HOLIDAY 2016 | $2.99
THE NATURAL GUIDE TO BLOOD SUGAR pg. 35-50
THE DATING GAME FIND A WINNER WITH THESE 10 TIPS
FOR LOVE & LAYERS
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OUT OF THE KITCHEN
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RECIPES FOR YOUR HOLIDAYS
2016-11-11 10:37 AM
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THE SIERRASIL DIFFERENCE Live a natural, pain-free life with SierraSil’s revolutionary products
W
ith joint pain and arthritis becoming a prevalent issue across the country, it’s no wonder that many Canadians are now looking for natural, effective treatments for these ailments. And, while most arthritis patients rely on dangerous, over-the-counter drugs to relieve their pain symptoms, you don’t have to: safer, less risky options are available. To help shed light on this serious issue, we at Viva Magazine recently teamed up with SierraSil Health Inc., a manufacturer of natural mineral supplements for pain relief. With its fabulous—and innovative—line of natural joint care products, this exceptional company has recently made a splash in the natural health-care industry.
❱ LEAPS AND BOUNDS DOG CHEWS – For furry friends suffering from joint pain or stiffness, these ethically sourced chicken-flavoured soft chews will enhance their overall quality of life.
WHY CHOOSE SIERRASIL?
Founded in 2003, SierraSil Health is committed to providing exceptional customer service and ethical business practices. Most importantly, they are devoted to supporting all of their health claims with real science, ensuring that their products are only of the highest quality. As a result of these practices, the company has a vast, extremely loyal fan base, made up of consumers of all ages. Their reviews are spectacular: for many of them, SierraSil’s products have drastically increased their mobility, flexibility and comfort levels.
Many individuals suffering from joint, muscle and arthritis pain will often turn to acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to treat their symptoms. Unfortunately, with long-term use, these options often come with a host of potentially serious side effects. These include an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, stomach bleeding, and even liver disease. Because SierraSil is a naturally sourced and clinically researched product, it is a wonderful solution to over-the-counter painkillers. Its tried-and-true formula has been found to improve symptoms in as little as 14 days, making it a great choice for those looking to manage and control their arthritis pain for the long haul. “At SierraSil, we want people to feel in control of their health,” says Melanie Trepanier, brand manager for SierraSil. “Part of this involves being educated about natural options for pain relief so that NSAIDS are used sparingly and only as they’re intended—they’re a rescue medication, not a daily supplement.”
WHAT IS SIERRASIL?
BLOGGERS’ PICK
Made from a naturally occurring hydrothermal clay complex found in the Sierra Mountains, SierraSil has been clinically proven to support a healthy inflammatory response, gently detoxify the body, and improve physical function. This line of products has been subjected to rigorous testing and analysis, all of which support SierraSil as an exceptional natural product. SierraSil is made up of a broad spectrum of trace minerals, for more information on the composition and the clinical support please visit the website. The company’s line of vegetarian, vegan and celiac-friendly products includes:
Recently, Viva Magazine and SierraSil joined forces to inform top lifestyle, wellness and health bloggers about this revolutionary product. Held at the KX Yorkville Gym in Toronto, our Lunch and Learn event hosted some of the country’s top bloggers, giving them the chance to understand the benefits of natural pain solutions. After being served a delicious lunch of salad, cold-pressed juices and grilled paninis, our guests were taught more about the natural advantages of SierraSil’s proprietary ingredients by Michael Bentley, president of the company. “SierraSil Health Inc. has a mission to help one million or more people live healthier and more active lives, and we can’t do it alone,” adds Trepanier. “Events like this allow us to reach influencers in the health and wellness space who can help spread the message of encouraging people to live a balanced life, to exercise more, to make healthy food choices and to consider taking quality supplements when they need extra support. Health and wellness blogs are changing where people go to educate themselves, and we honour the passion that bloggers bring to their writing week in and week out.” If you’re suffering from joint or muscle pain, give SierraSil a shot. With hundreds of incredible client testimonials, clinically proven efficacy, and ethical practices, these products are nothing short of life changing.
ABOUT THE BRAND
❱ JOINT FORMULA 14 – Research shows that this product helps to support cartilage and joint function associated with exercise and movement. ❱ JOINT FORMULA ACTIVE – With added Meriva Curcumin, Joint Formula Active is clinically proven to have a higher analgesic effect than acetaminophen. ❱ PAIN-FREE SPRAY – This product offers a natural alternative to treating minor aches and pains in muscles and joints, absorbing directly into the skin for maximum efficacy.
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HOLIDAY
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CONTENTS H O LI DAY 2 0 1 6
In every issue 10
Editor’s Letter
12
Contributors
13
Giveaway
14
Behind the Scenes
15
Balanced Living
17
Eco Chic
79
Grocery Basket
86
Inspired Living
90
Horoscope
52
Departments BEAUTY & FASHION 24
Get the Look
25
Beauty Terminology
28
Health News
30
Upcoming Ingredient Manuka Honey
32
Health Cabinet
33
Don’t Sugar Coat It Decrease sugar cravings
35
Blood Sugar Management Buyer’s Guide ❯ 36. Sugar Rush ❯ 38. Diabetes ❯ 40. Liver Disease ❯ 42. Hyperglycemia ❯ 44. Hypoglycemia ❯ 46. Ketoacidosis ❯ 48. Hormone Imbalance
COVER STORY 52
8
In Total Harmony Angie Harmon stays cool, calm and collected
VIVAMAGONLINE.COM / HOLIDAY 2016
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FOOD
YOUR LIFE
58
Food for Thought Holiday recipes from Food Network chefs
82
For Love and Layers Use mixed materials and punchy patterns at home
68
Sugar & Spice Add zest to your holiday meals
84
The Dating Game 10 steps to find a winner
74
A Sweeter Substitute Coconut oil infused recipes
88
Travel Mallorca, Spain
78
What’s In Your Fridge Jade Mya
ON THE COVER CRAFTED FROM ONLY 925 STERLING SILVER, THE ELLE JEWELRY COLLECTION IS SURE TO PLEASE EVEN THE MOST DISCERNING FASHIONISTA. CHIC DESIGNS, BOLD COLOURS AND UNIQUE LINES MAKE THESE ACCESSORIES BOTH UNDENIABLY ELEGANT AND APPROPRIATE FOR EVERYDAY WEAR. PLUS, EACH PIECE FEATURES A SIGNATURE RUBY TRADEMARK, SYMBOLIZING THE INNER STRENGTH AND BEAUTY OF THE WOMAN WEARING IT.
COVER CREDITS: JUMPSUIT, STELLO; NECKLACE, ELLE JEWELRY; SHOES, NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD.
HEALTH
2016-11-11 10:42 AM
is a trademark owned by HACHETTE FILIPACCHI PRESSE SA, Paris, France.
Discover the world of ELLE on ellejewelry.com
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V I VA
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C E L E B R I T Y
G U E S T
E D I T O R
GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
THE PASSION OF BALANCED LIVING®
Founder/Publisher Olivier Felicio
Celebrity Guest Editor Cheryl Hickey
Managing Editor Cayla Ramey West Coast Entertainment Director Bonnie Siegler Editorial Assistant Corrina Mosca Communications Associate Paula Reid
Like many people, the holidays are my favourite time of year. At the Foley-Hickey house, as soon as Halloween is over the Christmas decorations go up—and they don’t come down until March! I love it all—the tree, the garland and lots of white lights. As much as I love to travel, I love spending time with my family and the holidays are all about that. Get-togethers with friends, family traditions, or snuggling up on the couch with the kids to watch a movie on a cold snowy night. Those of you looking for great gifts for those loved ones, be sure to check out the special holiday edition of Eco Chic. The holidays also coincide with the beginning of award season and as host of Entertainment Tonight Canada, it’s one of my busiest times of year. Outside of my day job, I have some exciting entrepreneurial projects I’m launching this winter and I’m also the spokesperson for KidsWifi™, a device that helps parents keep their kids safe online. In order to get through the day and avoid getting run down, I’ve learned how to take care of myself. This means eating healthy, drinking plenty of water and finding time to exercise. To help sustain my energy levels during my long days, I try to eat every two hours and choose foods with low sugars and high proteins. This issue is full of ways to curb your sugar cravings and control your blood sugar levels. To ensure that you’re at your best, keep your eye out for this issue’s health cabinet—which is full of immune boosting goodness for you and the family. So, cozy up with your loved ones and enjoy everything this time of year has to offer. Wishing you all a happy, healthy holiday season!
Cheryl Hickey
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Art Director Scott Jordan Junior Graphic Designer Daniella Vizzari CONTRIBUTORS Elisabeth Caren • Giannandrea • Dvira Ovadia Rita Patel, ND • Christian Raices Devan Rajkumar • Aviva Reimer • Geoffrey Rodriguez Victor Rodriguez • Suhani Shah, ND • Melissa Smith Angel Terrazas
President Olivier Felicio General Manager Melanie Seth General Customer Care Manager Lucy Holden
email: subscribe@vivamagonline.com telephone: 416-203-7900 or send your cover label and new address to: VIVA Magazine, 920 Yonge St., Suite 610, Toronto ON, Canada M5R 3K4
ADVERTISING INFORMATION Olivier Felicio 416.203.7900 x6107 olivier@vivamagonline.com
WANT TO SEE MORE? FOR EXTRA CONTENT DOWNLOAD VIVA’S DIGITAL VERSION FROM ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY
As host of Entertainment Tonight Canada, the nation’s entertainment powerhouse, Cheryl Hickey greets over half a million loyal viewers each night as she delivers breaking news coverage, in-depth profiles and behind-the-scenes exclusives. A nominee for a prestigious Canadian Screen Award, and named one of Hello Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People,” Cheryl is known for her trademark glamour, professionalism, and girl next-door personality. While busy interviewing the most powerful and relevant Hollywood celebrities like Tom Cruise, One Direction, Brad Pitt and Oprah to name a few, Cheryl still finds the time to give back. She works closely with Sick Kids Toronto, Plan Canada and Operation Smile and is the official Spokesperson for KidsWifi™. Cheryl balances life as a working mom, entrepreneur, dedicated wife, and raising her two kids Jaxson and Nyla.
VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
MAGONLINE
For daily health, beauty and food updates visit us on Facebook
Published by Rive Gauche Media Inc. Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 42709013. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement and any and all representations or warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher. The publisher is not liable to any advertiser for any misprints in advertising not the fault of the publisher and in such an event the limit of the publisher’s liability shall not exceed the amount of the publisher’s charge for such advertising. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in all or part, without the express written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2016 The RGM Group. VIVA Magazine is pleased to review unsolicited submissions for editorial consideration under the following conditions: all material submitted for editorial consideration (photographs, illustrations, written text in electronic or hard copy format) may be used by VIVA Magazine Inc. and its affiliates for editorial purposes in any media (whether printed, electronic, Internet, disc, etc.) without the consent of, or the payment of compensation to, the party providing such material. Please direct submissions to the Editor, VIVA Magazine.
VIVAMAGONLINE.COM / HOLIDAY 2016
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V I VA
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T H I S
I S S U E
CONTRIBUTORS Aviva Reimer Aviva Reimer is a relationship expert, a certified matchmaker and cofounder of Perfect Fit Millionaire Introductions. With an extensive background in coaching, fitness, image consulting and event planning, Reimer has been featured in several publications such as the Huffington Post, Addicted and Best of Toronto. Certified by the Matchmaking Institute of New York, Aviva has recently appeared on the hit show Millionaire Matchmaker.
Melissa Smith Melissa is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner (CNP). Through personal experience, Melissa has come to see food differently. Her unique approach is focused on mindfulness and balance to ensure her clients make informed decisions about nutrition and lifestyle, think clearly and positively, and feel confident in knowing what is best for them.
ARE YOU ON THE LIST? SIGN UP FOR VIVAMAGONLINE'S WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER TODAY! Get the latest VIVAMAGONLINE content including natural health news, beauty tips, celebrity interviews, delicious recipes, free products, contests, free coupons for your favourite natural products and more! www.vivamagonline.com
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Dvira Ovadina Toronto-based celebrity & award winning designer Dvira Ovadia, principal of Dvira Interiors, is known for her appearances and design work on various HGTV shows. Dvira and her team uses their profound understanding of design to create stylishly smart spaces. Servicing clientele throughout Ontario & GTA. www.dvira.com @DVIRAdesigner.
Devan Rajkumar Devan’s dedication to his craft as a culinary and food expert is evidenced by his relentless passion and ambition to become one of the best in the food service industry. Rajkumar is a spokesperson for The Dairy Farmers of Canada and a regular guest expert on CityLine. He continues to grow and sharpen his skills by travelling extensively to learn about ingredients and preparation of food for different cultures.
2016-11-09 10:09 AM
V I V A V/ I V GA I V /E A FW O O AD Y
Prize is valued at $350
THE PRICE IS, WRITE Add some sparkle to your favourite holiday ensemble with this delicate watch from Citizen. With its gold-toned stainless steel band, elegant mother-of-pearl dial and Swarovski crystal case, this piece is sure to give some shine to your step. What’s more, this watch is eco-friendly: its Eco-Drive Technology charges its battery in sunlight or indoors.
Undeniably chic and environmentally friendly, this giveaway is one to watch!
ENTER THE CONTEST EXCLUSIVELY FROM YOUR VIVA APP. DOWNLOAD IT TODAY ON GOOGLE PLAY OR ITUNES HOLIDAY FALL 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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V I VA
/ T H I S
I S S U E
HOW DO YOU DEFINE BALANCED LIVING?
