Your Mother Was RIGHT!

Eat your veggies!  They're good for you!

We're now in that post-awesome summer/early autumn local abundance of fruits and veggies.  *sigh*
It WAS a superb time of year to grab everything SO fresh and... um, well... local.

So, what is left?

We still have kale (that green leaf power-house!) and I hear reports from local backyard gardeners they're still getting tomatoes (even turning red?!) and eggplant... but I find that both hard to believe and if true, very short lived.

One thing we do have to enjoy is the blessed winter squash!  Like what?  Well, we have butternut squash, pepper squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash and my personal fave... PUMPKIN!

A quick look on the internet tells us these squashes are...

"a low-calorie, good source of complex vegetable carbohydrates and dietary fiber.

It is an excellent source of vitamin A, a great source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and manganese, and a good source of folate, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B₁ (thiamin), copper, tryptophan, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B₃ (niacin) and vitamin B₅(pantothenic acid).^]

It is also a source of iron and beta carotene. Usually, the darker the skin is, the higher the beta carotene content".

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All of that beta carotene can give you a healthy orange glow through the winter, apparently.  Who needs the Caribbean?  Well, let's not go THAT far.

There are a MILLION or more recipes for cooking up these tasty treats to be found.  One of my fave ones involves roasted butternut squash and making them into a maple/walnut dumpling sort of heaven.  It's a little time consuming though.  
Instead, I'll leave you with another one of my favorites.  This one is quite warming and includes that pumpkin I seem to be using like it's going out of style lately (reference the amount of pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin pies, pumpkin waffles, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin curry, etc. coming out of the kitchen these past couple weeks!).

CHILI PUMPKIN CRANBERRY RISOTTO.... (from the PPK).... mmmmm.

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Keep on hydrating!

The summer heat can make us sweat.  Whether it be from as little as a leisurely walk outdoors or something more intense,  like participating in a grueling triathlon. Hydration is always key.

The usual methods involve intake of fluids such as water, coconut water and perhaps some sports drinks, depending on the activity.  Another, often overlooked, source of fluids are the foods we eat.

Below is a list of some foods with a high water content.  Trying eating more of these to augment our levels of hydration throughout the day!

(We SHOULD keep hydration in mind all year long!)

Toxins and Massage!

Have you ever been for a massage and had the therapist tell you to drink water after the treatment?

Probably a good idea for hydration purposes (as apparently most of us are dehydrated anyway) BUT if you're thinking it is to help remove toxins... this is an interesting article and video on the subject.


Should You Drink Water After a Massage?

Hello SPRING!

Time to rub those eyes and look up at that hot ball of fire in the sky... the SUN has returned with it's warmth.  And it looks like it'll stick around for a while now.  Fingers crossed.

You may already notice the increase in runners and cyclists about.  You may even be one of them!  The baseball diamonds, soccer pitches and the like with be getting busy soon too.

As our activity levels rise at this time of year, it is ever so important to keep ourselves in the best condition we can.  Before, during and after exercise.

Eating well, staying hydrated, stretching and getting enough rest are all important components to our well being.

Of course taking advantage of a maintenance treatment plan with your Registered Massage Therapist is a great idea to help avoid injuries.  Depending on the type of activity you take part in you could be looking at a simple every 4 to 6 week work-over to keep things loose OR perhaps a weekly/bi-weekly visit for more active athletes.  Regardless, it is a superb way to avoid small issues before they become BIG issues.  Tissue health is maintained, muscles are stretched, your body can operate more easily.
Remember acupuncture is very helpful with this maintenance as well.

(Smoking NOT advocated!)

Also, here is a great link regarding helping to get kids eating better... it applies to adults too!

Superfoods Kids Love.

Now get out there and enjoy yourself!