tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84184712206191553082024-03-13T11:02:46.273-07:00eating it realnavigating myself toward real food and great health, one bite at a time...Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-39252336450436158212015-04-01T09:52:00.001-07:002015-04-01T09:55:46.149-07:00My Alive magazine article + recipes - April issue...Hello friends,<br />
I've been busy making and promoting my new show: <a href="http://www.foundandforaged.com/" target="_blank">Found + Foraged</a> of late (you've likely seen all the hoopla on my social media sites) and writing various articles and of course spending lots of time with my son Oskar. We are hoping to get more funding for our show very soon - so will keep you posted as things develop.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VuhjASzNoro/VRwi1xwFFEI/AAAAAAAAAcc/872wCdH88oo/s1600/alive-40-year-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VuhjASzNoro/VRwi1xwFFEI/AAAAAAAAAcc/872wCdH88oo/s1600/alive-40-year-logo.png" height="108" width="320" /></a>In the meantime, <a href="http://interactive.alive.com/april-2015/heal-with-food/" target="_blank">here's a link</a> to my latest article w/ 5 recipes I created for Alive magazine for this month's (April) issue.<br />
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Be well and enjoy...Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-88288550642557759922014-11-03T21:37:00.001-08:002014-11-03T21:52:55.840-08:00My new show...Found + ForagedHello friends,<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85XQ5evtJZk/VFhoISDDS-I/AAAAAAAAAbw/orMR1Gq18k0/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85XQ5evtJZk/VFhoISDDS-I/AAAAAAAAAbw/orMR1Gq18k0/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a>Well, I just got back from an amazing workshop at Hollyhock on Cortes Island with none other than <a href="http://www.fungi.com/about-paul-stamets.html" target="_blank">Paul Stamets</a> - someone I've admired and who's work I've followed for years now. I think I'm still floating...<br />
It was particularly special because my Mom and I attended together. What a unique experience; one we'll undoubtedly never forget. More on this later...<br />
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In other news...I am very excited to fill you in on a project I've been working on. It's a lifestyle series called <b>Found + Foraged</b> and it's all about foraging on the west coast of BC in various landscapes and interviewing experts in re: various wild edibles.<br />
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Please have a look at our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkKjZNIa0CAx5FiFzZ-ht_w" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and/or check out our promo video on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkKjZNIa0CAx5FiFzZ-ht_w" target="_blank">YouTube</a>. With a little luck, Telus Communications might just pick it up for their Optik TV .... or who knows what other possibilities there might be. <br />
We've already have a few VERY interesting experts that we'll be interviewing (hint: one of them is <a href="http://www.daviswade.com/" target="_blank">Wade Davis</a>!!! I cannot tell you how stoked I am about him agreeing to be interviewed by me! I think my heart may still be racing now, a week later ;) I'm a big fan of his work.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feeling very excited!</span></i><br />
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<b>Foraging</b> is something I spend a lot of time doing as a hobby, you could say, and my focus the past few years has been medicinal mushrooms. I'm very passionate about it and it feels very much in alignment with who I am.<br />
And so I want to share it with everybody and inspire folks to get outside, eat healthier (and as local as possible) - all while learning, being inspired and hopefully benefiting the local environment and our connection to it.<br />
Wish us luck...<br />
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Sending lots of love and healthy vibes out to you and yours...<br />
Lisa MarieLisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-4268639972712097562014-04-04T22:06:00.002-07:002014-04-04T22:06:31.696-07:00My Encounter with Paul StametsHello friends,<br />
I want to share with you a wonderful day I had recently with fellow-mushrooms-enthusiast friends of mine; attending a talk by Paul Stamets in Vancouver.<br />
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It was a 2 hour talk by him, hosted by Banyan Books, about his work with developing various life-saving formulas with medicinal mushrooms, as well as a great deal of work he has done on environmental clean-up techniques using ass't fungi. It was a really inspiring talk. I have not been to something so inspiring in a long time. This is one man who is visibly changing the world for the better.<br />
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If you haven't watched it yet, please watch his TED talk video <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/paul_stamets_on_6_ways_mushrooms_can_save_the_world">6 Ways Mushrooms Will Save the World</a> and you'll see many of the examples he described in this talk. Even though i had previously seen several of his videos online and have followed his work for over a decade, I still learned so much from him and his wisdom. I also saw old friends from the supplement industry there; the ones who never settled for the majority poor quality supplements out there. The ones who support whole food-based supplements; those made with integrity. And there were several Bowen 'neighbours' there too. It was a delightful afternoon.<br />
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I was very nervously excited to meet him after his talk; this man behind the fungi I had been studying rather fervently for several years now. I even brought my prized, rare Agarikon mushrooms to show him (see him holding it in photo). Lo and behold he had brought his too! Picture it; two mushrooms geeks sporting their trophy's!<br />
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The next day, my mushroom pals and I went out for a fungi forage and found quite the bounty of <a href="http://www.bastyr.edu/news/general-news-home-page/2013/09/ted-talk-turkey-tail-helped-my-mother-through-cancer">turkey tail </a>(aka coriolus, or trametes versicolour, photo below right) and ganoderma applenatum (aka BC Reishi, photo below left) mushrooms. With them I make healing tea - which, by the way, would help almost any ailment, since it modulates your immune system.<br />