BY BONNIE SIEGLER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELISABETH CAREN
Padma Lakshmi
TUNIC, IVAN DONEV; BODYSUIT, LA PERLA; BRACELET, ELLE JEWELRY.
“I’m still working on mastering what balanced living is, to be honest. I think you just need to figure out what’s most important on any given day. There are many days when I look at my calendar and think, ‘how am I going to get through this?’ If something has to fall off the ledge without me getting it done, I acknowledge it and then I prioritize in that way. Otherwise, I get stressed out by too many appointments in a single day and find I’m rushing around and not catching up to myself.”
HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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H O M E
BEHIND THE SCENES
WANT TO SEE MORE? FOR EXTRA CONTENT DOWNLOAD VIVA’S DIGITAL VERSION
On an early Los Angeles morning in Top Chef ’s Padma Lakshmi is getting ready for a VIVA photo shoot. Talk of her young daughter Krishna brings a big smile to Padma’s gorgeous, makeup-free face. The glam team goes into motion with hair and makeup, while the wardrobe stylist suggests a number of outfits—all of which look like they were made specifically for the sultry host. The foodie, author and former model, whom is in Los Angeles for Emmy week, is calm and comfortable in her own skin and candidly confesses that she doesn’t eat carbs before big events. Nibbling on veggies and hummus while hydrating with spring water suffices throughout the sixhour photo shoot. “I really to love to eat and have never been ashamed of eating. I think it’s healthy and attractive when a person has a good appetite.” Padma says she is looking forward to the hectic week scheduled for her West Coast visit. “There are so many things converging at the same time. Then after the Emmy’s, I can do dessert.” 14
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ECO CHIC V I VA
WANT TO SEE MORE? FOR EXTRA CONTENT DOWNLOAD VIVA’S DIGITAL VERSION
FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER Got a cheeky little monkey at home? Give them a soft, handmade stuffed animal to match their spirits. Crafted using polar fleece made from recycled plastic water bottles, this gift is one that you—and your lucky recipient—can feel great about. (Cate and Levi, $40)
HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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ECO CHIC GIFT GUIDE
For Women
FOR THE HOLIDAY HOSTESS Add some life to any home with a one-of-a-kind, personally designed bouquet. Made from only local, organic and fair trade seasonal flowers, this arrangement makes a wonderful thank-you gift for any friend or family member. (EcoStems, starting from $50)
FOR THE BEJEWELLED BABE Linear design, geometry and mixed materials make these earrings a musthave for any well-accessorized lady. Handcrafted from upcycled bone and brass at a fair trade artisan cooperative in India, this jewellery is a feel-good holiday find. (Mata Traders, $26)
FOR THE CANDLE FANATIC
Light up any room with this handmade driftwood candleholder. Crafted from driftwood found on the coast of British Columbia, this repurposed good gives a touch of beach-ready style to winter decor. (“Drifting Together” on Etsy, $35)
FOR THE HANDBAG ADDICT This elegant satchel is the perfect addition to any purse lover’s collection. With its sleek vegan leather exterior and 100 per cent recycled nylon lining, this one-of-a-kind accessory is conscious of both the environment and this season’s trends. (Matt & Nat, $145)
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FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Ethically made by fair trade artisans, this unique poncho is sure to make any ecofriendly fashionista swoon. With a super soft mock cowl neck, relaxed fit and gorgeous ombré finish, this alpaca and organic cotton dream will keep its wearer warm—and chic—throughout the winter months. (Indigenous Designs, $370)
WANT TO SEE MORE? FOR EXTRA CONTENT DOWNLOAD VIVA’S DIGITAL VERSION
FOR THE GAL ON THE GO Wallet-sized, convenient and undeniably chic, this portable phone charger is an absolute lifesaver on busy days. With its universal USB port, the Power Card is able to charge any device—from cell phones to portable speakers—anytime, anywhere. (Triple C, $60)
FOR THE COFFEE SNOB
Make any coffee lover’s dreams come true with this gorgeous hand-painted cup from Guatemala. Each piece is unique, with every artist at the Ceramica Polopo cooperative interpreting the design in his or her own way. (Fair Trade Winds, $25)
HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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ECO CHIC GIFT GUIDE
For Kids FOR THE SPORTS FAN
Big and little kids alike will love practicing their hat tricks with this mini hockey stick and felt ball. Perfect for impromptu basement games, this toy is made and painted by hand in Montreal, ensuring that your kids will get nothing but the highest Canadian quality. (Mini Mioche, $36)
FOR THE LITTLE EXPLORER FOR THE ASPIRING ARTIST Allow your kids to express themselves with these eco-friendly, all-natural finger paints. Simply mix the powder base with water, step back and watch your little artists get right down to work. Who knows—you might have the next Michelangelo on your hands! (Eartheasy, $26)
This adorable hat keeps your little critters warm and cozy in any winter wonderland. Crafted with reclaimed wool and eco fleece, this non-itchy hat is extremely comfortable and un-bear-ably cute. (Cate and Levi, $25)
FOR THE CHIC KID
Keep your kiddos looking sporty and feeling comfortable in this French terry crew romper. Made with organic cotton, this Canadian-made ensemble is perfect for cold winter days spent indoors. (Mini Mioche, $56)
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For Men
WANT TO SEE MORE? FOR EXTRA CONTENT DOWNLOAD VIVA’S DIGITAL VERSION
FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER Designed in Toronto, the CamPro bag features a flawless design and unparalleled elegance. Tote any camera—and requisite gear—around in style and safety, or use it as a fashionable daily backpack. (Venque, $200)
FOR THE WATCH AFICIONADO
FOR THE FASHIONABLE FELLOW
Rugged styling effortlessly meets modern design in Luminox’s new Dress Field 1830 series. Made with a genuine leather strap, this timepiece is suitable for any adventure, from weekend shenanigans with the kids to Monday meetings with the boss. (Luminox, $700)
Give any outfit a nautical-inspired twist with this suave, hand-assembled Pelican Hook Belt. Made in the USA, this fine leather accessory is sure to last a lifetime—and keep its wearer looking absolutely dapper. (Apolis, $115)
FOR THE WELL-GROOMED GENTLEMAN Give the gift of a better shave with this box full of high-quality goodies. Featuring a pure badger shaving brush, a Mach-3 razor and shaving cream for sensitive skin, this set will leave any man feeling pampered. (Taylor of Old Bond Street, $179)
HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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Give the gift of time this holiday season with an AspenClean gift certificate! Purchase an award-winning home cleaning service online at aspenclean.com
Or the gift of a healthy, clean home year round with AspenClean products! Winner of Viva’s Consumer Trust Award!
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13/10/2016 11:39:12 AM 2016-11-09 10:38 AM
BEAUTY V I VA
FROSTED FANTASY This season, play up your pout with a hint of subtle shimmer. To achieve this look, apply a moisturizing balm to your lips and gently pat them with a metallic eyeshadow. You’ll love the understated glow, and your skin will appreciate the protection from dry winter weather.
HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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V I VA
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Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly beauty news
B E AU T Y
Get the Look TIS THE SEASON LOOK DAZZLING OVER THE HOLIDAYS WITH THESE CELEBRITY BEAUTY SECRETS. BY BONNIE SIEGLER AND CORRINA MOSCA
ELLE MACPHERSON
THE NATURAL WAY
“I don’t wear a lot of makeup,” says the Australian model. “However, if I’m going out, I’ll put on Bobbi Brown’s Sheer Lip Gloss in Almost Pink. It gives me some color, but still keeps the look natural.”
Keep your lips looking mistletoe ready with W3LL People’s Bio Extreme Lip Gloss in Nude Rose. Organic aloe, coconut and grapeseed oils keep your pout irresistibly soft, while a botanical complex of star anise, wintergreen and spearmint add some plumping action. ($20, 5ml)
GINA RODRIGUEZ
THE NATURAL WAY
To add some shimmer to the actress’s wavy tresses, hairstylist Paul Norton likes to finish off her red carpet ‘do with a spritz of Joico’s Gold Dust Finishing Spray. “If she’s going to be on stage or for special occasion, I like her to shine,”
Add some holiday sparkle to your locks with John Masters’ Organics Shine On treatment. This leave-in product uses organic sea kelp to smooth the hair shaft, leaving hair shiny, shimmery and soft. Simply apply to damp hair, comb through and style for all-day glamour. ($52, 118ml)
he says. “The product is nonsticky and
gives a really nice sheen.”
JESSICA ALBA
THE NATURAL WAY
Makeup pro Daniel Martin likes to amp up Alba’s pout with vivid colours. Recently, he added some oomph to the actress’s makeup look with Mac’s lipstick in Snapdragon. “Lipstick dresses up the face without having to commit to lots of other makeup,” he says.
Get glam at your next holiday party with RMS Beauty’s Lip Shine in Sacred. This subtle orchid shade adds a pop of colour to your look, while buriti oil helps to hydrate and replenish dry winter lips. Swipe it on with a subtle grey smokey eye for a soft, chic look. ($33, 5.67g)
LUPITA NYONG’O
Woo your New Year’s Eve kiss with a sultry purple smokey eye. To achieve this pop of colour, blend Kjaer Weis’s Pretty Purple Eyeshadow all over the lid. This refillable, gluten-free product is made with bamboo, helping it to achieve a smooth, silky finish. ($59, 1.2g)
PRICES MAY VARY PER LOCATION
THE NATURAL WAY
Makeup artist Nick Barose says the Queen of Katwe actress never shies away from bold makeup. Recently, he gave Nyong’o an intense purple eye with Lancome’s Color Design 5-Pan Eyeshadow Palette in Jacaranda Bloom.
*See VIVA’s Beauty Terminology on page 25 to increase your beauty IQ
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V I VA
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B E AU T Y
BEAUTY TERMINOLOGY
STAR ANISE
SEA KELP
While most people recognize star anise for its distinct licorice flavour,
Don’t reserve your contact with marine plants for summer days at the
this spice is much more than a delicious additive to your favourite
beach—this slimy herb is ideal for skin and hair care. Due to its rich
dishes. With its strong antioxidant, antibacterial and antiseptic prop-
mineral and antioxidant content, sea kelp has potent moisturizing, anti-
erties, anise can work wonders on damaged, acne-prone skin. It is also
aging and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a great way to
used for stimulating hair regrowth and treating dandruff. Talk about a
soothe dry, irritated skin and add life to lackluster locks.
star player for your beauty cabinet!
BURITI OIL
BAMBOO
Found in the Amazon, the scale-covered buriti isn’t just a strange-look-
Rich in silica, bamboo helps to keep hair and skin looking smooth,
ing fruit; with its rich content of vitamins, essential fatty acids and anti-
moisturized and healthy. When used in shampoos, bamboo extract
oxidants, this plant is nothing short of an Amazonian beauty miracle.
reduces buildup on the scalp, adding shine to your locks. It’s also great
The oil extracted from the buriti fruit helps to support the production of
for skincare, with its antioxidant properties helping to reduce signs of
collagen and elastin, provide moisture, and soothe irritated skin, mak-
aging. So, make like a panda and start adding bamboo to your daily
ing it a true beauty cure-all.
regimen—your skin and hair will thank you. HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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Benefit from the Scents of the Season! Cinnamon & Spice Recipe 5 drops of NOW Orange 24 drops of NOW Cinnamon 4 drops of NOW Nutmeg 10 drops of NOW Ginger Spiced Apple Cider Recipe 6 drops of NOW Lemon Oil 1 drop of NOW Cinnamon 1 drop of NOW Clove 5 drops of NOW Ginger 1 drop of NOW Nutmeg Purifying Room 1 drop of NOW Tea Tree Oil 1 drop of NOW Grapefruit Oil 10 drops of NOW Lemon Oil Breathe Easy 1 drop of NOW Cedarwood Oil 1 drop of NOW Pine Oil 5 drops of NOW Eucalyptus Oil 5 drops of Camphor
This time of year combines the hustle and bustle of busy family schedules with cold and flu season. NOW’s full range of essential oils provide soothing solutions to the symptoms associated with tinsel and trimmings.
Blissful Thinking 3 drops of Ginger Oil 3 drops of Orange Oil 6 drops of Sandalwood Oil Cheer Up Buttercup! 1 drop of Lime Oil 1 drop of Grapefruit Oil 2 drops of Lemon Oil 6 drops of Tangerine Oil
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HEALTH V I VA
PALEO HEART
Researchers asked eight healthy people to switch to a Paleo diet from their traditional Western diet, which was high in processed foods. They found that participants experienced a 35 per cent increase in interluken-10 levels, which is a molecule secreted by the immune cells. Low IL-10 levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack. “This study’s findings add to the possibility that short-term dietary changes from a traditional Western pattern of eating to foods promoted in the Paleo diet may improve health—or, at the very least, the diet does not have negative health implications in terms of the parameters we studied,” said author Chad Dolan. “If our research continues to show that the Paleo diet produces detectable changes in healthy individuals, it will substantiate claims made by those supporting this diet for the past few decades and provide preliminary evidence for another therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease prevention.”
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Not Your Cup of Tea While green tea is often promoted for its health benefits, a recent study found that it is not good to mix with a high-iron diet. “If you drink green tea after an iron-rich meal, the main compound in the tea will bind to the iron,” said Matam Vijay-Kumar, assistant professor of nutritional sciences, Penn State. “When that occurs, the green tea loses its potential as an antioxidant. In order to get the benefits of green tea, it may be best to not consume it with iron-rich foods.” Those who experience IBD flare-ups may also want to steer clear of this combination.
