Vista no. 106, May-June 2016

MAY / JUNE 2016

Welcome to

A more organic way No. 106 of Being QIGONG AT YOUR DESK: an ancient

Asian art will calm and focus you.

HEADACHE HELPERS: the best props and remedies to help you soothe, clear, and even prevent headaches.

Feng shui your workspace for productivity De-stress with holy basil Post-surgery recovery foods Quiz: calming foods Ayurveda: golden ghee

Natural health expert

Bryce Wylde A DAY IN THE LIFE P R I NTE D IN CANADA

Zero-waste work lunches The dynamic team behind Montreal-based

RISE Kombucha

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No. 106 Welcome to

It seems life has never moved as fast as it does today. We used to be able to just work hard, but now we need to learn to work smart, too.

As a mompreneur and as a creative, I’m constantly pulled in different directions.

From running a household, multiple projects and deadlines but also keeping my own mind, body and spirit healthy and aligned. After all, if we don’t fill our own cups, there’s nothing left for anyone else.

In this healthy-at-work issue, we look into how to create a positive and holistic workspace that nourishes.

There are many tools that you can use throughout the day to help you feel less drained by your day’s end.

It is possible to really love your workspace. Keep a pot of holy basil tea at your desk (works wonders!), create an inspiring plant display with crystals (I’m in love with hanging terrariums), take pauses every 90 minutes to breathe more deeply, and don’t forget to pack a (zero-waste) lunch to look forward to.

Pleasure plays such a pivotal role in our daily lives, work included. Even the most ordinary of tasks can be turned into a pleasure, in the right environment.

Some of you may be lucky enough to spend your

A more organic way of Being workdays in nature, others working with flowers, making latte art, or preparing that next big idea.

Don’t despair if you’re not working at a crazy innovative space like Google, Airbnb or Vancouverbased Lululemon (yoga included). Create your own healthy oasis and notice how your energy shifts.

Even your dullest days can become brighter, not to mention the bonus of fewer colds and flus.

Be well,

E D I TOR

S PRING G AR DE N AND FOO D P H O T O S © IVA N A LVA REZ D E L O RENZANA. ED I TOR 'S P H OTO © ALY SON STR I K E, ALY SONSTR I K E. C OM

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From the producers of The Natural Health Show:

No. 106 Publisher:

Trent Nellis Editor:

Katharine Herringer Art director:

Iván Álvarez de Lorenzana Senior graphic designer:

Natalina Percival

Healthy inspiration in a busy world

copy editor:

Sabine Edrissi-Bredenbrock editorial coordinator / contributing editor:

Reilly Whittaker V I S TAM AG AZ I N E . C A

@ V I S TAM AGAZIN E

I S S U U . C OM / V I S TAM AG AZ I N E C AN AD A VISTA Magazine Suite 451, 15216 North Bluff Road, White Rock, BC, V4B 0A7 Canada Telephone (877) 905-7771, e-mail: info@vistamagazine.ca Subscriptions Vista Magazine is published six times a year. To subscribe to Vista Magazine and receive delivery bi-monthly, email us at info@vistamagazine.ca for details.

With host:

Steve Herringer

Disclaimer The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Vista Magazine publisher, editors, or staff. Readers are encouraged to consult with their health professional before embarking upon any exercise, medical or nutritional changes. Contents of Vista Magazine are copyright © 2016, all rights reserved. Vista Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without written permission of the publisher.

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On City TV in Ontario and BC, and coming soon to a radio near you.

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ASSOCIATIONS:

Vista Magazine is typeset in Bodoni, with the occasional use of Hoban, Futura, and Thirsty Script. Printed in Canada, using vegetable inks on uncoated paper.

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Quiz: calming foods Stressed? Learn which whole foods can help you.

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Plants and crystals go to work Share your workspace with plant life and crystals.

No refrigeration needed.

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Q&A with Bryce Wylde

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We chat with natural health expert, Bryce Wylde.

Feng shui your desk and workspace

Boost productivity, flow, and work with more ease when incorporating Feng shui.

Ask your local health & nutrition or supplement retailer about SILVER LINING™. trysilverlining.com

Follow us: trysilverlining

Questions? Call Matt at 519-860-2252

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Contents MAY / J U N E 2016

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Welcome to

No. 106

A more organic way of Being

Holy basil (tulsi) Revive the mind, body and spirit with this Indian superherb.

