healthy living

Good for Your Gut! Introducing Jamieson Essentials Probiotic

March 2, 2018 By Lena 21 Comments

Brought to you by Jamieson and TheCo.

(Your gut? Don’t worry – I’m not talking about an ab roller. That’s for your spare tire!)

I’m talking about bacteria – the good kind, and lots of it – to help maintain a healthy immune system. If you’ve heard of probiotic supplements but are fuzzy on the details, I’m here to give you the 411.

First things first – you’ve probably been told to “eat more yogurt” when filling a prescription for antibiotics. As the mother of two walking germ factories, I’ve had my fair share of warnings about how certain drugs can wipe out the good bacteria that helps keep our intestinal flora in balance. And I’m not knocking yogurt (it’s part of my daily diet and I absolutely love it), but for therapeutic benefits, it just doesn’t measure up to a quality probiotic in capsule form. First, it’s difficult to get consistently active amounts of cultures from dairy. Second, you’d have to eat A LOT of yogurt, all the time, until you were sure you were about to burst… and then you’d have to eat some more, in order to obtain noticeable benefits.

There’s gotta be a better way.
The solution? Jamieson Essentials 10 Billion Probiotic. The capsules are easy to take, contain no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners and effectively transport billions of live, active and friendly probiotic cells to the intestinal system. …

Three Simple Ways to Work on Your Fitness in 2018

February 2, 2018 By Lena 23 Comments

I don’t do resolutions.

The thing is, I have enough on my plate without worrying about inevitably breaking the promises I’ve made to myself. Plus, if you’re like me, you tend to create resolutions that are highly ambitious (translation: never going to happen) and the last thing I want is to start the year off feeling bad about myself.

So, I work on things. I better myself. Instead of creating a goal to lose five pounds, I make a pact to eat better. Forget about purchasing a gym membership I’ll never use; I simply use apps that fit my lifestyle and celebrate the small victories. Instead of focusing on the end result, I focus on the journey.
However, things don’t just fall into place; I need to have a plan and hold myself accountable for sticking to it. Here’s what I’m doing in 2018 to work on my fitness and to make better lifestyle choices along the way. …

What Will You Do? Where Will You Be… When You’re Flu-Free?

February 1, 2016 By Lena 27 Comments

This past weekend, I was out and about. I shopped for groceries, attended my son’s indoor soccer game, took my other son to a birthday party and even managed to squeeze in a quick brunch with a friend, which yielded the following plate of scrambled eggs.

I think I’ve been eating scrambled eggs the wrong way my entire life. Oh-Em-Gee.
12556141_1005051036240084_1934865149_n My weekend was fun, productive, and most of all – I didn’t miss out on life’s little adventures because I was sick at home with the flu.

How did you celebrate a flu-free weekend? I posed the question to my followers on Twitter, and it was heartwarming to read all your responses! From enjoying time outdoors with the kids to celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, nothing kept you down. Congratulations on being winter warriors! …

I Had the Flu Shot. No Big Deal.

January 7, 2016 By Lena 24 Comments

Well, okay… maybe it was a big deal, because it was my FIRST flu shot EVER.

But really, it’s business as usual here. I didn’t get the flu immediately after taking it; I didn’t suffer any strange side effects and my arm definitely didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would. All in all, I pretty much felt the same – except now, I’m less likely to contract the flu this season. Sounds very straightforward and reasonable… so *why* did it take me so long to get myself vaccinated?

The truth is, I believed in the myths that I stated above. I actually thought that taking the vaccine might give me the flu, and after watching my husband whine and complain about how much it hurts (he takes the flu shot annually) I’ll admit I was hesitant to take it on the wuss-factor alone. But this flu season, with one vacation under my belt and another just days away, I decided not to take chances with my health or the health of my family.

That’s me in a photograph taken last month. I’m enjoying the stunning winter wonderland that is Mont Tremblant, and am healthy, energized and most-importantly, flu-free!
12346025_855546841229468_1373533255_n Now don’t get me wrong; I don’t actually think I’m Superwoman or immune to contracting the flu. But with careful hygiene (hand washing and sanitizing) and healthy eating habits, I’m much less likely to succumb to the dreaded virus. (And if I do, I’ll hopefully have a shorter, less intense bout of illness and recover more quickly.) …

This Season, Make it Happen.

November 30, 2015 By Lena 14 Comments

I’m not saying you have to be some kind of superwoman. I’m not even telling you to drastically change your lifestyle, because we all know the holiday season is busy enough without trying something new. And I’m not even suggesting that you need to watch what you eat, or start a special new diet or nutritional regime. You do you, okay?

