Saturday 30 March 2013

An Alternative to Easter Chocolate

Easter Sunday is tomorrow!  Many are enjoying egg hunts, family dinners and...chocolate!

So much chocolate in so many different forms can be tempting.  If you'd like to enjoy the taste of chocolate, try this easy recipe!  Chris brought it in for us and it was absolutely delicious!

3 tbsp of coconut oil
3 tbsp of cocoa
8 packages of stevia or, if you prefer liquid stevia, 2 full droppers

Place coconut oil and cocoa in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave for about 1 minute.

Remove from microwave and mix until blended.  Mix in stevia.

Line a container with wax paper, pour the mixture into the container and place in the fridge for about 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

Note:  this must stay refrigerated to maintain its "brittle-like" texture.  It will become soft at room temperature.
Chris also recommends using cupcake liners to create individual servings.
 

Thursday 21 March 2013

Spring into Wellness

Yesterday was the first day of Spring!  Though it may not feel like it today (snowing and about -10˚C) we have officially made it through the winter.   

The coming of spring signifies many wonderful things:  growth, new beginnings, (re)birth and life.


Here are some tips to help you take advantage of this exciting time:

1.      Put a spring in your step  Whether you are preparing for your golf game, getting ready for bathing suit season or just coming out of your winter hibernation, there is no better time to be active.  With the sun shining and the birds singing, this weather is perfect for getting outside and being active.   Just put on your jacket and shoes and get walking!

2.  Enjoy home-grown goodness  The growing season is starting!   If you decide to eat fruits and vegetables during their peak season you are in for a treat.  They are usually more nutritious, extremely flavourful and less expensive.  Bonus points if you chose locally sourced produce!  Check out this link to find out when Ontario fruits and vegetables are in season:   http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/english/availability.html

3.  Do some spring cleaning   The term “spring cleaning” usually conjures up visions of washing drapes and chasing dust bunnies.  Why not clear out “mental clutter” instead?  Choose a few things on your lengthy to-do list that you’ve been putting off.  Spend 10 minutes and write about an issue that is bothering you.   Tackle a task that has been causing you anxiety.    These little steps can reduce stress, worry and even help you sleep!

4.  Breathe in that fresh spring air  Take in a deep breath and count to 3…..and hold….aaaaaaaand release!  Sound familiar?  Deep breathing techniques are found in many types of therapy, probably because they are both simple and effective.   Take slow, deep breaths.  Imagine your stress and worry leaving your body with each breath.    This can be done anywhere…at work, in the shower, even in the car while you’re stuck in traffic!

For more information about Spring Wellness Tips or to book a Spring Spinal Assessment, please call us at 905-420-7231.

Thursday 14 March 2013

14 Day Feel Better Challenge

 
Begin your journey to wellness by following these
 14 easy steps for 14 days…



1.            Start every morning with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in a glass of water.

2.            Stop eating when you’re full.

3.            Drink an 8 oz glass of water 6-8 times a day to facilitate toxin elimination.

4.            Drink herbal teas.
·        Green tea builds the immune system
·        Raspberry tea nourishes the ovaries/uterus.
·        Milk thistle tea acts as a liver cleanse and aids cell regeneration.
·        Ginger tea is a digestive aid and lowers blood pressure.

5.            Don’t skip breakfast.

6.            Eat smaller meals more frequently.  5 to 6 small meals a day is best.

7.            Avoid eating after 7:30 pm.

8.            Eat all colors of fruit and vegetables.

9.      Don’t drink with meals. It dilutes the stomach enzymes and acid needed to digest food.

10.       Practice portion control.   Your plate should be ¼ protein, ¼ starch (pasta, rice, potato) and the remaining ½ should be salad and vegetables.

11.       Exercise at least, 3 times a week (toxins are eliminated through the pores while perspiring).

12.        Chew food thoroughly before swallowing.

13.     Eat more fibre.  It stabilizes blood sugar and sweeps toxins out of the body.

14.        Avoid sugary snacks, saturated fat, processed food, coffee, dairy, pop and alcohol.

Wednesday 6 March 2013

Six Reasons For Chiropractic During Pregnancy

The Chiropractic Centre for Optimum Health is a family practice.  In addition to treating post-partum women (and their newborns!), we also see women who are pregnant. 

During pregnancy, women’s bodies undergo huge physical, chemical and emotional changes in a short period of time.   Chiropractic care can help ease this transition and ensure that everything goes smoothly.

The top six reasons to get adjusted when you are pregnant:

  1. Improve Nervous System Function:  Your nervous system controls and co-ordinates every cell in your body.  It is important to keep this system operating at its optimal level, especially when you’re creating a human being.  Chiropractic care helps remove any interference that may impact your nervous system.

  1. Shorter Labour Time:  Women who received chiropractic care throughout their first pregnancy had 24% shorter labour times (Fallon, 1991).  For multiple pregnancies, the labour time decreased by 39. Enough said!

  1. Less Pain During Labour:  Pregnant women who have regular chiropractic adjustments not only have significantly less back pain, but are also better able to adapt to their contractions during labour.

  1. Increased Comfort During Pregnancy:  The dramatic changes of pregnancy can be difficult to withstand. Regular adjustments ensure the body communicates better with itself and can handle the stresses of pregnancy more easily.

  1. Better Space for Baby:  The pelvic area is under the most strain during pregnancy.  Chiropractic care can help address postural strains, musculo-skeletal abnormalities and nervous system dysfunction in the pelvic area.  This helps provide space for the baby to grow and encourage a head-down position.

  1. Decreased Chance of a Breech Birth:  Breech positioning can be due to decreased nerve supply and pelvic misalignment, both conditions that chiropractic can address.  If the baby is breech, certain adjustment techniques be utilized to help the body facilitate the proper position for the baby.   

Chiropractic care during pregnancy can ease the transition of each trimester and greatly improve the labour experience.  After birth, newborns can also receive chiropractic care and continue the journey of optimum wellness that they started in the womb.

If you are pregnant and want to explore chiropractic care, please call (905) 420-7231 to book a consultation. 

Adapted from “Five Reasons to Get Checked by A Chiropractor During Pregnancy” by Dr. Andrea Ryan.

Other sources:
 Fallon, J. (1991) The effects of chiropractic treatment on pregnancy and labor: a comprehensive study. From Proceedings of the world chiropractic conference. Pp 24–31.

Photo credit to chirohealthcare.ca