MUSIC IS THE BEST THERAPY A review from Cochrane Library found that music interventions can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, pain, and fatigue in cancer patients. “The results of single studies suggest that music listening may reduce the need for anesthetics and analgesics, as well as decreased recovery time and duration of hospitalization, but more research is needed for these outcomes,” says Joke Bradt, PhD, of Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. They also found small reductions in heart and respiratory rates, as well as lowered blood pressure. 28
COOL IT During menopause hot flashes become a huge issue, but scientists have found a way to reduce them by almost half for about 50 per cent of women. “Women bothered by hot flashes and night sweats may want to give acupuncture a try as a relatively lowcost, low-risk treatment,” said Nancy Avis, Ph.D., lead author of the study and professor of Public Health Sciences at Wake Forest School of Medicine, a part of Wake Forest Baptist. “Women will know pretty quickly if acupuncture will work for them. Women who had a reduction in their hot flashes saw a benefit beginning after about three to four weeks of weekly treatments.”
NATURE’S CAFFINE Researchers have found that people with a DNA variation in the PDSS2 gene tend to drink less coffee. Genetic information from a total of 1,213 participants was reviewed. People with the DNA variation didn’t need to drink as much coffee to have the same effect as those without the variation. Another study, conducted in the Netherlands, found similar results, though much less coffee was consumed altogether.
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LESS MEANS MORE Less sleep might be the reason you’re eating more calories than you intend to the following day. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis led by researchers at King's College London, a study found that people who had been sleep deprived had noticeable adjustments to their eating habits with a higher intake of fat, and less protein. According to Science Daily “this study adds to accumulating evidence that sleep deprivation could contribute to this imbalance. So, there may be some truth in the saying “early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy and wise.” This study found that partial sleep deprivation resulted in a large net increased energy intake of 385 kcal per day.”
NOT ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE Omega-3 has long been thought of as essential to good health, with supplements increasing in popularity over the last decade. However, a review of 26 randomized trials, published by the Cochrane Library, shows that there is insufficient evidence of omega-3 being effective in treating major depression disorder. Lead author Katherine Appleton, from Bournemouth University, said, “We found a small-to-modest positive effect of Omega-3 fatty acids compared to placebo, but the size of this effect is unlikely to be meaningful to people with depression, and we considered the evidence to be of low or very low quality. All studies contributing to our analyses were of direct relevance to our research question, but most of these studies are small and of low quality.” Appleton believes that while further study is needed, it is important that those who suffer from depression are aware of her findings, so they can make informed decisions about treatment.
LET KIDS BE KIDS Dealing with stress early in life, has already revealed negative impacts on learning and memory as a person becomes older, but scientists have recently researched using mice, and essential micronutrients, including methionine, vitamins B6 and B12, and folic acid to see how to combat these effects. The study showed how supplementation prevented the reduction of methionine levels and even prevented some of the lasting negative impacts of early-life stress. Aniko Korosi, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences and the Center for Neuroscience at the University of Amsterdam in Amsterdam, The Netherlands says, "we hope that this study can contribute to novel nutritional strategies that help prevent lasting consequences of a stressful childhood on later mental health." HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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U P C O M I N G
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A Sweeter
Solution WHY MANUKA HONEY IS THE NEWEST MUST-HAVE FOR YOUR MEDICINE CABINET BY MELISSA SMITH, CNP
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ew Zealand has given the world some really great things: Lord of The Rings, All Blacks rugby, and manuka honey. The manuka tree, more commonly known as the tea tree, is a flowering plant native to New Zealand and Australia. Made by bees that have consumed the manuka tree’s nectar, manuka honey harnesses the plant’s medicinal qualities and turns them into a palatable, saccharine substance. INTERESTED IN TAKING IT FOR A TEST RUN? HERE IS WHY YOU SHOULD:
THE HEAL DEAL Due to its rich antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, manuka honey makes a great topical treatment and healing agent for wounds. The Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products notes that the substance has even been used to prevent infection in patients suffering from venous ulcers. SOOTHE YOUR STOMACH Because of its anti-inflammatory and prebiotic properties, manuka honey is great for improving your overall gut health. It helps to reduce the inflammation from digestive disorders, as well as restore and nurture the gut’s good bacteria. This is especially great news for anyone suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. IMPROVE IMMUNITY A spoonful of manuka honey a day may keep the doctor away. When you have a bad case of the flu, try eating a spoonful to boost to your immune system, improve your healing process and soothe sore throats. It has also been shown to stop the growth of strep bacteria in its tracks. STIFLE THAT SNEEZE Moreover, manuka honey may be able to stop those seasonal sniffles. According to one study, seasonal allergy sufferers show remarkably improved symptoms—and a reduced need for antihistamine products—with regular use of this substance. MAKE BEAUTY A BREEZE Slather manuka honey on your face for a nutrient-dense, enzymerich facial. This can actually improve skin tone and texture, aid in fighting acne and other skin infections and add moisture. However, before you go shopping for some manuka honey of your own, there are a couple key things you must know to ensure you get the best quality product possible. Firstly, manuka honey is graded by the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) grading system. If you do not see the UMF label on the container, it may not be genuine manuka honey. Additionally, the number on the UMF label represents the purity and quality of the honey. It ranges from four to 26, with 26 being the highest quality. The higher the grade, the higher the price. For regular day-to-day use, a lower to mid-range grade is more economical and still very beneficial. One thing’s for sure: this cure-all substance is certainly a sweet one! VM
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VIVAMAGONLINE.COM / HOLIDAY 2016
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Are you the active type? You want to make the most of life. You want to live, work and play at the top of your game. That's why our Purica Sport Synergy line — Recovery, Provascin and Cordyceps — belong on your personal roster of natural supplements. They deliver results taken individually, in tandem or all three together.
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BEAT THE BUG
DON’T LET A COLD SLOW YOU DOWN
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1. Dr. Dunner—Sambu Guard Sambu Guard gives you the boost you need to fight off infections. The syrup contains elderberries, which strengthen the immune system, while echinacea purpurea works to strengthen the mucous membranes of the body. Plus, a punch of Vitamin C adds antioxidant power. (175ml, $19.92)
3. Webber Naturals—Echinacea Get some added support during the cold and flu season with this Webber Naturals product. Research for echinacea has proven how well it can work with fighting infections — see for yourself how this unique ingredient can have you feeling back to normal. (90 soft gels, $12.47)
2. Preferred Nutrition—Medi C Plus Vitamin C and L-Lysine Formula Combined with L-Lysine, Medi C Plus is a simple way to support cardiovascular health, maintain collagen formation, help wound healing and maintain good health with antioxidants. Strong, healthy collagen means teeth, gums, cartilage and bones are kept in tip-top shape. (300g, $25.69)
4. Herbasanté Alterra—Immunomed Medicinal mushrooms work wonders for your immune support, and Alterra Immunomed contains 500mg of high-quality agaricus blazei in every vegetarian capsule. Agaricus blazei stimulates immune cells while providing high anti-viral properties. (90 Veg Caps, $27.95)
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5. SISU—Cold and Flu Rescue with Ester-C Avoid the symptoms of over-the-counterdrugs and open your eyes to the benefits of combating colds and the flu the natural way. Cold and Flu Rescue is a unique combination of four powerful ingredients, including Ester-C, andrographis, NAC and Echinacea, all of which have been researched and proven to work powerfully against the cold and flu. (60 Veg Caps, $26.09) 6. Purica—Immune 7 Beyond Immune Support Immune 7 by Purica is perfect for those trying to overcome compromised immune systems. Formulated with six carefully chosen medicinal mushrooms, this product is packed with impressive healing properties. (120 Veg Caps, $40.95)
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H E A LT H
HOW TO DECREASE SUGAR CRAVINGS BY DR. RITA PATEL, ND
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he holiday season brings good food, great company and memorable moments. While we look forward to the socializing, good manners dictate that we need to taste everything in the dessert category, even if we tell ourselves otherwise. But what happens when one bite leads to another and another? Why do these sugar cravings happen? Can we make them stop? Eating sugary foods can become an addictive behaviour, one that researchers have found to be caused by neurochemical changes in the brain. While knowing this can help us to feel less guilty about taking a second serving of pie, it doesn’t change the fact that desserts lack the vitamins we need to function. By making room for sugar-packed foods, we are often missing out on other nutrient-dense options. We all recognize that we need to eat healthier foods, including vegetables, fruits, healthy grains, healthy fats and healthy protein. With all the good foods out there, there should be little room for refined sugar-filled foods. However, once those sugary foods get on to our plates, it’s hard to say no. Here are some tips to help decrease those cravings and fill your holiday plate with more nutritious foods: 1. Scientists have found that when people are more stressed, they
rsnc
R O B E RT S C H A D N AT U R O PAT H I C C L I N I C
tend to eat more. In times of stress, we often reach for foods that are high in sugar and fat content. Therefore, it is suggested that we start practicing daily stress management techniques, like meditation or yoga. Additionally, planning out healthy meals and snacks will help to reduce your temptation to grab some holiday goodies. 2. Another option is to eat meals that are high in fibre, good fats and protein. Foods such as avocado, oatmeal with protein powder, and Greek yogurt help you feel full longer and therefore decrease your chances of reaching for a sweet snack. 3. Studies show that not getting enough sleep can lead to sugar cravings. The less you sleep, the more you want to eat and reach for the sugary and fatty foods for energy. Ensuring that you sleep eight hours each night will help to reduce these cravings. 4. Finally, ensure that you eat a full breakfast with a good helping of healthy fat, complex carbohydrates and protein to keep you full before lunch. A healthy lunch and healthy snacks will help you get to dinner without any sugary cravings. While there is no escaping sugary foods during the holiday season, following these tips can help to decrease your cravings and let you enjoy yourself. Keep everything in moderation, and you’ll set yourself up for sweet success. VM
Dr. Rita Patel is a naturopathic doctor who sees patients at Sprains and Strains Wellness Centre in Mississauga and at the Student Health Centre at McMaster University. She also lectures at McMaster University, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and is a clinic supervisor at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic.
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BLOOD SUGAR MANAGEMENT
Sugar
Rush
BY CAYLA RAMEY
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ften, when people think of blood sugar management, their minds immediately jump to diabetes. However, unhealthy blood sugar levels can affect the body in a number of ways. There has been a lot of hype around sugar, calling it a danger to human health. There are a number of books and documentaries relating sugar to crack—but the full story on sugar is a little more complicated. DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE EATING? A carbohydrate is made up of polysaccharides—meaning many sugars. The body breaks down carbs into three monosaccharaides—meaning “one sugar”—called glucose, fructose, and lactose. Glucose is the only energy source that the brain has. It also gives you that “full” feeling. However, our diets are often full of foods containing high amounts of glucose, forcing us to go
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on the energy roller coaster ride. Eating too much without exercising can also cause weight gain. Normal glucose levels are considered to be 70-120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). This is where it gets tricky. If people sleep the recommended eight hours each night, presumably the body goes into fasting mode, so optimal glucose levels should be under 100mg/dL. During the day, when you aren’t “fasting,” optimal levels are under 125mg/dL. Fructose, or fruit sugar, in nature is paired by high fibre content. This countersthe effects pure fructose has on the body by helping the body metabolize slower. It is often bonded to glucose to form sucrose, or table sugar. Galactose is found in milk and used by the body. Combined with glucose, it becomes a disaccharide (two sugars) known as lactose—which is primarily found in dairy products.
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A SPOONFUL OF… There are over 60 names for sugar hiding in your favourite foods. Even if you’ve made a point to educate yourself about what’s in your food, take out your favourite packaged goods to see if you’ve missed any of these: ❯ Barley malt
❯ Maltose
❯ Buttered syrup
❯ Mannose
❯ Cane juice
❯ Panocha
❯ Carob sugar
❯ Refiner’s syrup
❯ Dextrin
❯ Rice syrup
❯ Dextrose
❯ Saccharose
❯ Malt syrup
❯ Sorghum syrup
❯ Maltodextrin
❯ Sweet Sorghum
❯ Maltol
❯ Treacle
SYMPTOM C
HECKLIST:
irst ✓ Increased th ✓ Headaches n ✓ Blurred visio eing pe ✓ Frequent ulty sleeping ic iff ✓ Fatigue/d entrating ✓ Trouble conc ✓ Sweating /gain ✓ Weight loss
HOW IT IMPACTS YOUR HEALTH High or low blood sugar can cause a myriad of health issues, and they both have overlapping symptoms. Regardless of whether you have diabetes, eating a diet high in sugar can increase your risk of heart disease, cause memory problems, and increase your risk of cancer. Cookies, pastries, and other sweets don’t have time to dissolve into the stomach, causing them to go into the blood stream, giving you a quick pick-me-up, and an even faster sugar crash. VM HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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Diabetes BY CORRINA MOSCA
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ith eleven million Canadians suffering from diabetes or prediabetes, this chronic disease is a prominent issue across the nation. Often debilitating and sometimes fatal, this condition either prevents the body from producing insulin or disables it from properly using the insulin it creates. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can damage organs, nerves and blood vessels. In a healthy body, certain cells in the pancreas produce insulin, a hormone that controls the amount of glucose present in the blood. Insulin allows cells to use or store energy, helping the body to function properly. Without it, sugar builds up in the blood, leading to potentially serious complications. There are two main forms of diabetes: type 1, and type 2. The first type is characterized by a complete lack of insulin in the body. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and kills the pancreas’s beta cells, preventing the creation of insulin. As such, sugar builds up in the bloodstream instead of being used as energy or stored as fat. Because of this, type 1 diabetes requires treatment with insulin. This form of diabetes often develops in childhood or adolescence and affects about five to 10 per cent of diabetes patients. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes arises when the body is either unable to properly use the insulin it creates, or does not produce enough insulin. As in type 1 diabetes, this causes sugar
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Insulin promotes the absorption of glucose from the blood into fat, liver and skeletal muscle cells, which aids the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein.
