vista magazine issue 89

Canada’s Favourite Health Magazine

Y O U R C A N A D I A N H E A L T H A N D W E L L N E S S C O N N E C T I O N

ISSUE 89 May/June/July 2013

Organic PlanetFeature: reduce Workplace Stress by adding Green to Your routine

tHe LateSt in SuGar aLternativeS

Detox Your MinD! Six De-CLutterinG StepS

train For tHe Sport You Love

Michael landsberg

SportS, DepreSSion anD tSn’S

Garden & Sea Salsa

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A garden fresh recipe using Carlson Norwegian Fish Oil

Carlson Norwegian Fish Oils can easily be mixed into food or be taken directly off of the spoon. Carlson The Very Finest Fish Oil provides the important omega-3s, DHA and EPA. Current medical research suggests EPA and DHA support cardiovascular and cognitive health. Pair Carlson fi sh oils with fresh, wholesome ingredients, and you’ve got a delicious and healthy snack the whole family will love.

Ingredients: 2 cups vine ripened tomatoes, chopped 2 Tbsp. red onion, chopped 2 Tbsp. serrano chilies, minced 1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup lime juice 2 tsp. Carlson The Very Finest Fish Oil Lemon Flavor

Directions: Mix all the ingredients together and let sit for 30 minutes to blend the fl avors. Be careful when mincing chilies; they are hot! For a milder salsa, use a jalapeño pepper. For very mild salsa, use a green bell pepper.

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CODE VISTA

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issue 89 | May/June/July 2013

cOnTenTsVISTA

14 is the natural Health industry approaching its Darkest Hour? By Dr Eldon Dahl, ND How regulatory methods are damaging the industry.

16 a new age for Sugar alternatives By Marva Ward, CNP New options are neither synthetic nor highly processed.

18 train for the Sport You Love By Dr Cory Holly What sport will make you passionate about fitness?

20 Dark Clouds; Silver Linings: interview with Michael Landsberg By Liberty Craig

24 a Mind-full Detox By Chelsea Schreiner, ND Six steps to detoxing your mind.

26 Sources of omega-3 for Vegetarians By Angus Brody New alternatives for people who don’t eat fish.

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Supports the Hippocampus

1.800.387.0177www.ovos.ca

Time Remember

to

Vivimind Vista Mag Ad 05-13.indd 1 5/1/2013 2:40:22 PM

Bring on the sunshine! Wherever you are in this great nation of ours, rejoice because here comes the heat. Nothing is more exciting to me than the change of the seasons and the emer-

gence of spring and summer in Canada. We get the flowers, the sunshine, the outdoor activities: everything. Take advantage of the changing seasons in your area and use the opportunity to get out-side and breathe in the fresh air.

If you are at all familiar with our nation’s first all-sports televi-sion station established back in the early 80s, TSN, then you prob-ably know the man our cover story is about. His name is Michael Landsberg and he is an iconic figure in sports broadcasting in Can-ada. Michael has interviewed literally thousands of guests from all walks of entertainment, and has been doing so since the 80s. He is funny, witty, self-deprecating and one of the most entertaining fig-ures on sports television today. His story is one of living and thriv-ing with mental illness. Michael has just recently shared his illness publicly and we were fortunate enough to get some time with him to discuss his story. Read on and discover how mental illness affects not only those who suffer from it, but also everyone around them.

I encourage you to visit www.vhealthportal.com and download the free vHealth app to your smartphone. Besides hosting all the health-related content you could ever need, this website and app of-fer consumers exclusive discounts on natural health products direct from retailers, suppliers and manufacturers. The discounts come in the form of daily deals sent directly to consumers’ smartphones via “push notifications.” Customers can redeem the deals at their local retailer, online, or even on the spot through their phones. This is an innovative way for consumers to save big on their favourite natural health products.

Publisher: Trent Nelliseditor: Liberty CraigMarketing director & associate editor: Shelly-Lynn Nellisart director: Michelle BeaudrycoPy editor: Dan Tidsburyadvertising sales: 1-877-905-7771

Cover Credits:

Photo Credit: TSN

Contributing Writers:

Angus Brody, Chelsea Schreiner, Dr Cory Holly, David Suzuki, Dr Eldon Dahl, Jode Roberts, Laura Terlizzi, Liberty Craig, Marva Ward, Michael Bloch, Tracy Kaye Holly

VISTA Magazine 13256 55A Avenue surrey, bC CAnAdA v3X 3b3 tel (604) 591-9991 or (877) 905-7771 e-mail [email protected] www.vistamagonline.com

vista Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not neces-sarily reflect those of the vista Magazine publisher, editors or staff. readers are encouraged to consult with their health professional before embarking upon any exercise, medical or nutritional changes. Contents of vista Magazine are copyright 2013, all rights reserved. vista Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without written permission of the publisher.

to subscribe to vista Magazine and receive delivery to your home or of-fice bimonthly, send $39.95 + HST $4.80 = $44.75 for 1year sub-scription. include your address and we’ll ship you our next issue. Single copies are also available for $6.95 + HST $.80 = $7.75. Ca-nadian Publications Mail Products sales Agreement #40025872 issn #1715-8214

This issue of proudly brought to you by:M A G A Z I N E

Trent E. Nellis, PublisherTo contact Trent Nellis via e‑mail, write to [email protected]

Trent E. Nellis ‑ Publisher, Vista MagazinePh

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Publisher’s Word

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issue 89 | May/June/July 2013

cOnTenTsVISTA

32 Black Bean Carob Cookies By Tracy Kaye Holly, CSNA Master

33 editor Selects

Organic PlaneT28

29 reduce Workplace Stress by adding Green to Your routine By David Suzuki with contributions from Jode Roberts Is your office bad for your health and well-being?

