Category Archives: Recommendation

Tea, Coffee, Energy drink? 3 questions to ask

Posted on March 28, 2013 | Leave a comment

Many of us drink a cup of tea, coffee, a coke, energy drink or any caffeinated beverage regularly. Here are 3 questions I invite you to ask each time you reach for a caffeinated beverage:

What is my energy level?

How steady is the ‘boost’ I receive from the drink?

How much and how well did I sleep last night?

These questions help to give you more awareness in the effects of the caffeinated beverage specific to yourself. The more aware of how a caffeinated beverage affects you at different times of the day, the more you can gain a better understanding of what will help you feel your best. Caffeine is a stimulant and needs to be taken in balance for optimal health.

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12 Minute Walk/Run Workout

Posted on February 25, 2013 | Leave a comment

The 12 minute run is a classic fitness test devised in 1968 by Dr Ken Cooper to measure aerobic fitness. A person simply walks or runs as far as he or she can in 12 minutes and the distance is recorded.

The 12 minute run is actually a simple workout that can be used on a regular basis. If you are able to run-you run as many laps as you can on a track or use a treadmill to record the distance you complete in 12 minutes time. If running does not work for you, then walking as far as you can in 12 minutes is also very effective. The key is to push yourself to a point where you feel out of breath and cannot really talk.

I have found the 12 minute run to be an effective way to get me on a treadmill lately, as I have needed motivation to get on a treadmill (I much prefer outdoors). 12 minutes is a short enough time to talk yourself into exercising when you may not feel like it. Once you get going, you may feel like competing with yourself to match or surpass your previous distance. The 12 minute run is a great way to watch yourself improve with the distance you can cover in that time. Give this workout a try-you most certainly can find 12 minutes to get active!

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Posted in commentary, Recommendation, Vivian Law, Workout

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Veggie Inspiration: Choi Sum

Posted on February 12, 2013 | Leave a comment

It seems highly appropriate to introduce Choi Sum, a Chinese green vegetable during  Chinese New Year. Choi sum is mild in flavour, somewhat similar to bok choy. It is part of the mustard family of greens and is a source of vitamin C, soluble fibre, calcium and phytonutrients such as indole 3-carbinol, which helps cells repair their DNA.

Baby Choi Sum

Baby Choi Sum

Choi sum came to my attention in Hawaii while I sampled the incredibly diverse and blended Asian food on Oahu. I found choi sum as a tasty cold salad at a Korean place in the food court at Ala Moana Mall. I believe the choi sum was steamed and seasoned with sesame oil and soy sauce among other unidentified seasonings to create the ‘salad’. I also enjoyed and ordered extra portions of choi sum in tan tan ramen (a spicy sesame infused broth for ramen and a new favourite food!).

With these sources of inspiration, I procured some tender baby choi sum with a little help. It’s an interesting leafy green vegetable to have, which works well for healthy eating and fat loss. Look for baby choi sum, or choi sum that is bright green at your local Asian grocer. Try it stir fried, lightly steamed and enjoyed hot or cold dressed as a ‘salad’, or in a noodle soup.

 

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Posted in antioxidant, fat loss, Greens, Healthy food, plant food, Recommendation, Vegan, Veggies, Vivian Law

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5 Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Posted on February 8, 2013 | Leave a comment

Coconut oil is a superfood with highly versatile uses. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. There are numerous health benefits to consuming coconut oil with the major benefit being improved metabolism and absorption of nutrients. Here are 5 ways of using virgin coconut oil:

1. Consume it as a dietary supplement much like fish oil. Here’s one way to try it as a supplement to your diet: http://www.vivianlaw.ca/health-booster-lemon-water-with-coconut-oil/

2. Cook with coconut oil. I use coconut oil in granola, rice, and to cook shrimp. A few recipes are on the website here, please check them out.

3. Treat minor skin conditions by applying coconut oil directly to rashes, dry patches, pimples, cuts, and insect bites. Coconut oil is quickly absorbed and helps speed up healing, as it nourishes the skin.

4.  Use coconut oil as an oral rinse to treat oral inflammation like canker sores and irritated gums. Take a tablespoon full, let it melt in your mouth, rinse for a few minutes and expel.

5. Apply coconut oil as a scalp and hair treatment. Coconut oil works very well to ease an itchy scalp. It can also be used as a hair conditioning treatment.