to build up in the blood, which can lead to chronic kidney disease, eye disease, heart attack, stroke, anxiety, nerve damage, foot problems and erectile dysfunction. Type 2 diabetes is most often acquired during adulthood, but children may also be affected. There are other forms of this disease as well, including gestational diabetes and prediabetes. Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy, when women without diabetes develop high blood sugar levels. This can result in an increased risk of both mother and child developing diabetes. Prediabetes refers to blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Often, prediabetes is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. While possible causes for type 1 diabetes have not been defined, type 2 diabetes most often presents itself in people who have a family history of diabetes, are a member of a high-risk ethnic group, are overweight, or have other health complications that are associated with diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes may only be treated by insulin, natural remedies are available to aid with associated diabetic symptoms. ALOE VERA – 200–300MG DAILY Filled with a soothing, cool gel, the leaves of this succulent plant have been a medical and cosmetic favourite for centuries. Historically, it has been revered for its healing, moisturizing and laxative properties. Today, it is also used as a traditional remedy for a variety of conditions, including asthma, epilepsy and osteoarthritis. Recent studies have also shown that this shrub, known to the Egyptians as the “plant of immortality,” can be used to treat diabetes. EVIDENCE One study of diabetic and prediabetic individuals suggested that taking aloe vera as an oral supplement can significantly reduce blood sugar levels. Additionally, aloe vera was found to stimulate the secretion of insulin, and worked most efficiently in patients with blood sugar levels of 200mg/dL (Dick et al., 2016). Another double-blind randomized, controlled, trial found that taking aloe vera orally could help to revert impaired fasting glucose levels in prediabetic patients (Alinejad-Mofrad et al., 2015). FENUGREEK – 500–1500MG DAILY Similar to clover, this herb is native to the Mediterranean region,
southern Europe and western Asia. Often used in cooking, fenugreek smells and tastes somewhat like maple syrup. For medicinal purposes, the plant is administered orally to treat digestive problems, including upset stomach, constipation and gastritis; painful menstruation; polycystic ovary syndrome; obesity; atherosclerosis; respiratory illnesses; kidney ailments and cancer. It has also been found to slow the absorption of sugars in the stomach as well as stimulate insulin production, making it a go-to supplement for individuals with diabetes. EVIDENCE For one clinical trial study, 24 type 2 diabetic patients were administered 10g of powdered fenugreek daily and asked to consume it in yogurt or hot water. At the end of the study, those who had soaked the fenugreek in hot water found that their fasting blood sugar levels decreased significantly (Kassaian et al., 2009). In an earlier study, 10 insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes patients were randomly assigned to take 50g of fenugreek seed powder daily for 10 days. At the end of the trial, researchers found fenugreek to significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels and improve glucose tolerance (Sharma et al., 1990). GINGER – 550–1100MG DAILY Native to the warmer parts of Asia, this leafy plant is a star player in both cooking and natural medicine. Most commonly, it is used to help treat various stomach issues, including nausea, colic, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and loss of appetite. It has also been used for pain relief from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, upper respiratory tract infections and burns. Recently, studies have been conducted to determine its effectiveness in moderating blood sugar levels. EVIDENCE A 2015 study comprised of five randomized clinical trials found that ginger root supplementation significantly lowered blood glucose concentration. According to the report, this suggests that ginger may be an effective intervention for managing type 2 diabetes, especially when combined with dietary and lifestyle interventions (Daily et al., 2015). Another recent study also found ginger to significantly decrease fasting blood sugar levels. As such, it might be a good remedy for type 2 diabetic patients looking to avoid secondary chronic complications of the disease (Khandouzi et al., 2015). VM HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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Liver BY CORRINA MOSCA
Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an umbrella term for a variety of liver conditions affecting individuals who drink little to no alcohol. Characterized by an excess of fat in the liver cells, the most common cause of NAFLD in Canada is obesity. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a potentially serious form of this disease, is distinguished by liver inflammation, which can cause scarring, cirrhosis and even liver failure. Those with diabetes and insulin resistance are at a higher risk for developing this condition.
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he liver plays a large role in the regulation of blood sugar, acting as the body’s glucose reservoir. After the consumption of a meal, the liver undergoes glycogenolysis, a process by which it converts glucose into glycogens for later use. Additionally, it can produce its own sugar by gluconeogenesis, in which it harvests amino acids, waste products and fat byproducts and turns them into glucose. However, in those with diabetes, these processes may be thrown off due to a deficit of insulin in the bloodstream. Because the liver can’t directly detect blood glucose levels, it relies on insulin to communicate the body’s need for sugar. When the liver detects a low level of insulin in the blood, it assumes that it must release sugar in order to keep blood glucose levels regulated. However, in diabetic patients, a low level of insulin does not necessarily mean a low level of glucose in the blood: the diabetic body does not produce a high amount of insulin. As such, the liver may release sugar into the body when it is not needed, resulting in extremely high blood glucose levels. Research has shown that this abnormal glucose homeostasis (the ability of the body to balance its insulin and glucagon levels) may contribute to or be coincident with liver disease (Levinthal and Tavill, 1999). If glucose regulation processes are irregular, the liver is at risk for developing a variety of issues, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Developing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the most severe form of NAFLD, is also a possibility. This chronic necroinflammatory condition can cause liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinioma, eventually leading to chronic liver failure. As such, the proper management of blood glucose levels is absolutely necessary for optimal liver health. However, there are options available to aid in the healing of NAFLD and subsequent prevention of NASH, as well. MILK THISTLE – 600MG DAILY Brought to North America by early colonists, this bright purple flowering plant gets its name from the milky sap stored in its leaves. Milk thistle has been used in folk medicine for a variety of ailments, including heartburn, prostate cancer, malaria, depression, allergies and high cholesterol. It has also been used for diabetes and a variety of liver disorders. Be cautious with milk thistle supplements if you are taking blood thinners, certain antidepressants and ibuprofen drugs, as milk thistle may exacerbate certain effects and side effects of some medications. As such, speak to your health-care prac-
titioner before including this plant into your blood sugar management and liver health regimen. EVIDENCE In multiple studies involving silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle, researchers found the supplement to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to promote liver health. Additionally, it inhibits fibrogenesis in the liver, helping to prevent liver fibrosis caused by NASH (Féher et al., 2012). Molecular biology studies have also found that silymarin can significantly reduce the growth of tumor cells and decrease insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. CURCUMIN – 500MG DAILY This substance is the main component of turmeric, a yellow spice commonly used in Indian foods. Curcumin is extracted from turmeric using a liquid-solid extraction process, in which a solvent is added to a solid—namely, turmeric root—allowing the solid’s soluble material—curcumin, in this case—to be extracted. Then, the solvent is evaporated to create a powder form of the soluble element. Curcumin has become the subject of much interest over the past few years. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it has been widely hailed as a possible cancer treatment, as well as a cure for arthritis and joint pain. In the cosmetic world, curcumin is known to help regenerate skin and promote wound healing, making it a welcome addition to many creams, treatments and masks. Recent studies on curcumin also suggest that it can help to regulate blood sugar levels and encourage overall liver health. EVIDENCE Research has shown that curcumin has a hypolipidic effect. As such, it is able to prevent fatty acid accumulations in the liver, which are caused by metabolic imbalances (Vera-Ramirez et al., 2013). Additionally, a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin on patients with NAFLD. Over the course of the study, patients with ultrasonographic evidence of NAFLD were given the equivalent of 500mg of curcumin a day for eight weeks (Rahmani et al., 2016). The results found that curcumin was associated with a decrease in liver fat content and glucose in the body, suggesting that this supplement helps to improve different features of NAFLD and control blood glucose levels. VM HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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Hyperglycemia BY CORRINA MOSCA REVIEWED BY SUHANI SHAH, BASC, ND
H
yperglycemia is characterized by an abnormally high level of glucose in the blood. Often, patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes experience this condition due to poor blood sugar management. However, other ailments may also produce this condition, including pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, some hormone-secreting tumors and Cushing’s syndrome. Many medications—including some antibiotics, second-generation atypical antipsychotics and corticosteroids—may also contribute to this health issue (Rehman et al., 2011). In mild cases, hyperglycemia can present with fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, blurry vision, skin flushing, increased thirst, hunger, and excessive urination. If untreated, further hyperglycemic symptoms can include nausea, vomiting,
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confusion, shortness of breath, fruity smelling breath, and dry mouth. It can also contribute to medical emergencies (including comas or even death) if symptoms persist for an extended period of time. In recent years, studies have shown that some natural remedies may reduce blood glucose levels and help to ward off hyperglycemia. BANABA – USE AS DIRECTED This tropical plant is distinguished by its oblong green leaves, pink flowers and nut-like fruits. For centuries, banaba has been used in Southeast Asian countries as an herbal remedy for a variety of issues, including diarrhea, constipation, kidney inflam-
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Chronic pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, may lead to the damage of the pancreas’ insulinproducing beta cells, resulting in hyperglycemia, which may lead to diabetes.
mation and urinary dysfunctions. However, this plant is most often revered for its hypoglycemic effects, which are imperative in treating both diabetes and hyperglycemia. EVIDENCE Banaba’s hypoglycemic effects are attributed to its corosolic acid and ellagitannins content. Corosolic acid has been reported to decrease blood sugar levels within 60 minutes in human subjects. Banaba’s beneficial effects on blood sugar are attributed to various mechanisms of glucose metabolism (Miura et al, 2012). One one-year, open-label safety and efficacy study found 100mg of water-soluble banaba extract to significantly decrease fasting blood glucose levels while also improving glucose tolerance, but the effects may mostly be due to the ellagitannins (Ikeda et al., 2002). Moreover, it showed that despite this considerable decrease, banaba did not result in hypoglycemia. Another study, conducted with 32mg or 48mg banaba extract standardized to one per cent corosolic acid, found that the supplement decreased blood glucose levels by 30 per cent but it is unknown if the effects are related to Banaba’s content of corosolic acid, ellagitannins, or a combination (J Ethnopharmacol, 2003). Banaba extract may be effective in lowering blood sugar levels through various mechanisms of blood sugar metabolism, but it seems as though more research is needed to determine the dose of banaba extract and its standardization to the corosolic acid content. It may also be a combination of the components of the banaba leaf extract that help blood sugar. Banaba extract dosages may range from 100mg or less but it appears to be able to be as high as 3g per day. It is best to discuss dosage with your medical practitioner to determine what is right for you. CHROMIUM – 200MCG – 500MCG DAILY Once believed to be toxic, this metallic element is actually an essential part of various metabolic processes. Most often, it is used to help the body maintain normal lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, raise HDL (or “good cholesterol”) levels, and regulate blood sugar levels. Inadequate chromium intake has been linked to the development of glucose intolerance, a condition that is often linked to type 2 diabetes.
EVIDENCE While chromium’s exact molecular mechanisms remain elusive, it has been found in multiple studies to alleviate insulin resistance and regulate blood sugar levels (Anderson, 1986). In one retrospective study, researchers found that in patients with profound insulin resistance and uncontrolled hyperglycemia, 200 to 240mcg of intravenous chromium improved insulin resistance and hyperglycemia (Drake et al., 2012). However, more research is needed on the use of intravenous chromium. Another systemic review and meta-analysis found that chromium supplementation of 200mcg or more per day had beneficial effects on glycemic control in people with diabetes (Suksomboon et al., 2014). BIOTIN – 2MG/DAILY Also known as vitamin H, this complex B vitamin is found in various nutrient-rich foods, including nuts, fruits and vegetables. Biotin has been linked to improved hair and skin health, nervous system function, metabolic function and lowered cholesterol. However, biotin in combination with chromium may have some beneficial effects in in glycemic control. EVIDENCE In one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers found that in addition to keeping an insulin regimen, biotin administration can improve glycemic management in patients with type 1 diabetes (Hemmati et al., 2013). Earlier research also showed that biotin had a beneficial effect on hyperglycemia in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes (Maebashi et al., 1993). Current research has shown that biotin supplementation has not shown beneficial effects on blood sugar control, but there is some benefits to co-supplementation of biotin and chromium picolinate together. Combining 2mg biotin with 600mcg chromium picolinate improves coronary risk factors in hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to a placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized clinical trial. (Cardiometab Syndr, 2007). VM HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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Hypoglycemia BY CORRINA MOSCA
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aused by an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood, hypoglycemia often occurs in patients being treated for diabetes. This is because certain medications used to treat hyperglycemia—caused by high glucose levels in the blood— carry the risk of lowering blood sugar levels too much. However, other conditions and behaviours may also contribute to the onset of hypoglycemia. For example, some liver diseases may cause the liver to stop releasing stored glucose into the bloodstream, resulting in low blood sugar. Additionally, insulinomas, kidney disorders and other severe illnesses can also contribute to this issue. Individuals without underlying health conditions can also experience hypoglycemic shock: simply not eating enough food throughout the day can lower blood sugar levels drastically. Additionally, reactive hypoglycemia, caused by the pancreas releasing too much insulin after a meal, is common. Because the body uses sugar as a major source of fuel, having a deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream can severely impact the function of major organs. Of all the organs in the body, the brain relies on this form of fuel the most: it cannot make or store its own glucose, so it is dependent on the rest of the body for its supply. As such, hypoglycemia can affect brain function if left untreated. Early signs of hypoglycemia include hunger, trembling, sweat-
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ing, anxiety, irritability, heart palpitations and tingling lips. However, more severe hypoglycemia can cause concentration problems, confusion, irrational behaviour, and in rare cases, loss of consciousness. Patients with abnormally low blood sugar must immediately consume sugar to help end hypoglycemic attack. Glucose tablets, topical glucose gels, sugar cubes and fruit juices are effective options when it comes to quickly and effectively raising glucose levels. Additionally, some natural remedies have been shown to help in the prevention and healing of hypoglycemia. MAGNESIUM – 340MG DAILY This mineral is extremely important in maintaining healthy bone structure, nerve function and muscle function within the body. Low levels of magnesium have been linked to osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, making it a star player in many medicine cabinets. Many foods that are high in fiber are also high in magnesium, meaning that legumes, whole grains, vegetables, nuts and seeds are excellent sources of it. However, it can also be taken in oral supplement form to prevent deficiency. In recent times, magnesium has been used to treat anxiety, migraines, kidney stones, asthma, hayfever, multiple sclerosis,
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An insulinoma is a tumor of the pancreas that produces excessive amounts of insulin, resulting in low levels of blood sugar. More than 90 per cent of insulinomas are benign.
