Preventing with Plants

Last week I held a workshop in conjunction with the Holistic cooking Academy. The topic and premise was focused on meal planning for Cancer. Whether you are a cancer survivor or preventing and living each day to it’s full health potential -  I discussed the importance and essentials of a plant based diet. There is no better way to attain optimal health than through a plant based diet. Within this very specific yet broad topic there was so much to discuss. But I had to limit myself as this workshop could of gone on for hours. Instead it was a 4 hour class which comprised of a  two hour discussion of some of the vital nutrients for cancer and then went on to a hands on cooking class in the kitchen. We made some incredible and tasty recipes!

There are many different dietary approaches when it comes to Cancer and when it comes to any kind of healing for that matter.

Here are some of the possible dietary approaches:

• vegetarian/vegan
• superfoods/raw foods (sprouting, smoothies, etc.)
• macrobiotic diet
• organic whole foods / balanced proteins, carbs, fats

Here are the FOOD GROUPS for Optimal Health:

1) Vegetables

With a strong emphasis on veggies… ideally 50 % of your meals should come from vegetables. Leafy greens are amongst the most important and are often neglected (Kale, spinach, swiss chard, collards, bok choy and the list goes on). Let’s not forget about sea vegetables either – this includes Arame, Dulse, Nori, Kombu and Wakame. They are especially beneficial in preventing breast cancer. Almost all vegetables can be eaten raw or lightly steamed.

2) Fruits

Fruit is best eaten between meals or at least 1/2 hour before other foods. It is also best to eat fruit in season rather than stored, bottled or frozen.

3) Legumes (beans, lentils, split peas…)

Excellent source of protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and many important nutrients. Approximately 15% of your meals should come from this category.

4) Whole Grains

This includes the whole grain and preferably gluten free grains such as quinoa, amaranth, millet, brown rice, wild rice and limited amounts of spelt, kamut, barley, oats and rye. Grains should comprise of a good part of a balanced diet as whole grains are high in fiber, complex carbohydrates and B vitamins. Whole grains provide long lasting energy and are critical nerve conduction. Try to limit/avoid refined and processed flours and flour containing products – they are high in sugar and stripped of their essential nutrients.

5) Animal protein

Best avoided, but this is not the case for everyone. So if you feel you must consume meat, limit it to wild-caught fish, naturally raised organic poultry, and small amounts of organic, pasture-fed beef. Dairy is mucus forming, and is best avoided. Good quality kefir, sheep’s milk or organic dairy is an exception, and can be consumed in moderation.

6) Soy

Fermented soy products (tempeh, miso, tamari) and edamame (young soy beans) are beneficial. Tofu and other processed soy products (milk, cheese, ice cream, soy protein) should be avoided. These foods have been considered healthy meat and dairy alternatives for a long time, however recent research shows that they are poorly digested and may even inhibit proper protein digestion.

7) Nuts and seeds

Up to 5% of your meals should come from this category. Nuts and seeds are high in protein and healthy fats, and they supply various vitamins and minerals as well. Soaking and dehydrating will make nuts more easily digestible. Enjoy things such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin, sunflower, hemp, chia and flax seeds!

Oils

Use good quality oils in moderation (cold pressed, extra virgin). For light cooking olive oil is the best, for higher temperatures use coconut or grape seed oil. Hemp, walnut, and flax oil are great for salads – never heat these oils. You can also add them to smoothies, but make sure you just mix them in with a spoon at the end, and do not blend.

Avoid all hydrogenated and processed forms of oils (ie. margarine).

9) Sweeteners

Refined sugar feeds cancer cells. Artificial sugar substitutes are linked to cancer as well. Honey (raw) and pure maple syrup are great in moderation.

10) Additional Items (condiments, herbs, spices)

Apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, carob powder, dark chocolate, unsulphured dried fruits, miso, herbs, spices, sea vegetables

Lots of herbs also have potent anti-cancer properties. (turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, basil, rosemary, clove, chilli pepper,  thyme, parsley, fennel, anise or coriander)

Green Powders

In addition to green leafy vegetables, pure green powders are key to alkalizing they body and help to rid the body of excess toxins and residues. They provide energy because of their concentrated and easy to absorb form of nutrients. Enjoy 1 tsp – 1tbsp of pure powder with water in the morning or add them into smoothies and vegetable juices. - vitamineral greens, ormus supergreens, chlorella and E3 live are among my favourites!

