Thursday, March 29, 2012

Natural Nailpolish now at VFL!

Today when I came into work and saw our brand new display of Suncoat Nailpolish I got VERY excited! Good health is both inside and out, and the 'girl' in me certainly does appreciate a pretty pedicure with a cute color! Lauren (our Professional Spa Therapist) and I have struggled over the last month finding the perfect polish to bring into the clinic - it had to meet certain criteria - no scent, chemical free etc. We couldn't believe when we discovered that Suncoat not only met our requirements but is a company out of Guelph Ontario! Very happy to support a local business. Suncoat polishes are water-based and free of the stinky chemicals in most other polishes. When I tried them today I couldn't believe that there is no aroma and they are really durable (Lauren has been wearing a sample on her nails all week). The colors are really nice and packaging is stylish. Lauren has decided that for every manicure and pedicure she does the clients will actually get to keep their bottle of polish!! This is an amazing part of her service, and ensures we keep our hygienic standards much higher than other salons. So on your next visit, check out our cool display and consider switching over from the usual brands to make a greener choice! And of course, book in with Lauren for spring for that much needed pedicure! Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND. Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director Vitality for Life Health Center www.vitalityforlife.ca Vitality for Life is an integrative health clinic in Barrie, Ontario. We offer the services of a Naturopathic Doctor, Chiropractor and massage therapists. Follow us on facebook Follow us on Twitter: @NaturoDoctor

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Natural Skincare Workshop!

Are you looking for Natural Skin Care Products? Do you want more information on why to go Natural? or Maybe just you just want a fun evening! Join Lauren Lafayette Brooks our Professional Spa & Skin Therapist for: The Natural Skin Care Workshop! Learn more about basic skin care, diagnosis, treatment of conditions and her natural skin care products. Receive a skin analysis, demo products, and get answers to all your skin questions. March 24th 2012 4pm-7pm @ Vitality for Life. Register via Lauren@vitalityforlife.ca or 705 733 2033 Space is limited! $5 dollar admission fee or bring a snack to share! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Recipe for My Delish Vegetarian Dinner!

As requested from my Facebook page, here is the recipe for my dinner the other night. I've tried several bean burger recipes and they're either too time consuming or don't taste so good, so I was happy to see this recipe from 'The Happy Herbivore' which I have tweaked slightly: Bean Burgers: 1 can black beans, rinsed 1 can white kidney beans, rinsed 2 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp onion powder 1/3 cup ground flax seeds 1/2 cup oats 3-5 TBSP mustard (whatever kind you like...this is for flavor and moistness). Put everything into a bowl and mash it up. Shape into burger patties, put on baking sheet lines with parchment and bake at 400F for 15-20 min. You can serve these on a bun, but I didn't. I served them as a side, so they were a little messy, but who needs all that bread!! My sides were: Smashed Potatoes: Bake as many potatoes as your family will eat. Wash them well, bake in the oven at 450F until fork tender (about 35-45 min), then use a mug to 'smash' the potato down a little (roughly an inch thick) - the skin will crack open. Then drizzle with a good amount of olive oil and put back in the oven until slightly golden brown (about 10 min). sprinkle with sea salt. These are DELICIOUS and the kids love them. You can serve with a side of plain/greek yogurt. Simple Grated Carrot salad: Grate 4-5 large carrots (I use my food processor). Add 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp grated ginger, drizzle of lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Toss and serve. This meal combo has everything you need - protein, health fats, fiber and antioxidants! everyone is happy! Enjoy! Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND. Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director Vitality for Life Health Center www.vitalityforlife.ca Vitality for Life is an integrative health clinic in Barrie, Ontario. We offer the services of a Naturopathic Doctor, Chiropractor and massage therapists. Follow us on facebook Follow us on Twitter: @NaturoDoctor

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Coconut Flour - a Grain-Free alternative

Recently I have been experimenting in my baking again, trying to make things healthier as always, and I'm addicted to using coconut flour. My GAPS-friendly colleagues at Integra Naturopathics in Calgary are always sharing Grain-free recipes, so last night I baked a Coconut Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread that is really amazing. It's Gluten Free because it contains no grains, and there is no added fat in this recipe (except from the eggs)and it is rich and moist. It's also low in sugar. I've adapted it slightly by adding extra coconut flakes. This recipe is very high in both protein and fiber, so it makes a perfect snack! Check out the fiber comparison of various flours:
Comparison of fibre content of various flours:
Coconut Flour 39%
Wheat Bran 27%
Oat Bran 16%
Rye Flour 15%
Soya Flour 14%
Wheat Flour 13%
Corn Meal 11%
Buckwheat Flour 8%
Enriched White Flour 3%

This morning I had a slice after my workout with a tablespoon of natural Peanut Butter and I feel SO satisfied!

Recipe Ingredients:
• 3 bananas, mashed
• 8 eggs
• 1/2 c. almond or rice milk
• 1/4 c. honey
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 1 c. coconut flour
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• 1 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
• 1 1/2 oz. unsweetened baker's chocolate
• optional: 15 drops vanilla stevia
Recipe Instructions:
Whisk together eggs, banana, milk, honey and almond extract in a big bowl. Stir together dry ingredients in a smaller bowl, breaking up any lumps, and add to egg mixture, stirring well. Chop chocolate and stevia in a small food processor to desired size and add to batter until combined. Pour into a large, well-greased loaf pan and bake at 350 for about an hour, until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for about 10 minutes, then remove to rack to cool completely before slicing.

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND.
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center


Vitality for Life is an integrative health clinic in Barrie, Ontario. We offer the services of a Naturopathic Doctor, Chiropractor and massage therapists.
Follow us on facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @NaturoDoctor

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!