offer delights focusing on flavours of the region.

Sex-less in the city: celebrate celibacy.

A day in the life.

The Doctor and The Yogi on regaining your sexual power (and your sexiness) with celibacy.

Holistic sex and relationship expert Kim Anami.

CA RD A M O M R I C E P UD D I NG WI TH P I STAC H I OS AND R OSE WATER . P HO T O © K AT HA R I N E HERRI NGER

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delight

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Take a breath

“I don’t know of anything in all of medicine—including diet, drugs and surgery— that has a greater impact on premature death and disease as the human power of love and intimacy.” DR. DEAN ORNISH

In Ikaria, a Greek island in the far east of the Mediterranean, people live 10 years longer than those in the rest of Europe and America. The University of Athens's Ikaria Study reveals that lifestyle is as important as diet. We've all heard about endless studies on the benefits of the Mediteranean diet. But the Ikaria Study revealed something more: 80% of Ikarian males between the ages of 65 and 100 were still having sex. And, of those, a quarter did so with “good SOUR CE: T HE G U A RD IA N . CO M.

duration” and "achievement”. “We found that most males between 65 and 88 reported sexual activity, but after the age of 90, very few continued to have sex.” Family is also a vital part of Ikarian culture, and almost every elder in the island has

children and grandchildren actively involved in their lives. Eleni Mazari, an estate agent on the island and a repository of local knowledge, says, “We keep the old people with us,” “it would shame us to put an old person in a home.” h

P HO TO : P U IG D E RO S, M A L L O R C A , B A L E A R I C I SL A N DS, © I VA N A LVA R E Z DE L O R E N Z A N A .

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Whole Foods

5 superfoods to help you cool down 1) Melons

Not only are melons high in water content, they are loaded with digestive enzymes. Each juicy bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. They are best eaten on their own, and on an empty stomach, half and hour before your meal to really boost your digestive power.

2) Cucumber

In Ayurveda, cucumbers are said to cool the Pitta dosha (which is aggravated by summer heat). The ascorbic and caffeic acids found in cucumber can prevent water retention—a great thing for those of us who tend to feel swollen on hot summer days.

3) Mint

As an essential oil or the fresh picked herb, mint is naturally cooling, uplifting and energizing. An excellent herb to ease a headache, or add a fresh bunch to a pot of green tea with some sweetness and you have a delightful cup of Moroccan mint tea.

4) Leafy greens

Loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals, leafy greens are good for the skin, hair, and according to Ayurveda, good for removing toxic wastes from the body. Leafy greens are cooling to the body as well as nourishing and detoxifying.

5) Coconut oil

A natural sunscreen and skin lubricant, coconut oil cools and calms the nervous system. The scent itself can transport you to a desired tropical island. Excellent after sun, or drizzled on your salad! h

PH O T O © M E N N A

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The state of sexual affairs around the world Percentage of people having sex weekly in Canada: In Greece: 87%

In the US: 53%

59%

In Japan: 34%

Top 12 most sexually-satisfied countries (2014): Independent news magazine AlterNet has gathered a list of the countries that consistently rate among the most sexually satisfied. The drivers to define sexual satisfaction include mutual love and respect between partners, freedom from stress, ability to orgasm, freedom from sexual dysfunction, good mental and physical health, frequency of sex and foreplay, having an exciting sex life, a good first sexual experience, and socio-economic status. Here is the list, “in no particular order” according to the source. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Switzerland Spain Italy Brazil Greece The Netherlands

7. Mexico 8. India 9. Australia 10. Nigeria 11. Germany 12. China

World's best male lovers Global research firm OnePoll asked 15,000 women from 20 countries to rate nations on their ability in bed, and to give reasons for their answers. Here are the findings: 1. Spain 2. Brazil 3. Italy 4. France 5. Ireland 6. South Africa 7. Australia 8. New Zealand 9. Denmark 10. Canada

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Russia Turkey Scotland Wales Greece US The Netherlands Sweden England Germany

SOURCE S: W W W.C HART S B IN . CO M , W W W. A LT ERN ET. O RG , WWW.TEL E G R APH.C O.U K

The top good-for-you whole foods Whole Foods

Baobab The baobab fruit contains 10 times the amount of vitamin C found in oranges.

Pronounced Bey-Oh-Bab, is traditionally known as “the ancient tree of life”. The baobab fruit is a superfood that has been slowly making its mark outside of Africa in recent months.

When a baobab tree comes crashing down, the elephants come running. They will graze on the tree, stripping the fibrous wood down and consuming it. This feast will last four or five days.

Some baobab fruit trees are reported to be up to 1000 years of age, and the trunks can store greater than 30,000 gallons of water which help the trees survive long drought conditions. The fruit is found inside hard pods that hang upside down from the tree. In Africa, the baobab fruit has been used medicinally for centuries to treat everything from fevers, malaria, skin conditions, and gastrointestinal problems to vitamin C deficiency.

Most of the potential health benefits of baobab fruit powder and its fresh counterpart have been largely attributed to the high levels of vitamin C this exotic superfood contains. A 100-gram serving of baobab fruit pulp has been reported to contain up to 500 milligrams of vitamin C—that's nearly 10 times the amount of vitamin C found in an equivalent serving of fresh oranges. The baobab fruit is considered one of the very best food sources of vitamin C in the world.h SO URCE : HEALWI THFOOD . O RG.

P HO T O : BA O BA B T R E E S I N M A D A G A S CA R , © P I E R R E - Y V E S BA BELO N

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Vaginal weightlifting, orgasm, Whole Sex

and allowing intimacy to open the door to more awesomeness in your life. Q&A with Kim Anami, holistic sex and relationship expert

Kim very boldly puts it, “the way you show up in bed, is the way you show up in the rest of your life. It’s a mirror.” “Our culture considers it more normal for women to have rampant urinary incontinence and prolapsed pelvic organs than for them to be able to shoot ping-pong balls from their vagina,” she recently told the Sunday Times on her European #thingsIliftwithmyvagina tour. PH O T O O F K I M O N CA R O U S E L © T R E V O R BR A D Y. K I M ' S I N S TA G R A M P HO T O S BE L O W © KI M ANAMI

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What? Vaginal weightlifting??!? Yep, you heard right. Meet Kim Anami, a holistic sex and relationship expert who wants you to seriously check in with your pelvic floor. With the raging popularity of 50 Shades of Grey, and the growing discussion around importance of one’s sexual wellbeing, it is Kim Anami’s opinion that over 95% of women are radically undersexed. And this issue, whether it makes you uncomfortable or not, will undoubtedly have an effect on all other areas of your life, from family to career to your waist circumference. Kim Anami is a self-taught intimacy coach, 44-year-old mother of one and “vaginal kung-fu” master who has spent the past two decades studying tantra, meditation and herbal medicine. Anami’s philosophy is that our intimate relationship is a huge energy source in our lives, and mind-blowing orgasm is a tool for self-growth that provides us with inspiration and rejuvenation. Essentially, it’s a part of our life force, and when we suppress or ignore it, we’re ignoring a part of our own essence. Practices to enliven our sexual energy in our relationship with ourselves but also in our relationships with our partners help to open the door. In her practice, Kim draws on 5,000 old Taoist traditions, where practice of using sex as medicine, along with acupuncture and herbal medicine. In these practices, different sexual positions were used to heal and stimulate different meridian systems. We chatted with Kim, via Skype, from her secluded pleasure hut in rural Indonesia. Q: Digging right in, what’s junk food sex vs. gourmet sex. How do we know what we’re having? A: Symptoms of junk food sex; a quick high but a lingering hangover—it is

much like eating a double combo from the takeout window and you’re left without energy or inspiration. It feels superficial, and not nourishing. You feel bloated, depleted and ready to curl up in front of the TV. Symptoms of gourmet sex; there’s a lot of thought and intention that goes into it, the ingredients are carefully curated, you take your time. It’s energizing and rejuvenating. There’s different layers of flavor and taste. You think about this meal for days after, and it leaves this really pleasant memory in your system. It allows you to open up mentally, physically, spiritually. If your sexual encounters are not leaving you feeling this way, then you’re basically doing it wrong. Sexual energy is life force energy, it has the power and potential to create life. But if you’re not using this power to create babies, then you chose to channel this energy to benefit all areas of your life; from your family life, your work life, your finances and even your waist line. Q: How much sex should people be having? A: Well, if a couple is having gourmet sex once or twice a week, that’s better than having junk food sex everyday. But I generally recommend that people make a weekly 3-hour sex date. This is where you clear your calendar, get childcare if you need it or even go to a hotel room. Shut off your phone—you’re not going for dinner or to a movie. You take three hours to have naked, intimate time together. That’s where you prioritize the relationship. My ideal is having sex in the morning and in the evening. It’s like a reset, it’s a great way to begin your day and end your day. I say that your intimate relationship should be your sanctuary, where you go to recharge, replenish and reconnect. A lot of the work I do is helping