cramping, constipation and even cancer. Magnesium has also been found to regulate insulin production and blood glucose levels. EVIDENCE According to a 2011 article by John G. Connor, daily supplementation of 340mg of magnesium has been shown to prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in hypoglycemic patients (Connor, 2011). Moreover, says Connor, magnesium is also essential for adrenal health. In Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, James Wilson notes that hypoglycemic patients often suffer from decreased adrenal function (Connor, 2011). As such, magnesium offers extra help to those with low blood sugar levels. Additionally, a study out of The Journal of Nutrition found that a higher magnesium intake is associated with lower fasting insulin and glucose levels (Hruby et al., 2013). These factors are especially important for hypoglycemic patients, as they allow both insulin and blood sugar levels to remain steady. MELATONIN – USE AS DIRECTED Secreted by the pineal gland, this hormone is found naturally within the body. Most people use melatonin to adjust the body’s
sleep-wake cycles and combat insomnia. This is because its function within the body is to regulate night and day cycles: darkness causes the body to produce more melatonin, signaling the body to prepare for sleep, while light decreases melatonin production. Melatonin has also been used for Alzheimer’s disease, endometriosis, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), schizophrenia, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), osteoporosis, epilepsy, stress and more. Often, it is taken in pill form. Recent studies have also shown that melatonin may be able to protect those with hypoglycemia from related brain injuries. EVIDENCE A 2015 study suggests that melatonin may be able to prevent brain injuries related to hypoglycemia. During their research, scientists injected human insulin into rats to drastically lower blood sugar levels before administering 10mg/kg of melatonin to the animals. Results showed that the supplement significantly prevented hypoglycemia-induced cognitive impairment (Kim et al., 2015). While this study was conducted on rats, it still suggests that melatonin supplementation may be a possible treatment for preventing serious brain trauma in hypoglycemic patients. However, further research is required to understand whether this may be similarly effective for humans. VM HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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Ketoacidosis BY CORRINA MOSCA REVIEWED BY SUHANI SHAH, BASC, ND
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iabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition that occurs when cells are unable to take up glucose due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance in the body. Because the cells can’t receive sugar for energy, the body begins to break down fat and muscle instead. Burning of fat for energy leads to the development and accumulation of ketones in the blood and urine, causing a toxic chemical imbalance. Patients with type 1 diabetes are most prone to this condition, due to the complete lack of insulin in their bodies. However, type 2 diabetes patients may also experience ketoacidosis when their blood sugar levels are high. Being severely dehydrated, having a severe infection or being seriously ill may also cause ketoacidosis. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include flushed, dry skin, dry mouth, shortness of breath, blurred vision, headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting drowsiness, loss of appetite and confusion. When ketoacidosis is severe, it must be treated in a hospital with intravenous insulin and fluid injections. If untreated, it can result in coma or even death. In order to avoid ketoacidosis, blood sugar and insulin levels must be regulated. Luckily, there are a number of natural supplements on the market—including those discussed in our articles on hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and diabetes—that can assist in this matter. WHITE MULBERRY – 3G DAILY Also known as morus alba, this short-lived, fast-growing tree is commonly used for medicinal purposes. Native to northern China, the plant’s berries can be consumed raw or cooked, and its powdery leaves are often used in healing. Throughout history, white mulberry has been used to treat high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, the common cold,
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muscle and joint pain, constipation, dizziness, tinnitus, hair loss, and diabetes. EVIDENCE A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study looked at the effects of white mulberry on the blood sugar levels of 50 patients after a meal. Participants were fed 75 g of sugar as well as varying amounts of mulberry extract, from one to five grams. Researchers found that when 2.5 to 5g of mulberry were ingested with the meal, there was a significant decrease in blood sugar levels (Chung et al., 2013). According to another study, 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, is responsible for white mulberry’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. 0.8g and 1.2g of DNJ enriched powder containing 12 and 18mg respectively of DNJ followed by 50g of sucrose significantly decreased the elevation of postprandial blood glucose and insulin secretion. This is because DNJ inhibits alpha glucosidase, an enzyme in the intestine that digests sugars and starch to glucose so it can be absorbed into the blood. (Kimura et al., 2007). It has been shown that 3g per day significantly lowers fasting blood sugar over a 4-week period (Andallu et al., 2001). VM
When the body is unable to use glucose, it begins to break down fats for energy, the byproduct of which is ketones. Ketone bodies make the blood acidic, creating a condition known as ketoacidosis, which can lead to loss of consciousness, confusion, sweet smelling breath, coma or even death.
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Hormone Imbalance BY CAYLA RAMEY REVIEWED BY SUHANI SHAH, BASC, ND
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hormone imbalance can stem from various health issues. Regardless of the cause, the outcome is often a domino effect on the body—everything is connected. Foods high in sugar stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. Insulin can affect other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. After eating foods high in sugar, insulin spikes, leading to low levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in the blood. When SHGB is low, the concentration of free estrogen and testosterone can also spike. Insulin also stimulates the production of testosterone, which can be converted to estrogen via the aromatase enzyme found in fat cells. The increase in estrogen can create an estrogen dominance effect in the body. In females, this can affect the ratio of estrogen to progesterone and lead to irritability, anxiety, insomnia, painful periods and weight gain, among other symptoms. For women experiencing menopause, this can mean more intense hot flashes and night sweats. The idea is to think about glycemic control. If you lower your glycemic load by decreasing your intake of refined sugar and increasing your intake of complex carbohydrates, fibre, protein, and healthy fat, spikes in your blood sugar will significantly reduce along with the burden on your hormones. Zinc can help curb sugar cravings, but a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale, can also help balance excess estrogen. ZINC 12 – 15MG DAILY You may remember from our Stress Buyer’s Guide that Zinc plays an important role in regulation of the sex hormones.
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SHBG, or sex steroidbinding globulin (SSBG), is a protein that binds excess sex hormones in the blood.
However, that’s not its only role in the body. It also helps with growth and repair, improves immunity and blood sugar regulation. Specifically, zinc acts as a co-factor for enzymatic processes involved in metabolizing glucose to produce energy, as well as improving the sensitivity of insulin to its receptors on cells to increase the uptake of glucose from the blood into the cells. Zinc is needed to drive insulin production, which in turn drives glucose into cells. This will minimize prolonged blood sugar and insulin spikes and prevent testosterone and estrogen imbalances. Zinc is also needed to stimulate the beta cells of the pancreas to produce insulin. Foods rich in zinc include grass-fed beef, shellfish, pumpkin seeds, eggs, cashews, and cocoa powder. EVIDENCE Cravings are often a sign that the body is in need of something else. Deficiency in essential minerals, such as zinc, can often lead to sugar cravings as a result of low insulin levels. A much older study conducted on animals found that zinc aided insulin in recovering the body’s original properties (Scott et al., 1935). Furthermore, zinc plays a role in the production of insulin in B-cells. Proinsulin forms a zinc-containing hexamer soon after its synthesis. The organization of this molecule is maintained and supported by the proinsulin hexamer and is then converted into an insulin hexamer (Emdin et al., 1979). In the process, insulin regulates the blood sugar levels, keeping good energy levels and controlling cravings. This isn’t specific to insulin and blood sugar as the presence of food in the intestine is what promotes the production of pancreatic digestive enzymes. VM
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FROM HER CAREER TO HER INNER WELLBEING, PADMA LAKSHMI HAS COOKED UP A TRULY BALANCED LIFESTYLE
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ormer model Padma Lakshmi has achieved a great deal in her 46 years—including keeping us in awe of her beauty, intelligence, and cooking skills. The Emmy nominated Top Chef judge and hostess has also dabbled as a best-selling author, with her most recent book, The Encyclopedia of Spices & Herbs, flying off the shelves. Her love for food stems from her childhood, growing up eating and cooking traditional Tamil dishes. She first tried her luck at pan-frying some spiced sweet peas—a simple, but delicious culinary achievement. “You don’t have to be an expert to have a very strong opinion about food,” Padma says. “Left to my own devices, I don’t eat very fancy and I cheat a lot. I love nachos, hot dogs, ice cream, chocolate cake without frosting—I have a ton of guilty pleasures.” Padma doesn’t shy away from carbs or sweets. In fact, she’s enthusiastic about all food. “With a six-year-old daughter, there are always potato chips or mozzarella sticks around. I can nibble on a carrot stick but it’s not going to satisfy me if she’s nibbling on something else. Food, to me, is something that joins us together as human beings. It is the thing, along with love, that you can’t live without.” SPICING THINGS UP Padma’s love of food is what set her television career in motion in 1999, after writing her first cookbook. Her current writing endeavor delves into 400 spices and herbs to rev up any menu. “I love sumac,” she says, ticking off some of her favourite spices. “It comes from a red berry that’s been dried and powdered. It has a beautiful vermillion colour and adds tartness to any dish, or makes a beautiful garnish.” Another of Padma’s favourites is za’atar, a blend of spices that she adds to salad dressing for some extra depth. “It has sumac in it, but also thyme, sesame seeds and other beautiful things. It’s almost like Herbes de Provence, but it’s a Middle Eastern version. I also add it to yogurt with a pinch of good salt—like pink Himalayan salt—to make a dip for raw vegetables.” Padma pauses while considering other favourite flavours. “Sambar powder,” she exclaims. “It’s a spice blend from South India. Different families make it in different ways, but it’s an all-purpose spice that you can use as an introduction to South Indian cooking. It’s probably the spice I tasted earliest in my development and certainly something we always have in our home.” While she admits her love for spicy foods, a little bit goes a long way—so, a light hand is best. “Just because you use chili in something doesn’t mean it has to be spicy. Urfa chili is a Turkish chili that’s not that spicy but has a kick to it,” she says. PASSIONS ABOUND While food remains the emphasis of her career and her personal passion, her focus remains on everyday pleasures. “I love to box for exercise. Also, I’ve just rediscovered roller-skating, which seems like a little thing, but it’s kind of joyous. I’m teaching my daughter, Krishna, how to roller skate, and that’s become a point of bonding with her.”
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Always surrounded by big city environments, Padma’s newest passion for gardening seems a foreign concept to her lifestyle. “Discovering gardening later in my life has been a very pleasant surprise. It’s wonderful to watch something you’ve planted months ago grow,” she relates. Padma actually gets down and dirty in her garden, where produces everything from apples and blueberries to lemon verbena and thyme. Padma is also unabashedly passionate about involving herself into organizations that fight poverty and empower women across the globe. She is also co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America and has made great strides with her candor about her own very intimate health issues. “I wish I would have told my younger self to investigate my debilitating endometriosis symptoms,” she says, reflecting. “Being an advocate for your own health is so important.” “I think we are not all created equally,” she states. “For me, it’s important that every child has the same opportunity to do well in life. That doesn’t mean that everyone will be a Nobel Laureate or NBA player, but at least they get a chance in life to see what their best self looks like. It’s evening out the playing field.” COMBINING MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT Padma believes the mind, body, and spirit are all connected. “I don’t have to try hard to connect them,” she says. “I know if I’m not feeling well emotionally, that’s going to have physical ramifications. If I’m not feeling well in my body, it is undoubtedly going to affect my spirit, so I don’t make those separations. I try to handle my own wellbeing like a whole person, which I think we should all do.” She supplements healthy eating and exercise with Vitamins C and B plus magnesium powder. “I also take an omega-3 and something called Helio Care, which is an oral antioxidant to help with the sun—I’m very sun sensitive. The thing is to remember to take care of your whole person.” Padma’s big indulgence in relaxing and unwinding is making herself a picnic in bed on weekends, complete with the New York Times spread out beside her. “When I want to do something for myself that seems indulgent, it means being in my jeans or sweats and a cozy tee-shirt, with my hair pulled up in a ponytail.” Women in the public eye are often scrutinized as they age, yet Padma isn’t too worried. “I don’t like the term anti-aging. I think it’s offensive. I like my age—I’m much smarter now and happier than I was when I was young. Maybe my thighs have more cellulite, but I’m not against my age. I don’t care about looking younger.” What she does care about in her arsenal of living healthy and looking beautiful is “staying out of the sun, drinking a lot of water and eating properly, which means eating vegetables and fruits of all different colours, and laughing,” she states. “I think happiness is the best beauty tip I can give someone. I can go out and buy an expensive beauty cream but at this point in my life, I’m really looking for something more gratifying and deeper.” VM
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FOOD V I VA
CUCKOO FOR COCONUT Full of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), coconut oil helps to promote healthy blood sugar levels. This is because MCFAs work to balance insulin reactions in the cells, aiding the pancreas and giving the body a consistent—and not glucosedependent—energy source. Plus, it’s a great substitute for other cooking oils, making it extremely easy to incorporate into your diet. Talk about a sweet deal!