30 Sustainable Living: it takes a neighbourhood By Laura Terlizzi A conversation with world-renowned architect David Wong.

31 teach them to Love the insects By Michael Bloch Unlearning our reaction to insects.

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Not all Stevia is the same, though. NOW Foods takes special measures to preserve Stevia’s natural qualities to make ours the best tasting, purest Stevia available. NOW® BetterStevia™ utilizes the whole leaf extract - not isolated fractions - to retain the pure sweetness in real Stevia. We then treat our Stevia with a special chemical-free, enzymatic process that results in a clean, superior tasting sweetener. Our attention to quality guarantees freshness in every serving and gives BetterStevia™ a well-rounded sweet taste that is very close to that of pure sugar, without the calories or guilt. That’s why NOW’s Stevia is called BetterStevia™. Try it today and see how sweet it is.

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Delicious Gluten-Free Baking Mixes PLUS added Fibre and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Additional Omega-3 fatty acids are important for anyone on a gluten-free diet, as research has shown that although the majority of celiac symptoms improve after switching to a gluten free diet, essential fatty acid deficiencies can remain. Purely Bulk’s gluten-free baking mix’s are naturally fortified with fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids (ALA and DHA from Smartgrain® chia and sprouted flax). Purely Bulk Gluten-free mixes taste great, have a texture similar to conventional, gluten-containing foods and are easy to prepare! • www.purelybulk.com

Liberty Craig, Editor

How well do you know the other moms at your kid’s school? Or those guys you play beer league hockey with? Or your coworkers, cousins... even your spouse? Did you know that one in nine of them suffers

from depression? And because of serious social stigmas that still exist today, many of them may have become expertly adept at covering up their problems. They may seem like the happiest, most outgoing people you know – certainly not people suffering from a mental illness. But their private struggles with the darkness of depression may threaten their very existences.

Michael Landsberg is a long-time TSN sports broadcaster and host of the popular show Off the Record. Known for his charismatic – some might say brash – personality, Michael appears full of life and energy on his show. He’s fit, handsome, successful; happily married with two great kids. In short, he has it all. Yet Michael has been battling the vortex of depression for much of his life, and in recent years, he’s gone public with it. Through speaking engage-ments, his show, and the documentary film Darkness and Hope: Sports, De-pression and Me, Michael has reached out to those struggling with depression. He has touched a great many people. He has even saved lives. In this issue of Vista, Michael shares his own story of how he has learned to live without shame and swim against the undertow.

This issue is also filled with information on sustainable living, reducing workplace stress, the state of the natural health industry, the latest news in nutrition, and ways to detox not just your body, but also your mind. We hope you take these ideas with you into the healthy, active days of summer! Enjoy!

Liberty Craig ‑ Editor, Vista Magazine

Phot

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Delicious Gluten-Free Baking Mixes PLUS added Fibre and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Additional Omega-3 fatty acids are important for anyone on a gluten-free diet, as research has shown that although the majority of celiac symptoms improve after switching to a gluten free diet, essential fatty acid deficiencies can remain. Purely Bulk’s gluten-free baking mix’s are naturally fortified with fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids (ALA and DHA from Smartgrain® chia and sprouted flax). Purely Bulk Gluten-free mixes taste great, have a texture similar to conventional, gluten-containing foods and are easy to prepare! • www.purelybulk.com

By Dr Eldon Dahl, ND

In my opinion, we are on the precipice of a major paradigm shift that will reshape the natural health industry forever. Will the in-dustry survive? Absolutely—and it will adapt and thrive, but it will

be a far cry from the days of its inception. I have witnessed the changes happening over the years. I entered the health field in 1986. I owned my first health food store, then naturopathic clinic, in 1988. Back then, there was a clear demarcation: organic, natural, and quality were clear-ly evident. If you wanted health food and natural vitamins, you went to the health food store, plain and simple. The health industry of today is vastly different. The natural roots of our inception grew a healthy tree. However, today’s health industry has grafted in branches that feed from the essence of the roots, but produce fruit that doesn’t necessarily resemble the original. Its properties are questionable in regards to raw material purity, potency and therapeutic value. The demarcations that used to be so easy to see are being blurred in the name of regulatory compliance.

Now, under the stewardship of the CHFA, all supplements are un-der NHPD regulations. To set the record straight so that I am not per-ceived as opposed to licensing, our entire product line is licensed. Still, no matter what spin is applied, NPNs are in a drug subclass. Through a sleight of hand, they are referred to as “natural health products.” This placement should have been fought like hell, but here we are. Food-based supplements don’t require warnings and adverse reactions; they do only if one considers mixing them with prescription medicine. Now, supplement warnings closely resemble those of pharmaceuti-cal drugs. I ask you: who benefits from drug-style warnings? Health Canada is happy, and so is the pharmaceutical industry, and when they smile, I get worried. This new “middle-ground” category raises a whole new set of industry security concerns.