However, I do want you to do one thing this season. Get moving.

Park away from the mall entrance and prepare for a brisk walk. Bundle up the kiddos and take a stroll through the ‘hood. Find a local skating rink and find your old skates. Make a coffee date – following a gym date – with friends. Whatever you do, make it happen.
DSC_1934a It’s really the easiest – and best – thing you can do for your health this season. Keeping active boosts your immune system, gives you energy and stamina to face the winter blahs, and most importantly, neutralizes the negative effects of splurging on food and alcohol. And since I’ve got a warm coat, a cute toque and an adorable kid, there’s no reason for me not to get moving! …

Better Health Together!

November 17, 2015 By Lena 13 Comments

Every month, it’s the same old, same old. I make the trip to my local lab, have my blood drawn and tested, and hope I don’t hear from my doctor. Such is life while managing an ongoing health issue.

If he needs to see you, we’ll call, the nurse at my doctor’s office says.

Which I suppose is well and good, except often, I’d like to know what my blood work says – even if I’m in the clear. As a patient, don’t I have the right to see the results from my own tests? Of course I do. And now, I can. Last Tuesday, as I rolled my sleeve down and prepared to leave the lab, the technician handed me a leaflet with a tracking number.

You can now access your results online, she said with a smile.

Sweet success! I simply had to create an account and provide the info I received, et voila! In 24 hours, I became part of the digital health initiative.
INFOWAY_TWITTER (2) What is digital health?

It’s an easy, secure and digital way to manage you and your family’s health! Simply put, digital health allows authorized health care providers to quickly access your health information in order to make important decisions about your care. Think about it: if you still have a traditional paper medical file, it does not follow you everywhere you go. So, in the unfortunate event you had to make a trip to the emergency room or a walk-in clinic, the attending doctor would not have access to your complete health record.

But imagine if they did! With digital health, this is possible. …

Living the GoodLife: Falling into Health and Wellness

October 22, 2015 By Lena 12 Comments

There’s no use denying it: one of the reasons I love fall so much is the excuse to wear sweaters and coats. Big, warm, bulky articles of clothing which hide the extra bit of bulk I may be hiding underneath. It’s true, fall is my worst season for managing my weight. You too? Yeah, it’s not surprising at all.

In the beginning of the year, there are resolutions and promises. And for a while, it works. Then comes early spring, also known as travel season, where myself and countless Canadians are vacationing down south to escape the Canadian climate and reset our perspective on life. And since a bikini body is always top of mind, chances are, diet and exercise are happening in some form or fashion.

Then there’s summer. The season where extra clothing is not an option, and fitness routines are easier to stick to thanks to the availability of both indoor and outdoor options. As a result, weight is managed and self-esteem remains intact.
DSC_0895-876x1024 (Pictured above: Me, in summer. Just like every summer – at my best weight of the year.)

But then… then comes fall. And after months of watching what I eat, fitting in exercise, squeezing into skinny jeans and jumping on the weighing scale, I’ve had enough. Enough! I will gladly ensconce myself in the sanctuary of oversized sweaters and strategically cut blazers and always say yes to that second helping of lasagna.

Fall Body. It’s a thing, folks.

And the most dangerous thing about Fall Body is that it sets the pace for Holiday Body, the free-for-all of overindulgence (usually involving copious amounts of sweets, stuffing and sangria) which ultimately leads to Resolution Body in January. …

That’s a Wrap! Peanut Butter, Honey and Banana Breakfast Wraps

October 21, 2015 By Lena 28 Comments

Looking for a quick and delicious breakfast your whole family will love? Spread whole wheat tortillas with peanut butter (or wowbutter) and honey. Roll around a peeled ripe banana, and wrap in foil. Bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Serve warm!
DSC_1299a You can switch it up by substituting peanut butter and honey with Nutella or REESE Spreads, or add a touch of texture and sweetness with dried cranberries or raisins. And, if you’re looking for something really special, dip the wraps into extra honey. So good!

I begin to crave these wraps whenever the colder weather settles in. They’re a perfectly nourishing and satisfying way to start to your day… stay warm friends!

Join us for an #AvoSocial!

October 2, 2015 By Lena 5 Comments

Love an avocado today.

Tomorrow, 18 awesome influencers from Toronto will enjoy an ‪#‎AvoSocial‬ brunch at my home! (And I don’t even have to cook! Thanks Avocados from Mexico!)

Fresh, delicious, authentic, and available year-round, avocados contain nearly essential 20 vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds like 81 micrograms lutein and zeaxanthin, which research suggests may help maintain eye health as we age. And, more than 75 percent of the fat in avocados is considered “good” fat, with 3g coming from monounsaturated fat and 0.5g from polyunsaturated fat (per 1-ounce serving). Not only that, but avocados are also free of cholesterol and sodium.