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After the talk I phoned my Mom to tell her how great it was and I guess she heard something in my voice and my excitement so she decided we should do his upcoming Workshop at Hollyhock as an early birthday present for me and a Mother-Daughter 'project'. Needless to say, I'm overjoyed and can hardly wait!!!<br />
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Thanks for tuning in to my geek speak :)<br />
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More practical info on mushrooms coming soon...<br />
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Yours in health...<br />
Lisa Marie<br />
<br />Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-86058591386427999092014-03-18T21:32:00.000-07:002014-03-20T10:08:18.049-07:00Is the Scientific Community Finally Waking up to the Importance of WHOLE Foods!?We can only hope! But this article gives me hope and is so refreshing!<br />
Especially the part where the researcher says that we need to start looking at food in its whole form instead of always reducing it down to its individual nutrients! Yeah!<br />
Please read...<br />
<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/saturated-fat-alone-doesn-t-predict-heart-disease-risk-1.2576252">http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/saturated-fat-alone-doesn-t-predict-heart-disease-risk-1.2576252</a><br />
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(Special thanks to Nadine Ijaz for posting it to her Facebook wall and bringing it to my attention :)Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-16206455087589981232014-02-13T15:08:00.003-08:002014-02-14T11:46:36.304-08:00Nourish Your Sweetie on V-Day...Yep, the big commercial love day is fast approaching!<br />
(For those of you a little out of the loop - it's tomorrow!)<br />
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Instead of buying your sweetie (or yourself) that junky chocolate, or those sickly sweet cinnamon hearts...<br />
I implore you...do something a little different. Perhaps comething a little more traditional.<br />
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How 'bout a homemade card? Some poetry? A day out in nature? A massage?<br />
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Or... one of my personal faves; a dynamite homecooked meal! (Yeah!)<br />
Make a good effort to make what your sweetie's heart sings for...go on you can do it!<br />
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Bring on the vitamin 'L'...<br />
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Here is my list of inspirations (feel free to improvise!)<br />
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<ul>
<li>For the<b><i> Paleo</i></b> lover..<b>.One-pan roasted (organic/free range) chicken</b> with potatoes/onions and carrots in the same pot (so they get basted and the resulting liquid acts as an easy gravy. Mmmm...) *Of course it wouldn't hurt to sautee a little broccoli/chard/red cabbage on the side for added colour, nutrients & alkalinity.</li>
<li>For the carb-loving <b><i>Vegetarian</i></b> love in your life..<b>.Wild Mushroom & Leek Risotto</b></li>
<li>And for the ador-able <b><i>Vegan</i></b>...<b>Grilled Tempeh with Orange/Maple Glaze... </b>on a bed of thai red rice or quinoa</li>
</ul>
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And don't forget that Valentine's Day should really be <i>every</i> day...so maybe make your sweetie (or yourself!) a fab breakfast or lunch more often...</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Smoked Salmon Eggs Benny w/ Sauteed Spinach</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b>Gluten-Free or Spelt Pancakes </b>(* hint: use fresh-ground Buckwheat groats and quinoa as flour + eggs to bind) loaded with berries & topped with peaches and full fat greek yogourt (Made this last weekend for my sweetie and brought him on his knees! - not literally, dirty bird!!)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b>Wild Mushroom & Braised Greens Omellete</b> (sounds way fancier than it is!)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b>Sensational Smoothie</b> with fresh-ground pumpkin seeds and walnuts, kale, coconut milk, - fresh/frozen/seasonal fruit (ie: apples, pears, berries) - topped with cinnamon.</span></li>
</ul>
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<i>Hope this post got your juices flowing...I know it did mine!</i></div>
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<i>Keep on keeping it real...Lisa Marie xo</i></div>
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Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-75643773147718432382014-01-12T21:25:00.000-08:002014-01-12T21:43:08.460-08:00New year (new you) tip #4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Remove <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>wheat</b></span> from your diet.<br />
I know this is controversial (what natural practice isn't these days?!).<br />
I personally believe that wheat is no longer a natural healthy food for us (not even organic wheat, unfortunately). I won't go into all the details other than it has been so modified that our bodies no longer recognize it. Therefore, it stresses our digestive and immune systems (a little or a lot, depending on your system).<br />
And who needs more internal stress!? Not me. And nor do you.<br />
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You may be saying to yourself right now, "but i don't react to wheat".<br />
Wellllll, you likely don't know that you are because it isn't an instant reaction, nor does it only manifest in your tummy.<br />
It can also take up to 4 days and it can occur in many forms; skin inflammation, headaches, weight gain (or difficulty in losing weight), any gastro-intestinal issues, acne, back pain (this is how my body reacts to wheat), low energy, inablity to absorb nutrients efficiently, heart burn/acid reflux, susceptibility to colds/viral infections, yeast issues, etc.<br />
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At least give it a try. A good old college effort. About 6-8 weeks is needed to really notice any difference. Some people notice an improvement in as little as a day or two.<br />
Try and be as thorough as possible.<br />