people to get into that space, clear the glass between the partners so that they can deepen their connect, therefore allowing them to have gourmet sex on a regular basis. Q: Is female and male ejaculate really an anti-depressant, hormone balancing, and nutritious tonic? A: Yeah, it is. It’s full of hormones that are deeply nourishing and hormone balancing, especially for women. The ancient Taoist and Tantric cultures teach that we replenish each other, and balance each other energetically. It was considered a profoundly nourishing elixir to absorb the fluids of the other person. Q: Can you give us the 101 on vaginal weightlifting? A: “Vaginal Kung Fu”, or vaginal weightlifting is a method I teach for women to physically and emotionally reconnect to their vaginas, so they become more in tune with their sexual energy. It’s way beyond doing Kegel exercises. By inserting a jade egg (it’s an ancient Taoist glass egg, google it) into the vagina and attaching a string to it, I "lift" any number of things: tropical fruits, gluten-free organic donuts, cold-pressed juices. This strengthens the pelvic floor far more effectively than regular Kegels, and gives women sexual confidence and power. Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse has become normalized, but it’s not normal. Practicing vaginal weightlifting and strengthening your pelvic floor can bring a myriad of benefits to your life. Including: 1. Have more and better orgasms. By better I mean, orgasms that are longer, deeper, more intense. 2. Avoid pelvic organ prolapse, and urinary incontinence. 3. Easier childbirth and recovery. h V I S TA M A G A Z I N E . C A

At the 2013 Canadian Fairtrade Awards, Arayuma's Premium Organic Coconut Milk won Canada’s Favourite Fairtrade Product Award.

The Organic Entrepreneur

Having just launched two new flavours of Fairtrade-certified organic coconut milk, Arayuma continues to grow its presence in Canada, as is soon expanding internationally.

From Sri Lanka with love: Arayuma Inc. A Montreal-based food company celebrates the finest certified organic and fair trade spices and coconut products from Sri Lanka. BY K ATHA R I NE HER R I N GER

Arayuma, which means “invitation” in Sinhalese, represents an invitation to be a part of the transformation of today’s global systems of food trade, towards better systems that are more sustainable, more equitable, and healthier all around.

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“Everything we eat and therefore everything we are, comes from the soil. It all starts there, and it is there that we must first bring our focus when evaluating how a food is grown.”

It's an ambitious proposal, but one that more and more Canadians want to be a part of, by choosing Fairtrade-certified products and companies that invest part of the profits at the food source. Arayuma (Sahana Arayuma Inc.) was founded by Chanaka Kurera and Marise May, who come from opposite sides of the world and are no strangers to diversity, and all that it has to offer. This love of diversity is reflected in the sourcing of Arayuma spices and coconut products, which are all grown on biodiverse, small and medium scale, family-owned organic farms. We spoke to Marise from Montreal, Arayuma’s headquarters.

How did you and Chanaka meet? Marise: Chanaka and I met while we were both working in Tokyo. We were both living as expats and outsiders, albeit from opposite ends of the earth; Chanaka from Sri Lanka and me from Montreal. We fell in love, and left to spend some time in Sri Lanka before making our home together in Montreal. I fell in love with Sri Lanka—their enjoyment of life with less material things, their family values and that Chanaka’s mother is pretty much the best cook in the country. What’s the story of Arayuma as a brand, how it came to market? Marise: The idea of doing something

in Canada with Sri Lankan products had been percolating for some time. We also wanted to bring the philosophies of Ayurveda together with the products from Sri Lanka, to tell the story of tastes and healing through food. In 2006, we first began selling our teas, especially our chai, at a little boutique on St. Denis in Montreal. We asked them if we could use their little terrace area to set up chairs and tables to serve customers chai. People loved it, and we did that for a whole summer and fall. We only stopped because snow began to cover the ground. We then began to sell the chai from the boutique, packaged for customers. This was our first product. We developed a following and »

1. (O PPOS I T E PAG E ) DRYI N G

2+3. M A RIS E, C H A N A K A AND

4. M AR I SE WI TH P R OD UC ER

5. WI LD ELEP H ANTS I N

S PICES A L ONG T R ADI T I ON A L RIC E PA DDY F I E L DS .

T H EIR D A U G H T ER V IS IT IN G A CIN N A M O N FA RM .

PARTNER S FR OM SOFA (SM ALL OR G ANI C FAR M ER S ASSOC I ATI ON).

SR I LANK A.

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“Being on the ground to see first hand how and where our spices are grown is a vital part of what we do.”

customer base in Montreal. The following year, we added packaged spices and began to expand. We had a backer who understood our vision and helped us get our first big shipment of product from Sri Lanka, and into stores. We’re now in stores across Canada, soon expanding internationally. What’s the philosophy behind Arayuma? Marise: The philosophy our company is based on are the “rasas”, or “tastes”, according to Ayurvedic philosophies. Taste is a critical part of being fully nourished by food and spices. It’s important to nourish all tissue layers of the body. Our belief is that a spice like turmeric, for example, can be more beneficial when taken in food, as opposed to in a capsule. A lot of health can be attributed to the happiness generated by eating well. Our philosophy and beliefs also guide our principles behind our fair trade, organic standards and in the sourcing of Arayuma raw materials. We take pride in working with the best-of-the-best spice growers and coconut farms in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is world-renowned for their black pepper, cinnamon, and for their turmeric with it’s high curcumin content. All of our spices are hand-picked and hand-sorted. Arayuma is also in partnership with Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS), donating 1% of all Arayuma Organic Coconut Milk sales to help protect Sri Lanka’s wild elephants. SLWCS is a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating

the peaceful coexistence of humans and elephants in the country. These values are very important as we engage our young children in the business, and teach them the importance of passion and purpose behind a business. We also want to teach them the value of making choices that nurture the planet’s biodiversity. What has been the biggest surprise? Marise: The biggest surprise was the amount of support that we’ve received from distributors, retailers, and various partners both in Canada and in Sri Lanka. It’s allowed our business to grow and thrive in ways that we couldn’t have otherwise. What’s your daily routine, how do you begin and end each day? Marise: Routine isn't really something we have in our family! (Laughs!) Nonetheless, I do try to start each day by breathing deeply and feeling grateful for all that I have, then following this up with a cup of warm water and Arayuma ginger powder. Evenings are spent singing lullabies to my two wonderful daughters, though often I will sneak back to my home office for a “second shift” of work after they fall asleep. What keeps you both inspired, as entrepreneurs? Marise: We are inspired to be a part of the global shift towards healthy eating and sustainable food choices. We are also inspired by our daughters and other children of this world, who will inherit the planet we leave for them.

6+7. PE PP E R PL ANT; S U N- D RY IN G C IN N A M O N

8. C H A N A K A AND MAR I SE AC C EP TI NG TH E

9. C H ANAK A AT A TR AD E SH OW, P RO MO TIN G

BARK.

" 2 0 1 3 C A N A D A'S FAVOUR I TE FAI RTR AD E P RO D U CT AWAR D . "

AR AY UMA OR G ANI C H Y D R ATI ON C O CO N U T WATER . A L L P HO T O S © A R AY U M A

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The fairness of fair trade

Arayuma has always stood for a fair deal for farmers, which is why Arayuma products have been fair trade from day one. Fair trade, and the Fairtrade certification, offers real advantages to the producers who grow Arayuma spices and coconuts, by guaranteeing not only minimum prices but

also fair premiums paid directly to the growers. Instead of going into debt to purchase agricultural tools, seedlings, fertilizers and other chemical inputs before even planting a crop, the growers of Arayuma spices and coconuts receive the seedlings, tools and even animals and bees that they require up front—all purchased with the money

they receive from the Fairtrade premiums. Furthermore, part of the earnings from the fair trade premiums are invested in these small- and mediumsized communities, for example, to build a school or a small bridge as in the case of Arayuma’s producer partners from SOFA (Small Organic Farmers Association).h

10-12. FAI R T R ADE P R E M I U M S B EIN G IN V ES T ED B A CK IN T H E COMM UNI TY: SMALL BR I D G E (10), SC H OOL (11).

“Many of our producer partners from SOFA are certified according to Demeter standards for biodynamic agriculture. Among those that are not certified, biodynamic farming tenets are still followed.”

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Interview with

Lorna Vanderhaeghe, Hormones

women’s natural health and hormone expert.

