All Natural Protein Packed Berry Banana Smoothie

All Natural Protein Packed Berry Banana Smoothie featuring high protein Greek Yogurt and hemp seeds @ The Conscious Dietitian

Earlier this year, the answer to the age old question Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? was answered in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Although the study was small, it concluded that there is no major differences between breakfast eaters and breakfast non-eaters in terms of metabolic profile – though, the breakfast eaters did have more stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. Does this change anything in the world of nutrition? No, not really. Read more »

Overnight Oats with Dehydrated Summer Fruits and Hemp Seeds

Overnight Oats with Dehydrated Summer Fruits and Hemp Seeds

Towards the end of spring a crazy, extroverted, bundle of energy entered our lives. He came with the intention of not hanging around the city for long, but ended up coming back again and again and again. After spending a few short weeks biking down the West Coast of America, surviving off porridge, wild berries, and other peoples generosity, he came back to Victoria with crazy tales and a thirst for life. He loved this city and the city loved him.
Read more »

What Your Health Professional Should Be Telling You About Food Sustainability

Cooking Class, Inle Lake, Myanmar

Cooking Class, Inle Lake, Myanmar

Last month I had the pleasure of writing a piece for the Dietitians Association of Australia’s Vegetarian Interest Group. The topic was food sustainability for health professionals. As consumers become increasingly concerned about the link between dietary consumption and environmental impact, it is important that their trusted health professionals can provide them with accurate, up-to-date information in this area. This version of the article is aimed at Australian Dietitians, although it is helpful for consumers to have access to the information their health professional should be sharing with them. The original version can be seen here.
Read more »

5 Simple Resolutions to Make 2014 a Greener Year

Sri Lankan Child Enjoying Local Fruits

Sri Lankan Child Enjoying Local Fruits

New Years resolutions are sometimes a hit or miss. The year of 2012 saw me not purchasing anything new. Reflecting back I did well to not purchase anything for myself, but I didn’t hesitate to put a new Breville juicer on my birthday wish list. With 2013 commenced the declaration of having one raw-food-day a week. However, with my recent change in countries and climate, this one eventually petered out with my love for warming foods.
Read more »

Breakfast in Jar: Toasted Muesli with Nuts, Seeds and Dates

Healthy Toasted Muesli and Nuts, Dates and Seeds

I love the multiculturalism that Victoria has to offer. For me it is best reflected in the array of restaurants and cafés serving cuisine from all around the globe. I have recently started helping out with workshops at ICA (Inter-Cultural Association) in Victoria. In our last workshop we talked about ‘Canadian’ breakfasts. What do new immigrants to Canada think Canadians eat? Frosted Flakes, Corn Flakes, Corn Pops, Fruit Loops, Lucky Charms…
Read more »

Hunter Gatherer Part II: Wild Blackberries and A Conscious Jam Recipe

Homemade Blackberry Jam Recipe

This season was my first blackberry season. Growing up in northern BC we had salmonberries, blueberries and huckleberries… but nothing that grows as feverishly as wild blackberries. After my fair share of thorns and bloody arms I had enough berries to make jam… but what sugar to use? Honey had taken main stage on my shelves but that wouldn’t do for jam. Are there environmental and ethical factors to consider when buying sugar?
Read more »

Hunter Gatherer Part I: Mushrooms

Freshly Picked Chanterelle Mushrooms

The little coastal town of Tofino is the surfing mecca of Canada. Its beautiful beaches and old growth forests do well to extend its offerings to non-surfers like myself. During our most recent trip some friends let us in on a little secret. Chanterelles had come early this year. It was the first week of September and these golden gems were popping up everywhere! And now we knew where to find them.
Read more »

Which 3 Genetically Modified Foods Are Reaching Your Dinner Plate?

Which GMO Foods Are Reaching Your Dinner Plate? Train in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Which GMO Foods Are Reaching Your Dinner Plate?
Train in Kandy, Sri Lanka

The controversy surrounding Genetically Modified (GM) foods isn’t going anywhere. Activist groups have made their voice heard; we have seen protests around the globe, the burning of GM crops in Hungary, and murmurs of the same happening right next door in Washington. Biotech companies such as Monsanto are also making headlines. Although they have backed out of Europe due to lack of support for GM crops from farmers and citizens, they continue to stipulate that the public must embrace GM foods for our own food security and for the starving developing nations.
Read more »

Healing Breakfast Smoothie with Berries, Banana and Cacao

Healing Breakfast Smoothie with Berry Banana and Cacao from Ingredients Apple Cafe, Victoria BC

I love Victoria and its bountifulness of amazing eateries. I am continuously inspired by all the fresh, local, healthy fare that is waiting for you around every corner. This weekend a friend took me to an unassuming spot for lunch; a health food store with a tiny organic café inside, Ingredients Health Food & Apple Café.
Read more »

Milk Alternatives – Finding The Best One For You

Choosing Milk Alternatives

Nepalese Women Make Traditional Yaks Milk Tea, Langtang, Nepal

So you have made the choice to give up milk. Mom says no, friends call you a hippie, the dairy industry is smacking their 3 recommended serves in your face. But you don’t care, your going to do it. Whether it be to ward off suspected intolerances, a cows milk allergy, to lower your carbon footprint or for personal ethical reasons, finding a suitable alternative can be tricky. Each book you read, every website you come across and every person you talk to will probably tell you something different. I just want to lay out the basics as well as expunge any myths. You can decide for yourself which milk alternative sounds like its best suited to your lifestyle and diet.
Read more »