*FYI: wheat comes in many disguises, for example: cousous, semolina, durum, gluten (usually from wheat), farro, einkorn, orzo, bran, germ, etc.<br />
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If you are not very familiar with alternatives, here are a few:<br />
<u>Bread:</u> Spelt, Kamut, rye (often mixed with wheat so look for pure rye), gluten-free varieties (look for whole grains ones and skip the starch-laden ones)<br />
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<u>Pasta</u>: brown rice, kamut, or quinoa are all really good and much healthier than wheat varieties.<br />
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<u>Crackers:</u> brown rice, rye, spelt, quinoa, nut thins.<br />
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<u>Wraps:</u> brown rice, sprouted corn, buckwheat<br />
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Enjoy your journey to better health...(it's easier than you think)...<br />
Lisa MarieLisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-19643819760092706472014-01-09T20:17:00.003-08:002014-01-09T20:17:52.236-08:00New Years tip #3...Eat a <b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">new </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">vegetable</span></b> this week.<br />
Pick one. Eat it every day.<br />
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*The key is to have it <b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">in addition</span></b> to the other veggies you are already eating so you are upping your veggie intake.<br />
It is, afterall, unanimously agreed upon; we all need to eat more veggies. <br />
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Do it. It's easy.<br />
->Turn off the story loop that keeps telling you that you're <i><u>too busy, don't like veggies, life's too short to eat so many veggies, it's too hard</u></i>...just do it. It's <i>actually</i> easy.<br />
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<b>Remember <i>every</i> positive change you makes, makes a difference in your health.</b><br />
So do small changes gradually and they will certainly add up.<br />
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My choice this past week has been <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">sprouts</span>.<br />
I like the 'deli blend' you can get at the supermarket, or sometimes just alfalfa is all that will do.<br />
I use them as a salad base, because leafy green are <i>not</i> where it is at at this winter-y time of year.<br />
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(Note: raw leafy's are hard to digest and not very nutrient dense nor seasonally appropriate. Skip them and eat sprouts instead. You'll like it :) Wait 'til Spring and then go crazy on the leafies again. I will too.<br />
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Keep well my friends...<br />
Lisa Marie<br />
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PS: So by now you have figured out that I don't post daily...or even weekly. I post when I'm moved to post (and when i have time to). Hopefully that will be more often this year (as i shut off my internal story loop that keeps me from doing what I really want to do). That is my goal. Stay tuned...and spread the food love...<br />
<br />Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-16068177290869581282014-01-03T18:35:00.005-08:002014-01-03T18:35:36.552-08:00New Year's health tip #2<i><b>Turn off devices/distractions at mealtime</b></i>. <b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><u>Just eat</u></span></b>. <b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Relax</span></b> (breathe, be grateful). And <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>enjoy</i>.</span></b>..<div>
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*This new habit will be of the single-most transformational things you do for yourself and your health. It improves digestion and absorption of nutrients, and it will also improve your state of mind and mood as well as your relationship with food and self-nourishment.... all of which improve your immunity and your overall health.</div>
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Not bad for something so simple huh? It's all about implementing simple daily practices to bring you to sensational health!</div>
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Do it. You won't regret it...</div>
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Best in health to you,</div>
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Lisa Marie</div>
Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-1697943275098289492014-01-02T17:26:00.001-08:002014-01-02T17:26:16.916-08:00New Years tips for a healthier YOUHAPPY NEW YEAR!<br />
Here's to a new year that is bigger, brighter and healthier!<br />
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TIP #1:<br />
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<b>Drink more filtered (chlorine free, not demineralized) water.</b><br />
*Drink water on an <i>empty stomach </i>in order to adequately hydrate and avoid diluting digestive juices.<br />
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One more step toward a healthier you! <br />
<br />
Yours in health, Lisa Marie<br />
<br />Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-38464191428613323472013-04-17T13:56:00.000-07:002013-04-17T15:44:59.372-07:00Where does a person start?Hello friends and fellow foodies,<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zX9wiQ6mPo/UW8MKI-T2-I/AAAAAAAAAXg/7fftVatoixY/s1600/nomonsanto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zX9wiQ6mPo/UW8MKI-T2-I/AAAAAAAAAXg/7fftVatoixY/s320/nomonsanto.jpg" width="320" /></a>I am back (I never left, just spending too much time on Facebook!) to share some great info with you...<br />
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Eating healthfully can seem overwhelming at times, right? The amount of info out there is mind-boggling how do you know what to believe? So much of it is bogus information too - coming straight to your favourite magazine or newspaper from an industry-funded study or marketing firm (neither of which is driven by concern with you or your families health).<br />
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So where does a well-meaning consumer start? How do we get back on track?<br />
<br />
I just read this amazing report on Occupy Monsanto's website and think it is wonderful and comprehensive and succint.<br />