 

 

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Posted in Healthy food, Recommendation, Vivian Law

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Veggies for Lunch: Kupfert and Kim Meatless and Wheatless

Posted on February 1, 2013 | Leave a comment

The meatless and wheatless tag line caught my attention when I walked through the First Canadian Place underground in December. I bought lunch at Kupfert and Kim this week. I ordered the First Canadian which was quinoa with shredded beets, kale, carrots, cabbage, radish, microgreens, tempeh, sunflower seeds, pomegranate seeds and maple dressing. I used a serving of hot sauce as well for flavour.

 

First Canadian Kupfert and Kim Meatless and Wheatless

First Canadian at Kupfert and Kim Meatless and Wheatless

The First Canadian with its blend of veggies and quinoa makes for a healthy, satisfying vegetarian lunch. It is a great way to enjoy a variety of veggies for a work day lunch. The dose of veggies is likely to help keep your energy levels up after lunch. The selection of sweets at Kupfert and Kim are good nutritional energy boosters-possible afternoon snacks. The breakfast selections look appealing, as they are breakfasts I would be likely to make and serve to guests myself.

 

 

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Posted in gluten free, Greens, Healthy food, plant food, Recommendation, Restaurant review, Review, Toronto

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Favourite Non Dairy Beverages: Coconut Dream and Pacific Hazelnut

Posted on January 31, 2013 | Leave a comment

I regularly use a non dairy beverages to help create vegan meals. I have tried many different types of non dairy beverages and one test I have is to see if a carton actually gets finished. My favourite remains Coconut Dream Original for the taste. Interestingly, this product is fortified with calcium, vitamin A, D and B12 in the version sold in the US, but not in Canada. The easily metabolized medium chain fatty acids from coconut are a nutritional benefit in addition to the taste.

http://www.tastethedream.com/products/product/5346/772.php

Another non dairy beverage I discovered recently and really enjoyed the taste of is Pacific Hazelnut Original non dairy beverage. I found this product in a grocery store on Kauai. The colour is not the most appealing. However, the taste excellent, perhaps from its slightly higher sugar content.

http://www.pacificfoods.com/our-foods/nut-grain-beverages/hazelnut-beverage-1

If you regularly use non dairy beverages, give Coconut Dream or Pacific Hazelnut a try to add variety to your diet.

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Posted in Healthy Beverage, plant food, product review, Recommendation, Vegan

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Recipe: Cucumber and Sea Asparagus Salad

Posted on January 28, 2013 | Leave a comment

This is a recipe I put together over the holidays in Hawaii. Sea asparagus or samphire is a veggie (or succulent herb) that grows between salt water and fresh water. It has a natural saltiness and crunch that lends itself well to a simple salad like this one. Sea asparagus is an excellent natural source of iodine. Sea asparagus in available seasonally, when harvested wild in Canada and Europe. Fresh sea asparagus is cultivated year round on the north shore of Oahu http://www.olakaihawaii.com/index.htm and is available at farmers markets throughout the island and at Foodland.

Fresh sea asparagus grown on the north shore of oahu

Fresh sea asparagus grown on the north shore of oahu-the best sea asparagus for taste and texture

1 japanese cucumber, chopped

1 cup fresh sea asparagus, rinsed and roughly chopped

1/4 maui onion, finely chopped

1 small tomato, chopped

fresh lime juice to taste

1 tablespoon Pele’s Fire chili infused macadamia oil (or any other oil you like, spice is adds great flavour to the salad)

chopped fresh cilantro to taste, or chopped shiso for those that don’t like cilantro (thank you Sharon S.)

In a bowl, toss together cucumber, sea asparagus, onion, tomato, and chili oil. Season with lime juice to taste. Top with chopped cilantro or shiso. Enjoy any time with breakfast, lunch or dinner.

 

 

 

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Posted in Greens, Healthy food, healthy recipe, plant food, product review, Recipe, Recommendation, Vegan

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Thoughts to start 2013

Posted on January 11, 2013 | Leave a comment

Genius is the art of taking pains

What is the secret of success? Just the daring which led me to abandon safety for uncertainty

Claude C Hopkins, My Life in Advertising 

My Life in Advertising is a book that I found on the Prince Charming’s bookshelf and promptly borrowed. I loved it and I am still amazed that the book was first published in 1923. The two statements above really spoke to me and I’m passing them on as inspiration to start 2013. What genius is within you to take pains to create? What would inspire you to have the daring to abandon safety for uncertainty?

