chocolate-raspberry chia pudding A friend sent a recipe this morning that inspired me to make this. I have modified the original recipe slightly to make it simpler and even more healthy! Chia seeds are excellent for making pudding as it provides a natural thickness and tapioca-like texture. Chia seeds have many health benefits which make them an excellent choice as an ingredient for healthy cooking. They are high in omega 3 fatty acids and contain ample amounts of fiber, calcium, protein and antioxidants. This sugar-free, flour-free dessert is so delicious you won’t notice it’s healthy! Indulge! Ingredients: 3/4 cup milk (cow, goat, almond, hemp, coconut, rice, or water works fine) 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder 3.5 tablespoons chia seeds 1/2 cup raspberries Instructions: Place the milk, vanilla, cocoa and chia seeds into a bowl. Whisk or blend it with a hand-held blender just until the cocoa blends into the mixture (don’t over blend it) Let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes as the pudding begins to thicken then transfer it to the fridge to chill for one hour. Remove from fridge, stir the raspberries into the pudding and add some on top as garnish. Enjoy! Number of servings: 1 (unless you really feel like sharing!) ~Think...
The Effects of Fall According to Traditional Chinese Medicine The days are getting shorter, the leaves are getting crisper and Fall is in the air. Fall is a time for looking inward and quiet contemplation. It is a time of reflection and creativity. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season affects the body and mind in a different way. The change of seasons is a time of dynamic change for the internal organs and it is during these seasonal transitions that we are most susceptible to getting sick. In Chinese Medicine Fall is the season of the ‘Metal’ element. Metal is associated with the emotion of grief or sadness and affects the physical body through the lungs and large intestine. This means that in the Fall we are more susceptible to colds and flu’s with runny nose, cough and fatigue. It is also the time of year where our ‘wei qi’ (immune system) is low and a simple cold can turn into something much more serious for those with weakened immunity. We often see people hit hard with bronchitis and pneumonia around this time of year. Each emotion affects the body in a different way. The emotion of sadness or grief has an inverse relationship with the lungs. Grief or extreme sadness weakens the lungs and can cause physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, asthma or even pneumonia and conversely lung problems can cause a feeling of sadness. It is not uncommon for someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one to develop bronchitis. Constipation is another symptom that often appears in the Fall season....
Finally, Fall Qi Gong Class! We are finally offering Qi Gong here in Victoria! It has been a real struggle trying to find the ‘perfect space’ and the ‘perfect time’ that will work for everyone, but we will start with Wednesdays at 6-7pm. Qi Gong is a simple exercise, similar in appearance to Tai Chi, but easier to do and focused on building your health. It really only takes a few hours to learn the basics, and only a lifetime to master them! Qi gong does something, in my opinion, that no other exercise does. It helps to truly relax your body and mind, and gives you a deep sense of well being when practiced correctly. It helps you feel calm and clear minded, but energized and enlivened at the same time. If you would like to give Qi Gong a try or if you know someone who would benefit from it send us an email or give us a call to...
Exercises for plantar fascitis (by Runners World: Body Shop) If you have ever dealt with plantar fascitis you’ll know that it can be very persistent and frustrating to deal with. Here is a video on 5 exercises that can help strengthen the foot and ankle, which addresses the real issue – weakness. Add adequate rest and ice and you’ll be back on your feet in no time! ~Think...
Easy plum freezer jam This year our trees were loaded with plums. I have canned jam in the past but I thought I would try making Freezer Jam. I didn’t know it was THAT easy! ~Think...