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<i>This</i> is a wonderful place to start! Happy reading...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.occupymonsanto360.org/2013/04/12/the-grocery-store-blacklist-12-food-companies-to-avoid-and-95-sneaky-aliases/">http://www.occupymonsanto360.org/2013/04/12/the-grocery-store-blacklist-12-food-companies-to-avoid-and-95-sneaky-aliases/</a><br />
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And for more info on the perils of Genetically Modified foods (aka GMO's), click <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/01/31/monsanto-worst-company-of-2011.aspx">here</a>.Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-25175660355831918992013-01-01T20:29:00.003-08:002013-01-01T20:29:52.595-08:00Happy, HEALTHY New Year to you...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2013 is going to be good. <i>Real</i> good. I can practically taste it.<br />
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In fact it already is good. I had a beautiful walk yesterday down to the bay near my home (see photo). It's where I go to meditate outdoors. <b><i>This year I will continue to meditate both indoors and out</i></b>. It makes me a better person; I digest better. I'm better nourished. And I'm more centered and less overwhelmed. I truly believe that meditation can serve anyone - it's all about customizing it to fit your needs and lifestyle.<br />
There's no one-size fits all, as with diet.<br />
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I digress. <br />
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This blog is about new beginnings. The cliche of this time of year. And i like it - so I'm sticking to it. I think we ought to create anew (or at least strive to) at the beginning of each new season rather than just once a year. Perhaps that will be my resolution.<br />
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I believe in making realistic goals. I dream big but set tangible, attainable goals to chip away at it.<br />
You gotta break it down - otherwise overwhelment sets in and let's face it; many of us are overwhelmed at the best of times. Life these days is full. Very full. <br />
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We are more than ever faced with the challenge of prioritizing what is most important to us...or time slips away and time gets wasted on what is not so important. I strive to be more aware of this this year too. <b><i> Less time on Facebook, more time writing</i></b>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_OJlqPxhJ4/UOOx2yiJw_I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/g_x0wH-TbwA/s1600/IMG_3167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_OJlqPxhJ4/UOOx2yiJw_I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/g_x0wH-TbwA/s320/IMG_3167.JPG" width="239" /></a>Another goal is to <b><i>juice once a week and to eat one more vegetable a day</i></b>. If I cannot do it every day that's okay too as long as I do more. My body is asking for it, so I shall deliver.<br />
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The last days of 2012 were spent with family. My Dad is dealing with a recent cancer diagnosis so I did some juicing for him while I was visiting. Juicing can be a great way to get in the extra nourishment we need when our body's defenses are not up to snuff. <br />
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My mom and I delighted in the colours of our fresh, frothy concoction (see photo). We stuck to mostly local (my motto in case you haven't yet noticed ;) and blended BC Pink Lady apples, carrots, beets and parsley and a bit of orange, all with skins on. Delicious.<br />
(*Be sure to keep all edible skins on, scrub them well and if your juicer separated the skin/pulp be sure to put some back in your juice for better nourishment and healthier blood sugar balance.)<br />
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I hope you find a healthy new habit this 2013.<br />
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Stay tuned for more inspiration.Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-38280116765696613302012-12-01T12:31:00.002-08:002012-12-01T12:34:24.327-08:00Sick Day Scramble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkrnOo67ofQ/ULpoE79nIFI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/vSlYjgDn-NQ/s1600/breakfast+in+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkrnOo67ofQ/ULpoE79nIFI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/vSlYjgDn-NQ/s320/breakfast+in+bed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The title says it all really. When you feel rotten but still have an appetite and need to nourish yourself here's a very simple quick recipe to really go deep with your nutrients.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(By the way, I've been on a bit of a hiatus due to some personal issues but I intend to get back to blogging in the early new year. There is no end to my inspiration. Thanks for reading...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoy...</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px;">Sick Day Scramble</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18px;">Heat some butter and or cold-pressed oil in pan at low heat. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18px;">Add 6 shitake mushrooms, sliced and 1 large garlic clove, chopped. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18px;">Sautee for a few minutes until the aroma infuses the room and they look softened. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Add 2 organic eggs and a smathering of organic spinach, pinch unrefined salt and a dusting of cayenne pepper. Mix and cover until cooked to your liking. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">*Do not overcook egg yolks as it oxidizes their good cholesterol.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18px;">Accompany with a half an avocado and a gaggle of your favourite sprouts.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18px;">Divine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18px;">Your getting needed protein to heal, a range of quality fats, a variety of vitamins and minerals and antioxidants. Anti-inflammatory and immune boosting compounds from garlic, shitakes, cayenne and spinach, enzymes from the fresh sprouts and avocado and electrolytes from the unrefined salt. I could go on...