MY BLOG

Summer is over and we are back in the regular grind. You’re inspired to do this season right, stay on track with your health goals and stick to your grocery budget… but the phrase “packed lunch” conjures up mental images of sad sandwiches or wilted salads you forget in the fridge while you go and grab fast food. But a lunchbox can actually be something you look forward to. It can be nourishing, satisfying, and way better than grabbing something random (and regretful), and easier on your wallet.

Summer is a favourite time of year for many people, but once the season winds down, you might notice your digestion isn’t quite as happy. Bloating, irregular bowels, heartburn, or that heavy “post-patio” feeling are all pretty common. So, besides eating more ice cream cones than we’d ever admit…why does the gut go off track after summer, and how do you reset?

Given how grey the winter months are here on Vancouver Island, many of us make it our priority to get out and enjoy the sunshine while it’s here, soaking up that vitamin D and enjoying our beaches, lakes and rivers. But after months of soaking up the sunshine, your skin might be feeling the effects, even with careful SPF use. The combination of UV rays, heat, salt water, and chlorine can leave skin dry, dull, or uneven. The good news is our skin is remarkably resilient and with a little extra care, we can help it recover, restore its glow and vitality.

There’s no shortage of wellness advice floating around out there…some of it helpful, some of it... not so much. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I get asked a lot of the same questions online and with my patients. I love being your go-to source for clear, grounded, and natural health wisdom, so I figured I’d round them all up together for any curious minds who aren’t able to come see me in the clinic.

Summer is full of on the go adventures… road trips, beach days, weekends at the lake, and spontaneous hikes… but what about keeping yourself fuelled on these wild adventures? It’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing gas station junk that leaves you feeling more sluggish than satisfied. While there's a time and a place for indulging in your favourite snacks, I’m all about making your summer snacks work for you.

It’s easy to find yourself swinging by a fast food drive thru on the way home, or ordering in doordash for the 3rd time this week, but cooking healthy meals doesn’t have to be a huge time suck.  There are some great strategies you can use to make things easier on yourself while maintaining good nutrition for you and your family.  You’re probably even too busy to read this article, so I’ll keep it super quick. 

There’s something about pool, or oceanside lounging that practically begs for a drink in hand, but that drink doesn’t have to be boozy to feel luxurious. In fact, skipping the alcohol can mean better hydration, clearer skin, fewer headaches, and waking up the next day feeling refreshed instead of wrecked. Keep your poolside vibes high and your blood sugar stable this summer with these fun, flavourful, and functional beverage ideas that taste like vacation— minus the hangover.

Let’s get honest for a sec: Did you make the cut on your to-do list today? This week? Or even this month? Self-care is often the first thing we cancel when life gets full, but life is always full. We bail on ourselves in favour of deadlines, drama, and dishes, promising we’ll “get to it later” because everything else is just so much more urgent. The truth is neglecting your self-care doesn’t save time, it steals energy. It chips away at your mood, your health, your spark. And since July 24th is International Self-Care Day, consider this your gentle but firm nudge to stop ghosting yourself.

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve likely heard all of the buzz about Ozempic, the diabetes medication making waves for weight loss. There has been a fair bit of controversy arising from its viral popularity, with supply issues leading to shortages for diabetic patients. Controversy aside, Ozempic works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone your body naturally produces, that helps regulate appetite, slow stomach emptying, and promote insulin release. Let’s explore how you can naturally stimulate your GLP-1 and other ways to support a healthy metabolism, balance hunger hormones, and feel amazing in your body — no needles required.

For those of us who remember a time without social media, it is incredible to reflect on how much life has changed since it seemingly took over our culture. So much of our lives are spent online. It’s not just about sharing photos with your friends anymore. It’s where we get our news, our health and lifestyle advice, where we look to decide what products to buy, and even how we form our self image. Now I would argue that most of that isn’t for the best. In fact, I am here today to talk about why social media is bad for our health. 

Dust off those tongs, Summer is HERE.  The season of sunshine, barefoot mornings, and, let’s be honest, grilling everything. Whether you're hosting backyard BBQs, camping with friends, or just not in the mood to turn on your oven, your grill can be your best friend for quick, healthy, and ridiculously tasty meals. The best part? Grilling doesn't have to mean charred hot dogs and sugar filled sauces. With a few clean ingredients and creative twists, you can turn your BBQ into a wellness tool.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has officially hit the mainstream. From podcasts to social media to that friend who swears by it, it’s clear that this eating pattern has people talking and often, not eating (at least for part of the day). But here’s the real question: is intermittent fasting right for you? Let’s dive into the pros and cons, and who could potentially benefit vs who should steer clear of this trend.