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The power of Qigong

The ancient art of qigong can help bring more balance to your workday.

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The Organic Entrepreneur: RISE Kombucha Turn on, tune up and rise up with this Montreal-based brand.

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Nutrient-dense lunches on a budget Desiree Nielsen, RD offers up tips on how to create the ideal work lunch.

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The golden history of ghee

Back to work after a hospital visit

Holistic nutritionist Julie Daniluk on which foods will help you to recover.

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Yummy work lunches Create zero-waste work lunches with salads in jars, noodles to go, and ricotta fig muffins.

Ayurvedic wisdom with expert Glynnis Osher-Anderson.

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A Day in the Life

With homeopath and natural health expert, Bryce Wylde.

S P RIN G B LO S S O M S F RO M NE I GH B O UR I N G GA R DE N S. © K AT H A R I N E H E R R I N GE R

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Feng shui your workspace for better flow and productivity There is no denying that we spend most of our waking hours working.

Whether you have to commute to an office or are fortunate enough to work from home, good Feng shui of your personal space can help increase your productivity and promote harmony.

Walaa Zeidan whatthefengshui.ca facebook, instagram and twitter: @whatthefengshui

Walaa Zeidan endeavours to live in a world filled with hard copy books, hand written notes

A properly Feng shui-ed workspace can even accelerate promotions, and if self-employed, help your business gain the recognition it deserves.

Businesses that have good Feng shui usually find it easier to attract opportunities, supportive people, loyal clients, a dedicated team and goodwill. By implementing these simple strategies, you will be able to make a significant impact on your money luck, success, income and reputation while minimizing losses and problems.

and fast cars. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, she came to Canada as a refugee. Walaa is now CEO and Feng Shui Master of What the Feng Shui Corp. — a company designed

Placement: • Sit facing your most lucky direction based upon your birthdate (Kua number formula).

• Avoid sitting with your back to a window as this represents lack of support.

• Don’t sit opposite any door or under a beam as negative Chi ‘poison arrow’ hits you.

to create well-being,

Enhancers: between the physical, • Place a picture of a mountain on the emotional, financial wall behind you. This ensures proper and spiritual aspects of support for growth and success. one’s life. As a Feng Shui • The North sector of your office or workMaster, she’s received space brings opportunities for growth and distinction status increased income/turnover. Activate this by one of the most sector by placing a picture of a waterfall or renowned Feng Shui sailboat on the wall. The sailboat portrays Grand Masters in Asia. that it is sailing in from the North.

• Place a dragonhead turtle or metal turtle on your office desk to offer protection and longevity to your business. harmony and abundance

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• Place a desk calendar or clock in your lucky sector to activate your good fortune.

• Design your business logo using Feng shui principles and place it high above your entrance door. Always ensure your logo signifies strength, stability and vigor.

A clutter-free office environment and a neat and tidy desk are all important factors in improving your career and business success.

Clutter not only weakens your efficiency, but it can actually sabotage projects and create negative energy. Papers, books, stationary and other personal items need to be stored neatly and in a way that you can easily access them without having to search too hard. Desk accessories such as a stapler, scissors, hole-punchers, etc. should always be kept in drawers as they generate harmful energies when in sight.

Your actual desk or work table plays a significant role in your overall achievement. Setting it up correctly, and knowing where to place your items, will have a substantial influence on your income, reputation and success. So, using the BaGua chart to arrange your desk, here are some Feng shui tips for your desk: Don’t forget your chair! The chair that you sit on has a large bearing on your career, especially if you sit for long periods of time. Choose a chair that is comfortable and ergonomically designed. Consider adding a stool underneath your desk to get the correct support if required. Keep your body as

KNOWLEDGE

CAREER

HELPFUL FRIENDS

P L AC E R E FE R EN C E BOOKS H ERE

S H O U LD ALWAY S BE C LEAR AND O P EN TO P OSSI BI LI TI ES

P LAC E Y OUR TELEP H ONE AND BUSIN E SS C AR D S H ER E

MENTORS

OVERALL HEALTH

PROJECTS/CREATIVITY

CONS I DE R E D T O BE T HE YA N G S ID E O F T H E DE S K. P L AC E ANY TAL L O B JECT S U CH A S A TABL E L AM P OR BA M B O O P L A N T

