HEALTH

Purple Cauliflower

Flavours in a dish are really important however if everything in your plate is the same hue or colour it is not as appealing to the eye. Have fun and add colour to your dishes !

Here is a perfect example

Purple cauliflower has a mild, sweet, and nutty flavor. Delicious steamed, roasted or raw 🙂

You will also see below the vitamin C content, who would of imagined !!!

Nutrition Facts
For a Serving Size of 0.17 medium head cauliflower (85g)
Calories 20Calories from Fat 0(0%)
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g
Sodium 25mg2%
Carbohydrates 4g
Net carbs 2g
Sugar 2g
Fiber 2g8%
Protein 2g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A 0μg0%
Vitamin C 54mg90%
Calcium 20mg2%
Iron 0.4mg5%
Fatty acids
Amino acids
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs.

Cristina for Peas & Peace

HEALTH

Home Made Orange Juice !

Always better than store bought.

No preservatives, no added sugars.

Made in no time.

It doesn’t have to be expensive, simply buy the less costly oranges you can find at the market.

Cristina for Peas and Peace

HEALTH

Follow your dreams !!!

I am 57 years old, and I am here to dispel the notion that being a certain age restricts you in terms of the activities you can do. I am a firm believer in the notion that age is but a number, it is all in how you feel on the inside. I would like to illustrate this via my love of ballet.

From a young age, I have been fascinated with the dance world, and the innovative ways in which it marries music, movement, and expression. I Took ballet classes in my teens, but life caught up with me, and I eventually resorted to simply spectating at performances here and there, nothing more. However, as time went on, I could no longer fight the urge to revisit it for myself. There was one small thing holding me back in my mind. If I were to go back, and start from the beginning, I would be placed in a class with young children, and would need to keep up with them, and the fear of old knee and other injuries flaring as well. Still, despite all of these apparent concerns, something compelled me to enroll myself.

This is a photo of me at my midterm recital, as you can attest, my fifth positon is not perfect and I need to work on and improve many movements and steps. Regardless, I made it! I attend two hour classes twice a week and can keep up with my much much younger class mates. My passion for the art of ballet inspired me to push my limits, stay fit, practice the sequences, and better myself with each and every class.

Somewhere, I am hoping that I could maybe also be an inspiration to a parent or grand parent, anyone really to follow their passion or dream. This goes to show that no matter how old you are, you can do anything you set your mind to, it’s never too late! If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, find out the necessary steps, and work towards your goal.

HEALTH

Benefits of Seaweed

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Seaweed also know as sea vegetable has a  high content in Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium & fibre, no one imagines how nutritional and good seaweed is for us !

In the photo is what I have in the pantry at the moment, top left Gomasio a mix of seaweeds and  sesame which I sprinkle as a topping on bowls, then wakame flakes which once soaked I add to salads or bowls or simply add to a miso soup. The Arame (top right) is delicious on salads as well. Bottom right is roasted Nori that I have as a snack or add to bowls.  Last but not least the Wakame in full for bowls or soups. Discover the many varieties of seaweeds !

Cristina for Peas & Peace

 

 

 

 

HEALTH

Physical Activity

Due to scientific research, we are now well aware that nutrition plays a huge role in how we feel on a daily basis and the impact it has on our health. Adding an activity, has to be your favorite !, could be a daily brisk walk, running, swimming, cycling, will affect and also increase your wellbeing, I insist on it must be something you enjoy !. Physical activity impacts your stamina, your mood, your weight, your muscles. For those that live in parts of the world where winters are long and bitter cold at times, I hopefully might inspire you in showing you a room I converted into a small exercise/yoga room so that winter doesn’t sabotage your exercise.

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On a daily basis I alternate between tennis (outdoors in the summer, indoors winter), Pilates, cycling (indoors or outdoors weather permitting), so to not always be overworking the same muscles and also so that it doesn’t become repetitive.  I also sneak in daily walks for added fresh air while walking the dogs. Personalize your gym !, go with your favorite colours, gear, make it conducive to wanting to be in that room or area of the house.

Little tricks to share with you to maximize space and economise, we bought a set of weights all in one (Nautilus), this way we don’t have a wall of weights taking up the entire space. The screen is not so much to watch programs as I prefer to have music on, it is to follow free yoga/pilates sessions on youtube.

 

Cristina for Peas & Peace

 

HEALTH

Volunteering

It is official, I have received my training and am now a volunteer at the Oncology Department at a nearby hospital. Every week  I will be greeting, assisting, listening to, and comforting patients scheduled to meet the Oncologist, or to receive a chemotherapy treatment.

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You may be wondering why I opted to volunteer with the Oncology Department. Three simple words…………it grounds you. I get to converse with individuals of all ages. Some patients are humorous about their situation, some are still in shock, and some are understandably very angry. However, some are in recovery, and simply follow-up with the department when necessary.

This is a constant reminder to me that I am blessed, as my family is all in good health, and we can go about pursuing our projects and dreams. For cancer patients, some projects and dreams have to be put on hold.

Volunteering or giving back may have positive benefits for the person or community but for the volunteer as well

I get inspired meeting individuals in adversity, and I feel a have a purpose if somewhere I was able to bring comfort or make someone smile in such times.

 

Cristina for Peas & Peace

 

 

HEALTH

Music 🎶 energizes, appeases you ! I invite you to discover this Alternative group, puts me in a great mood, great mood is conducive to wellness. Do something everyday for YOU regardless

HEALTH

Remembering Penelope

Anyone that knows me knows that I am passionate about horses. I once had my own horse, Penelope. She has since passed away, and I miss her….immensely.

Now, being in my mid-fifties, I know that it’s not feasible to get another horse, as we leave for longer periods of time when vacationing. This is not fair to an animal, despite the fact that there are wonderful individuals that can look after them while we are away.