Lorna Vanderhaeghe is one of Canada’s most prominent natural health experts on womens’ issues, and the author of twelve books. She has been educating people on how to achieve optimal wellness for over three decades. In her recent book, A Smart Woman’s Guide to Hormones, Lorna Vanderhaeghe and Dr. Pettle (an integrative MD) refer to “hormone havoc”, which they believe results in some of the most common symptoms by modern women—exhaustion, infertility, insomnia, fibroids, and night sweats. According to these experts, when hormones levels are not “just right”, body processes malfunction in grand or subtle ways and the results wreak havoc on your sleep, your temper, your libido, and your life. Q: In your opinion, what’s the one health issue that modern women face when it comes to their health? A: We actually did a small survey not too long ago, of 40,000 Canadian women. They told us that their number one concern was weight gain, specifically belly fat. Their number two concern was hormone disruption and number three was skin. Q: How does diet play a role in sexual health and a healthy sex drive? What are your top three recommendations? A: Diet plays a huge role. If we look at sugar consumption, it disrupts your hormones, if you consume too much alcohol (which is really a pure sugar), it’s also disruptive, if you’re not consuming enough protein, it’s disruptive. But if you think about the top foods that fuel a healthy libido, I would say protein, veggies and healthy fats are really the core. Remember that libido and hormones are interconnected.

You can’t just eat oysters and dark chocolate and expect an increased sex drive. If that were the case, we’d all be eating more of those. It’s actually that disruption of your hormones that is causing the problem. For example, individuals under chronic stress have elevated cortisol levels. When cortisol levels increase, the estrogen levels get really high and this can disrupt other hormones. This can happen in both men and women. For men, this would manifest as a dampened sex drive. With women, when the estrogen levels are high,

L ORNA VANDE R HAE G UE . PH O TO © L O R N A VAN DER H AEG UE

BOOK S AUTH OR ED / C O-AUTH OR ED BY LOR NA VAND ER H AEGU E .

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“Remember that libido and hormones are interconnected. You can’t just eat oysters and dark chocolate and expect an increased sex drive. If that were the case, we’d all be eating more of those. It’s actually that disruption of your hormones that is causing the problem.” they don’t create enough testosterone and therefore also have a dampened libido. It’s a serious issue. A recent study showed that 53% of Canadian women of all ages had “no sex drive”. As humans, we are naturally meant to desire sexual activity, so once there is less disruption, this issue generally resolves itself. Q: What’s one of the most alarming issues that you’ve come across in your work with women and hormones? A: We get calls from women in their 20s saying that they have no libido. Most of them have been on the birth control pill for many years. The medical community refers to the birth control pill as “low dose”, but that low-dosage is actually seven times more estrogen than is recommended for post-menopausal women. So, in actual fact, it’s not low-dose at all. That in combination with stress means that the body is forced to deal with an abnormally large amount of estrogen, and you become hormone disrupted. Consequently, libido suffers. The other effect of too much estrogen, is belly fat weight gain, which affects one’s self esteem and further dampens libido. Q: How do you detox or lower your levels of potential excess estrogen? A: If you’ve got too much estrogen, your liver and your gut will be involved in detoxifying excess estrogen. The

“The medical community refers to the birth control pill as “low dose”, but that low-dosage is actually seven times more estrogen than is recommended for post-menopausal women.”

principal nutrients used for this are; indole-3-carbinol, DIM, D-Glucarate, sulfuraphane, curcumin and green tea. The hormones need to be released from the fat cells, and these nutrients help the detoxification pathways in the liver to eliminate the waste in the stool. In addition, probiotics play a critical role in detoxifying hormones in the digestive tract. As well, there’s the food you eat, and the environmental toxins you’re exposed to, like body care products, need to be cleaned up. It is important to stop consuming food and products laden with environmental estrogens.

three, have more sex. It’s not just good for you, it’s essential. But of course, you can’t have number three, until you reduce your stress and start sleeping. 82% of Canadians are not sleeping enough to promote optimal health. But again, in my opinion, regular orgasm is so important. There’s a plethora of health benefits to orgasm. For example, there are nutrients in semen that help women to have more balanced hormones. Both female and male ejaculatory fluids are mother nature’s anti-depressants.

Note: Lorna reminds readers to be very careful with the use of Milk Thistle in liver detox, as it can actually increase estrogen, instead of removing it.

Consider the following symptoms. If you have more than three of them it may be a sign of hormonal imbalance. • Weight gain • Belly fat • Acne • Fatigue • Anxiety, difficulty handling stress, depression • Insomnia • Sweating • Cravings

Q: Speaking of food, what recommendations do you have for diet? A: Remove all conventional dairy, meat and produce from your diet. Focus on clean, organic vegetables especially cruciferous varieties, proteins, and healthy fats. Q: If women (and men) only do three things to help stoke the fire of their libido, what would you recommend? A: Number one, start sleeping. Number two, re-program your life. Do you really need all that excess in your life? Make time to play and relax. Number

8 signs that you have a hormone imbalance:

Please note that many of these symptoms can be linked to other physical problems, and a simple blood test may tell you if there are other underlying concerns. Chat with your naturopathic or medical doctor. Get in touch with Lorna on Twitter, @mycnf, Facebook, or visit lornavanderhaeghe.ca. h

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Nourish your sexual energy: a ladies guide

Julie Daniluk

Everyone is talking about the Big O, the final frontier in the pursuit of happiness. One-third of women seldom or never achieve orgasm during intercourse, and only 10% consistently climax. As with any big journey, success comes with preparation, a little sweat and a leap of faith. When you understand the terrain ahead, you can successfully plot your next big climb.

juliedanulik.com @juliedaniluk Julie Daniluk, R.H.N., is one of canada's most visible wellness experts, and a regular guest on talk shows across the country. julie's bestselling books, Meals that Heal Inflammation

and Slimming Meals That Heal, advise on

allergy-free eating that tastes great and assists the body in the healing process. Connect with Julie on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and check out her amazing recipes and nutrition tips on her website.

Food 1

Nirvana starts with healthy hormones. Stress, vitamin deficiencies, or weak thyroid and adrenal function can all play a role in throwing us hormonally off-kilter. If your liver and adrenals become overburdened with toxins and stress, your body can’t metabolize your sex hormones. Bump up hormone balancing foods if you suffering from irregular periods, PMS or menstrual pain. Ingredients to look for include: • Calcium-D-Glucarate found in apples enhances detoxification to boost estrogen metabolism. • Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) and sulforaphane are phytonutrients found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage) that have been shown to promote healthy estrogen metabolism in women. Improve the body’s ability to detoxify and eliminate harmful chemicals and hormones by eating more of these wonderful vegetables. • Antioxidants help hormones stay healthy. Include more rosemary, green tea extract, turmeric

and lycopene (watermelon and tomatoes) to balance naturally.

Sexy chocolate recipe Raw chocolate has twice as many antioxidants as processed chocolate so look for it in your local health food store along with maca, ashwagandha and healthy nut butter choices, such as hemp, almond or hazelnut. I NG R ED I ENTS:

½ cup coconut butter ½ cup of honey ½ cup hemp butter (other nut butters work) ¼ cup aswhaganda powder ¼ cup maca 1-2 tbsp raw cocoa powder 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp unrefined sea salt

D I R EC TI ONS:

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Slowly add in the butters and honey. Blend well. 2. Pour into a silicon mini-muffin tray or chocolate mold. Place in the freezer to set. Store in a cool place. 1.

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“By eating a rainbow of whole, organic foods, you are taking in Nature's finest multi-vitamins.” Julie Daniluk

Reaching Peak Performance: Powerful supplements that can help you reach your sexual summit. Supplement

Dose

What is it good for?

Contra-indications

L-Arginine (almonds are a good food source)

1500 mg/day. Take with fruit juice on an empty stomach.

This building block of protein is the precursor to nitric oxide, which mediates the relaxation of smooth muscle and signals circulation. Some call it the natural “Viagra”.

Do not use if you suffer from herpes as it competes with L-Lysine, a key amino acid for fighting the virus. It hasn’t been clinically tested for women yet.

Niacin (B3) (green vegetables are a good food source)

50 mg/day. Take within a B-complex for best absorption.

Fights depression, insomnia, and helps to dilate blood vessels that are important for maintaining clitoral erection in women. It causes the release of histamine and provides a flush in the skin helping with satisfaction. Also helps the body synthesize sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.

Can cause a flushing that feels like an allergic reaction—itching, bright red ears and cheeks. It is harmless and will go away after a few minutes but may be intense for sensitive skin.

L-Histidine (Avocados, mushrooms, banana and citrus are good food sources)

600 mg/day.

Vitamin B6 and L- histidine convert to histimine, the chemical responsible for triggering an orgasm in both men and women. Without adequate histamines, orgasm may be difficult or even impossible to achieve.

If you suffer from serious allergies, it may not be advisable to supplement due to an over-production of histamines already occurring in the body.

Vitamin E (seeds such as hemp hearts are a good food source)

400 IU / day.

Often referred to as the sex vitamin. A powerful anti-aging antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free-radical damage and is required for the synthesis of hormones.

Reduce dosage to 100 IU a day if you are currently on blood thinners as vitamin E also thins blood.