U S E F O R TH E TASK AT H AND AND TH EN C L EA R O NC E C OM P LETE. D O NOT STOR E ITEM S I N TH I S SEC TOR

I D EAL FOR P LAC I NG C UR R ENT P R OJEC T FI LES

WEALTH

FAME

RELATIONSHIP

P L AC E A DE POS I T B O O K H ERE ( NOT A C HE QU E BO O K — W H IC H REP R E S E NT S M ONE Y G O IN G O U T )

P LAC E AN UP LI FTI NG IM AG E H ER E R EP R ESENTI NG F UTUR E P OSSI BI LI TI ES

SUI TABLE FOR BR OC H UR ES AN D D ETAI LS OF P EOP LE WI TH WH O M Y OU MAY WOR K

Your Desk

relaxed as possible and avoid any unnecessary physical stress which can impede work performance and distract you.

Take time out of your busy schedule today to implement some of these simple strategies and watch the energy around

you shift. Investing in your physical and emotional comfort is always a great idea whether at work or at home. f I L L U S T R AT I O N © N ATA L I N A P E R C I VA L

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Weight gain, hair loss, low mood, feeling cold?

Could be your thyroid.

Lorna Vanderhaeghe

Hypothyroidism or low thyroid is very common in Canada. Approximately 23 percent of the population is taking thyroid medication. It is estimated an additional 30 percent may have low thyroid that has yet to be diagnosed.

hormonehelp.com facebook.com/Lorna Vanderhaeghe HealthSolutions @asklorna Lorna Vanderhaeghe is a women’s natural health expert who

The thyroid gland lies below the Adam’s apple in the neck, wrapped around both sides of the trachea. The thyroid secretes two hormones T3 and T4; crucial for controlling many body functions—from temperature, heart rate, weight gain and metabolism, to fertility, happiness, energy and more. If you have the following symptoms, low thyroid may be your problem:

has been researching

• • for over 35 years. She is • the author of 13 books • including Beautiful • Skin Begins Within and • A Smart Woman’s Guide • to Hormones. Visit • hormonehelp.com for • more information. Look • for her skin book FREE • at health food stores. • and writing about

nutritional medicine

Thinning hair Loss of eyebrow hair Dry skin Weight gain or difficulty losing weight Sensitivity to cold Menstrual problems (heavy periods) Fatigue or lethargy Infertility Never ending menopause symptoms Depression or mood swings Constipation Irregular heart rate

Know your thyroid test number The normal range for a TSH test is 0.5 to 5.5 IU/ml at most laboratories in Canada. Your doctor will not diagnose you with low thyroid and prescribe thyroid hormones until your TSH is over 5.5; yet many people suffer with low thyroid symptoms when their TSH is greater than 2.0 IU/ml but less than the 5.5 IU/ml

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“Go for your thyroid test first thing in the morning for more accurate results— and ask for the number.” level. For some, by the time they are officially diagnosed with low thyroid, they have gained 20 pounds. They are depressed, their hair is falling out and they feel like they are pushing themselves through the day. If you are trying to lose weight, and have followed a healthy eating plan and exercised but still cannot lose a pound, you may have low thyroid function. Go for your thyroid test first thing in the morning for more accurate results—and ask for the number. It should be below 2.0 IU/ml. Keeping TSH below 2.0 is the key to optimal health, especially when it comes to female hormone problems.

Low thyroid function peri-menopause & menopause Estrogen decides body fat distribution. In women, that fat is stored on hips, bottom, abdomen and thighs. Fat cells manufacture and store estrogen. During the peri-menopausal years (the 10 to 15 years before menstruation

ceases) and menopause (menopause means one year with no periods), it is common for women to suffer a multitude of hormonal complaints.

Period irregularities, weight gain, hot flashes, uterine fibroids, night sweats and sleep disturbances are common complaints during this time in a woman’s life. Most would think these symptoms are associated with a decline in estrogen, but they are also hallmark symptoms for low thyroid, especially night sweats and insomnia. The standard treatment for menopausal women is hormone replacement therapy with estrogen for these symptoms.