With the new regulations in full swing, how will creativity flourish without patent protection like what is given to the pharmaceutical in-dustry? I can use my experience of Kava Kava as an example. After 10 years of Kava being banned from the Canadian market, I worked with

a licensing company with the goal of bringing it back. It took three and a half years of submitting clinical evidence, addressing numerous IRN rejections, and spending tens of thousands of dollars before we brought Kava back with a license to be a calmative and a sleep aid. Unlicensed Kava is still classified by Health Canada as high-risk, and if a consumer were to become sick using a non-licensed product, that one strike may be enough to permanently restrict Kava – licensed or not – from ever being sold again.

Speaking from the heart and from my love of the health industry, we as an industry must support the intellectual efforts of the suppliers. It is through their efforts that new products enter the marketplace, and without support or incentive, creativity will cease since there is no re-ward for their efforts. In the pharmaceutical world, a patent is granted to allow for the recovery of investment. However, NPNs cannot rely on recovery being granted, and must instead rely on the industry to recog-nize their contribution and support their efforts until another supplier is granted a similar license.

Another troubling fact is that Canada has the Freedom of Informa-tion Act. To obtain an NPN, a supplier spends years compiling research and invests tens of thousands of dollars, plus hundreds of hours. How-ever, a competitor can apply and request that information to be released with little or no effort. Thus far we have had this happen many times. I view this as theft, just like a copyright infringement. Others may see it as free enterprise and an easy opportunity. Maybe I am old fashioned, but it just doesn’t feel right.

With these dangers, will our natural industry remain fruitful in years to come? I guess that depends on our gardening skills and how we prune the tree.

Dr. Eldon Dahl, ND, is the founder and CEO of the Life Choice nutraceutical product line. www.lifechoice.net

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By Marva Ward, CNP

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A neW Age for sugar alTernaTives

Health Canada recently revised its list of “permitted sweeten-ers.” Below is the sweet and lowdown on the new age of sugar alternatives.

steviaAs of November 2012, steviol glycocosides, more commonly known as stevia extract, is recognized as a safe alternative to sugar and artificial chemical sweeteners. In Canada, stevia is now approved for use in a wide range of products, including beverages, breakfast cereals, baked goods, desserts, fruit and nut spreads, confectionery, and table-top sweeteners. Stevia is approved as a food additive in many countries around the world, where it is a popular natural-source sweetener and viable sugar substitute. The two components responsible for the sweet-ness, stevioside and rebaudioside, are 250 to 300 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar), heat stable, pH stable and non-fermentable. It is suitable for diabetics and any individual looking for an alternative sweetener. It contains zero calories per serving and has a glycemic in-dex of zero (i.e., It won’t impact blood sugar levels). It can be used in cooking and baking; however, due to its concentrated sweetness, it is necessary to alter recipes to accommodate its use. For example, 2.5 teaspoons of liquid stevia has the equivalent sweetness of about one cup of sugar. Stevia is available in liquid, tablet and powdered formats; for the adventurous type, there are also flavoured options available such as vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut and lemon.

sugar alcohols Sugar alcohols (SA) represent another class of alternative, naturally occurring sweeteners. Available in Canada for a number of years, they are manufactured by adding hydrogen atoms to sugar. The result is a sweetener that looks and tastes like conventional sugar, but with a reduced glycemic load and calories. It is because of this similarity to sugar in taste and density that sugar alcohols can be successfully used as a sugar substitute in cooking and baking.

Sugar alcohols pass through the digestive tract relatively intact and are eliminated through the bowel. This unique digestive process is the primary reason that they have a relatively low glycemic index (GI) and are popular among diabetics. Alternatively, this may also be problematic for some individuals as overindulgence has been known to cause symptoms such as bloating, gas and diarrhea.

Xylitol Xylitol (pronounced “zy-li-tol”) is naturally found in low concentra-tions in the fibres of many fruits and vegetables. Commercially, it is generally extracted from hardwoods or corn. It has been widely ap-proved and accepted by food agencies and industries around the world, particularly because of its safety profile, functionality and di-

verse health benefits. Following are examples of how xylitol has been used.

• Baking: The substitution ratio for sugar is 1 to 1, yet it contains about 40 percent fewer calories.

• Dental:Xylitol is not fermentable and, unlike sugar, cannot be used as an energy source by bacterial growth and reproduction. Studies indicate that chewing gum sweetened with xylitol sig-nificantly reduces cavities and strengthens tooth enamel by en-hancing mineral absorption. For this reason, it is also a popular ingredient in natural toothpastes.

• Ear and respiratory health: Studies indicate that the act of chewing and swallowing xylitol-sweetened gum assists in the disposal of ear wax by clearing the middle ear and preventing bacterial growth in the Eustachian tubes. Research also shows that it interferes with the bacteria’s ability to adhere to the wall of the nasal and ear cavities and in the case of H. influenzae, adherence to the upper area of the throat canals.

