Gallstones and cleanses

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I have recently had two women in my office who have been experiencing gallstone attacks. Upon further investigation, I found out that both women had been doing a cleanse.
Although cleanses are an important part of a healthy lifestyle, there are times when they need to be done with extreme caution, and preferably under the care of a qualified professional. Gallstones are one of these cases.
If you have gallstones you need to be aware that a sudden decrease in caloric intake or a drop of dietary fat under 10g per day can lead to severe attacks. This is scary, as a stone could get lodged in the duct and lead to emergency surgery.
If you or someone you know has a family history of gallstones, or a personal history of gallstones, please see you Naturopathic Doctor before starting a cleanse or weight loss program.

Yours in Health,
Kerri Fullerton

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Nut Free Chewy Granola Bars

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This time of year I am often asked by parents what they can pack in their kids lunches that are healthy and nut free. With the limited amount of time some kids are given to eat, they need calorie dense, nutritious food.

Here is a recipe that was given to me quite a few years ago – I believe it originally came from the Running Room magazine, but I’m not sure. (I really would like to give credit to the original source!). These granola bars are more like granola cake but they are nut free, wheat free, but certainly not taste free! Add a piece of fruit and you’ve got a healthy, filling snack.

1 cup oil (olive is fine but has a distinct flavour – you may prefer canola)
3/4 cup brown sugar (I only use about 1/2 cup or less)
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup barley flour (available at the bulk barn – you can also use a blend of rice flour and chick pea flour to make them gluten free)
1 cup rolled oats
3 tsp ground flax seeds
1 tsp each: baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup finely chopped pitted honey dates (raisins, dried cranberries, or dried cherries work really well too!)
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (sunflower seeds work well too)

Beat oil and sugar on low speed until very smooth.
Beat in eggs, one at at time, then add vanilla.
In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients except the fruit and seeds.
Beat dry into wet until just combined.
Stir in fruit and seeds.
Pour into a greased 9X13 pan.
Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.
Makes 24 small bars (which is good because they are loaded up with good calories)

Enjoy!

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Organic food study leads to blogging

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So there I was, feeding my nine month old son, watching CBC, when I heard it – organic food is not any more healthy than conventionally grown produce. http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/07/30/organic-food.html
I had so much to say, and only Patrick to speak to. It was at that moment that I knew it was time for me to blog.
And so, here I am writing my first. Welcome.

Back to the organic food thing for a moment. I think these studies are necessary but misleading. Unfortunately, most people won’t seek out the actual study and read it before making their decision. From what I see, people from both sides of the argument are using the same study to support their point of view. http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/organicreviewappendices.pdf

We as a culture are so dissociated from our food. How many people really think about what is on their plate and where it came from? For those who would like to explore this, I recommend Micheal Pollen’s books The Omnivore’s Dilemna and In Defense of Food. These books were the first that I read that echoed my thoughts. He presents the argument beautifully. He discusses organics grown at a small local farmer, vs. organics grown in a pesticide-free agri-business. Visit www.rootedinhealth.ca/contact.htm to obtain a copy.

Here’s what I think. Grow some lettuce in your backyard or in on your deck in a box. Cut some, wash it (or not) and eat it right away. Buy some lettuce from the supermarket. Wash it, and eat it right away. If you can’t taste the difference, then go ahead and keep buying from the supermarket. Me? I’m going to grow what I can, then I’ll walk down my street and buy the rest from the local farmers.

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