Peri-menopausal women may be put on the birth control pill. The problem with these treatments is that estrogen further shuts down the thyroid: high estrogen levels interfere with the thyroid hormones, particularly the utilization of T3, the most biologically active thyroid hormone. Too much estrogen, either from HRT or the PILL, your own estrogen, or the environment, causes a host of problems and also impairs thyroid function.

Many women have experienced a 10–15 pound weight gain and increased blood pressure when they started taking synthetic estrogen at menopause. This happens because estrogen is blocking thyroid hormones causing our metabolic rate to slow down. As this happens, many women develop problems with fat metabolism, because one of the functions of thyroid hormones is to stimulate fat cells to burn fat. Weight control problems are the end result.

Low thyroid and hormonal problems The ovaries have receptors on them for thyroid hormones. If low thyroid

“A special, standardized concentration of 10% withanolides has been researched for low thyroid. This is the form you want to aid thyroid function. Ten percent withanolides and guggals work together to help improve thyroid activity.”

develops, women can experience hormone-related problems such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), infertility, ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, fibrocystic breasts, menstrual pain, heavy bleeding or menopausal symptoms.

Decades ago, potassium iodide was added to salt to treat enlarged thyroid called goiter and subsequent thyroid problems. Many people are no longer eating salt and, as a result, we are seeing an increase in low thyroid. Stress, anemia, estrogen replacement, birth control pills and other medications that block iodine uptake are associated with an increase in low thyroid.

Those living in the northern hemisphere are not getting enough sunshine to produce vitamin D, a co-factor in thyroid hormone production; as a result they are more prone to hypothyroidism. Trace minerals are also required to make thyroid hormones, and deficiencies promote hypothyroidism.

Low thyroid nutritional solutions?

Thankfully we can improve thyroid function quickly with some super star nutrients and by eliminating items that block thyroid function.

Stop eating soy foods (called goitrogens) as they can impede

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the uptake of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. Avoid fluoridated toothpaste and water as they compete with iodide for absorption.

A special, standardized concentration of 10% withanolides has been researched for low thyroid. This is the form you want to aid thyroid function.

Ten percent withanolides and guggals work together to help improve thyroid activity. The withanolides and guggals increase the level of the T4 thyroid hormone while improving the conversion of T4 to the more potent T3 form directly on the thyroid gland. Only use formulas with 10 percent withanolides along with Guggals, potassium iodide, pantothenic acid, tyrosine and manganese as this is what has been proven to improve thyroid health. Ninety-five percent of all cases of low thyroid are due to impaired conversion of T4 into T3 in the tissues of the thyroid gland. Tyrosine, an important amino acid, is also needed as it aids the manufacture of thyroid hormones. Pantothenic acid supports optimal thyroid function. A deficiency of mineral co-factors like manganese can contribute to hypothyroidism.

Potassium iodide is an essential nutrient for the manufacture of thyroid hormones. Look for all of these combined in a thyroid support nutrient at your health food store. f

V I S TA M A G A Z I N E . C A

Reviews

Headache helpers Headache? Migraine? Working too hard and burning the candle at both ends can leave you with frequent headaches.

It’s a good idea to keep a few of these tools on hand, whether at home, your office, or even your locker.

1)

2)

25 oz. S’well Water Bottle in Blue Jean

Manduka Insight Eye Pillow in Midnight & Enlight™ Round Bolster in Alameda

Do you have a dehydration headache? Stay well-hydrated with pure, filtered or spring water.

Dehydration headaches are often accompanied by dry mouth, fatigue and increased blood pressure. We love the pattern on this S’well water bottle. We think that good design has the potential to make you drink more H2O! >> swellbottle.com

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One of the best poses for alleviating tension headaches and fatigue is legs-up-the-wall using a bolster and an eye pillow (for a step by step of this pose, go to yogajournal.com and search “legs-up-the-wall pose”). We love these props from Manduka, which are made from sustainable materials. And while you can practice legs up the wall virtually anywhere, be careful if you’re at the office, as the lavender oil and lemon balm that fills the eye pillow might just lull you to sleep. >> manduka.com

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3)

Floracopeia Peppermint India Essential Oil

This fresh, cool oil is one of our all time favourites for relaxing an overworked body and alleviating tension headaches.