</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">A complete and healing meal in many respects. All you have to do now is <b>enjoy</b> <b>it</b> and your body will do the rest...</span></span>Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-20199756317179633472012-06-20T11:22:00.000-07:002012-12-05T12:11:07.968-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opTXHgVd3lk/T-EIe63jPlI/AAAAAAAAASo/Buen-28jrAQ/s1600/IMG_1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opTXHgVd3lk/T-EIe63jPlI/AAAAAAAAASo/Buen-28jrAQ/s320/IMG_1663.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iljHspVzTo/T-EDP4T31RI/AAAAAAAAASc/6Y31oZ_HA0w/s1600/salmon+berry+kefir+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iljHspVzTo/T-EDP4T31RI/AAAAAAAAASc/6Y31oZ_HA0w/s320/salmon+berry+kefir+close-up.jpg" width="238" /></a>I am in love. again.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I have re-</span><span style="background-color: white;">discovered</span><span style="background-color: white;"> the world of fermented beverages and my newest adventure has been with water kefir. I had tried my hand at other home-brewed bevvies in the past with success. In fact, ginger beer and T'ej (Ethiopian honey wine) were staples around my house for some time.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">But water kefir has really rocked my boat. I think a big factor is that it takes a fraction of the time that others take to make - and who doesn't appreciate that?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">The most pleasing attributes for me though are the flavour and how great it makes me feel after drinking it. It is the cleanest crispest flavour I've experienced in a ferment. Now I'm no fermented beverage aficionado - not by any stretch of the imagination - but I have had my fair share of 'booch' (aka: kombucha).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">And there is also no denying how happy my belly feels after a cool crisp glass of my homemade water kefir. When I first made it a few months ago after a workshop I took with the talented </span><a href="http://wholefoodscooking.ca/" style="background-color: white;">Andrea Potter</a><span style="background-color: white;">, I couldn't stop! I was hooked on the first sip and </span><i style="background-color: white;">had </i><span style="background-color: white;">to have more. </span><br />
I was also adequately convinced that the refined sugar (something I don't normally use at all) was metabolized in the fermentation process and so it did not create any of the ill effect it would have if it had not been fermented. The refined sugar is virtually consumed by the active bacterial cultures within the kefir 'grains' and used as fuel to make this deliciously healthy drink. Some of the nutrients within include: enzymes, probiotic / friendly bacteria, antioxidants, assorted vitamins and minerals.<br />
Now that's some good food magic<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">The method is simple once you get your hands on some water kefir grains (ask around at health-food shops and organic markets - many folks have them you just need to ask around in neighborhoods where people make or grow their own food).</span><br />
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<b>Basic Recipe:</b><br />
Approx. 1/4 tsp. kefir grains (that's all you need for a litre!)<br />
1 litre boiled/purified water<br />
1/4 cup organic cane sugar<br />
Approx. 1/4 cup fresh or dried fruit of choice<br />
a few sprigs of herb of choice (ie: mint, thyme, basil, fennel) - <i>optional</i> but recommended to achieve complex flavour <i>and </i>higher nutrient value.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Method:</b></span><br />
1. Place clean jar(s) on counter top and add 1/4 cup sugar to the bottom of jar.<br />
2. Pour just under 1 litre water into jar over sugar and stir.<br />
3. Add the herbs of choice to the hot sweet water.<br />
4. Let cool to room temperature.<br />
5. Add the fruit - I mash the berries to get the maximum nutrients out of them. If I'm using lemon or lime wedges I squeeze them a little first too.<br />
6. Then add the kefir grains. I first put them into a little reusable tea sac to avoid having to strain them out of the fruity/herbal much afterwards.<br />
7. Place a tea towel or cloth napkin over the top of the jar and fasten with an elastic band.<br />
8. Let sit for 48 hours in a warm place away from direct sunlight and stir with a non-metal implement every 8-12 hours. (They don't like metal so I use a wooden spoon.)<br />
9. After 48 hours, remove the little sac with the kefir grains and place it in the refrigerator in a jar with some of the liquid from the kefir to keep it moist and fed. It will be fine for a few days but feed it with a little sugar and water if you leave it for longer. Even better, use them for the next batch right away - this keeps them the healhiest.<br />
10. Strain the rest of the fruit/herb bits and bottle the strained liquid. *Note: Bail top bottles are my favourite and they are nice and strong for holding back the sometimes powerful carbonation that builds during fermentation. Wine bottles and corks work too - put on lids tightly :)<br />
11. Leave the bottle at room temperature for another 24 hours if you like carbonation.<br />
12. Transfer to fridge after 24 hours in the bottle and enjoy once cooled.<br />
*Be careful opening your fermented beverage as it can act like champagne sometimes and flow over wildly!<br />
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A few favourites: Rhubard and vanilla pod, lime & mint, summer plum, pomegranate, aumtumn pear or pineapple + coconut water.<br />
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"Easy-peasy lemon-squeezy" as my son Oskar would say!<br />
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Enjoy drinking in the goodness...<br />
<br />Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-68070531377865541552012-06-07T22:18:00.004-07:002012-06-07T22:20:14.458-07:00Food Glorious Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noO3wCZwE8c/T9AswQY6wzI/AAAAAAAAARo/qye5Omur3ZQ/s1600/peas+and+carrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noO3wCZwE8c/T9AswQY6wzI/AAAAAAAAARo/qye5Omur3ZQ/s320/peas+and+carrots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For those of you who love to garden (or aspire to) - raise your hands.<br />