• Otherhealthapplications: Xylitol has been found to increase the activity of white blood cells involved in fighting bacteria, and thus may help build immunity. It has been proven effective in inhibiting Candida albicans and other harmful microorgan-isms, including H. pylori, which is implicated in gum disease, bad breath, ulcers and stomach cancer. Research shows that di-etary xylitol prevents weakening of bones in rats and improves bone density, indicating a possible future treatment for osteo-porosis in humans.

Precautionarynote:xylitol is toxic to dogs.

erythritol Erythritol occurs naturally in some fruits and fermented foods. In a commercial setting, it is produced from glucose by fermentation with yeast. It is 60 to 70 percent as sweet as table sugar, yet it is almost cal-orie free and does not affect blood sugar, making erythritol the most welcome SA for diabetics and dieters. As with xylitol, it does not pro-mote tooth decay. The most significant difference between xylitol and erythritiol is in the digestion process. Although it, too, is only partially absorbed by the body, it does not go into the lower intestine for elimi-nation. Instead, it is primarily excreted in the urine. Because of this unique digestive pathway, it is less likely to cause any gastric upset.

The new age of sugar substitutes, such as stevia and xylitol, are wel-come additions to the food category that has historically offered highly processed or synthetic options. At long last, there is a choice.

Marva Ward, CNP, is a registered nutritionist.

All sugar alcohols are not created equal when comparing their calorie counts, blood sugar reactions or sweetness. Two examples demonstrate these variations:

Ingredient Sweetness GI Cal/gSucrose(sugar) 100% 60 4Xylitol 100% 13 2.5Erythritol 70% 0 0.2

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By Dr Cory Holly


Train fOr The sPOrT

You LoVe


Conference Theme: Life Extension

Saturday Sept 28th, 2013 10am-4pm Tickets Online @ CoryHolly.com

The following is an excerpt from my new book called Sports Nutrition for Masters Athletes. It’s book nine in the Cory Holly Series. This article is dedicated to every man, woman and child 40 years of age and over!

Over the years, I’ve noticed that as time marches on, many people start to lose the drive they once had to train in the gym with intensity, pride and passion. You can see it in some of the young people from time to time, but not often in men and women over 40, and when you do it’s very impressive. It’s always great to see someone in their 50s, 60s, 70s and even their 80s train with a sense of purpose and work towards specific fitness and health related performance goals.

Tracy and I train first and foremost for health and fitness. Stay-ing well and functional is very important to us. We are intrinsically inspired primarily from that point of view, plus we read and study health and nutrition research constantly. We listen to audio books on our iPods, read books on our digital readers and attend numerous lec-tures and conferences on topics related to sports nutrition, health and fitness.

That’s one of the most important keys to staying motivated right there. Keep your mind’s eye on the target of functional health and it’s likely you’ll never wander far enough away to lose your focus. I assume that’s one of the reasons you’re reading this article right now. You want to learn, and that’s great. The only day you should stop learning is the day you slide off into oblivion and disappear into the void.

One of the things you can do to get back in the swing of things, to help you pick up the pace and train with more enthusiasm, is to find a Masters Sport you love, and train for it. What I mean is that you can shift away from just training in the gym for the sake of it alone, to training for a particular sport. Perhaps one you always wanted to play, but for whatever reason, never had time or made a priority. Well, right now might just be the perfect time. Think about a sport you’d love to play; then, begin to investigate how and where to play it as a competi-tive Master.

outside of training for health and wellness, training and competing

in different sports will lead to variation in your training and enhance your

exercise program.

For example, when Tracy and I first moved to Honolulu several years ago, I checked out Masters Track & Field. I’ve been a hammer thrower since high school, and in every province of Canada, and every US State, there’s a branch of Masters Athletics available to participate in. That’s what Track & Field is called in the Olympics: Athletics. Once I decided to get back into the swing of things, in this case literally, I connected with the right people in my area first by searching the inter-net. I made contact with the president of the Hawaiian Masters Ath-letic Association, and he invited me to come out and meet the team

at a local high school where they trained. Before you know it, I was throwing the hammer and competing at local events. I met a lot of great local people and of course I had a great time training and competing in the sport. Competing for the pure enjoyment and love of the sport gave me a lot of personal satisfaction.

It could be any sport. You name it. Dancing, hockey, table tennis, cricket, soccer, running… you’d be surprised how many people par-ticipate in Masters Sports purely for fun, joy and recreational aspects around the world. Many of the sports are very well organized and provide an excellent opportunity for participation either seasonally or year-round, depending on the sport you choose and your location. Per-sonally, I like to bounce back and forth between natural bodybuilding and hammer throwing. Neither sport is violent, and the risk of injury if you train correctly is extremely low. But outside of training for health and wellness, training and competing in different sports will lead to variation in your training and enhance your exercise program for sure.

For example, if I’m throwing the hammer, I perform plyometrics and a great variety of conditioning drills out on the track that I never would in the gym. Plus I substitute some of my bodybuilding exercises in the gym for some of the more sport specific weight-training exer-cises known to be beneficial for hammer throwing, such as front bar-bell squats, power snatches, speed cleans and a host of specialized core movements. Bodybuilding is all about building mirror muscle, which in most cases isn’t necessarily ideal for most sports. In fact, I know it isn’t by experience. A hammer thrower doesn’t need big bulging biceps or diamond shaped calves for show. They certainly look good but they’re useless on the field.