Maca (a root vegetable from Latin America)

Two 500 mg capsules, two to three times a day.

Helps you adapt to stress. May sensitize the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates levels of testosterone and many other hormones.

This food item is popular in Latin America and is very safe. h

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Gentlemen, start your engines (naturally) Gaetano Morello Dr. Gaetano Morello is a published author and licensed naturopathic physician practicing in West Vancouver. Dr. Morello is a member of the Quality Assurance Committee for the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC. Recently he has been appointed as a Clinician at the newly-created Complex Chronic Disease Program located at BC Women's Hospital in Vancouver. He is the first N.D. to hold such a position at a major North American hospital.

The search for sexual performance enhancers has been an obsession of men since ancient times. Throughout the civilized world, men have rummaged for magic potions, elixirs, foods and medications all in attempts to improve libido. From antler velvet, to tiger testicles to the hundreds of combinations available on the market, no stone was left unturned. Unfortunately not much was found, until just over a decade ago the pharmaceutical world gave us something that would change things forever. Sildenafil™ or Viagra™ were invented, and finally men had something that actually worked, providing the desired outcome. However, as with most drugs, Sildenafil™ is not without side effects. A number of well-documented adverse reactions pop up in almost everyone who uses it. Headaches, visual disturbances, dizziness, skin rash, nasal congestion, priapism, and even permanent visual loss can be experienced although rare. It is these undesirable reactions and its prescription status that continue to push men to look for natural approaches. Most pharmacists agree, men coming in with scripts for Sildenafil™ often ask for natural alternatives. There are naturally-based products with scientific principles that can work efficiently in most men, for example, to support energy and cardiovascular function, as well as libido.

First, cover the basics There is little in the way of argument that a healthy diet and regular exercise are the cornerstones of good health. Having ample amounts of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, good levels of omega-3’s and balanced protein levels will provide the necessary nutrients for an optimally-functioning body. Moving daily has enormous benefits on cardiovascular function, circulation and feeling overall more energetic. Getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water seem a bit boring but in the end support the body’s ability to function optimally as well. Having said that, lets look at some key

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insights into what can help men achieve optimal circulatory health, and thus support libido.

Male erection 101

To understand the mechanism of action, we need to look at how important the microcirculation is to male sexual performance. A penile erection is a by-product of blood being retained in a sponge-like tissue of the penis, the corpus cavernosa. This results from a number of physiological stimuli, causing a cascade of reactions signalling the opening of blood vessels that result in the engorgement of the corpus cavernosa. It is from this process that the erection is formed allowing optimal performance.

Understanding Nitric Oxide

The biochemical reaction allowing the engorgement to happen involve a compound created by the body called Nitric Oxide (NO). NO is an important signalling molecule involved in a number of physiological processes in the body. For example, the inner lining of blood vessels uses NO to signal the surrounding smooth muscle to relax, resulting in opening up of the vessels and ultimately increasing blood flow. This is the mechanism by which people with restricted coronary arteries use nitroglycerin (converted to NO in body) to immediately enhance blood flow around the heart. It was through observational analysis of antihypertensive drugs that we learned of NO's other health benefits, and since NO has become an important component in understanding the physiology of penile erections. What is interesting is that NO is biosynthesized from L-arginine, thus leading researchers to study the effects of L-arginine on circulation and NO induction. The end results confirmed that L-arginine, in the

right quantities, has an impact on NO production leading to the dilatation of blood vessels. When L-arginine is combined with citrulline, the results are actually amplified. The end result is an excellent combination for improving circulation, cardiovascular function, and libido.

Key nutritional supplements L-arginine HCL is an essential amino acid important in muscle growth and in supporting cardiovascular function. Yet, one of its most intriguing aspects is the involvement in producing NO. This aspect of L-arginine can be utilized for increasing blood flow to the penis and thus creating healthier and longer lasting erections. This dilation of blood vessels can also allow the penis to get to its largest natural capacity. In a small trial, men with erectile dysfunction (ED) were given 2.8 grams of L-arginine per day for 2 weeks. Forty percent of the men in the treatment group experienced improvement compared to none in the placebo group. In a larger double-blind trial, men with ED were given 1.6 grams of L-arginine per day or placebo for 6 weeks. L-arginine supplementation was effective at improving ED in men with abnormal NO metabolism (essential for penile erection). In another study where 500 mg of L-arginine was given three times a day, the treatment group was no more effective than placebo. This once again supports the theory that dosage is the critical element in L-arginine effectiveness when it comes to male sexual enhancement. It is interesting to note that L-arginine’s benefits go beyond male sexual enhancement, and can improve athletic performance, help lower blood pressure, and even enhance male fertility. Studies have shown that at high doses, L-arginine has increased Growth Hormone (GH) secretion, an effect that is important for muscle growth. In controlled clinical trials, L-arginine produced significant decreases in body fat when combined with exercise. Also, due to its impressive NO effect, L-arginine is an obvious supplement for reducing blood pressure. In a small, controlled trial, hypertensive patients that did not respond to Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide (most

common prescription for high blood pressure) responded favorably to oral L-arginine (2 grams three times per day). Other preliminary trials have found that oral and IV L-arginine significantly lowered blood pressure in healthy volunteers. L-arginine is also required for normal sperm production. Fifty years ago scientists first noted that when adult men were fed argininedeficient diets, sperm counts decreased by approximately 90%. More recent studies have also confirmed that oral L-arginine, even as little as 500 mg per day for 6-8 weeks, increases sperm counts and motility in the majority of patients. In summary, when we look at the science, we find evidence that L-arginine in the right amounts produces real benefits in a number of areas. In clinical studies, daily doses of nearly 6 grams show results in increasing the quality and quantity of penile erections in males.

L-Citrulline L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid first extracted from watermelon. Studies show L-citrulline to have cardiovascular and muscle-strengthening benefits. According to a small, two-month study published in 2010 in Cardiology Journal, L-citrulline improved the participants’ overall heart function and lowered blood pressure. Other research has shown L-citrulline to strengthen muscles and prevent fatigue. Most importantly, L-citrulline acts as a precursor to L-arginine. Although not enough research has been carried out using L-citrulline and L-arginine together, clinical observations have demonstrated a synergistic effect. It seems that mixing L-arginine with L-citrulline has added effects for improving the microcirculation and thus impacting penile erections. I often tell my patients to start by taking 3 grams of L-arginine and 3 grams of L-citrulline twice daily for one week and then one of each daily thereafter. The outcomes are consistently positive, with patients noticing improvement in energy, cognitive function and yes, libido within 7 days. What is interesting is that most patients find the improvement in general energy and cognitive function just as satisfying as improving libido. h

“It is interesting to note that L-arginine’s benefits go beyond male sexual enhancement, and can improve athletic performance, help lower blood pressure, and even enhance male fertility.” “In clinical studies, daily doses of nearly 6 grams show results in increasing the quality and quantity of erections.”

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Keep your mind and body going strong with Reviews

PHOTO © MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES

Best energy bars

Best bars—not sure what to look for in a good energy bar? Check the fine print, and avoid GMOs (often in the form of corn, soy or oils) and unnecessary sweeteners. Do look for protein and fibre, which will help to keep you satiated. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorites, to keep your mind and body going strong, all day (or night?) long…

1) SoLo GI, Dark Chocolate Almond

2) Probar Meal Wholefood Bar, Superfood Slam

These bars were 10 years in the making, perfected by founder and developer, Saul Katz. They are made to perfectly-balance your blood sugar levels (no more crash and crave!), whether you’re a diabetic, a world-class athlete, or a mom on-the-run. This flavor in particular is hands-down delicious. >> soloenergybar.ca

ProBar means it when they call it a meal. Each bar weighs in at a solid three ounces (85 g) and is a nutritional powerhouse. Organic acai berries, pure raspberries, dark chocolate and live greens are blended together with ProBar's 15 signature whole food ingredients for a bar that is super satisfying. >> theprobar.com

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3) Macro bar, Banana + Almond Butter We love their packaging, but we also love their super clean ingredients, making these macrobiotically-balanced bars a winner. Try and work your way through all of their flavours—they’re unique and not as sweet as most bars out there. Perfect for brekkie on the run. >> gomacro.com

4) Vega One Meal Replacement Bar, Chocolate Cherry Almond We love this bar because it contains a whole gram of omega-3 fatty acids, along with probiotics, greens, fiber and protein. Kind of a one-stop-shop, and the flavor is quite delicious. >> myvega.com h

The magic of testosterone In 1935, a German pharmacologist isolated special crystals from the testicles of a bull. Later that same year, Dutch chemists determined the chemistry of those crystals and named the substance testosterone. Cory Holly coryholly.com Dr. Cory Holly is the Founder & President of the Cory Holly Institute (CHI). He completed his Doctor of Naturopathy degree at Clayton College of Natural Health in 1992 and studied exercise physiology and biochemistry at Western Washington University. Cory apprenticed at the Colgan Institute of Nutritional Science and currently studies physics, molecular biology and genetics online at MIT, Yale and Stanford. Dr. Holly specializes in product formulation, dietary analysis and exercise management. He is the author of the CSNA education program, and a dozen books and courses. Cory competes as a Masters athlete, and lectures on sports nutrition, anti-aging, and health & fitness.