Gardening can take many forms. I started small; growing herbs in my window and throwing the odd seed in a pot when I lived in shared housing back in my college days.<br />
I had little to be responsible for back then (compared to my days now as a mother). And I had something to watch grow. My education was less tangible it seemed, i guess ;)<br />
This year I've planted my biggest edible garden yet. I feel so fortunate to have the space and the time (albeit not a lot!) Rather than have the token tomatoes, cucumbers, peas and beans and various herbs that I had last year, I have decided to go big.<br />
This Summer I want to feed my family from the garden. I can always share any extras, right?<br />
Then, my plan is to start making my move toward expanding into the fall and winter months and learn ways to extend the season. I've been learning much from others who have been doing this for years. It's just about having a little know-how and taking the plunge. And making the best use of the space you have.<br />
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It's got to be one of the most gratifying things an individual can do - to grow your own food. Not only is the process exhilarating - watching those tiny seed pods burst forth into seedling and then mature plants (all from a tiny seed!) - but the finished product pretty much blows your mind. Well, when things turn out, that is. There are never any guarantees with gardening but the risk of course is part of the excitement.<br />
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I lately been rather enthralled with the many ideas on the internet exploring vertical gardening. The ideas seem endless and so ingenious. It seems that folks want to grow wherever they are and no matter their space restrictions. Good on them, I say!<br />
I think that we all need to reconnect with our foods sources. So even if you live in a wee little north facing apartment with a black thumb. There is hope. You can grow - somehow.<br />
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Here's some links to get you started:<a href="http://www.windowfarms.org/">http://www.windowfarms.org/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/willemvancotthem">http://www.facebook.com/willemvancotthem</a>
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<a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/roof-wall-gardens-videos.html">http://www.care2.com/greenliving/roof-wall-gardens-videos.html</a>
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Happy growing to you...Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-9353062879802136082012-04-26T12:13:00.000-07:002012-04-26T12:13:07.564-07:00Culinary Spices for LifeCheck out my latest <a href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/84efc878#/84efc878/19">Alive Magazine article</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmct99vKa8s/T5md4UUi4BI/AAAAAAAAARc/JjQX2OgAnIo/s1600/9887648-variety-of-spices-in-small-black-bowls--focus-on-front-bowl--includes-saffron-ginger-and-curry-powde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmct99vKa8s/T5md4UUi4BI/AAAAAAAAARc/JjQX2OgAnIo/s200/9887648-variety-of-spices-in-small-black-bowls--focus-on-front-bowl--includes-saffron-ginger-and-curry-powde.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-37920127431992068022012-03-28T12:22:00.001-07:002012-03-28T12:23:38.589-07:00Orange Cheese - why!?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBdeGFosCRk/T3NkE5OhBmI/AAAAAAAAARI/h6lJOJg4Xuk/s1600/grilled+orange+cheese+sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBdeGFosCRk/T3NkE5OhBmI/AAAAAAAAARI/h6lJOJg4Xuk/s200/grilled+orange+cheese+sandwich.jpg" width="200" /></a>Have you ever wondered why cheese in North America is often orange? I have! Not until I became a little more food savvy of course but I just grew up thinking that some cheese were just 'that way'and not ever questioning <i>why </i>or even<i> how</i>. I think it has, over time, just become an accepted thing or, perhaps more accurately, an <i>unquestioned</i> thing. Until fairly recently that is, as consumers are becoming more <i>in the know</i> about food additives they are wanting to avoid them as much as possible.<br />
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I was please to be forwarded this article today from a good friend and fellow concerned foodie:<br />
<a href="http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/ever-wonder-why-block-cheddar-bright-orange-160000906.html">http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/ever-wonder-why-block-cheddar-bright-orange-160000906.html</a><br />
Please pass it on as we as consumers need to stop supporting food companies that use these additives - for the sake of our kids and our collective health!Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-21908416872146972582012-03-13T13:19:00.001-07:002012-03-13T13:20:54.707-07:00Another Women's Day post (from fellow blogger)..Perhaps it should have been Women's Month!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5HlSoUPAXfM/T1-rMPl_htI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/KZJd6IpZ9wA/s1600/Queen+of+Green+-+Women's+Day+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5HlSoUPAXfM/T1-rMPl_htI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/KZJd6IpZ9wA/s320/Queen+of+Green+-+Women's+Day+post.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Here's <a href="http://www.davidsuzuki.org/blogs/queen-of-green/2012/03/are-women-greener/">The Queen of Green</a> on Women's Day...Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-12058799484690997732012-03-08T18:11:00.000-08:002012-03-08T18:11:22.165-08:00Eating it Real Celebrates International Women's Day<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Today's post is dedicated to all the young women of the world who deserve all the opportunities that they can dream of.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6radVBhO5Rc/T1lmKCHljDI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/MfE9PRIFZ5Y/s1600/Int.+Women%27s+Day+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6radVBhO5Rc/T1lmKCHljDI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/MfE9PRIFZ5Y/s320/Int.+Women%27s+Day+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div>As a woman, I believe that empowerment via knowledge, wellness and spirituality can be trans-formative.<br />