Most hammer throwers are definitely not built like bodybuilders because they don’t train or diet to look like bodybuilders. They train for performance. In fact, this is true for almost all competitive sports. Success in most athletic sports is not based on how you look, success is based on how well you perform, like how fast you run or how far you can throw the implement. There’s certainly a relationship between performing really well and how good you look, but I think you get what I’m saying. Just look at the Olympic 100m sprinters or world-class gym-nasts. They’re all exceptional athletes, but they also look really good! When I look at any athlete, I’m thinking: “Is that a healthy physique? How did he or she achieve it? Did they take any GH or test? Where will they be in 20 years?” Unfortunately, few athletes train for health first, but some do, and they’re the ones that impress me the most because they didn’t cave.

By getting involved in a competitive Masters Sport that you love to play, you’ll start to get excited about your training in the gym again. Now you have something to train for! You’ll meet new people, acquire new training habits and training methods for your sport, and possibly even travel throughout the world to compete in international events. But the main thing is that you are doing what you love, and believe me, my health-conscious athletic friends, anything less is a compromise.

Join Cory & Tracy in Coquitlam, BC, Saturday, September 28th, 2013, for their annual sports nutrition conference and trade show. The conference theme is Life Extension and includes six expert presenters. Details at CoryHolly.com

cOver sTOryw w w . v i s t a m a g o n l i n e . c o m

By Liberty Craig Photo Credit: TSN

dark clouds; silver linings:

interview with

Michael landsberg

by some of those suggestions. “I grew up being chunky and thought that was just who I am. Then

I realized I just wasn’t educated. My philosophy now is to eat as much protein as I can. I have a protein shake in the morning and another before bed every day, and often a protein bar mid-morning. I eat a rea-sonable lunch and an apple on my way home from work. Then I have dinner with my family and try to make the meat the smallest part of the meal and the vegetables the largest part. I tend to become obsessed with one or two foods. For five months, I had a roasted chicken sand-wich on Ezekiel bread every single day.”

dePressiOn in The MidsT Of haPPiness“It’s an important question: How could someone who seemingly has a wonderful life fall into a place where they didn’t enjoy their life? In-herent in the question is the idea that somehow depression is some-thing we choose; that somehow our circumstances relate to our brain chemistry. But if you look at depression as an illness, like a virus or an autoimmune disease, then you’re not going to ask the question. To me, one of the definitions of depression is waking up and knowing with 100 percent certainty that you will not experience joy that day. How could somebody with so many reasons to be joyful suffer with that? The answer is that one has nothing to do with the other. My depres-sion, I believe, is simply my brain malfunctioning. I have nothing to be depressed about, except that somehow my brain is sending the wrong messages.”

The sTigMa Of Weakness“Why is mental illness looked at as a weakness and not an illness? People who have not experienced severe depression tend to believe they could ‘pull themselves out of it.’ I caution them all the time. When I say I suffer from severe depressive disorder, it is not the same thing as you saying you woke up last week and didn’t feel like getting out of bed. They are two different things.

“The stigma has lessened, exponentially so in the past four or five years, but it’s still profound and it still ruins people’s lives. A day that is spent depressed is a day that’s no better than death. The only difference is that you can come back from a bad day of depression, if you’re lucky.

“So much of it is how we see ourselves. For me, the greatest power I have is knowing that depression is not my choice or my weakness. I am not ashamed when I speak to a room of a thousand people, know-ing that probably a hundred of them think I’m weak. The three words I start every speech with are: sick, not weak. Knowing that makes you not worry about the stigma.”

navigaTing The lOWesT lOWs “The first time I went through this, the only thing that kept me going was the knowledge that I could get help. When I realized I was suf-fering from depression, I immediately went to a psychiatrist’s office, and she wrote me a prescription. I went downstairs, bought a bottle of water while my prescription was being filled, and took the first pill as soon as it was ready. It helped. The subsequent times when I went off the meds and relapsed, then went back on, it helped again. In 2008, which was my last real fall into the deepest part of this hole, if you

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It came as a complete surprise to everyone when TSN’s outspoken, energetic, long-time sports broadcaster, Michael Landsberg, ad-mitted publicly to his difficult battles with depression. That no-

body ever would have suspected the charismatic Off the Record host of a mental illness is testament to his power to pretend. What’s scary, as Landsberg reminds us, is how many seriously ill people struggle, even lose their lives, without anyone having a clue as to what was going on behind closed doors. Vista was honoured to speak with Michael Landsberg about his robust physical health and the murky waters of mental health.

behind The scenes aT Off the RecORd “I’ve done over 3,000 shows in 16 years, and that’s six or seven thou-sand guests. I have a story for almost everything! Throw out a name, and even if I haven’t met that person, six degrees of separation will allow me to tell a story about someone they know. I think what I really cherish most about the job is the opportunity to meet this wild cross-section of people, and the challenge of trying to get the most possible out of people. Interviewing people who don’t fall into a typical sports category is interesting, too. In the last six weeks, I’ve interviewed Mr T and Donald Trump, both of whom were a ton of fun.”

