* Save the Date *

Free Gut Ecology lecture at the Central Film Theatre, Regina Public Library. There are so many new and interesting developments in the study of probiotics relating to human health that I want to share with you.. I will discuss what probiotics are, what health conditions they benefit, side effects and who should not use them, how to test for them and what to look for in a probiotic supplement. Find out how to buy a good one probiotic, and the kinds of food to eat to encourage prebiotic and probiotic growth. Handouts provided as well as book and web references. Door prizes of books and probiotics will be drawn . You will need to register for this lecture, call Central library at 777-6120.
 (photo credit – C.L. Jahn)

Advice from guinea pigs Rose and Daisy on staying fit over the holidays:

1.Stick mostly to your basic diet. Ours is hay and pellets, but yours might be beans and whole grains.
2.Scream loudly each day for vegetables. Nothing tastes better than a piece of red pepper or fresh lettuce.
3.Take time to nap in the afternoon. With our frantic holiday schedule, we need our rest.
4.Exercise daily. We have walk down the hall twice a day to our cage. You might walk around your block.
5.Be nice to those you live with. It is more pleasant to live with someone if you do not steal their food, or nip them.
6.Appreciate cuddling with those you love. Laps are wonderful.

Holidays and Healthy Eating

As Christmas and other religious holidays approach, we will be eating different and richer foods than usual. Many festive foods are healthy, here are some to indulge in:

mandarin oranges
turkey
cranberry
sweet potatoes
chestnuts
dark chocolate
pumpkin
pomegranate

When I do my grocery shopping at this time of year, I am very tempted by the displays of fruitcake, cookies etc. Part of the way I control my eating urges is to wait until the week of Christmas to eat these foods. Moderation, eating lots of healthy food with just small amounts of less healthy food are all important. Remember to include dark green leafy vegetables each day as well.

November is National Diabetes Month

Diabetes and insulin resistance syndrome (pre-diabetes) are epidemic in North America. There is so much that can be done to prevent these diseases. Regular exercise, cutting down on refined carbohydrates, watching intakes of trans fats and salt. Avoid sitting for longer than a couple of hours at a time. Keep up supply of fibre. Add in lots of vegetables to supply the body with plenty of antioxidants.

And finally…..chocolate…….very high in antioxidants…..

Chocolate Oatmea1

As a change today, I decided to change up our oatmeal. In the past we have done apple cinnamon, raisin spice, flax etc, but to put a holiday spin on things, I went for chocolate! Measurements are approximate, since I eyeball ingredients. For two:

1 cup quick oats
1 tbsp raw chocolate powder
1 tsp. Mini chocolate chips
1 Tbsp raisins
Maple syrup or sweetener to taste

Add raisins to oatmeal and boil until soft. Remove from heat, stir in raw chocolate powder, chocolate chips and maple syrup. For sugar free version, omit chocolate chips and use Stevia or Xylitol to sweeten.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to you and your families!