After a few months of struggling with this notion, I came across an inspirational lady named Anouk Lorie, the founder of Wásábi Coaching (Wásábi is an Algonquian word, that means “eyes wide open”, “seeing clearly”). She is also the owner of four beautiful, gentle horses. This one is Buck !

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Amongst her many different workshops, I noticed one that intrigued me; Chakras and Coaching with Horses. Although I didn’t necessarily understand the meaning nor the purpose at the time, it appealed to the dormant Yogi in me. Not to mention, I loved the idea of being in contact with horses, as well.  I decided to follow suit and attend.

Well, it just so happens it did me a world of good. I was outdoors all day long with horses, learnt about Chakras and what they can communicate to you and came to terms with Penelope’s passing.

No experience with horses is required, so if you love horses and this is something that appeals to you, simply consult the website to find workshops and certifications that best suit your needs.

They are located in Morin-Heights, Quebec, Canada.

-Cristina for Peas and Peace

 

 

 

HEALTH

Canada’s Food Guide 2019

 

I am quite content with the Government of Canada having finally updated the food guide. The guide encourages everyone to eat more fruits and vegetables and to opt more often for  plant based recipes for protein. In lieu of juice, milk or other, to make water your drink of choice.

This shift towards plant-based foods comes despite intense lobbying from the meat, dairy and juice industries.

Here below are some highlights and where plant based  foods are mentioned. For the complete guide please visit the site https://food-guide.canada.ca/en  

Hopefully the next guide would of had eradicated meat and dairy altogether.

 

 

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Benefits of healthy eating patterns

Making healthy food choices can help you develop a healthy eating pattern. A healthy eating pattern helps you improve your overall health.

The term eating pattern refers to what you eat and drink on a regular basis. In a healthy eating pattern, all the foods and drinks work together to:

  • help you feel good
  • maintain your health
  • meet your nutritional needs

Many of the well-studied healthy eating patterns include mostly plant-based foods.

Plant-based foods can include:

  • vegetables and fruits
  • whole grain foods
  • plant-based protein foods

Eating plant-based foods regularly can mean eating more fibre and less saturated fat. This can have a positive effect on health, including a lowered risk of:

  • cancer
  • heart disease
  • type 2 diabetes

Most healthy eating patterns include little to no highly processed foods.

 

How to eat more protein foods that come from plants

Here are some easy ways to eat more protein foods that come from plants:

  • Add soft tofu to a blended soup to make it thicker and creamier.
  • Try a bean salad, lentil and rice pilaf or a bowl of vegetarian chili for lunch.
  • Make your own trail mix by combining your favourite whole grain cereal with a handful of nuts and seeds.
  • Spread hummus on the inside of a whole grain pita and fill with vegetables such as romaine lettuce and shredded carrots.

Each week, plan a couple of meatless meals. As your main course, try using:

  • beans in a burrito
  • tofu in a vegetable stir-fry
  • chickpeas and beans in tacos
  • lentils in a soup, stew or casserole

 

We are definitely heading in the right direction

 

Cristina for Peas and Peace

HEALTH

Some can get away without

Many can get away with not wearing a deodorant, I for one can not, not blessed in that aspect  and stink from a mile away.  I certainly tried going without…… but simply the fact that I could not bare my own scent was not a good sign .

That being established, then the question was what deodorant to use ?. Remember in one of my previous articles on how skin absorbs all that we apply on it. Well I surely didn’t want my body absorbing anything toxic. I gear towards natural, vegan and cruelty free.

I can suggest the one I use, but do shop around as everyone has their preferences in scents  and other.

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I love the light scent of the grapefruit and lavender !

I use a few of Cocooning Love’s products: www.cocooninglove.com  They are a local Company,  this way I am also supporting and giving a small local business a chance.

Cristina for Peas and Peace

 

 

HEALTH

The shape of me

Having recently celebrated a birthday, I realised I am in the later part of the 50’s… and heading towards 60.

Know what,  I like the shape of me !

Society, via ads and other mediums dictates how we should or could look. I am of the generation of abnormally thin models and the frenzy was to possibly fit into a size 0. The fact that a size 0 even exists is actually worrisome. I do see a shift and models look healthier where their weight is concerned. I do see that some fashion creators have also broken the mould in terms of diversifying, they will have all ethnicities, heights, shapes and genders represented, thumbs up to them.

Then comes the topic of what should a 60 year look like. Well, like somebody that is comfortable in their skin, and does exactly as they wish regardless of what others think ! you no longer want to dye your hair, then don’t, that is actually my next step.

Should also let you know that wrinkles are beautiful, they tell a story. Those stories enrich you.

Last but not least, your Mind ! at 60 you know BETTER ! you trust your Gut, the same one that was there all along but that we sometimes chose to defy.

 

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Hopefully this will inspire anyone that sometimes has doubts and please pass on the message to all the beautiful women in your lives

Cristina for peas and peace

HEALTH

Nutritional YEAST !!!

 

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It is common knowledge that Vegans run the risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency if they aren’t careful in sourcing it from the foods they consume, which should absolutely be taken seriously, as it can lead to anemia!.

 I have to however say that in the 20 years that I have been Vegan I have never had this problem, this without supplements and simply making sure that all meals include essential vitamins and minerals.

Fortunately, a vitamin B12 deficiency can easily be prevented, as it can be found in such food items as nutritional yeast ! 

 You can  sprinkle it onto your salads, your soups, or  any of your dishes for that matter. It has a nutty, cheesy  flavour that I melt over.

Look up my PARMESAN recipe, EASY and delicious !!! Let me know what you think

 

Cristina

 

 

 

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