The Hit Recipe of the day was this super powered dish – which is full of fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, low in sugar and can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert or a midday snack.

Apple-Berry Crumble

Apple-Berry Crisp

Filling:

6-8  McIntosh or Golden Delicious Apples

8 ounces fresh or frozen blueberries

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pinch of sea salt

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of cardamom

½ cup apple juice mixed with 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (this acts like corn starch)

Crisp:

2 cups rolled oats

½ cup whole grain spelt flour

¼ cup cold pressed coconut oil

2 tablespoon maple syrup

Pinch of sea salt

Pinch of cinnamon

1. Rinse apples (peeling is optional if they are organic). Quarter them, remove seeds and slice thinly.
2. Place apples and blueberries in baking dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice, sea salt, cinnamon and cardamom and pour juice over fruit. Toss to mix.
3. Mix crisp ingredients and crumble over fruit evenly.
4. Press down gently; bake at 350 degrees F, for 30 to 45 minutes, until crust is crunchy and golden and apples are soft.

Nourish YOUR Well-Being this Year!

My yogi tea this morning had the quote “May this day bring you peace, tranquility and harmony….” these are words that we need live by everyday. However today these words seemed to be perfect as I was on my way out to pamper myself with wonderful treatments and appointments that would only strengthen my well being. It is so important that we take time for ourselves for the things in life that we love and that make us feel good. Since holiday time is coming up there is (hopefully) plenty of time for you to reconnect and figure out what do you want out of next year and what can you do to “nourish” your well being. You may have some specific health goals in mind, or may be you just want to treat yourself to something that will make you feel good about yourself. I mean that is what life is all about…right?

I spend so much time talking about food. But today I am going to dedicate this post to your whole being and your lifestyle! I have had the luxury over the last few months to meet some amazing practitioners, and like minded with an emphasis on wellness, healing, green, eco, health etc…(you get the point). Most of them are local to Toronto however some of them you can find in New York and even Australia. the world. I want to pay tribute to these people who I have met in my life.

So let’s start local:

Live toxic free and become familiar with the best “ECO” goods, from kleen kanteen to Eco Me bags and other household and personal products with Borden Communications

For the perfect rejuvenation for your face and get your skin glowing, have a treatment with Raman Sekhon at Vida Skin Studio

Pamper yourself – anything from a bikini wax to polishing your nails, facials and pedicures Iris Bocknek does it all – au natural!

Escape the city and take a retreat to relax, learn and eat the best foods nature has to offer with House of Verona (Collingwood, ON) – stay tuned for my Spring Rejuvenation Detox Retreat at house of Verona in May!

Refine your self image and your wardrobe with Wendy Woods and The Refinery.

Give your body to Denise Mitsche at the Pilates Room for just one hour – and your body will feel balanced, open and relaxed!

Discover Eastern medicine right in your home with practitioner David Liang – reflexology, acupuncture and so much more!

For an amazing at home holistic and aromatic massage have Melanie Leeder come to your home or meet her in Muskoka for dockside treatment!

For an empowering and uplifting and healing body experience have Laura Hames give you a body talk session (in New York only!)

Apply Kinesiology to your body and eliminate allergies…Greg Shreeuwer at Universal Health (in Australia Only) can help you to reach your health goals!

This is just a start! I am going to keep adding to this list. If you want to add some tips from wherever you are in the world or here locally in Toronto, please share. What are your wellness pleasures? how do you NOURISH YOUR WELL BEING??

The picture at the top is of me looking at my view at the Wickaninnish Resort in Tofino.

Marni’s Movie Night Series

Starting tonight, and for the next few weeks I am going to be showing a series of amazing and inspiring films about whole foods and our planet. These are select films that really demonstrate what it means to eat fresh, organic locally grown foods. It is one thing to hear this information from someone, but it is a completely different story when you see it. When you actually see what is going on behind closed doors you realize why this shift towards organic, natural and plant based foods is essential to human health and the sustainability of our planet!

If you truly want to start making small changes in your life and in your families life than come on out to  one of these films and see what what kind of relevance it may have for you.