 

 

 

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Posted in commentary, Recommendation, Vivian Law

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Food Inspiration Moments of 2012

Posted on December 25, 2012 | Leave a comment

Here are some of my favourite moments of food inspiration in 2012 in no particular order:

Callaloo: A great tasting, super nutritious green veggie that I enjoyed and  learned about on the South Coast of Jamaica this year. There was nothing better than being shown where and what the plant looks like growing wild.

Sea Asparagus Pesto: Another highly nutritious, delicious and naturally salty veggie made into a unique delicious pesto product that I discovered in Hawaii.

Blue Hawaii Acai Bowl: This antioxidant packed sorbet like treat topped with granola and fruit was delicious in addition to the energetic boost it provided. I nicknamed the acai bowl ‘superjuice’, as I felt superjuiced after I ate it.

www.bluehawaiisf.com

http://www.vivianlaw.ca/acai-bowl-recipe/

Galerie au Chocolat, Fire: The heat really builds up from the chili in this chocolate. I amused myself just a little by having various friends sample the chocolate and watching their reaction to the heat.

Minisyrup: This unsweetened flavouring was a surprise discovery that led to further inspiration in the idea of adding flavour to club soda and water to create your own beverage. Adding flavour to water is common practice in the UK. I was reminded of Ribena (available at Sobeys), a sweet, blackcurrant concentrate syrup in production since 1938 that I enjoyed as a child. What’s old is new and water flavouring will reach new heights here.

http://www.zavida.com/minisyrup

Beer and Cheese: Who knew? However, someone seated beside me at the Gabardine had a plate of beer battered cheese and I had to order it as well. Very tasty. www.thegabardine.com

I was convinced to sample Spearhead Hawaiian Style Pale along with some cheese at the LCBO and found the crisp, slightly fruity beer to be a great complement to the cheese. Very tasty and very smooth combination.

http://spearheadbeer.com/index.php?id=6

Jiro Dreams of Sushi: A most inspirational and beautiful film about one man’s passion in his work, his creation of sushi.

Societe Orignal Churned Seashore Honey: This honey is the best ever with its fluffy texture that tastes of caramel, marshmallows and a hint of flowers all at once.

www.societe-orginal.com

Salted Caramel Icecream: I had amazing salted caramel icecream at BiRite Creamery in San Francisco. XocoCava (1560 Yonge Street) has an outstanding salted caramel hazelnut icecream. One young hipster told me she is so over salted caramel…and I still love it.

www.biritecreamery.com

 

Ps. The best salted caramel macaron is at Petite Thuet www.petitethuet.com

Vinamit Chips: These are the most amazing fruit and vegetable chips that are made through dehydration and are sold at T&T. My brother introduced them to me and I am hooked. Mixing together one bag of the mixed fruit and jackfruit chips are the perfect combination.

All things Austrian: Are up and coming as spotted by the eagle eyes of the man behind Making Life Good…thank you JK.

Happy Christmas!

 

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Top 10 List of Favourite Foods

Posted on November 26, 2012 | Leave a comment

What are your top 10 favourite foods? Making a top 10 list of your favourite foods is a great exercise in learning what your taste and food preferences are. I recommend doing this at least once a year to see how your list evolves. Having this list also helps provide a big picture framework to make food choices for you. I have clients make a top 10 list of favourite holiday season or party foods to help guide their food choices at the holiday gatherings. Let’s start with a general top 10 list of favourite foods. Once you have your list, you can ask:

How often do I enjoy these foods? What is the variety of food on my list? Are there any veggies or fruit that make it onto my list? What tastes and textures do I seem to like most? What is the satisfaction or feeling(s) that I associate with each food?

I must say fried chicken is perennially on my top 10 favourite foods list. I enjoy it about once a month or less. Fried chicken is a food I have loved since I was a child. I love the savoury, crispy, and greasy tasty satisfaction it gives. I eat it here in Toronto and I also associate it with being on holiday-I have had some fantastic fried chicken in Barbados, Hawaii, Jamaica, and San Francisco.

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