Testosterone is the principal and most potent androgen known. Androgens in humans control the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics. In males, testosterone is produced primarily by specialized cells within the testis called Leydig cells. Leydig cells number in the hundreds of millions and tend to slowly decrease in aging men. In females, testosterone is manufactured by the ovaries (40%) adrenals, skin, muscles, body fat and brain. Men generally respond to muscle building strategies more quickly and with greater strength and size outcomes than women and why the great majority of women do not and cannot “masculinize” in response to weight training. “The key is in the T”. As men and women age, testosterone levels tend to decrease, while other hormones such as prolactin, estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) tend to increase. In sedentary men, testosterone levels decrease with age by up to 50% between ages 25 and 75. As humans age many make the mistake of moving less and avoid intense, strenuous physical activity. But all departments of exercise physiology and kinesiology in universities around the world agree that weight-training is incredibly effective and safe for children and seniors. It is our modern alternative to farming, fishing, hunting and gathering. A seven-year study completed by Dr. E.C. Tsai from the University of Washington School of Medicine showed that declining testosterone impairs metabolic health and promotes obesity. Men with the lowest testosterone levels gained the most fat around their waist (intra-abdominal fat), which increases risk of high blood

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pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood fats and blood clotting abnormalities. Many variables contribute to declining levels of testosterone, such as a decline in dopamine and acetylcholine function, elevated cortisol, poor nutrition, consumption of trans-fatty acids (fried foods, cookies, crackers, margarine, etc…), use of medication, testicular degeneration, constant worry and emotional stress, sleep deprivation and excessive aerobic activity. But a subpar serum level of testosterone is still principally caused by the absence of an anabolic flux created through weight bearing resistance training. It’s also called negative entropy and the goal is to keep your anabolic drive alive. This form of exercise training must possess the element of intensity. In other words, you must train hard, not long, but hard. The idea is that less is more. You execute movement with weights in the gym with precision and great skill. You move dumbbells and barbells through a full range of motion and always in control. Also, the bigger the muscle you work the greater the amount of testosterone you produce as a result. So don’t neglect your legs, back and chest, especially your legs. Hit them hard and your entire body will benefit because testosterone circulates wherever there is blood and cells. Walking, hiking, swimming, lawn bowling, cycling, distance running, yard work, gardening and sport do not increase serum testosterone. All are excellent for other reasons, but not for elevating testosterone. In fact after a long run or playing ice hockey or soccer for an hour, testosterone will be lower in your blood than when you started. Cortisol will be higher.

Watching an exciting hockey game on TV can raise serum testosterone as can eye-candy on the beach or in the gym. This is true for both men and women. After just 20 minutes of pumping iron correctly, testosterone climbs higher and if you do train with controlled intensity, you also get a nice clean release of growth hormone (hGH). And unless you sprint, aerobic activity does not elevate testosterone. This is why interval training is highly recommended. Testosterone is recognized as a key factor in the health of the heart and blood vessels. Leading up to WW II, German researchers showed that treatment with testosterone could normalize faulty glucose metabolism, relieve angina and improve PHOTO PR EVI OUS PAGE © I N GR EEN

leg pain in men suffering from intermittent claudication. In 1994, Gerald Phillips MD, et al, at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, discovered a clear inverse relationship between testosterone levels and the degree of coronary heart disease. The lower the testosterone, the more occlusion they found. Phillips also found that men with below normal levels of testosterone, especially free testosterone, had higher insulin levels, abnormal glucose metabolism, lower levels of HDL, higher blood fats, increased waist-to-hip ratio (spare-tire) and increased blood clotting factors. Today testosterone is produced synthetically through recombinant DNA technology, and is used in medicine for

the treatment of testosterone deficiency and for certain gynecological conditions. I learned long ago that the best way to achieve anything worthwhile is the hardest, which is still the smartest longterm. Choosing the pathway of least resistance (literally) is a sure fire guarantee to depression, fatigue, chronic low ambition, increased body fat and loss of functional lean mass. It’s a thousand times better for a million different reasons all related to health and wellness to bust your butt in the gym and produce testosterone naturally within the context of our natural genomic capacity. Don’t blame your age, gender or circumstances. Find relative constructive fault with your behavior and change it. All roads do not lead to optimum health. h

“A seven-year study from the University of Washington School of Medicine showed that declining testosterone impairs metabolic health and promotes obesity. Men with the lowest testosterone levels gained the most fat around their waist.” “After just 20 minutes of pumping iron correctly, testosterone climbs higher and if you do train with controlled intensity, you also get a nice clean release of growth hormone (hGH).”

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Bespoke Diet and Fitness x

Canadians can now rely on their DNA to guide fitness and diet choices for their body’s unique needs

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Bespoke Diet and Fitness recently launched a revolutionary diet and fitness solution in Canada—a DNA swab kit that helps identify an individual's genetic predisposition for fitness and nutrition based entirely on genetics. No two individuals look the same, think the same, act the same, eat or exercise the same. Variations in our genomes are in large part why people differ in their looks, tastes, personalities and habits. Bespoke Diet and Fitness’ DNA-based solution enables Canadians to achieve their health and wellness goals. Although there is never going to be a single gene that determines success or failure, Bespoke Diet and Fitness can help Canadians make the genetics they were born with work for them. “We have all succumbed to fad diets and trendy workouts and, more often than not, given up for lack of results,” said Paul Mercante, president and founder, Bespoke Diet and Fitness. “At Bespoke Diet and Fitness, we understand that motivation is fragile and that each individual’s response to exercise and nutrients is different, the secret to which is

hidden in our unique gene set.” The Hamilton-based company is committed to improving Canadians’ health and wellness by providing best-in-class genetic testing and a customized DNA analysis report that allows individuals to make the right choices when it comes to exercise and meals. Unlike other products on the market, the DNA report provided by Bespoke Diet and Fitness does not try to estimate the risk of serious disease, but rather looks at gene variations and provides scientifically based nutrition and lifestyle recommendations. An individual’s unique DNA analysis report will include information about power, aerobic and endurance potential, injury risk, recovery speed, personal post-exercise recovery nutrition needs, carbohydrate and

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saturated fat sensitivity, lactose and gluten intolerance risk, antioxidant requirement and detox ability, salt, caffeine and alcohol sensitivity, a personal grocery list, a 12-week diet plan and more. “Trainers, nutritionists, elite athletes and entire sports teams around the world have been using DNA profiling to tailor their training and nutrition programmes,” adds Paul Mercante. “By introducing this tool to Canadians, we want to help them take control of their diet and fitness regimens and make this the year they keep their New Year’s resolutions.” An accurate workout routine and a diet that meets an individual’s needs and addresses their particular sensitivities gives them the power to achieve their health and wellness goals in the long term.h

Food to get you in the mood

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Instead, a smarter way to think about food and libido—and smart is definitely sexy—is to choose foods that play a role in supporting overall sexual health. Libido and sexual health is impacted by the effect of stress on your mood, physical and mental arousal states, and healthy circulation. While research may not be conclusive, evidence does exist to point us in the direction of foods made to inspire love. Ask any woman: desire starts in the mind. Stress can zap libido for both men and women so choosing foods that have a calming effect is ground zero for a healthy sexual appetite. Magnesium is a mineral thought to have a calming effect on the musculature, as muscle cramping is common in those with low magnesium levels. Eating seeds such as hemp and pumpkin, fish and legumes daily will improve intake of this calming mineral. Once you’re relaxed, you can turn up the heat. The caffeine in coffee has also been shown to heighten arousal in the brain and chocolate provides that blissed out, loving feeling due to a combination of sugar, sensuous texture and several bioactives such as phenylethylamine, theobromine and caffeine.