It is my wish that people will realize the far reaching effect a healthy diet has not only on one's body, mind and spirit but also the effect we all have as individuals in the world (environment, economy, social policy, human rights...)<br />
On the topic of self-nourishment, my hope is that young women of the world will not only realize the vast benefits of self-nourishment (physically, mentally & spiritually) but practice it daily, without guilt, without fear...without hesitation!<br />
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I think there are few key of ways to initiate and inspire the young women in your life to do this:<br />
First is through education. Many people do not have the first clue how to just physically nourish themselves so proper nutrition education is paramount. Make efforts to ensure that nutritional education is prominent in your community. As the effort toward physical nourishment (via food) is strived for, it will then nurture the idea of self-importance; another form of nourishment reaching the soul/spirit.<br />
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Another way to inspire young women to care for their nourishment is to celebrate them; tell them what they mean to you, show them how much you care and how important they are to this world.<br />
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Next, cut out the body image banter! Enough already with pressuring women to look (and talk!) like Barbie. This is impractical and unhealthy for the vast majority of the population.<br />
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These simple practices can change the world. Afterall, women are the 'nourishers' (of others) and once we become depleted who's going to do it? We must include ourselves in the nourishing! So, be the change you want to see in the world and inspire through action...<br />
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Happy International Women's Day! Please see this<a href="http://www.genderacrossborders.com/blogforiwd/"> link</a> for other blogs that are writing for this special day: <br />
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Thank you and be well nourished,<br />
Lisa MarieLisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-8125603692199917052012-02-29T20:41:00.000-08:002012-02-29T20:41:10.204-08:00My recent Interview of Lindsay Coulter - Queen of Green<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXjIQ5qFOPg/T079qZFuYLI/AAAAAAAAAQs/GizsLk9ADfk/s1600/Lindsay+Coulter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXjIQ5qFOPg/T079qZFuYLI/AAAAAAAAAQs/GizsLk9ADfk/s200/Lindsay+Coulter.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Lindsay Coulter, David Suzuki's Queen of Green. She's SO great! My new favourite person...<br />
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(You may recall that she interviewed me just a short time ago. Now the tables have turned - mwah-ha-ha-ha...)<br />
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Check it out <a href="http://inspirehealthbc.com/2012/02/17/inspirehealth-meets-the-queen-of-green/">here</a>Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-8950776663177008682012-02-14T16:56:00.000-08:002012-02-14T16:56:05.928-08:00Berry Chocolate Buckwheat Pancakes - oh my!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfmc5Ni8dAE/Tzr-kEk_cUI/AAAAAAAAAQY/vGevq_bFAy8/s1600/berry+chocolate+buckwheat+pancakes!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfmc5Ni8dAE/Tzr-kEk_cUI/AAAAAAAAAQY/vGevq_bFAy8/s320/berry+chocolate+buckwheat+pancakes!.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Today I made something I've never made before. Well, actually something we make often but with a twist! And the idea was all my son Oskar's. We set out this morning, as we often do, to make our staple buckwheat pancakes (we're a milk and gluten free family) but Oskar had set in his mind to start his day with a glass of chocolate almond milk which I had picked up from Choices Market recently. I explained that that was not a healthy option to start the day with. So, as any 4 year old would do, he figured out a way to convince me. So, naturally, he suggested that we add it to the pancake mix in lieu of regular almond milk; one of the ingredients in our recipe. I was about to say no when I realized that it was Valentine's Day and why not treat ourselves to something a bit decadent? So, off we went with reckless abandon and created a rather yummy breakfast treat. I snapped a shot to share with you. Perhaps you'll enjoy it too...<br />
<b><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Hope there's love in your day!</span></i></b><br />
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<b>Oskar's Valentine's Berry Chocolate Buckwheat Pancakes (with berries)</b><br />
<b>You'll need:</b><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><o:p> </o:p></b>2 cups Buckwheat groats (fresh-ground is way better, taste and nutrient-wise. *Buy whole/raw and use your coffee grinder!)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Approx. 1.5 cups Chocolate Almond milk (or Vanilla Brown rice and/or coconut milk - use just enough to make pancake batter creamy and thin enough to pour but not runny/milky) add more if needed.</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 organic eggs</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 tablespoons. non-alum baking powder</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 tsp vanilla</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pinch of nutmeg</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fresh/frozen organic/seasonal fruit (thinly sliced apples, pears and/or berries work great).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Method</b> </div><div class="MsoNormal">1.) Blend all ingredients, except fruit, well.</div><div class="MsoNormal">2.) Heat skillet to medium and add butter/ghee/virgin coconut oil to coat pan.</div><div class="MsoNormal">3.) Scoop out enough dough for one pancake.</div><div class="MsoNormal">4.) Add fresh/frozen fruit and flip when it bubbles.</div><div class="MsoNormal">5.) Once finished cooking, drizzle with real maple syrup, raw honey or homemade jam or apple sauce and perhaps even a dollop of organic, non-homogenized yogourt….enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VpxSRmt55MQ/TzsCNOy8elI/AAAAAAAAAQg/-ZUZvpR06Xo/s1600/berry+chocolate+buckwheat+pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VpxSRmt55MQ/TzsCNOy8elI/AAAAAAAAAQg/-ZUZvpR06Xo/s320/berry+chocolate+buckwheat+pancakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-84205424098833977062012-02-02T14:42:00.000-08:002012-02-02T14:42:18.618-08:00The Dailey Method Vancouver<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_b8FbZb6Yg/TysRBsW05UI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/Xg0_Mo3Cdv8/s1600/photo+wth+Kale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_b8FbZb6Yg/TysRBsW05UI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/Xg0_Mo3Cdv8/s200/photo+wth+Kale.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