It can be diffused in the office, or placed directly onto the skin. The Roman naturalist, Pliny, said that the very smell of mint “recovers and refreshes the spirit”—we couldn’t agree more. >> floracopeia.com

4)

Saje Natural Wellness Neti Pot

5)

There’s a reason this neti pot is shaped like a genie’s lamp—it’s making all of our wishes come true! Neti pots have been used for thousands of years to flush allergens, bacteria, and infection-causing mucus out of the sinuses; and this one is one of our favourites to help rid you of a sinus headache fast. >> saje.ca

Traditional Medicinals Easy Now

Passionflower, one of the main ingredients in this delicious, organic tea, has been used for centuries as a calming herb to help with anxiety, calm the nervous system and ease headaches. We love a cup before bed to wind down and relax. >> ca.traditionalmedicinals.com

6)

Renewal Wellness Pure Ionics Magnesium

7)

If you find yourself slumped over your desk, or maybe have been doing one too many deadlifts, tension headaches could be weighing you down. Magnesium is one of the best weapons in your arsenal for alleviating tension headaches fast. We love that this magnesium supplement is in its ionic form, which means your body has to do virtually nothing to process or to prepare for absorption. >> renewalwellness.com

Flora Migranon ll Butterbur Extract

This might just be the first time the words “migraine” and “love” are used in the same sentence, but we can’t help ourselves. We love this product for getting rid of migraines fast. Packaged in environmentally friendly amber glass bottles, this butterbur root extract will help sooth debilitating headaches so you can get your life back on track. >> florahealth.com

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Budget-savvy, delicious, energy-boosting DIY work-lunches 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

Making lunches is probably my least favourite chore; and yet, I put a lot of effort into lunch prep because a good lunch gives me something to look forward to in a busy workday.

More often than not, lunch is an assortment of fridge leftovers, pulled together with some kind of sauce. Which apparently makes me right on trend… because 2016 is (unofficially) the year of the grain bowl.

Haven’t jumped on the barley-filled bandwagon yet? Here’s why you should: grain bowls elevate simple, nutrient-dense staples like whole grains, legumes and veggies into a covetable lunchtime treat.

Now, CTV, Global, and Breakfast Television.

Desiree's first book, Un-junk your diet, is

available at Chapter's

T H E F OR MU L A IS S IMPLE:

Whole grain + protein + veggies + crunch + sauce

of the reasons it’s so attractive to buy your grain bowls is because the components take a long time to cook. What? You don’t have 45 minutes every morning to make barley from scratch?

Neither do I… so you have to think ahead.

Stock up on bulk barley, millet, wheat berries and amaranth; and once a week get those beauties on the boil. Cool and portion into a week’s worth of servings (½–1 cup a day). If you’re looking to really fill up, try wheat berries—the combination of protein and fibre will keep you satiated.

Barley is wonderful for keeping blood sugars stable thanks to its soluble fibre. Millet and amaranth make a great alternative to the ubiquitous quinoa for a gluten-free, mineral-rich foundation.

Legumes supercharge your bowl with even more protein, fibre and minerals. Stock up on canned beans, tempeh and tofu when they are on sale or if you really want to get serious, invite some dried beans to your next boiling party.

Indigo across Canada.

If you’re more into take out than kitchen prep, real food convenience is popping up everywhere… but it comes with a hefty price tag. A Buddha bowl and green juice can set you back at least 20 bucks, so it’s a trend that’s best to DIY. It’s easier than you think.

Always think ahead The whole grains and legumes that form the foundation of any healthy lunch bowl are filled with fibre, plant-based protein and energizing minerals. They are also some of the least expensive staples you can find. Of course, one

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TRY A QUICK PICKLE FOR FLAVOUR & CRUNCH. PHOTO © VIOLETA PASAT

Another way to think (a little less far) ahead is to turn nightly dinner prep into a batch cook.

Baking tofu? Make a double batch.

Roasting veg? Make enough for the rest of the week. By batch cooking on the fly, you ramp up your lunchtime game with easily variable, nutrient-dense toppers that ensure you won’t get bored.

Eat greens and save some green Atop your grainy foundation, layer on 1–2 cups of veggies to add anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals that supercharge your afternoon and help you avoid the midday slump.