The notion of aphrodisiacs is as old as time itself but many of the chosen delights don’t stand up to the scientific lens. Aphrodisiacs may have been crowned due to their suggestive shape (papayas, avocados, bananas) or sensuous textures or sensations, but very little evidence supports their role in boosting libido and sexual prowess. When you’re ready to play, blood flow is critical. Maintaining a heart healthy Mediterranean diet should be your long-term game plan but certain nutrients have also been shown to improve blood flow. L-arginine is an amino acid found in eggs that is associated with improvement of erectile dysfunction. You can also boost l-arginine levels with citrulline, found in watermelon. Omega 3 fatty acids in salmon, walnuts and ground flax help thin the blood and lower inflammation for healthy blood vessels. There is a role for magnesium here too; adequate magnesium levels are associated with a healthy cardiovascular system overall and lower blood pressure. The take home message is that a nourished, healthy body thrives, no matter what the desired activity. Fuel your activities in the bedroom the same way you fuel yourself for life: with plenty of whole foods. Pile on the produce for a healthy cardiovascular system and weight maintenance; pick protein to help keep blood sugars and energy levels in check and avoid hyper-processed snack foods that raise blood pressure and promote weight gain over time.h

Desiree Nielsen desireerd.com @desireerd Desiree Nielsen, R.D. Desiree Nielsen is a registered dietitian, whose particular interests include digestive health, anti-inflammatory nutrition and vegan diets. She's a frequent guest on CBC News Now, CTV, Global, and Breakfast Television. Desiree's first book, Un-junk your diet, is

available at Chapter's Indigo across Canada.

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Ayurvedic spices and perspectives on sexual health Ayurvedic philosophy looks to the essence of the body and mind when determining a prescription for sexual vigor. In Ayurveda the word Ojas means the essence, immunity or nectar of our life energy.

Glynnis Osher thousandpetallotus.com Glynnis Osher is a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (CAP), passionate teacher and author with over 16 years experience in Ayurveda. She is on faculty at The Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage, teaching aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage and Ayurvedic Self-Care. Glynnis is founder and CEO of The Mystic Masala Ayurvedic Aromatherapy and Thousand Petal Lotus Indian Head Massage. Glynnis has co-authored the book Your Irresistible Life: 4 Seasons of Self-Care through Ayurveda and Yoga Practices that Work.

This exquisite vitality is built through an intelligent process of the seven tissue layers (dhatus) of the body. Each tissue nourishes and builds the next one until finally the reproductive tissue is created. This gives us a profound responsibility in conscious creation of our own life-force. From plasma (rasa) to blood (rakta) to muscle (mamsa) to fat (medas) to bone (asthi) to marrow (majja) these tissue layers finally metabolize into the sperm and ovum – the reproductive tissue (shukra dhatu). This extremely refined tissue layer is the essential end product metabolized and nourished by the previous six tissue layers. Ojas then is not only our immunity but also our creative life force that determines our sexual wellbeing. It’s exciting to know that through mindful eating and lifestyle choices we are the stewards of our own sexual health. Food is the first medicine. Just like the nutrients that feed the

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soil, nourish the seed and grow the plant, each of our tissue layers truly does become what we feed it. Food containing the highest potency and life force yields the most vibrant bodily tissues. When our body is congested through lowquality foods and destructive sense impressions, toxins (ama) accumulate in the body and degrade the health of the tissues. As this continues we start to notice a cascade of effects; low-energy, mental dullness, apathy, lethargy, depression, self-doubt, lagging passion, low libido, and fertility problems. We can avoid and even reverse this through an attentive diet of revitalizing foods, spices, and positive sense impressions. Spices and herbs contain the intelligence of the entire plant kingdom. They hold the cosmic memory of life force. I love to go into my kitchen and line up several spices, preparing for a sensual experience with these fragrant gems. It is

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I use my stone mortar and pestle which symbolizes and balances the male (pestle) and female (mortar) energies.

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so enriching to engage all the senses when cooking. The pleasure hormones are activated and by the end of it I feel very alive and sexually seduced. Most spices are aphrodisiac and are known to increase the sex drive. I use my stone mortar and pestle which symbolizes and balances the male (pestle) and female (mortar) energies. In Ayurveda an aphrodisiac is looked at as a way to increase not only our sexual stamina and pleasure but also to boost our immunity – our Ojas. This list of aromatic spices have many benefits and can be used daily to increase a feeling of wellbeing and vitality.

blood flow to the sexual organs.

Nutmeg

Cinnamon is a sensual, sweet and warming spice. It produces a stimulating heat in the body, increasing both digestive and sexual appetite. The scent of cinnamon has been used by perfumiers for centuries in aphrodisiac love blends. This is due to the chemical constituent cinnamaldehyde, the compound which lends cinnamon its aroma. Essential oil from the cinnamon bark is 98% cinnameldahyde and is the nutrient offering most of the health benefits of this seductive spice.

This intoxicating spice is first on my list because of it’s exquisite musky scent and psychoactive properties. Nutmeg stimulates the circulatory system, increases blood flow, elevates the mood, and reduces stress and anxiety. It causes sexual arousal by imitating the effect of the serotonin hormone. A clinical study at the Aligarh University in India showed that the sexual function and sex drive of mice significantly increased after ingesting nutmeg. I love to use nutmeg in my ‘beddy-bye’ drink, grating an eigth of a teaspoon into a quarter cup of warm almond milk with a pinch of cinnamon.

Chillies Of course it stands to reason that hot and spicy peppers will fire up your passion and bring gusto to your sex drive. Hot peppers speed up metabolism and increase blood flow, giving a healthy flush to your skin and cleansing any congestion in the tissues. Taken in the right amount chilies are excellent cardiovascular tonics for a strong and healthy heart. If you are Pitta (fire) constitution use hot chilies in moderation, a little pinch may be just enough for the boost you need.

Cinnamon

I always say if you have ginger in your kitchen apothecary you would be all set. Of course I love having a variety of spices on hand but I never go without this fragrant sweet and pungent rhizome. Apart from being a powerful anti-inflammatory, digestive, and upper respiratory tonic, ginger boosts the libido and also helps prevent premature ejaculation. Working as an aphrodisiac it increases 4. CHILL I E S .

5. CIN N A M O N.

Cardamom Not only is this exquisitely fragrant spice used to sweeten the tongue but in Ayurveda cardamom is used to counteract low libido. Cineol is a major component of Cardamom essential oil and is known as an aphrodisiac, increasing blood flow to the male and female sexual regions. It is so enlivening to include these 5 sexy spices in your daily routine, either as cooking spices or aromatherapy oils where you can derive even deeper health benefits one tissue layer at a time and build a juicy, healthy Ojas for life.h

Ginger

In Ayurveda an aphrodisiac is looked at as a way to increase not only our sexual stamina and pleasure but also to boost our immunity— our Ojas.

6. C AR D AMOM.

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Puresource x

Sweeter Sugar Alternatives The profound toxicity of sugar substitutes has motivated food scientists to discover healthier alternatives to the chemical choices of the past. Stevia, xylitol and erythritol, have become very popular options. Low calorie and ranking low to zero on the glycemic index (GI), they are now being used extensively; commercially and in our homes.

Stevia

Xylitol

It is a genus of over 200 species of plants and they are native to Central and South America. Stevia Rebaudiana was introduced to Europe by Swiss Botanist Bertoni in 1899 and it was in 1931 the sweet glycosides were isolated by two French chemists. These two compounds, stevioside and rebaudioside, are 250-300 times sweeter than sucrose, heat stable, PH stable and non fermentable. It is suitable for diabetics and any individual looking for a safe sugar substitute. It contains 0 calories per serving and it rates 0 on the GI. Stevia is available in liquid, tablet and powdered formats and for the adventurous type there are numerous flavored options available.

(the X is pronounced as a Z) is naturally found in low concentrations in the fibres of many fruits and vegetables, however commercially it is generally extracted from hardwoods or corn. Be sure to look for xylitol source from 100% North American hardwood, for purity and be sure it’s non-GMO. Xylitol can be used as a popular sugar alternative in baking; the substitution ratio is one to one yet it contains about 40% fewer calories, but further to it’s sweetening capabilities, xylitol has applications in hygiene and nutraceuticals.

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Dental Application Unlike sugar, xylitol is not fermentable thus cannot be used as an energy source by bacterial growth and reproduction

• Studies indicate that chewing gum sweetened with xylitol significantly reduces cavities and strengthens tooth enamel by enhancing mineral absorption. • In toothpaste and mouthwash it acts as a natural teeth whitener.

Immune Support/ Other Actions • Increases the activity of white blood cells involved in fighting bacteria. • Inhibits Candida albicans and other harmful bacteria including H. pylori. • Research shows that dietary xylitol prevents weakening of bones in rats and improves bone density, indicating possible treatment for osteoporosis in humans.

Ingredient Sweetness GI

Cal/g

Sucrose (sugar) 100% 60 4 Xylitol 100% 13 2.5 Stevia

70%

0.2

Precautionary note—Xylitol is toxic to dogs.

Erythritol Occurs naturally in some fruits and fermented foods. In a commercial setting it is produced from glucose by fermentation with yeast. • It is 60–70% as sweet as table sugar yet it is almost calorie free and it does not affect blood sugar making this the most welcome SA for diabetics and dieters. • The most significant difference in erythritiol is in the digestion process, unlike maltitol and sorbitol, it doesn't have a laxative effect and isn't known to cause gastrointestinal irritation. It doesn't also have the neurotoxic side effects as artificial sweeteners. Considering the benefits of these natural occurring sweet alternative perhaps is the time to try these healthier choices of low-calorie and calorie-free natural sweeteners. h

Want to join me for a cup of charcoal juice?