I recently worked on a small project with the gals at The Dailey Method here in Vancouver and really enjoyed it. I am including a link to their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dailey-Method-Vancouver/252923693160">Facebook page</a>: (scroll down to Jan. 19, 2012) where they posted the info I supplied them with for their community board at their studio.<br />
Sharing the love of food and the wonders of good health it provides...<br />
In good health, Lisa MarieLisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-57502931184456142332012-01-24T21:56:00.000-08:002012-01-24T21:56:14.095-08:00Queen of Green<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5q7QH0LCaY/Tx-YqKtt7eI/AAAAAAAAAPw/HdtQ6vy58sw/s1600/salmon+filets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5q7QH0LCaY/Tx-YqKtt7eI/AAAAAAAAAPw/HdtQ6vy58sw/s1600/salmon+filets.jpg" /></a>I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Lindsay Coulter, David Suzuki's Queen of Green. Her blog is really informative and provides useful information for anyone trying to improve their choices and live a more sustainable lifestyle, including making better food choices.<br />
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We spoke about how to eat and get the health benefits from eating sustainable fish. I'm providing the link if you care to read more about this fishy topic<br />
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<a href="http://www.davidsuzuki.org/blogs/queen-of-green/2012/01/how-to-eat-the-healthiest-and-sustainable-fish/">http://www.davidsuzuki.org/blogs/queen-of-green/2012/01/how-to-eat-the-healthiest-and-sustainable-fish/</a><br />
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Be well and stay tuned for more...Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-65341573869504111682012-01-20T21:57:00.000-08:002012-01-20T22:01:29.208-08:00Shopper's Guide to Healthier Choices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-SCDLMck4c/TxpTlsaGXEI/AAAAAAAAAPo/bwokbqn5iZQ/s1600/earth+in+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-SCDLMck4c/TxpTlsaGXEI/AAAAAAAAAPo/bwokbqn5iZQ/s1600/earth+in+hand.jpg" /></a></div>Hey Folks!<br />
I thought I'd post some brief but imperative <a href="http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/">link</a>s, one of which is a list of what foods consumers ought to make sure they buy organic (or risk ingesting some seriously sketchy residues).<br />
It's the work of Environmental Working Group. They independently research everything from food to sunscreen and are an authority on which is best for us <i>and</i> the environment. They provide detailed info on which items that are healthiest to: put in your <a href="http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/">mouth</a>, put on your <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/">body</a> or use to clean your <a href="http://www.ewg.org/schoolcleaningsupplies/safecleaningtips">house</a>.<br />
<br />
It's a link everyone should have at their fingertips so I'm sharing it with you...so get your fingertips warmed for this hot tidbit...and consider printing the handy little PDF and give it to your favourite people.<br />
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Be well!Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-70542178749662075112012-01-05T22:58:00.000-08:002012-01-06T16:20:22.892-08:00Hello? Happy New Year...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mv__f2AT_A/TwabY5VZ28I/AAAAAAAAAPg/sLyZQ_KIlbg/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mv__f2AT_A/TwabY5VZ28I/AAAAAAAAAPg/sLyZQ_KIlbg/s320/IMG_1272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Hello? Are you there? I want to hear from you!<br />
<br />
I know I haven't posted for a while. I want to reinvent my blog and am now in the planning stage. I may just turn it into a full website. I have 20 sensational members (and many lurkers) and I want to hear from you!<br />
<br />
Would you take a moment and tell me what you'd like to see on my blog?<br />
(ie: more recipes, more/less rants, more links, more quotes, full articles, more pages...anything that comes to mind)<br />
<br />
I would really appreciate it.<br />
<br />
Thank you!Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8418471220619155308.post-71650881278040684632011-04-09T15:17:00.000-07:002011-04-09T15:31:08.375-07:00Pesticides - enough already!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GUi_PPsMag/TaDaqS0wL9I/AAAAAAAAAPI/iLqlhGrroJY/s1600/strawberry-glass-slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GUi_PPsMag/TaDaqS0wL9I/AAAAAAAAAPI/iLqlhGrroJY/s320/strawberry-glass-slide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I am troubled by the latest news about pesticides in our berries. Just as I have been troubled by the use of some of the most harmful pesticides- those that are<em> systemic</em> and able to grow within the plant and be present in the very nectar of the flowers produced. This is where honeybees are most affected and is the main reason why we've seen such catastrophic die-off of our honeybee poplulations in North America. All because of unnecesary and improperly regulated use of pesticides - and those of the most insidious kind.<br />
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I've recently discovered the website <a href="http://www.panna.org/">PAN </a>(Pesticide Action Network) and I think they are doing good work in raising awareness about these issues and also taking a stand.<br />
Thank you to all those who are taking action, including you and me, by choosing not to buy foods that are not grown with integrity. We can make a difference by each and every food we buy. Money talks.<br />
Let's speak our truths with our dollars...one by one...Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) RHNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02440362380880171561noreply@blogger.com0