Want to learn more? You’re invited to follow along! Join us as we share delicious Avocado-inspired recipes, and one lucky tweeter will have a chance to win an Avocado Green KitchenAid blender!
AvoSocial Be sure to tweet us with any questions you may have. See you on Saturday!

Fall into Better Digestive Health: Take Control and #OwnTheThrone

October 2, 2015 By Lena 13 Comments

It’s the season for tall riding boots and warm, cozy sweaters. The crisp, clean air is accented with the tempting aroma of Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Leaves are changing, days are shortening, and the holiday rush is just around the corner.

Welcome to Fall.
season Now, besides your wardrobe and your choice of coffee house beverage, can you think of any other changes you’ll make this season? Chances are, some of your adjustments will be so subtle, you may not even notice. Like, you’ll probably sleep earlier as the days get shorter. You may even spend a little more time selecting clothes as you layer and accessorize for the cooler temps. And you’ll likely alter your diet and lifestyle, eating heavier meals while exercising less, which can lead to digestive troubles. …

Get Back to Natural Sleep.

September 24, 2015 By Lena 18 Comments

“With PASCOFLAIR you can fall asleep quickly and stay sound asleep.”

That was the plan. Over a month ago, I had turned to PASCOFLAIR with the hope that I could achieve a restful sleep with the help of this safe, herbal alternative to traditional sleep aids.

Truth be told, I was mildly skeptical.

As an A-type, overstimulated, multitasking mom and mompreneur, it’s hard to simply turn off and fall into a peaceful slumber. In fact, after banning my nemesis – the cell phone – from my bedside table, I still found myself waking up 2-3 times per night, simply to go through everything I had to do the next day. (And maybe to reach for the cell phone that was no longer there.)

I know many of my readers were interested in hearing my experience with PASCOFLAIR after I wrote about it in a previous post. However, for those that are just joining us, here’s what turned me on to the product:

Passionflower is traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a sleep aid, in cases of restlessness or insomnia due to mental stress. PASCOFLAIR is a high dose of Passionflower which helps promote relaxation and calmness resulting in a better night’s sleep.
Now here’s the important part: Passionflower does not act as a sedative: in the brain, it regulates neurotransmitters associated with calming rather than sleep. Therefore, you’re less likely to feel drowsy or “foggy” when you use PASCOFLAIR. It is fully registered with Health Canada and has been found to have no known drug interactions, no toxic effects for overdosing and have no known dependency potential. …

Getting Back to Sleep, Naturally.

August 30, 2015 By Lena 14 Comments

I’ve always prided myself on my ability to prioritize, especially when it comes to my health. A clean(ish) diet, eight glasses of water a day, and a good night’s sleep. In fact, I once stated that I couldn’t function on less than 7 hours of shuteye, and I meant it.

Now *I know* you’re waiting for me to insert some anecdote about being a mom, and how I rarely have a restful night, but the truth is, I can’t blame this one on the kids. It’s all me, and it’s all terrible.

It’s the iPhone on the night table – one of the most detrimental habits known to mankind.

A stronger person wouldn’t be lured at all hours of night, but admittedly, I am weak. Because if I wake up for any reason at all, I simply must check my e-mail. And Twitter. And Instagram and Facebook and sometimes even Periscope even though I’m following 6 people and really have no interest in it whatsoever.

Do you know what happens when you succumb to the lure of the iPhone on the night table? You stay awake for much longer than you should. Multiply this by two, three times per night, and all of a sudden, I’m robbing myself of a good night’s sleep. In fact, it’s fair to say that I haven’t slept uninterrupted for over 2 years now.

I need to get back to me.

So, I’m trying two things. The first is that I’ve made a conscious effort to leave my phone in another room. On another floor. And from a standpoint of not checking my phone, it’s working. However, I honestly thought that by simply removing access to the offensive object, I’d gain a proper night’s sleep. It’s not that easy – after years of waking up multiple times per night, I’m now conditioned to awaken every 2 hours or so. It’s horrible! …

This Dried Fruit is Anything But Dry.

August 16, 2015 By Lena 136 Comments

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I’ll admit it; I don’t think a food dehydrator has ever been on my culinary wishlist.