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VENTURE OFF THE BEATEN PATH WITH THESE TWISTS ON CLASSIC HOLIDAY RECIPES FROM FOOD NETWORK CHEFS
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HOLIDAY TURKEY with Stuffing see recipe on page 67
RECIPE BY ALTON BROWN, “GOOD EATS”
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RECIPE BY INA GARTEN, “BAREFOOT CONTESSA”
BLINI with Smoked Salmon PREP TIME: 15 MINS • COOK TIME: 20 MINS • SERVES: 18
INGREDIENTS: • 1⁄3 cup buckwheat flour • 2⁄3 cup all-purpose flour • 1⁄2 tsp baking powder • 3⁄4 tsp kosher salt • 3⁄4 cup plus 2 tbsp milk • 1 extra large egg • 1⁄4 lb (1 stick) unsalted butter, clarified, divided • 1⁄2 lb smoked salmon, thinly sliced • 1⁄4 cup crème fraîche or sour cream • Fresh dill sprig, for garnish
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DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and one tablespoon of the clarified butter, then whisk into the flour mixture. Heat one tablespoon of the clarified butter in a medium sauté pan and drop the batter into the hot skillet, one tablespoon at a time. Cook over medium-low heat until bubbles form on the top side of the blini, about two minutes. Flip and cook for one more minute, or until brown. Repeat with the remaining batter, cleaning the hot pan with a dry paper towel between batches. Set aside. 2. To serve, top the blini with a piece of smoked salmon. Add a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprig of dill.
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CHARRED BRUSSELS SPROUT CROSTINI
RECIPE BY GIADA DE LAURENTIIS, GIADA’S HOLIDAY HANDBOOK
PREP TIME: 20 MINS • COOK TIME: 10 MINS • SERVES: 24
INGREDIENTS: • 1⁄4 cup sugar • 1⁄4 cup champagne vinegar • 1⁄3 cup dried cranberries • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, sliced into thin rounds • 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1 tsp salt, divided • 1⁄2 tsp red pepper flakes • 1 1⁄4 cups ricotta • 1⁄3 cup pine nuts, toasted • 24 crostini (see chef’s note)
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat the broiler to high. 2. Combine the sugar and champagne vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; cook until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture has thickened just slightly, three minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the dried cranberries. Let sit for 10 minutes to plump the cranberries. 3. Meanwhile, on a rimmed baking sheet, combine the sliced Brussels sprouts, two tablespoons of the olive oil, 3⁄4 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper flakes. Toss well to coat. Broil for six minutes, stirring halfway through and rotating the baking sheet as needed for even browning. Add the sprouts to a medium bowl and toss with the cranberry mixture while hot. Set aside for five minutes to let the flavours marry. 4. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt into the ricotta. Using a small offset spatula, spread the crostini with the ricotta mixture. Top each crostini with a spoonful of the Brussels sprout mixture and sprinkle with a few pine nuts. CHEF’S NOTE: To make the crostini, top 24 1⁄4 - inch-thick baguette slices with 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil and a 1⁄4 teaspoon salt. Bake at 400°F for about five minutes, rotating halfway through. HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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ROASTED PEARS with Blue Cheese PREP TIME: 20 MINS • COOK TIME: 20 MINS • SERVES: 6
INGREDIENTS: • 3 ripe but firm Anjou pears • Juice of 3 lemons • 3 oz coarsely crumbled sharp blue cheese, such as Stilton • 1⁄4 cup dried cranberries • 1⁄4 cup walnut halves, toasted and chopped • 1⁄2 cup apple cider • 3 tbsp port • 1⁄3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed • 1⁄4 cup good olive oil • 6 oz baby arugula • Kosher salt
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. Peel the pears and slice them lengthwise into halves. With a small sharp paring knife and a melon baller, remove the core and seeds from each pear, leaving a round well for the filling. Trim a small slice away from the rounded sides of each pear half so that they will sit in the baking dish without wobbling. Toss the pears with some lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown. Arrange them, core side up, in a baking dish large enough to hold the pears snugly. 3. Gently toss the crumbled blue cheese, dried cranberries, and walnuts together in a small bowl. Divide the mixture among the pears, mounding it on top of the indentation. 4. In the same small bowl, combine the apple cider, port, and brown sugar, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Pour the mixture over and around the pears. Bake the pears, basting occasionally with the cider mixture, for 30 minutes, or until tender. Set aside until warm or at room temperature. 5. Just before serving, whisk together the olive oil, 1⁄4 cup of lemon juice, and 1⁄4 cup of the basting liquid in a large bowl. Divide the arugula among six plates and top each with a pear half. Drizzle each pear with some of the basting liquid, sprinkle with salt, and serve warm.
RECIPE BY INA GARTEN, “BAREFOOT CONTESSA: BACK TO BASICS”
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CREAMY LOBSTER LINGUINE
RECIPE BY GIADA DE LAURENTIIS, GIADA’S HOLIDAY HANDBOOK
PREP TIME: 15 MINS • COOK TIME: 35 MINS • SERVES: 6
INGREDIENTS: • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 2 slices bacon, chopped • 3 shallots, minced • 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 1⁄4 tsp red pepper flakes • 1⁄2 tsp salt • 2 cups tomato purée • 1⁄4 cup cream • 1 lb linguine • 1⁄4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving • 1 cup baby arugula, roughly chopped • 1⁄2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped • 1⁄4 cup fresh tarragon leaves, roughly chopped • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed • 2 (1 1⁄2-lb) lobsters, steamed with meat removed
DIRECTIONS: 1. Heat a large straight-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and bacon and cook until the bacon is beginning to crisp, about eight minutes. Add the shallots, garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for an additional three minutes until fragrant. Add the salt, tomato puree and cream; stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for five minutes. 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine for one minute less than the package instructions, about 10 minutes. Using tongs, remove the pasta from the water and add it directly to the pan with the sauce. Sprinkle the cheese directly on the naked pasta and toss to coat in sauce. Add up to one cup of the pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir in the arugula, basil, tarragon, peas and lobster meat; simmer until everything is heated through, one minute. Serve with additional Parmesan if desired.
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EGGNOG see recipe on page 67
RECIPE BY ALTON BROWN, “GOOD EATS”
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RECIPE BY ANNA OLSON, “BAKE WITH ANNA OLSON”
PFEFFERNUSSE COOKIES PREP TIME: 25 MINS • COOK TIME: 40 MINS • SERVES: 42
INGREDIENTS: • 6 tbsp honey • 6 tbsp granulated sugar • 1⁄4 cup packed dark brown sugar • 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, melted • 1 large egg • 1 egg yolk • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 3⁄4 tsp baking soda • 1⁄2 tsp each ground cinnamon, cardamom, anise seed, allspice, clove, and black pepper • 1⁄4 tsp salt • Icing sugar, for rolling the baked cookies
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 325 °F. Line two baking trays with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the honey, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg and egg yolk. Sift the flour, baking soda, spices and salt over the sugar mixture and stir until evenly blended (the batter will be dense). Use a small ice cream scoop (#60 size) or two teaspoons to scoop the batter and then shape them into balls between the palms of your hands. Place them onto the prepared trays, leaving two inches between each. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned. Cool the cookies on the tray and then roll them in icing sugar to coat them completely.
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RECIPE BY ALTON BROWN, “GOOD EATS”
ALTON’S SUGAR COOKIES PREP TIME: 2 HOURS 15 MINS • COOK TIME: 9 MINS • SERVES: 36
INGREDIENTS: • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 3⁄4 tsp baking powder • 1⁄4 tsp salt • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened • 1 cup sugar • 1 egg, beaten • 1 tbsp milk • Powdered sugar, for rolling out dough
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DIRECTIONS: 1. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Place butter and sugar in large bowl of electric stand mixer and beat until light in colour. Add egg and milk and beat to combine. Put mixer on low speed, gradually add flour, and beat until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl. Divide the dough in half, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate for two hours. 2. Preheat oven to 375°F. 3. Sprinkle surface where you will roll out dough with powdered sugar. Remove one wrapped pack of dough from refrigerator at a time, sprinkle rolling pin with powdered sugar, and roll out dough to 1⁄4-inch thick. Move the dough around and check underneath frequently to make sure it is not sticking. If dough has warmed during rolling, place cold cookie sheet on top for 10 minutes to chill. Cut into desired shape, place at least one-inch apart on greased baking sheet, parchment, or silicone baking mat, and bake for seven to nine minutes or until cookies are just beginning to turn brown around the edges, rotating cookie sheet halfway through baking time. Let sit on baking sheet for two minutes after removal from oven and then move to complete cooling on wire rack. Serve as is or ice as desired. Store in airtight container for up to one week.
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EGGNOG
HOLIDAY TURKEY with Stuffing
PREP TIME: 15 MINS • SERVES: 6-7
PREP TIME: 45 MINS • COOK TIME: 2 HOURS 30 MINS • SERVES: 4-6
INGREDIENTS: • 4 egg yolks • 1⁄3 cup sugar, plus 1 tbsp • 1 pt whole milk • 1 cup heavy cream • 3 oz bourbon • 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg • 4 egg whites
INGREDIENTS: • 1 (10 to 12-lb) turkey, with giblets removed • 1 qt chicken broth • 2 oz dried mushrooms • 1 cup onion, chopped • 1 cup celery, chopped • 1 cup green pepper, chopped • 1 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra for rubbing on turkey • 1 tbsp kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning turkey
DIRECTIONS: 1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1⁄3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon and nutmeg and stir to combine. 2. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running gradually add the one tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. 3. Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve. CHEF’S NOTE: For cooked eggnog, follow procedure below. 1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1⁄3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Set aside. 2. In a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the milk, heavy cream and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and gradually temper the hot mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Then return everything to the pot and cook until the mixture reaches 160°F. Remove from heat, stir in the bourbon, pour into a medium mixing bowl, and set in the refrigerator to chill. 3. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. With the mixer running, gradually add the second tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Whisk the egg whites into the chilled mixture.
• 3 cups Challah bread, cut into 1 ⁄2-inch cubes (approximately 4 to 5 slices) • 4 oz unsweetened dried cherries • 2 oz pecans, approximately 1⁄2 cup chopped • 2 whole eggs, beaten • 2 tsp dried rubbed sage • 2 tsp dried parsley • 1⁄2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning chicken • 1 re-usable organic cotton produce bag (see chef’s note)
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 2. Place the turkey into a deep, high-sided bowl with the stuffing end up. Set aside. 3. Heat the chicken broth in the microwave in a large microwave-proof container. Place mushrooms in a glass bowl and pour heated broth over them. Cover and allow to sit for 35 minutes. 4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the onion, celery and green pepper with the oil and salt. Place the vegetables on a sheet pan and roast for 35 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, spread the cubed bread over the vegetables, return to the oven and continue cooking. 5. Drain mushrooms, reserving one cup of liquid. Chop the mushrooms and place in a large microwave-proof bowl with the vegetables and bread, reserved chicken stock, cherries, pecans, eggs, sage, parsley and black pepper. Stir well in order to break up pieces of bread. Use your hands to combine, if necessary. Heat the stuffing in a microwave on high power for six minutes. 6. While the stuffing is heating, rub the bird with oil. Working quickly, place the stuffing into the cavity of the turkey to avoid losing heat. Place the turkey into a roasting pan and season with salt and pepper. Place the roasting pan on the middle rack of the oven. Roast for 45 minutes and then reduce the heat to 350°F and cook for another 60 to 75 minutes or until the bird reaches an internal temperature of 170°F. Serve immediately. CHEF’S NOTE: The bag is optional. Once the stuffing is made, you can place the stuffing into the bag and then place the bag into the cavity of the turkey. HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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ADD SOME WARMTH TO YOUR HOLIDAY MENU WITH THESE FLAVOURFUL RECIPES. RECIPES AND FOOD STYLING BY DEVAN RAJKUMAR PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT JORDAN PROPS SUPPLIED BY THE PROPS
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RICE MILK CURRIED BAKED FISH PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES COOK TIME: 15 MINUTES SERVES: 2
INGREDIENTS: • 2 cod filets, skinned • 400ml rice milk • 2 tbsp curry paste • 1 1⁄2 tbsp corn flour • 1⁄2 cup onion, roughly chopped • 2 tsp garlic, finely chopped • 2 tsp ginger, finely chopped • 1 cup cherry tomatoes • 2 1⁄2 cups packed spinach • 1⁄2 cup cilantro leaves • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 tsp sea salt • 1⁄2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large oven-friendly pan on medium heat, add oil and sauté onions. 2. After one minute, add garlic, ginger, salt and pepper. 3. Add curry paste, rice milk and corn starch and stir approximately one minute to thicken. 4. Remove 3⁄4 cup of sauce from the pan, lay down cod and cover with the removed sauce. Add tomatoes, spinach and cover with foil. Bake for 10-12 minutes. 5. Remove from oven, discard foil prior to serving and garnish with cilantro.