You won’t ‘gag’ on it! In fact, so many people are enjoying their weekly bottle of charcoal juice that it has become the detox ‘du jour’. Charcoal juice may sound like a glass of black sludge, but it is actually pretty tasty—and has some health potential. Activated charcoal has long been known for its ability to absorb toxins. Clinically, activated charcoal is used in emergency situations, such as overdoses or poisonings.

Allison Tannis allisontannis.com allison tannis, r.h.n. is an expert, Author, athlete, and Mom who has been described as one of Canada’s most enthusiastic educators of nutritional science. she is a regular keynote speaker across North America, and has been featured in many national magazines. Allison has written four books, including: Feed Your Skin, Starve Your Wrinkles (Fairwinds 2009), and The 100 Healthiest Foods to Eat During Pregnancy (Fairwinds 2009). she has a practice

Activated charcoal acts like a sponge. It has bubbles or holes that hold onto positively prenatal, paediatric charged molecules, such as pharmaceuticals, and weight loss. she is pesticides, dioxins or other toxins. in Halifax, NS, and

specializes in digestive,

At health food stores activated charcoal supplements are a staple for nausea and bloating. Natural Health Product Regulations allow activated charcoal supplements to carry claims related to

best known for making the science of health

THIS PAGE: A C T IVAT ED CH AR C OAL JUI C ES FR OM JUI C E G ENER ATI ON, NEW Y OR K (JUI C EG ENER ATIO N .CO M).

easy to swallow.

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gastrointestinal health in Canada. The European Food and Safety Authority in Europe have approved a similar claim on activated charcoal products since 2011. Potential side effects include altered bowel movements and black stool. Both medical and supplemental use of activated charcoal is for short durations. There is a significant lack of research to indicate what the effects of regular consumption will be. Yet, concerns exist around the lack of discrepancy by activated charcoal between toxins and nutrients. It is possible that drinking activated charcoal may soak up more than toxins—it is non-specific to what it soaks up. Activated charcoal may absorb nutrients, not just toxins. With a lack of significant interest or funding in the field of activated charcoal, it is unlikely that the near future will unveil scientific studies offering insight into whether regular consumption of charcoal juice is a helpful detoxifying drink or depriving the body of nutrients.

What is Activated Charcoal? The activated charcoal used in

charcoal juice is not the same as what you use to fire up the barbeque in the summer. Charcoal juice contains a similar charcoal to what you find in your water filter. It’s made by heating charcoal – heat causes tiny holes to form in the charcoal that give it the unique ability to soak up toxins. It’s toxin-absorbing ability has some claiming it is a great hangover cure.

Charcoal juice is cold-pressed juice mixed with two teaspoons of activated charcoal. The result is a drink that has been described as being fairly tasty. A growing number of charcoal juice companies are popping up include Raw Press, Juice Generation, Juice Served Here and Luli, turning the juice aisle a shade of grey. If you are interested in giving this murky-coloured drink a try, it’ll cost about $10 per bottle. As for how it tastes? Most say that it’s “pleasant and earthy”, especially when it’s combined with fresh-pressed juices of either fruit or veg. Oh, and try not to giggle (or be alarmed) if after you enjoy your cup of charcoal juice your stool is black. h

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Eating with the seasons

Mouth-watering Mediterranean delights

Figs with goat cheese, basil and pomegranate vinaigrette Adapted from Yotam Ottolenghi's Plenty (2010, Ebury Press) IN G RE D I E NTS :

• • • •

1 shallot, finely chopped ½ tsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp pomegranate molasses 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to finish

• 1 big bunch of arugula • ½ cup of mixed purple and green basil leaves, torn into pieces • 8 ripe figs, at room temperature • 1 cup of creamy goat cheese • 2 tbsp of pomegranate seeds • a few sprigs of thyme • salt and black pepper P R EPA R AT I ON:

Place shallots, mustard, pomegranate molasses and

a little salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk vigorously while adding olive oil. Dressing should be homogeneous. 2. Toss arugula and basil with dressing. Line serving platter with dressed greens. Top with figs and cheese. 3. Drizzle with a bit of extra olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Scatter pomegranate seeds, springs of thyme.

Eggplant with buttermilk sauce Adapted from Yotam Ottolenghi's Plenty (2010, Ebury Press) I NG R E DI E NT S :

• 2 large and long eggplants • ½ cup of olive oil • Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 pomegranate • 1 tsp za'atar • A few sprigs fresh lemon thyme S AU C E I NG R E DI E N T S

• • • • •

¾ cup of buttermilk ½ cup of organic Greek yogurt 1½ tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle 2 small garlic cloves, crushed Pinch of sea salt

P REPA RAT ION:

Preheat oven to 200C/400F/ gas 6. Wash the eggplants and cut them in two lengthways through the green stalk. Make three or four deep parallel incisions in the cut side, taking care not to cut the skin. At a 45-degree angle to these cuts, make four more, to create a diamond pattern. 2. Put the eggplants, cut side up, on an oven tray lined with baking parchment. Brush with oil until it has soaked into the flesh. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 35-40 mins, at which point 1.

the flesh should be soft, flavoursome and browned. Remove and leave to cool. 3. Cut the pomegranate in two horizontally. Place in a bowl of water and separate the seeds from the meaty bits. Dry them. 4. For the sauce, whisk together all the ingredients, taste for seasoning and keep cold. 5. Serve an eggplant half on a plate, flesh side up. Spoon over lots of sauce without covering the stalk, sprinkle on lots of pomegranate seeds and some za'atar, garnish with lemon thyme and finish with a drizzle of oil.

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Cardamom rice pudding with pistachios and rose water Adapted from Jerusalem (2012, Random House), by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi I N G RE D I E NTS P UD D I N G :

• • • • • • • • •

2 cups whole milk ½ cup 10% cream 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped 8 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 2/3 cup short-grain white rice 30 g unsalted butter, diced 2 tbsp coconut nectar or maple syrup salt 3 tbsp roasted and lightly crushed unsalted pistachios, to garnish

• 1 tbsp dried, edible rose petals, to garnish I N G R ED I EN TS SYRUP:

• 1 tbsp acacia honey or another mild-flavoured honey • 1 tbsp rose water P R EPA R AT I ON SYRUP:

Stir together the honey, rosewater, and water until the honey dissolves. Set aside.

P R EPA R AT I ON PUDDIN G:

Put the whole milk, cream, vanilla (bean and seeds) and cardamom into a medium pot and place over high heat. When it’s just about to boil, remove from the heat and allow it to cool. Leave in the fridge overnight or at least for a couple of hours to infuse. 2. Add the rice to the pan with 1.

the infused milk and cream, bring to a boil, and simmer over medium heat, stirring all the time, for 20-25 mins. The rice should be cooked through but still retain a bite and the pudding should be thick. You will need to add a little bit of water, up to 4 tbsp towards the end of the cooking if the pudding becomes too thick before the rice is done. 3. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully pick out the cardamom pods and vanilla pod. Stir in the butter, coconut nectar, honey and a pinch of salt. Garnish with rose petals, crushed pistachios, and drizzle syrup. Enjoy every bite.

Ajo Blanco Adapted by Katharine Herringer

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil • chives for garnish

IN GREDIE NTS :

P R EPA R AT I O N :

• 2 cups of crustless stale bread, broken into pieces • 2 cups vegetable stock • 1 ½ teaspoons salt • 1 cup raw, sprouted almonds (with the skins removed) • 2 cups green seedless grapes, sliced in half • 2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped • 1-3 chopped garlic cloves (depending on how garlicky you want the result to be) • 2-3 tbsp sherry vinegar

Heat the stock until it's steamy. Turn off the heat and add to the stock the broken up pieces of stale bread. Let cool. 2. Put the almonds, salt and garlic in a food processor and pulse until the almonds are pulverized. Add the soaked bread and any stock that was not absorbed by the bread into the food processor, then add the grapes and cucumbers. Pulse until the mixture is a rough purée. 3. Add 2 tbsp of the

vinegar and pulse a few seconds to combine. Taste and add the other tablespoon if it needs it—grapes can sometimes be acidic enough to leave out the final tablespoon of vinegar. 4. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Turn off the motor and taste it. Add more salt if needed. 5. Chill before serving, garnish with chopped chives.

Rose water lemonade with coconut nectar By Katharine Herringer

IN GR E DIE NTS:

• • • •

4 lemons, squeezed 8 tbsp coconut nectar 4 tsp rose water carbonated natural mineral water, ice • lavender sprigs for garnish PR E PA R AT ION:

In a glass jar, mix the lemon juice, coconut nectar, and a small amount of carbonated water. Taste for desired sweetness. 2. Add rose water, and pour mixture evenly into 4 glass jars. Add ice and carbonated water to each, stir, and serve with a lavender sprig. Enjoy! h 1.