The key to managing your produce budget is to buy in season, avoid convenience items and watch the trends. Don’t bother with overpriced baby kales and pre-washed spinach when the field-grown varieties are less expensive. Indulge in warm weather produce like fresh peas and zucchini

When it comes to winning the nutrition game, avoiding the takeout trap puts you in control of what you’re eating— and your food budget.

now, but stick to root veggies when the weather cools. Parsley and cilantro are nutrient-dense greens that cost just pennies pretty much year round.

Varying textures helps build a more satisfying meal—try cubing some kohlrabi for crunch. Want to make zucchini ribbons without shelling out for a spiralizer? A sharp veggie peeler will do. Ferment some cabbage on the counter for a DIY kraut that costs a fraction of the tiny tubs you find at the health food store.

While you’re at it, sprinkle on some seeds. Seeds are the unsung hero of the plant world and are less expensive than their more snackable cousins, the nuts. Again,

USE A VEG ETA BL E P EEL ER T O CR E AT E VIB R A N T R IB B ON S .

flying under the trend radar keeps it affordable. Pumpkin seeds bring irresistible crunch and pack beneficial omega 3 fats and zinc for a healthy digestive tract. Sunflower seeds are filled with vitamin E and energizing minerals like copper and manganese.

Of course, if you really want to strive for extra credit, you can grow your own veggies. It’s not too late to buy some starters and toss them in the garden, or even a pot on your deck. As they say, growing food is like printing your own money.

Focus on flavour… which brings nutrients in tow What takes your grain bowl from leftovers to luscious is how you dress it. So making the effort on a delicious sauce is worth it—and not just for the flavour. The aromatics that build flavour into any sauce are incredibly nutrient-dense.

Crushed raw garlic keeps its cancer-fighting benefits at their most potent. Tahini, my favourite secret for creamy toppers, is filled with bone-building calcium. Turmeric adds colour and anti-inflammatory curcumin. Miso lends a savory hit and when kept raw, provides beneficial microbes for a healthier gut. You can find innumerable recipes for luscious sauces online that will keep your belly happy all week long.

When it comes to winning the nutrition game, avoiding the takeout trap puts you in control of what you’re eating—and your food budget.

Embrace the bowl phenomenon… and lunch just might become your favourite meal of the day. f

PHOTO © VI OLETA PASAT

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Easy peasy noodles-in-ajar (just add water) PREPARATION:

Look for a good, clean (no bad ingredients) soup base or broth cube. We chose a veggie Pho base, with a little kick.

Also look for a good quality, ideally organic fast-cooking rice or soba noodle.

Begin by layering all of your ingredients in a tight or snap-lidded jar.

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work), and a lime cut in two.

Place noodles in jar.

2. Add soup base, fresh chilli pepper 4. When you’re ready for your lunch (to your liking), fresh grated break, open the jar, squeeze juice ginger, yellow peppers, fresh peas, from lime, and add hot boiled water.

5. Let sit for 5–6 minutes, stirring to scallions, fresh cilantro and basil.

3. Stuff with greens (we used dandelion integrate all ingredients. Grab a and arugula, but spinach would (non-disposable!) fork and enjoy.

1.

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Fig and ricotta almond muffins Adapted from donnahay.com.au INGREDI E NT S :

• 300g dried figs, finely chopped • ¼ cup (90g) honey, plus extra to serve • 1 tbsp boiling water • 3 cups (360g) almond meal • ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda • 1½ tsps baking powder • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 2 cups (480g) fresh ricotta • 4 eggs, lightly whisked • ½ cup (125ml) milk • ½ cup (125ml) light olive oil • 3 fresh figs, quartered PREPARATI O N:

1.

Preheat oven to 180°C. Place the dried fig, honey and boiling

water in a bowl and set aside for 10 minutes.

2. Place the almond meal, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add the fig mixture, ricotta, eggs, milk and oil and mix until just combined.

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3.

Divide the mixture between a 12 x ½-cup-capacity (125ml) muffin tin lined with paper cases. Press the fresh fig into the top of each muffin and cook for 25–30 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer.

Drizzle with extra honey to serve. f V I S TA M A G A Z I N E . C A

Golden ghee— the nourishing essence of the sun I was taught to listen for the undulating rhythms and tones of bubbling rain in my ghee pot. From a gentle shower gurgling up into a thunderstorm back again to a softly glistening drizzle.

Glynnis Osher

When I can see clear through the golden liquid to the bottom of the pot the alchemy thespicelife.com is complete and the ghee is done. themysticmasala.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.