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ALMOND MILK MUSHROOM RISOTTO PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES SERVES: 2–4
INGREDIENTS • 1L chicken broth • 1 1⁄2 cups almond milk (room temperature) • 1 1⁄2 cups Arborio rice • 3⁄4 cup dry white wine • 2 shallots, finely chopped • 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped • 150g oyster mushrooms • 150g shiitake mushrooms • 1 cup dried mixed mushrooms • 1⁄2 cup parmesan, grated • 2 tbsp freshly chopped chives • 1 tbsp butter • 3 tbsp olive oil • 3⁄4 tsp sea salt • 1⁄2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
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DIRECTIONS: 1. In a saucepot on low-medium heat, add half the olive oil and sweat shallots with salt and pepper. Once translucent, add garlic and sweat for one minute. Meanwhile, heat chicken stock in a separate pot. 2. Add rice and gently toast until fragrant. Once it begins to stick, deglaze with white wine. Once rice begins to stick again, begin ladling in chicken stock 3 ⁄4 cup at a time. 3. Repeat this process until stock is done and then use almond milk. When risotto becomes al dente, remove from heat and fold in butter, cheese, remaining oil and garnish with chives. Serve immediately.
VIVAMAGONLINE.COM / HOLIDAY 2016
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PARSNIP PUREE with Soy Milk & Toasted Pumpkin Seeds PREP TIME: 3 MINUTES COOK TIME: 18 MINUTES SERVES: 2–4
INGREDIENTS: • 1lb parsnip, peeled, roughly diced • 800ml soy milk • 1 small white onion, roughly chopped • 1 tbsp unsalted butter • 1⁄4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted • 1 tsp sea salt • 1⁄2 tsp white pepper • 2 tsp vegetable oil DIRECTIONS: 1. In a sauce pot on low medium heat, add oil, onions salt and pepper. 2. Sweat onions. Once they are translucent, add parsnip and sauté for a minute. 3. Add the soy milk and simmer on low heat for approximately 10-12 minutes. Once parsnip is fully cooked through, transfer to a blender. 4. When blending hot liquids, start on low and slowly increase. 5. Remove to serving vessel, serve hot and top with toasted pumpkin seeds.
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ALMOND MILK LOAF with Lemon Glaze & Slivered Almonds PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES COOK TIME: 1 HOUR SERVES: 6–8
INGREDIENTS • 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 cup granulated sugar • 1 tsp baking powder • 3⁄4 tsp salt • 2 tbsp lemon zest • 3⁄4 cup almond milk, unsweetened • 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil • 2 eggs, beaten • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp almond extract • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice • 1 x 8 1⁄2” x 4 1⁄2” loaf pan, lightly oiled
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LEMON GLAZE • 1 cup powdered sugar • 1 1⁄2 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 2 tsp water • 1 tsp almond extract • 1⁄4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, sugar and lemon zest. 3. In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, oil, eggs, extracts and lemon juice. 4. Slowly combine wet into dry and whisk well. 5. Bake for one hour and carefully remove from loaf pan. Let cool on a wire rack. 6. Meanwhile, combine ingredients for glaze and top loaf with glaze and slivered almonds.
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A Sweeter
Substitute GO COCO-NUTS OVER THE HOLIDAYS WITH THESE DELICIOUS, COCONUT OIL INFUSED RECIPES
RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATURE’S WAY
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COCONUT OIL COFFEE RECIPE COOK TIME: 5 MINS • SERVES: 2
INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups of hot coffee • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 2 tbsp of Nature’s Way Liquid Coconut Oil DIRECTIONS: 1. Blend coffee, coconut oil, and butter together in a blender until oil and butter are melted and coffee is frothy. CHEF’S NOTE: Use unsalted grass-fed butter. Preheat your blender with hot water to make sure your coffee doesn’t start out cold.
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GRAIN-FREE PANCAKES with Raspberry Maple Syrup PREP TIME: 15 MINS • COOK TIME: 15 MINS • SERVES: 3-4
INGREDIENTS: • 1⁄3 cup coconut flour • 2⁄3 cup tapioca flour/starch • 1⁄2 tsp baking powder • 1⁄2 tsp baking soda • Pinch of salt • 2 eggs • 1 tbsp Nature’s Way Raspberry Liquid Coconut Oil • 3⁄4-1 cup water, coconut milk or almond milk (as needed) • 3⁄4 tsp apple cider vinegar • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 2-4 tbsp Nature’s Way Raspberry Liquid Coconut Oil (for cooking)
DIRECTIONS: 1. Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. 2. Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. 3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, whisking vigorously to combine and to prevent lumps. 4. Let batter stand for five minutes. Add more milk as needed to create a mediumthick batter. 5. Preheat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. When hot, add a tablespoon of coconut oil and swirl the pan to coat. Spoon a quarter cup of the batter into the pan and spread out with a spoon. Repeat. 6. Cook pancakes three to four minutes on each side, flipping when small bubbles arise on the surface of the first side. 7. To serve, whisk together syrup and 1⁄2 teaspoon coconut oil. Top pancakes with syrup mixture, whipped cream and raspberries.
FOR SERVING: • 1⁄2 cup maple syrup • 1⁄2 tsp Nature’s Way Raspberry Liquid Coconut Oil • Whipped cream • Fresh raspberries
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SPICY JALAPENO CORNBREAD with Scallions PREP TIME: 15 MINS • COOK TIME: 18 MINS • SERVES: 4-6
INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free allpurpose flour mix) • 1 cup cornmeal • 1 tbsp baking powder • 1 tsp salt • 2 eggs • 1 cup whole milk (or non-dairy beverage) • 1⁄4 cup Nature’s Way Jalapeno Liquid Coconut Oil • 1⁄4 cup honey • 4 scallions, whites and greens thinly sliced • Coconut oil or butter, for greasing
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DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9”x13” baking sheet with coconut oil or butter, using your hand or a paper towel to cover the surface of the sheet with a thin layer. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. 3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, coconut oil, honey and scallions. 4. Pour wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and whisk together, making sure there are no lumps. 5. Pour batter into the baking pan and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the center of the bread springs back when touched and no longer feels wet. 6. Let cool in the pan and slice into squares. CHEF’S NOTE: Serve this as an accompaniment to your favourite chili, stew or soup.
VIVAMAGONLINE.COM / HOLIDAY 2016
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KALE AND WHITE BEAN SALAD with Lemon Rosemary Croutons PREP TIME: 10 MINS • COOK TIME: 20 MINS • SERVES: 3-4
SALAD: • 3 cups kale, torn into bite-size pieces • 2 tbsp Nature’s Way Premium Lemon Rosemary Coconut Oil • 1⁄2 lemon, zest and juice • 4 niçoise olives, pitted • 2 sundried tomatoes, chopped • 1⁄4 cup white beans • Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS: 1. In a medium bowl, massage kale with oil, lemon zest and lemon juice. Add olives, sundried tomatoes and white beans. Toss and season with salt and pepper to taste. 2. For the croutons, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. When hot, add oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add bread and fry until golden on all sides. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt. 3. To serve, top salad with croutons.
CROUTONS: • 2 tbsp Nature’s Way Lemon Rosemary Liquid Coconut Oil • 1 slice white country bread, cubed • Salt to taste
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WHAT’S IN YOUR FRIDGE: JADE MYA THE UPCOMING COUNTRY STAR TALKS FITNESS AND FAVOURITE FOODS. Occupation: Country Music Artist What’s your secret food vice? I’d have to go with lemon. It’s good for anti-aging and is filled with vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies. Since I have to keep my voice and body in shape, I find lemon is easy to add to a lot of my meals as well as water. What is your number one comfort food? I am a pizza gal! You’ll probably find me curled up on my couch on a Friday night eating pizza and watching Nashville. What is your biggest food challenge? I have a very hard time making steak. No matter what tutorial I watch, it always ends up being chewy, overcooked or burnt. I love steak! I really need to learn how to make the perfect steak. What keeps you eating a balanced diet? My job, of course. I always want to feel and look my best. Any food dislikes? I like pretty much everything, but one time I tried escargot and I have to admit that was the only food I ever ate that I couldn’t swallow. I haven’t tried again. Any foods you’ve omitted from your diet? I try to avoid Nutella, but as hard as I try, I still love it. I find myself buying it from time-to-time as a treat! What must you always have in your fridge? I always have red grapes. It is my go-to when I crave sugar. I have a bit of a sweet tooth and I find that grapes curb the craving—they’re nature’s candy! What are some of your go-to meals? I love salmon salad made with fresh blueberries, apples and an organic dressing. It’s easy and delicious. My second favourite, which I have mastered over the past year, is my sweet potato shepherd’s pie. It’s my secret weapon for a delicious and impressive home-cooked meal.
Strangest food you’ve ever tried? That would be shark. I’ve tried it, and will never do it again! What is your favourite dish or food to eat in the fall? I love to have gingerbread cookies with hot chocolate and coconut whipped cream! What is your favourite meal to make for guests in your home? When I master steak, maybe that will be my go-to! I actually love baking, so I tend to make things such as gluten-free apple pie, oatmeal muffins and even homemade yogurt. What is your favourite ingredient to cook with? Cinnamon, by far. It adds a delightful taste to all dishes and shakes! What have you been busy with over the last year? I have been busy recording my album, Heart Break Country, which came out August 11. The album took me to Nashville and Toronto to write and record. I was also on the road a lot for a radio promotion tour—it was a fantastic experience. I have also been rehearsing and performing shows as well. What’s next for you? Now that the album is out, I will be touring and eventually going back to the studio to write and record more songs. I don’t really know what the next year will hold for me! It’s exciting, and I am looking forward to meeting new fans across the country. regular basis. I also foresee more songwriting trips to Nashville. I always have an amazing time down South!
Natura Foods Natur-a Fortified Almond Beverage Low-calorie and delicious, this dairy substitute is made with California almonds. Poured over cereal or enjoyed cold, this beverage is one your whole family can enjoy! (946ml, $2.67)
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Eden Foods Organic Grape Butter Spread Made from organic, familygrown Concord grapes, this sweet spread is the perfect pairing for crackers, cheeses and bread alike. (227g, $5.81)
Suro Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Certified organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized, Suro’s apple cider vinegar is packed with health-boosting enzymes—add to any salad dressing or sauce. (235ml, $8.99)
Rolling Meadow Butter Grass fed just tastes better. Plus, unlike conventional butter, it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids so it’s good for your heart and overall health. (250 g, $5.99)
PRICES MAY VARY PER LOCATION
WHAT’S IN YOUR FRIDGE?
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GROCERY BASKET Hilary’s Broccoli Casserole Bites Looking for a new delicious appetizer to serve your guests? These will become your go-to option. Each package is filled with 18 easy-to-make, low-calorie casserole bites. The non-GMO comfort food has a crispy, crunchy outside that even the pickiest eater will enjoy. (340g, $6.20)
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shopping all-natural for under $75
Bob’s Red Mill Farro Find a hearty source of iron and protein in the mother of all wheat, farro. It’s easy to digest, and can be used in a number of different ways. Impress your family and friends and try out some new recipes with this wholesome ingredient. (680g, $6.77)
TOT AL:
$42 3 . 3
Battistoni Beef Pepperoni
La Preferida Refried Beans Refried beans are La Preferida’s top selling product—and for good reason. This versatile addition to many dinnertime recipes is nutritious, delicious, and comes in multiple flavours including chipotle and zesty salsa. (1-450g can, $3.60)
Eden Apple Butter Picked from the orchard, washed, peeled, chopped and simmered with a little organic apple juice, the fresh apples in this delicious and simple spread are sure to please. You’ll be reaching for this tangy yet sweet condiment as an addition to all of your favourite snacks. (482g, $11.06)
BY PAULA REID | PRICES MAY VARY PER LOCATION
These beef pepperoni slices pack in the flavour and leave out the chemicals. Eat them as a snack on the go or add them to a pizza for a delicious spot of the finest organic beef. (140g, $8.71)
Yogi Green Tea Citrus Slim This isn’t just any green tea: it’s formulated to give you the energy you need to carry out your busy day. Combined with sweet citrus flavours, this delicious hot drink will support weight loss and help you keep a balanced diet. (32g, $5.99)
HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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YOUR LIFE V I VA
Families are like branches on a tree; we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one. - Unknown
HOLIDAY SUMMER 2016 2014 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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For Love and W
LAYERS ADD SOME EXTRA OOMPH TO YOUR HOME WITH MIXED MATERIALS AND PUNCHY PATTERNS
BY DVIRA OVADIA
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ith the colder months drawing near, many of us are electing to stay home instead of venturing outdoors into the cold Canadian weather. As such, now is a wonderful time to focus on amping up your home’s interior setup. This season, go bold by learning to love layers. This simple technique can add a great sense of individuality and coziness to your home, making it the perfect place to stay bundled up all winter. KNOW THE BASICS Combining fabrics, textiles, rugs and materials within your home can add warmth, depth and shape to any basic room. During the winter, we naturally seek comfort and gravitate towards items that stimulate our senses—something which layering offers in spades. Layering patterns consists of four main components: colour, scale, texture, and shape. The first step is to grab a bunch of patterns, colours, and fabrics that you love. I adore working with Alendel Fabrics, a Canadian company that always offers great, affordable and stylish options. Once you have a large library of options, you can start the sorting and matching processes. Use patterns that share some common colours and styles that work together to help narrow down your selections. Make sure to source both small and large patterns that could pair nicely. Mixing patterns and layering textures is an art form which takes a little bit of time and patience. When it comes to bold patterns and colours, sometimes you just need to take the plunge— once you’ve gathered all your selections, experiment with a few
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key colours and patterns that appeal to you. The key is to be willing to experiment with certain elements that may be out of your comfort zone. KEEP IT SIMPLE Keeping your key pieces simple and neutral is ideal. Once you’ve established your main anchor, start adding in one basic colour in both large and small scale patterns. With this type of approach, you really can’t make any mistakes. If you’re feeling confident, take it to the next level with more colours and several scales of patterns. If you’re looking to layer with neutrals, you must ensure that you have a heavy play on textures and tone-on-tone patterns to create interest. Be sure to seek a variety of materials, from velvets to furs and linens to silks. Consider all the surfaces you can cover: adorn your walls with wallpapers, add texture to your windows with drapery, perch pillows in layers on your furniture and layer your floors with a fuzzy area rug. INDIVIDUALITY As a designer, I appreciate the different aspects of design. As I learn to love and embrace new trends and styles, I gain further sources of inspiration for new projects. My style is modern with a great mix of the unexpected. As such, I often use layers to create a memorable and inviting space. When designing for my clients, I customize each room to create a space that generates comfort, interest and longevity. Your home is where you should have fun and showcase your personality. If you love colour, then experiment by layering hues that inspire you. If you have travelled the world and been inspired by other cultures, showcase those by layering patterns and tones that reflect these memories. VM
DESIGNER TIPS 1. Patterns require coordination in style and colour, so always carry your fabric samples when working on your room. 2. Check the durability of your fabrics, rugs and drapery. Can they be machine washed, or do they need to be dry cleaned? 3. Create your own look book or work with a design team before taking the plunge. Patterns can sometimes feel daunting and overwhelming, and we often shy away from them. However, when done right, patterns add life, and create a space that stands out from the rest both this season and beyond.
HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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DATING GAME FIND A REAL WINNER WITH THESE 10 SIMPLE TIPS BY AVIVA REIMER
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hile first dates are always exciting, the expectation of meeting Mr.—or Mrs.—Right can also be a little unnerving. As women, we tend to overthink every detail about the date, from what we’ll wear to which appetizer we’ll order. As such, we often yearn to understand exactly what our date is thinking and feeling—which can be extremely tricky. Luckily for you, I’ve compiled a list of 10 things to look out for while you’re on a date. Use these tips and tricks to get a better glimpse into your date’s mind.
5. SMOOTH TALKER The most important part of your date? Conversation. Just note: do not interview the other person! That goes for you and your date. This will keep both of you from getting nervous. Any good date should not end in discomfort for either party. 6. SAVE THE DRAMA, MAMA! All baggage should be left behind on the first date. You want to get to know the person and not all their problems. If a person continues to talk about their past, they are probably still stuck there and are not equipped to move forward with you.
1. POPPING THE QUESTION Your date should never assume you will go out with them, but should instead ask for your permission. It shows they respect you and that they are willing to be turned down if you say no. They allow the decision to be yours, and that takes true confidence.
7. LAUGH IT OFF A good sense of humour is always attractive. You want to laugh and joke around with your date both during and after the date. It gives you both a chance to unwind, bring your guard down and be yourselves.
2. THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS A well-dressed date that smells good is always a turn-on. Someone who puts effort into his or her preparation for a date—and pays attention to the little details—always makes a great first impression.
8. WINDOWS TO THE SOUL Maintaining eye contact shows interest in the other person and creates an instant connection. Also, the eye is naturally drawn to things (or people) that it finds pleasing, so eye contact is always a good sign of attraction.
3. MIND YOUR MANNERS In today’s day and age, politeness is severely underrated. Your date should be courteous and respectful to both you and the other people you encounter on your time out. Do they hold the door open for you? Are they kind to wait staff? Keep an eye out for any rude or inconsiderate behaviour.
9. TOMMY OR TINA TEXTER Your date should only be paying attention to you. If you find they are checking their phone or texting in the middle of your date, they are practicing rude and disrespectful behaviour.
4. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! The best place for a first date is somewhere low key and intimate. Going for coffee is a great way for both parties to get to know each other. A dinner or activity date is also an excellent plan. The key is to keep things light and fun.
10. TRUST YOUR GUT If you are having great time and have good feelings about your date, then make future plans with them. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, then maybe it is better to look for other dating options. Know what you want and what you are looking for, and go after it. Find someone that knocks your socks off, and have lots of fun dating while you are at it! VM HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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INSPIRED living
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VIVA READERS SHARE THEIR SECRETS TO ATTAINING OPTIMAL HEALTH, NATURALLY
VIVA WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU Please send your inspired living story with the subject line “Inspired Living” and contact information to letters@vivamagonline.com
JUSTINE HAMILTON-ARVISAIS AGE: 19 OCCUPATION: Student HEALTH ISSUE: Poor immune health SYMPTOMS: Around the holiday season, I always seem to have a terrible cold. From a runny, stuffy nose to a hacking cough and fever, I’m often incapacitated when the festivities begin. HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS: To help strengthen my immune health, my mom recommended that I take an echinacea supplement at the first sign of my cold symptoms. I prefer to take my supplements in capsule form, so I take between two and eight of these throughout the day. THE RESULTS: When I do get sick, taking echinacea makes my cold fly right by. It helps to soothe my sore throats and makes other symptoms feel less intense, as well. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to stay well over the holidays!
DIANA WALSH AGE: 54 OCCUPATION: General Manager Food Services HEALTH ISSUE: Hyperthyroidism SYMPTOMS: I started to notice my heart would frequently beat too fast, or start to flutter, and my muscles would start to feel very weak. I also experienced increased feelings of anxiety throughout the day, as well as trouble sleeping. It was getting uncomfortable on a daily basis. HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS: I have been taking cod liver oil daily and eating bone broth. A daily intake of oil of oregano has kept my immune system stronger. THE RESULTS: The daily bone broth intake has reduced symptoms such as heavy heart palpitations. Using cinnamon in my coffee instead of sugar has helped with the numbness in my hands.
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PLEASE CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER FOR ANY HEALTH CONCERNS.
MAIDA ICLIATES AGE: 50 OCCUPATION: Correctional Officer HEALTH ISSUE: High blood pressure SYMPTOMS: At night after dinner, I would suffer from long headaches and dizziness. I often felt extremely fatigued, and also was plagued with a strange pounding sensation in my chest. HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS: I had to change my diet, which now consists of lots of fruits and vegetables. A daily intake of kale and kiwi have helped lower my blood pressure. Another item that I cut was my daily morning coffee, which I replaced with a smoothie made from kale, spinach, banana and pineapple. THE RESULTS: These foods are low in sodium and high in calcium and potassium. The results have been great. I feel more relaxed and my breathing is much calmer.
ZACH MACMILLAN AGE: 21 OCCUPATION: Student HEALTH ISSUE: Low blood pressure SYMPTOMS: I noticed that after resting for long periods of time, I often felt extremely lightheaded and nauseous. I was also feeling extremely fatigued throughout the day, something which is abnormal for me. Soon enough, I found out that I have low blood pressure. HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS: My doctor suggested that while dealing with low blood pressure, I should increase my intake of salt and fluids to reduce dehydration. Additionally, she recommended that I try taking a Holy Basil supplement to help regulate my blood pressure. THE RESULTS: I now have an easier time keeping my blood pressure in check, and don’t have to deal with any uncomfortable symptoms.
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A HISTORY OF BEAUTY FROM ITS RICH HISTORY TO STUNNING SIGHTS, MALLORCA’S MAJESTIC SPLENDOR IS UNPARALLELED BY BONNIE SIEGLER
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or over a century, Mallorca (mai-orka) has been an extremely popular holiday destination, not only for Europeans but also for Hollywood elite. The largest island in the Balearic Islands Archipelago has something for everyone—it’s a trip that can be done over and over, each time with something new to explore. With several regions, countless beaches, beautiful mountain scenery, and a rich history dating from Moorish conquests to the Roman invasion, the island holds endless possibilities for beach bunnies and adventurists alike. Choosing where to stay really depends on what you want to see and do, whether that’s experiencing the hustle and bustle of the capital, Palma, or enjoying a restful stay along the water or mountains. I preferred the history of Palma’s old town, where immersion in the local culture and customs made me feel as if I were a true local. I even found a charismatic café to have my morning coffee in. The famous have long been drawn to the island’s 300 days of sunshine, beginning with composer Frederic Chopin, who spent the winter of 1838 there. More recently, Michael Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, Antonio Banderas, Goldie Hawn, 88
Eva Longoria, Sting, Harrison Ford, and others have been spotted strolling the winding cobblestone streets and sandy shores. Mallorca doesn’t only boast natural majestic beauty: the people themselves display their loveliness from their happiness within. Don’t be surprised to see street musicians or bands set up in the old town’s squares for impromptu bouts of dancing and singing.
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PLACES TO STAY My favourite place of respite is the 700-year-old Boutique Hotel Can Cera, located inside the old city walls and close to the Cathedral. During its long history, Can Cera has had many owners and undergone many renovations. However, the hotel maintains the influence of its Italian Renaissance architects with its terraces, interior courtyard and high ceilings of sculptured plasterwork. With only 14 rooms located on four floors, I stayed in what was the former mayor of Palma’s bedroom, since this was once his personal home. Three restaurants, a spa, a meeting room and a library give guests a walk through history. The Gastro Bar serves traditional Mallorcan food with a modern twist. Sisters to Can Cera are Boutique Hotel Calatrava, which overlooks the blue Mediterranean, and Boutique Hotel Can Alomar, located in the bustling, modern city of Palma. “Can Alomar’s original building dates back to 15th century. The differences in the hotels are marked by the architectural features of the buildings,” says owner Miguel Conde Moragues. “Hotel Can Cera is a unique hotel in Palma and creates a perfect compromise between hotel and home. It is located in the golden mile of the city and we have kept all the old elements, adding a warm, comfortable and contemporary décor to the interior.” WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE Besides the many museums and various vineyards, here are a few notable sights. ❯ JOAN MIRO MUSEUM: The surrealist Spanish painter lived out his later years in Palma. In 1992, the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró
was established in Mallorca, where his paintings are on display. ❯ CATHEDRAL DE PALMA: This gothic Roman Catholic church took several centuries to complete—from 1230 to 1601—and can be seen from almost anywhere in downtown Palma. Designed in the Catalan Gothic style with Northern European influences, it sits on the site of a Moorish-era mosque overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Set aside at least three hours to view the entire Cathedral. ❯ ARAB BATHS: Within the cobblestone streets of the medieval quarter of Palma and a stone’s throw from the former ancient Jewish settlement, is the only remaining Moorish-built building. Going into the rooms of the Arab bathhouse, which are still in very good condition, reveals how the Moorish lived during their occupation of Mallorca. After viewing the rooms, sit in the courtyard set amidst beautiful foliage and you’ll find peace and quiet in an otherwise busy city. BEACHES Many tourists come for the beautiful beaches on the southern and eastern coast. While the sands can get crowded during high season, Playa Beach is a little cove set with its own restaurant— perfect for a more intimate day in the sun. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in Palma, it is important that you take time to expore its vast history. “It’s essential to know the historic centre of Palma, one of the richest in Europe that has a special vitality,” adds Moragues. “From the sea to the countryside, it’s sheer magnetism is on display in all aspects.” VM HOLIDAY 2016 / VIVAMAGONLINE.COM
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YOUR HOROSCOPE BY REBEKAH KACZMARCZYK
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) It’s time to make some cutbacks in your life to achieve your goals, whether that means different eating habits, spending habits, or some other personal hindrance. You might bump heads with someone, but keep your eye on the prize. There is a light at the end of this tunnel.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) Try something new! Now is the perfect opportunity to break the unwritten rules and stir things up. While you will feel a boost of confidence, make sure that you remain aware of the needs of those around you. Encourage change, but use your listening skills for those who need it.
Aquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18) Don’t let people undermine your confidence. You will want to surround yourself with positive people so that others’ negativity won’t bring you down. Kick the bad habits, get motivated, and focus on pursuing your passions. New relationships are also on the horizon, so keep an open mind.
Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) You may find yourself inspiring the people around you, though you might not feel inspired yourself. Try to be more down-to-earth and follow your own advice—sometimes it’s the simple things that matter most. Use your creativity to get over the hump and express yourself.
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) Structure might have you feeling restless, but a routine will fix that. Keep everything in moderation to avoid spiraling out of control. It might seem complicated now, but you will reap the rewards in the end. Break free from the crowd and do what feels right for you.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) Remember that it is important to be a companion to your partner; being a friend can help strengthen your emotional bond. Concentrate on working hard and you will see the payoff. Some of the best rewards come from long-term investments.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) You may find it hard to be strict with yourself, but discipline is required to reach your target. People will try and give 90
you their opinion, however it is not necessarily criticism. Don’t be so quick to get defensive. Staying neutral could give you the opportunity to help a friend.
Cancer (June 22-July 22) You will find yourself in tune with others, with the ability to be a reliable confidant to those around you. Stay focused on the positives, because this time will breeze by without much effort. Enjoy the positive vibes in your life and remember that good karma is earned.
Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Don’t get caught up in a wave of emotion—it won’t be worth it in the end. It’s just a distraction from your core desires, and those you argue with won’t appreciate your point of view. Now is a great time to think about turning a hobby into a second income and getting some of those backburner bills paid off.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sept22) Patience is a virtue. Use this time to build on your experience and work to better yourself both personally and professionally. You will be able to find meaning in the hurdles you face, using them for spiritual growth. This will be of utmost importance in creating a stable foundation for your future endeavors.
Libra (Sept 23- Oct 23) Be tough, but fair. You may find yourself in a transitional period, so don’t wait around for those who aren’t pulling their weight. Remain committed to concrete results and you will find that life is going exactly how you want. Set your standards and don’t settle.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 21) Let yourself move freely—your selfless spirit will attract new relationships. You’ll find it easier to meet new people who want to see you succeed. Be honest with yourself and those around you, and ensure you are putting in the same effort as others are with you. VM
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