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Sex-less in the city: celebrate celibacy Late night booty calls are fun and all but nothing can replace real romantic intimacy. If the love of your life showed up today, could you receive it? When intimacy deepens do you freak out, run away or become avoidant? Does your heart feel open or shut down?

John Álvarez de Lorenzana @addictionsdoc dr. john álvarez de lorenzana, m.d., m.a., is a radical thinker, inspiring speaker, and non-conformist addictions physician. he is recognized for his work in inner city medicine, his passion for medical learner resiliency initiatives, his perspective on attachment theory in adult relationships, and his research on mindfulness meditation. john has been a dedicated dharma, vipassana, and yoga practitioner since 2002. he is a graduate of mcmaster university medical school, holds a bachelors and masters degree in psychology from The University of British Columbia, and

has been working in addictions since 2003. john is currently on a spiritual sabbatical in spain and france.

Do you remember the last time you had semi-sober sex? Being sexy is not something external. You can’t fake it because it’s not something you can wear; it’s who you are. Sexual vitality is a powerful and juicy treasure that is always there waiting to be balanced, unlocked and unleashed in each one of us. We are much more comfortable giving love than receiving it. Hot and sexy definitely feels safer than vulnerable and romantic, eek! Even though sex can be awesome, healthy and invigorating, if intimacy is absent, instead of getting charged up, you can end up depleted, getting the life sucked out of you, literally. Sex in today’s hook-up culture is sub-par at best, unless you haven’t experienced something deeper and more delicious. Everything today is accelerated. Technology has made our lives amazingly convenient and at the same time we have become inadvertently disconnected. We are distracted, lonely, alienated and overmedicated. We live outside ourselves, filling the hole instead of healing the wound. Shopping, Facebook and erotica can be enjoyable in moderation but they won’t give you the satisfaction you seek. There is a difference between chasing fun and excitement and finding lasting peace and joy. Nowadays people are disposable. You can Grinder, Tinder, twerk it, werk it; you can simply swipe your phone to the left if someone just doesn’t look quite perfect. You never have to show up and work through anything and the problem with that is “you get older and they stay the same age.” The world doesn’t need another Chi-drained Chauch. Do you want to actually win the

V I S TA M A G A Z I N E I S S U E N O . 1 0 1

game or just keep on playing? Take a break from sex. Yes you heard us right. Toss your Cosmo and GQ mags - the world is settin’ you up. They just want to sell you things, make you feel inadequate and give you an eating disorder. Nothing will make you more magnetic than a stint of sex-free living. Stop wasting your time and wanking your precious life force all over the planet. Stop vampiring other people to feel better and stop pretending you don’t want anything meaningful. Harness and transform your sexual energy. It contains your purpose and power. Re-boot your brain and fall in love with life. Celibacy makes you damn sexy!

F*ck the pain away

The best way to get over someone is not to get under someone. The pain doesn’t go away and the love you felt was real so you’re not crazy. If you don’t look at it, process it and eventually practice forgiveness, the pain just goes deeper, gets stuck and comes out sideways. Remember, whatever you don’t deal with you carry around. On top of that, if you don’t learn and level up within your relationships, history repeats itself. It is easier to take responsibility and go into the pain to transform it. Untie your knots and release your resentments. The end of a relationship is the perfect time to give celibacy a go. It blows at first but after you get over the hump-ing you will realize it’s totally worth it!

Simmer down there big rig When is the last time you tried something new? You might be stuck re-reading the same chapter of your life over and over, acting out of your

Ren Fukushima @truthchakra ren fukushima, creator of truth chakra yoga, is an a-type perfectionist work-a-holic turned self-healing evangelist, kundalini yoga instructor. unable to heal a debilitating injury medically, she quit her job, sold everything, took out a massive line of credit, burned her life down and started following the universe in 2011. ren was healed and transformed through the ancient and powerful technology of kundalini yoga: she took her teacher training at hacienda de guru ram das ashram in new mexico, the home of yogi bhajan, master of kundalini yoga and the kundalini research institute. she is currently on a spiritual sabbatical in spain and france.

“Though a man may be over 6 feet tall, he is ruled by 6 inches” Yogi Bhajan habitual patterns rather than a place of clarity and wakefulness. Instead of holding your breath and waiting for a miracle, take charge, just start! When embarking on a celibacy kick, it is paramount that you give yourself the gift of patience. Practice self-compassion and have a sense of humour. Most of us are fairly controlling and we prefer safe, predictable and certain. Alas, life is inherently uncertain and impermanent, regardless of whether you accept it or not. Having rigid fixed ideas will make your new adventure frustrating. Go gentle, be kind.

POF—Plenty of Freaks

Taking a time out may seem crazy but it builds courage and confidence. Stop, catch your breath and assess what the hell has been going on. What have you been doing, whom have you been doing? Are you actually living in the world or are you too busy working your new “Narcis-stick” and lying about your age? Are the sex and relationships serving your life or your ego? Do you want them to stay for breakfast or are you thinking about chewing your own arm off to sneak out the door? Delete your online profiles if you dare; believe it or not, life will go on. Your ego will revolt initially but stay the course. You are just taking a time out to regroup, reconnect and reevaluate. There is nothing hotter than someone with boundaries, aspirations and interests. You are not missing out on much, other than picking up the cheque and possibly the ol’ C&G cocktail, aka—Chlamydia & Gonorrhea.

Chi Balls, Not Blue Balls

Don’t just take sex away and suffer solo in silence. Get into it. There are many

remarkable wisdom traditions with practical technologies that can help harness your life force into power and insight. By practicing celibacy you will eventually have access to enormous amounts of energy and be accomplishing things left, right and center. Meditation and yoga are at the top of our list as supports to your practice. Befriend your mind, learn how to navigate feelings and take a scalpel to your pain and pathological patterns. One important caveat: sexual energy has to go somewhere so you might experience increased aggression, anger, perversion or perfectionism if you don’t have an embodied practice; don’t join ISIS! Instead try the 5 Tibetan Yoga exercises for rejuvenation (ow.ly/ORss0) or Sat Kriya from Kundalini Yoga (ow.ly/ ORt7b). On the bright side, life will start to flirt with you; your world will become more erotic and attractive to others. You will get lighter and lighter, creativity will skyrocket and even though there will be many trials and tribulations, everything will become more enjoyable and enchanting. Ironically, a period of celibacy can lead to better sex with better people. As a couple, we both just finished separate, solitary, silent meditation retreats at a Monastery in Cape Breton (gampoabbey.org). We would highly recommend all couples taking time apart to practice meditation, silence and celibacy at least once annually. Press the reset button, go deeper and strengthen your practice for the health of your relationship. Post-retreat sex is the BOMB btw! Two great reads to get you started are Fidelity by Thich Nhat Hahn, and Sex Matters by Osho. h

No. 102

Next issue

September / October 2015

The kids and parenting issue “I don’t know how she does it” organic, yummy mommies How to quit sugar Aromatherapy for kids

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Holistic sex and relationship expert, #thingsIliftwithmyvagina

A Day in the Life

Kim Anami

1. HOW DO YOU BEGIN EACH DAY? Well, I make my home mostly in Bali these days, with some time spent in LA and Vancouver. I begin each day by making love, meditating and having a delicious breakfast (this morning I had fresh watermelon juice with ginger, a big fruit salad and a fresh coconut). Then I do some type of physical exercise, whether it’s surfing or swimming or high intensity interval training. 2. WHAT’S YOUR ‘GO-TO’ NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCT? Ejaculate. Seriously, it’s highly nutritious and balancing for the hormones. It’s like my morning shot of espresso, since I don’t drink coffee. 3. WHAT’S ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND? There’s really nothing on my night stand, maybe a lamp. But inside my nightstand is all sorts of sexual accoutrement and my jade vaginal weightlifting egg. 4. VEGAN? VEGETARIAN? PALEO? OMNIVORE? I’m really into listening to what my body needs. Right now I’m mostly vegan that eats fresh caught fish, where I know the source. I also take some paleo superfood supplements like collagen, colostrum and whey powder. I eat a lot of organic fresh fruit and vegetables. I’ve been committed to an organic lifestyle for 20 years.

5. WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO STAYING HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELING? I use a few apps to find healthy restaurants and more innovative food while I’m away. I also bring a lot of food with me, whether it’s nuts, or nut butters spiked with

V I S TA M A G A Z I N E I S S U E N O . 1 0 1

superfoods like maca or lucuma. I also bring homemade energy bars.

6. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT HEALTH CARE IN CANADA, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Beyond emergency care, I would

like to see health care being a user-pay system, meaning that people take more individual responsibility for their health.

7. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Strong, original, ballsy and outrageous people..h

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