I mean, I’ve never sat around on a Saturday afternoon thinking, I wish I could dry some fruit. I mean, who does… right? Except now that I have spent a Saturday afternoon drying fruit, it’s a process I’d definitely like to repeat again… and again… thanks to the Hamilton Beach Food Dehydrator.
Back-to-school is around the corner. The opportunity to load up my boys’ lunchbox with healthy snacks – without preservatives or additives – is very attractive to me. And since my little guys love fruit, why not concentrate the flavours, make it completely portable, and have it available for them when they want it? Friends, I’ve seen the light: I totally need a food dehydrator. …

Discover a Healthier Way to Delicious

August 6, 2015 By Lena 43 Comments

METROSEXUAL. [Noun] met·ro·sex·u·al \ˌme-trə-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl: a usually urban heterosexual male given to enhancing his personal appearance by fastidious grooming, beauty treatments, and fashionable clothes.

Thank goodness for my husband. As a bona fide metrosexual, he pays attention to things that most men don’t (or won’t, or can’t). He tells me when my hilites are due for re-touching and my wardrobe requires updating. He purchases moisturizer with the same finesse he uses to purchase power tools, and when my self-tanner is almost done, he knows to buy a replacement because he understands that the struggle for perfectly bronzed skin is real.

However, the most beneficial thing about being married to a self-aware man: he’s vain. Truly, it’s a GOOD thing! My husband helps me stay on top of my health and fitness; he’s often the “diet police” in the household, yanking carbs from a grip like an ogre snatches candy from a baby. I’ve accused him of raining on my junk food parade more than once, but in the end, I can’t fault him for being a better person, at least health-wise.

So, a couple of months ago, just in time for Father’s Day, I presented him with a small appliance that was near the top of his wishlist: the Philips Airfryer. Featuring Rapid Air Technology, the Philips Airfryer circulates hot air with speed and precision for perfect results with less oil.

Spoiler Alert: These chicken drumsticks were “fried” in the Philips Airfryer. DELICIOUS.
Let’s pause for a second. YES, even though it’s called the Airfryer, come on, you really didn’t expect to fry food with just air, did you? Remember the saying, man cannot live on air-fried food alone. (Or something like that.) The truth is, you do need a bit of oil to get the unit going, but, perspective please! The amount you use is only a tablespoon or two, and even that amount is drained from food while frying. What you’re left with is crispy, flavourful food that is healthier for you, too. …

Healthier Habits for the Summer

July 31, 2015 By Lena 16 Comments

It’s summer. Hallelujah!

And just in case you hadn’t noticed (how’s the weather under that rock?), people are vacationing, dining out, drinking on patios and festival-hopping in full force. Honestly! Some days I need to stay off Instagram, where I’m constantly reminded of friends’ summertime travels and exploits.
10865108_422184224655700_1749091094_n The above photo is courtesy of my blogging bestie Stephanie Holmes, who’s currently in Turks and Caicos. I know, right? You can say it. I was totally thinking it too.

However, I’m not mad at her, because we’re off to Niagara Falls for the long weekend! There, we’ll get wet at the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, enjoy a special meal in the revolving dining room at Skylon Tower, and even take in a little cross-border shopping action (I miss Target!). …

Even a Travelling Germaphobe Needs to Own the Throne

July 12, 2015 By Lena 7 Comments

I feel like the title of this post is somewhat of an oxymoron; generally speaking, germaphobes don’t travel – they stay close to their ~~bubbles~~ homes and encapsulate themselves in a clean, sanitary surrounding. Ah, disinfected bliss.

I, on the other hand, travel frequently, and I *may* have a few germaphobe tendencies.
11419046_1451116841855144_386192179_n I’m the kind of gal who has three travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer tucked into her carry-on bags. Safely nestled in my checked luggage is a full-sized can of disinfectant spray, which I use on every “suspicious” surface of the hotel room – bathroom fixtures, light fixtures and of course the remote control. I wear long sleeves and pants on flights to discourage transfer of viruses via contact, and if I can help it, I never ever ever ever ever use public bathrooms. Especially not plane bathrooms. Ew. …

Find Your Perfect Balance

July 8, 2015 By Lena 13 Comments

Summer is finally here! And one of the reasons I love the warmer season is the abundance of fresh, local produce coming our way. All those vitamins and nutrients fill me with glee!
However, there are times when, despite my best intentions, I fall short of my nutritional goals. Let’s face it – life is hectic, and takeout is simple. And that’s when I rely on supplements to bridge the gap.

Want to know more about the benefits of supplements? << Click there. It will take you to an article I recently wrote to help you Get the Most Out of Life. And, for more information on health and wellness, here’s your source for the season’s top health topics and advice from Shoppers Drug Mart’s panel of experts. Here’s to your health!

Help With the Hard Part: Your Plan. Your Way.