life Of sPOrT“Growing up, I played all sports, followed all sports, was obsessed with sports. I knew over time that I wasn’t going to be a professional athlete, but I desperately wanted to be part of the action. What I was really good at was talking about sports. By the time I was 16 or 17, my only aspiration was to talk about sports on television, but there were no role models in my community. Not a single person I knew went into broadcasting and I thought it was absolutely unattainable. I realized I had no other path to take, so I decided I had to give it a shot. I had nothing to fall back on, so I had to succeed. A safety net can be your biggest enemy.”

fiTness TOday“Most of my physical activity is more fitness than sports. I go to spin class four or five times a week with my daughter. It’s kind of our ‘thing.’ I just bought a Bow Flex and I’m using that regularly. I’ve probably gone to the gym three to five times a week for the past 15 years. One of the challenges with exercise is that doing it week after week, month after month, year after year gets really boring. With a new piece of equipment, it’s like buying yourself a couple of years of being inspired. When you feel like you look pretty good, you will always feel better about yourself. I think it’s very mentally healthy for us to feel like we look good. Of course, no one suffering from mental illness can pull themselves out of it by going to the gym!”

dieT Of a sPOrTs addicT “One of the first interviews I did in broadcasting was with the author of The F-Plan Diet, which was all about high-fibre foods. I was quite a bit heavier than I am now, which is a gentle way of saying I was kind of fat. What she said made perfect sense, and the next day I started living

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cOver sTOryw w w . v i s t a m a g o n l i n e . c o m

had said to me, what you are experiencing today is something you will have to live with the rest of your life, I would have had no interest in living. I am on medication now and probably will be for the rest of my life.

“Seven days out of eight, I feel good. One day out of eight, I am reminded of just how bad this illness can be. Today, feeling good, I forget. Tomorrow, if I wake up and it’s not a good day, I’m reminded, and I become incredibly frightened that I’m relapsing. After a time, you begin to have confidence that one bad day won’t be followed by five, and isn’t a full-blown relapse. I used to really struggle with that.”

MainTaining a Marriage WiTh MenTal illness “The first thing you absolutely have to do is be honest with your spouse. If you were a previously happy, extroverted, gregarious person, as I was, and that is taken away, your spouse will immediately think he or she has done something wrong. I think ninety percent of it is being fully honest about what depression feels like to you, and having your spouse understand that it’s not about her and it’s nothing she’s done. However, while she can make your life easier, she can’t fix you; she can’t make you better. You have to do that on your own. The one thing spouses can do is lower their expectations of what mentally ill people are capable of when they’re in that deep, dark hole. You might not understand what it feels like – you can’t – but you don’t need to know to be sympathetic.”

eXPlaining “dad’s dePressiOn” TO The kids“With my kids, especially back in 2008, I put on a really good act. As they’ve gotten older, I’ve opened up and explained why I’m not the person I want to be, or that they want me to be. And that’s tough. Even just saying it makes me feel guilty.

“One of the things I’ve tried to do is bring a sense of humour to it. I think the more you poke fun at your illness, the less taboo it is. That environment in which people couldn’t speak about ‘Dad’s Depression’ is from the fifties and sixties. It still exists in this decade, but not in my house. I can make mentally ill jokes, because I’m one of them. One of the problems is that no one wants to talk about mental illness in any-thing other than hushed tones.”

silver linings “My single biggest blessing is my ability to talk about my own mental illness and, therefore, impact other people’s lives. On one hand, de-pression is the enemy; on the other hand, it’s the friend that has al-lowed me to feel better about my existence in this world, because in no other way have I ever been able to change people’s lives. I try to speak

as much as I can, and I would love to do it more, but I know that if I gave up being on camera, people would be less interested in what I have to say and I’d be given fewer platforms. Right now, those two aspects of my life feed into one another.”

OPening uP; saving lives “In 2009, Stéphane Richer was a guest on Off the Record. I knew he had suffered from severe depression, but I’d never seen him talk about it. In the green room before the show, I said if I asked you about your depres-sion in the context my having suffered as well, would you be okay with that? He thought about it, and eventually, in a very soft voice said, yeah, okay. We went out there and talked about it for maybe two minutes, tops. When the show went to air we had about 20 emails within a min-ute, mostly from men. Instead of the usual, ‘You suck Landsberg! You’re a jerk!’ it was: ‘I’ve suffered from what you’re talking about for years. You’re the first person I’ve told. Watching you and Stéphane Richer – a big-mouth host of a show and a guy who won two Stanley Cups – talk-ing about your illnesses without being ashamed made me realize this is not my fault. And that I can go for help.’ I got that letter over and over again.”

“There was one in particular that wasn’t particularly significant to me at the time, but we emailed back and forth probably seven or eight times. Then, about two years ago, I got an email saying: ‘I contacted you after you talked to Stéphane Richer. I told you I was suffering from depression and you kept sending me messages telling me to go for help. What you didn’t know is that I was planning on killing myself that day. I’d put a belt over a hook in my closet, and every time I heard the sound of your emails come in, I would give up what I was doing, go answer you, then go back to trying to hang myself. But you kept responding, to the point where I yelled at the computer: man, that guy won’t even shut up in email! Then I thought: if he’s so adamant about this, maybe I should go for help. What have I got to lose? I can always kill myself tomorrow.’ He went for help and told me he now feels like he has the greatest life on the planet.