I promise you that each film will be relevant to you in some way, as you will not only learn what it means to eat healthy organic and local foods, but learn how to increase longevity, boost your energy and help you lose weight. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to nourish yourself and become your own healer.

If you have been lucky enough to view any one of these films, please share your experience, feelings, comments, questions about the films below!

All films will be screened at 6:45 pm on a Tuesday evening in Toronto

To inquire about the evening or to reserve a spot please Contact Marni for more details.

The evening will include an interactive and dynamic workshop following the film. You will have a chance to ask questions about the film or anything nutrition-related in general. This way I can help you get on track with your health and wellness goals. There will also be organic snacks, organic popcorn, herbal tea and some goodies to take home!

Here are the films in order of viewing and their descriptions:

January 19th- Food Matters

Take small steps towards a healthier life and a healthier you! Food can be your best friend!  Discover how you can Detox, Lose Weight, Reverse Diabetes, Conquer Cancer, Beat Heart Disease, Ditch Depression and more using a nutritional approach. It’s not as hard as you think!

February 2nd – Fresh

How Fresh is your food? Fresh will take you on a journey by avid individuals, like farmers and business people across North America and show how they are re- inventing the food system. You will be offered healthier, alternative and sustainable solutions to protecting the future of our food and planet.

T.B.A - Crazy Sexy Cancer

Come and learn about what the power of food, more specifically what RAW foods can do for your health. You will learn what foods can help to prevent, treat and mediate the effects of cancer and make you feel great. A discussion on raw foods, smoothies and juicing will be apart of the evening.

February 9th – Future of Food

The Future of Food provides an excellent overview of the key questions raised by consumers as they become
aware of GM foods… This film draws questions to critical attention about food production that need more public debate.

January 26th - Food Inc

Learn about where your food is coming from and what it takes to get dinner onto your plate. After seeing this film you can’ t help to be inspired to make changes in your daily food choices.

The Power of Sea Veggies

I know you have heard of seaweed, also known as sea vegetables, and I know you have eaten them a number of times (whether you realize it or not) -but before you turn up your face and look the other way, let me tell you how amazing they are and what they can do for your health!

When I refer to sea veggies it is anything that, yes, grows in the sea and this includes nori (what your sushi is wrapped in), wakame (what is in your miso soup), arame (often in your seaweed salad), dulse, kombu, kelp, hijiki and the list goes on. The list even carries over to varieties of seaweeds that are in hidden forms of commercial foods such as ice cream, baked goods, jelly, salad dressings, chocolate milk and toothpaste. This is what I mean when I said you’ve eaten them many times before – and you didn’t even know it.

These little wonders, because they are grown in the deep depths of the sea, carry with them the highest doses of vitamins and minerals. All of which are essential to human health and daily nutritional balance. Sea vegetables are singularly the most nutrient dense food, as they are earth’s first vegetables and the best part is, is that they are delicious! Sea greens are a direct manifestation of their environment and therefore contain and abundance of minerals that is 7-38% of their dry weight. In such small amounts, seaweed contains more vitamins and minerals than any class of food. It supplies all the  minerals needed for human health in proportions very similar to those found in human blood. The most significant elements that can be found in sea greens are calcium, iodine, phosphorous, sodium,and iron. Sea veggies are also extremely rich in protein, vitamin A, B, C and E.

The health benefits of sea vegetables is so vast and incredible. They do everything from reducing blood cholesterol, removing metallic and radioactive elements from the body, and prevent goiter. So if you are suffering with a thyroid problem, like so many women these days, then sea veggies are for you! Seaweed also has antibiotic properties, counteracts obesity, strengthens bones, teeth, nerve transmission and digestion. Seaweed is also an incredible beauty aid as they help to maintain glowing healthy skin and contain anti aging properties. To me, this sounds like the perfect food!

(Source:  The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood)

So how do you use sea veggies?

The garden of sea veggies is extremely versatile and they can be used in a number of recipes and incorporated into numerous styles of cuisine and compliment or accent many dishes from soups, salads and desserts. To explore this world of sea veggies and roll your own sushi, I encourage you to join me next Thursday October 8th at my Scrumptious Sea Vegetable class!

If you have ever used or tried sea veggies, share your story. Leave a comment and let us all know what you have done with Sea Greens!