June 11, 2015 By Lena 48 Comments

It’s been exactly six months since I joined Weight Watchers. If you’ve been following my journey (see Help with the Hard Part and When the Hard Part is Easy), you’ll know that I made a commitment to conquer my “hard parts”:

1. It’s hard to separate hunger from boredom. 10:00 PM snacking is “a thing”.
2. It’s hard to say no to leftover cheesecake.
3. It’s hard to fit in exercise when I work 14-hour days.
4. It’s hard to stay on track when eating out and cooking for picky eaters.
5. It’s hard to eat well without feeling completely and utterly deprived of delicious food.

With the help of Weight Watchers, I did it. I conquered them.

Now I won’t leave you in suspense – I did reach my goal of 20-pound weight loss. And I attribute a large portion of my success to the new 24/7 Expert Chat. Coaches who have successfully lost weight on Weight Watchers are available to subscribers through 24/7 Expert Chat for instant advice on how to get started, get back on track, and stay motivated. This new feature is available to all Weight Watchers subscribers through online and mobile chat, 24 hours per day, seven days a week!

Yet, I stalled in publishing this 6-month check-in photo. Maybe it’s the old insecurities creeping in; maybe it’s just hard to put oneself out there for judgement. But after thinking about all I’ve accomplished, and how I got here in a healthy, habit-changing way, I’m throwing caution to the wind.

Screw it – I’M HOT! I LOVE MY NEW LOOK!Okay, so I’ll never get rid of the Kardashian hips (I’m not sure I want to) and I’m okay with a little tummy action too (I was totally sucking in my stomach here), but all in all, I feel confident, pretty and most of all, healthy. I feel like a 37-year old mom of two who’s on top of her game (albeit slightly sunburned). To be honest, I feel a little giddy. …

Find Your Oasis

April 17, 2015 By Lena 48 Comments

10 years ago, I viewed the appearance of spring-like weather with nothing more than a renewed excitement for warmer days ahead. Coats became jackets; boots were swapped for ballet flats, and every pink lipstick in my beauty arsenal was moved to the top of my makeup bag.

Today, the promise of higher temps still brings about all those exciting changes, in addition to one more: revealing more of my “winter body”, once safely ensconced in bulky, cold-weather clothing.

Let’s just say that Dolman-sleeve sweaters are an upper arm’s best friend.

Alas, before we know it, Canadians will be treated to our long-awaited summer, and this year, I plan on being a few steps ahead of tank top season.

First and foremost, I’ve lost 20 pounds! (If you’re sick of me mentioning it, I apologize. But this is BIG news in my life, and I plan on gushing about it for a while… and then a little longer.)

Second, I’ve rediscovered physical activity. No, I haven’t joined the gym or signed up for a boot camp just yet… but I have decided that as long as I’m moving at least as often as I’m sitting, I’ve achieved a good physical balance in my life.
Finally, I’ve made breakfast a priority. Perhaps I should clarify: I’ve always enjoyed breakfast, but now, I ensure that I have a GOOD breakfast. Tons of fruit and whole grains. Low-fat dairy and lean protein. It keeps me going throughout the most hectic part of my day – morning – and gives me the fuel I need to think clearly and stay on plan.

And with almost every breakfast, I enjoy a low-calorie, low-fat and nutritionally-dense fruit smoothie.

This season, try my Cranberry Razz Smoothie. It’s made with Oasis Nutrisource, a great tasting cranberry juice cocktail that offers an alternative to sugar and sucrose (stevia) with no compromise on fruit taste – and only 40 calories per serving. What a refreshing way to get healthy! …

When the Hard Part is Easy

March 13, 2015 By Lena 77 Comments

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Earlier this year, I shared my hard parts.

And then, I decided to get help with my hard parts.

It’s been two months since I joined Weight Watchers. And I won’t keep you in suspense; I’m proud to announce that I’ve lost 16 pounds! And I did it while eating the foods I love, sharing meals with friends and family, and most importantly, making healthful choices that have changed the way I feel about food, nutrition and hunger.

And if I’m going to post a “big reveal” photo – I may as well be standing next to a celebrity! Ta-da! IMG_2179 a But the key to my weight loss success? When I needed help, I asked for it.

I asked for help just a few days into the program, when I found it difficult to balance my portion sizes, especially at dinner.

I asked for help when I found myself fearing food, a complex emotional state that happens to almost every dieter when he/she begins to see the results of their regime.

I even asked for help while I was on vacation! That’s right – during our recent family adventure at Walt Disney World, I found myself confronted with limitless food choices… and lacking the strength to make the right ones.

And when I asked for help, whether it was 11:00am in the morning from my bedroom, or 11:00pm at night from a hotel room in Florida, there was always a Weight Watchers Certified Coach available to answer my questions and offer advice. …