“That is the value of reaching out to people. Probably two dozen people have told me I’ve saved their lives. I say that with total humility. I have a mental illness, so I can relate, and I get platforms made avail-able to me. I’m suited for this because I’ve spent most of my life learning how to communicate. It’s very easy for me to get in front of people and say four words: I suffer from depression. Or, I am mentally ill. I have no problem saying that.”

“The Three WOrds ThaT i sTarT every sPeech WiTh are: sick, nOT Weak. knOWing ThaT Makes yOu nOT WOrry

abOuT The sTigMa.”

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“PrObably TWO dOzen PeOPle have TOld Me i’ve saved Their lives. ThaT is

The value Of reaching OuT TO PeOPle.”

The word “detox” often conjures up notions of restricted diets, fasting, juicing, bowel purging and having to endure constant cravings until those taste buds are altered (which is about 21

days, in case you’re wondering). Although our minds jump quickly to the need to detox the physical body, little thought is given to the importance of a detoxed mind.

In modern society, it’s so easy to become absorbed in activities that are external to us. We are constantly bombarded with ways to fill up our minds with tasks and stimuli, with seemingly no reprieve. There never seems to be a purging period, unless you count the men-tal breakdown you have before you realize you need to book a vaca-tion somewhere – anywhere but here! These days, quiet reflection is replaced by technology, deadlines, to-do lists and self-imposed rou-tines. Why not create a different routine, if not daily, then at least for the short-term. Luckily, a mind-focused detox is not as difficult as it sounds! Follow these simple tips to empty out a cluttered headspace and go from mind-full to mindful.

Turn it Off It may be hard to give up sitcoms, your cell phone addiction or the latest game on your tablet device, but those external stimuli are far from thought-provoking (even with the latest apps). You may think watching TV is a great way to unwind, but the visual stimuli from the ever-changing pictures are doing a number on your brain and body at the subconscious level. Don’t even consider a TV in the bedroom!

dear JournalTry turning attention inward and journal about your day. A great ex-ercise that creates focus is to wake up every day and write down three things you are grateful for. At the end of the day, journal about three personal successes of the day. You’d be surprised at how many different things you may come up with. You could also write about what you want to accomplish in the coming month and create realistic goals or ponder deep philosophical questions. Whatever you choose, writing is a great method of expression that is often overlooked.

read, Then read some MoreDepending on what you choose to pick up, reading can take you on a journey of self-discovery. If you’re not so inclined to go diving deep into your psyche just yet, picking up a book is still a good choice be-cause it replaces other external distractions with a more inward-based activity. Remember: If you feel the need to uncover mental or emo-tional issues, seeing a health care practitioner should be priority over self-help books.

let’s eatAwareness around eating is something we have lost as a society. We want things fast, and our digestive systems just aren’t meant to run double-time. Instead, practice mindful eating. Take the time to smell the food you lovingly prepared. The digestive system gets revved up the moment you smell food (or even think of it) so don’t miss out on this opportunity for healthy digestion! Take a moment to observe the colours and textures. Notice what sounds are made as you move your utensil through your meal (yes, your food makes sounds). After you’ve done that, actually taste the food! It’s much more enjoyable than inhal-ing it to get back to the computer or trying to balance a dinner plate while watching TV.

free your right brainPaint, doodle, colour with crayons or play with clay. Whatever your me-dium, being creative unleashes the activity of your right brain, which helps balance the typical routine-bound, left-brained type of person.

MeditateAhhh, the word that everyone recognizes as a relaxation technique... until you try it yourself! It can be really difficult to turn off inner chatter, but it is certainly blissful when it can be done. There are many different types of meditation. It can be as simple as focusing on a beloved ob-ject and experiencing it with all senses, to practicing clearing the mind completely. Have patience with meditative techniques and recognize that clearing the mind completely may not be an activity for everyone. “Om.”

You’ll be surprised at what a difference it can make when you take a break from stress-inducing schedules to re-focus. If relaxation is some-thing foreign to you, take it slow. Sometimes we keep busy to avoid dealing with issues. If at any time you feel you are mentally or emotion-ally unstable, it’s best to see a health care provider who can help you safely work through these issues. In whatever way you choose to do it, create space to detox your mind and allow your conscience to speak. You might be interested to learn what it has to say.

Chelsea Schreiner is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor at Lawrence Park Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic in Toronto. She sees patients with varying concerns but focuses on Digestive Health, Detoxification, Pain Management, Allergies and Hormonal Balancing. In addition to core Naturopathic treatments, Chelsea has additional training in Mesotherapy for skin health and pain management.

By Chelsea Schreiner, ND

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A MInd-fuLL

deTox

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By Angus Brody

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If you follow a strict vegetarian diet, you have to be careful that you are getting enough of certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty ac-ids. These essential fatty acids are required for good health, but our

bodies can’t manufacture them. The North American diet is chroni-cally low in omega-3 fatty acids, and those seeking a healthier lifestyle typically try to consume more fish or take fish oil supplements. Those who don’t eat fish, however, must find an alternative source of this crucial nutrient required for brain health, heart health, reduced in-flammation and even cancer prevention. Common alternatives to fish oil as an omega-3 source for vegetarians include flax, hemp and ma-rine algae. But another plant-based omega-3 source is gaining increas-ing recognition among scientists, consumers and vegetarians: echium seed oil.