What exactly is ghee?

Ghee is clarified butter where the lactose and other milk solids are removed through a long cooking process over low heat leaving only the pure oil. This process evaporates the water content, making ghee light, pure and resistant to spoilage without the need for refrigeration.

Ghee is one of the few unrefined fats or oils that withstands higher temperatures which makes it healthy for cooking, frying, and baking.

We certainly do need good fats in our diet.

A totally fat-free diet can actually accelerate aging of the skin, nerves and brain cells. Ghee imparts the benefits of the best essential fatty acids without the problems of trans-fatty acids or hydrogenated fats.

I love cows. Ever since I was a child, I insisted on stopping by farms on family drives so that I could ‘pet a cow’. Their large liquid eyes peaceful, their demeanor maternal - they are indeed sacred animals. I believe we have an opportunity to recreate the trust between the animal kingdom and the human race. If we can learn to take only what we need with respect, and to give back proper care and love, we can begin to rebuild relationships and heal the damage that has been done. We can start right away. Look for milk and butter from local organic farms and co-ops.

Avoid dairy from corporate factory farms where animals are mistreated and given hormones and antibiotics. When going on a country drive get out of the car and go and ‘pet a cow’.

The symbiotic and very sacred relationship of ghee has been described as the final essence of sunlight. The grass is full of elemental nutrients

Holy cow We cannot eat ghee without first visiting the cow, controversial in the milk it gives for environmental, spiritual, and health reasons.

Our milk source has been largely contaminated due to the excesses and abuses of commercial production. There is also the question of taking milk meant for the calf, and the idea that humans were only meant to drink their own mother’s milk. These questions remain conflicting due to the diverse belief systems out there.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, cows are revered and their milk is deemed as a very sacred, health giving, and sattvic (pure) food.

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G OLD EN G HEE. P HO T O © G LY N N I S O S HE R

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S PICED SP R I NG D I G ES TI V E GH E E . PH O TO S © G LYN N IS O S H ER

photosynthesized by the sun, the cow eats the grass and gives us milk; ghee is made from the milk and brings us the energy of the sun in a subtle yet potent form. We are imbibing the power of the sun, the light of consciousness.

Food as medicine Ayurveda considers ghee an essential part of the diet with diverse benefits for daily use and seasonal cleansing.

Ghee is known in Ayurveda as a rasayana or restorative. These are special rejuvenating substances that boost immunity, longevity and overall well-being. These affect our final essence once all seven tissue layers have been built. This is what determines our mojo, our inner glow, our outer shine.

Ghee contains butyric acid, which is a short-chain fatty acid that acts as a detoxifier and improves colon health, protecting the gut and aiding digestion and nutrient assimilation. Ghee balances Vata for lubrication, and Pitta to aid the metabolic fire. Kapha can use ghee in moderation as a restorative and in the seasonal cleansing practices.

Recipe for ghee Place one pound of certified organic unsalted butter in a thick-bottomed pot on low heat without a lid.

2. Let it heat, melt and bubble slowly for about twenty minutes making sure to avoid burning.

3. When the simmering oil has turned 1.

to a clear, transparent amber colored liquid, and you can see the bottom of the pot, remove from heat and allow it to cool.

4. Skim off remaining milk solids and discard or keep for baking or a face mask.

5. Strain the golden liquid through a fine strainer into a clean, dry glass container with a lid that seals tightly.

Allow to cool before covering.

6. Be careful not to let water or other foods get into the ghee as this may contaminate and spoil it.

I have been experimenting with adding spices into my ghee and letting them aromatically melt during the clarifying process. As ghee is a known vehicle for transporting herbs, spices and medicines directly into the tissues, adding these increases their potency.

This spiced Spring Ghee is delicious on toast, for cooking or adding to warm almond milk with honey as a tonic.

Next issue July / August 2016

Sex & hormones Meditation Holistic oral hygiene Cooling ayurvedic spice blends

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Spiced spring digestive ghee Add the desired spices with the butter to start: 2 tsps turmeric, 4 strands saffron, 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp fennel seeds, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried ginger powder. Roughly grind seeds together before adding to pot. Add spices along with the ginger and turmeric.

Follow method as per the basic ghee method above. f

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