Echium Plantagineum is a plant with pretty purple flowers, relat-ed to the forget-me-not. It is native to western and southern Europe, northern Africa and south western Asia. What makes echium interest-ing and potentially more powerful than flax, hemp and algae sources of omega-3 is its unique fatty acid composition. Omega-3s are found in the form of EPA, DHA and ALA fatty acids. Scientists agree that DHA and EPA are more important for nutrition than ALA. ALA is like the parent fatty acid, as our bodies can convert ALA into both EPA and DHA, though without much efficiency. For example, less than eight percent of ALA is metabolised to EPA. Most marine plant oils are high in DHA but contain little or no EPA. Interestingly, EPA

has been shown to be the best of the three for heart health, as it has proven significantly more effective in lowering both triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

What do all these confusing abbreviations mean? If you follow a strict vegetarian diet with no fish content, all you need to know is to look for omega-3 sources that are high in both EPA and DHA, as ALA alone won’t do the trick. Since marine algae contains mainly DHA, and flax and hemp are largely ALA, you may wish to consider the health benefits of echium seed oil, high in EPA and excellent for heart health. Echium seed oil also boasts immune-boosting properties, anti-inflam-matory omega-6 GLA content, and omega-9 oleic acid, which is known for balancing cholesterol levels. The healthy omega-3 to omega-6 ratio found in echium seed oil makes it ideal for nutraceutical use.

As a vegetarian, your dietary restrictions can make proper nutri-tion challenging at times. In the confusing scientific rhetoric of ome-ga-3 essential fatty acid supplementation, it’s nice to know that you do have good options, even if you do not want to consume fish or fish oils. As always, finding good-quality supplements with fresh ingredients and minimal fillers is key.

Angus Brody is a health and nutrition advocate and writer, and a regular contributor to Vista Magazine.

SourceS of oMegA-3 fOr vegeTarians

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Educating Today... For a Better Tomorrow

Organic PlaneT

By David Suzuki with contributions from Jode Roberts

OP feaTure: reduce Workplace stress by adding green to your routine

susTainable living:IT TAkeS A neIghbourhood

Teach TheM TO lOve The insecTs

By Laura Terlizzi

By Michael Bloch


The modern workday pose – fingers on keyboard, slight slouch, glassy eyes fixed on glowing screen, bathed in unnatural light – can drain vitality, happiness and creativity. Designed to maxi-

mize efficiency, this sterile setup actually reduces productivity and job satisfaction. In fact, modern workplaces are the main reason adults now spend about 9.3 hours a day sitting. Medical journal The Lancet estimates this unprecedented level of inactivity is causing 5.3 million deaths a year worldwide, similar to smoking – prompting the Har-vard Business Review to suggest that “Sitting is the smoking of our generation.”

The good news is that researchers have built an increasingly per-suasive case for what most of us know intuitively: nature is good for us. Being regularly immersed in a natural setting can reduce stress while boosting immunity, ingenuity and energy. As neuroscientist Marc Berman explains, adding a daily dose of green to your routine may be the best prescription for dealing with workday stress. His research shows that even simple, brief interactions with nature can improve cognitive control and mood.

Why does green time reduce stress? Various studies suggest that exposure to natural settings stimulates “soft fascination” – something New York Times reporter Gretchen Reynolds describes as “a beguiling term for quiet contemplation, during which directed attention is bare-ly called upon and the brain can reset those overstretched resources.” Hard fascination, by contrast, is stimulated by bright, loud activities like watching TV or sports, which require little or no effort but don’t allow for mental rest.

Researchers at the University of Michigan estimated that memory performance and attention span can improve by 20 percent after an hour in nature, while University of Rochester studies concluded that being outside for 20 minutes a day is enough to boost vitality. A new study from Scotland demonstrated that brain fatigue can be eased with just a 10-minute walk in the park.

But how can we fit more green time into our hectic schedules? The David Suzuki Foundation has a solution. The 30×30 Nature Challenge asks Canadians to commit to spending at least 30 minutes a day in nature for 30 days in May. Participants can take the 30×30 pledge at davidsuzuki.org/30×30Challenge and receive tips about how to add green time to their routines.

Finding your nature fix can be easy. Hold your next meeting out-doors – maybe make it a walking meeting. Invite colleagues to have lunch in a nearby park. Take the scenic route home and go for a walk in a neighbourhood green space along the way. Stop to smell the flow-ers and take notice of critters, trees and plants. Skip the gym, and head outside for a jog or bike ride.

Even if you can’t make it outside for a daily dose of nature, simple changes inside can help make you happier and healthier. As Alan Lo-gan and Eva Selhub document in their book, Your Brain on Nature, workers in windowless settings are more anxious, hostile and de-pressed than colleagues on windowed floors. Increasing natural light within the workplace has been linked to improved productivity and contentment. Researchers in Texas even found that employees in of-fices with plants or green-space views felt greater job satisfaction and reported a higher overall quality of life.

Increased exposure to nature also leads people to nurture closer relationships and build stronger community bonds. When Capilano University professor Joe Kelly spent at least an hour a day outside each day this March, he observed that “free of the distractions and back-ground noise present in the city, the serenity of nature provides a per-fect venue to connect with others.”

Even the world’s worst boss should know that employees who are less stressed and healthier are more productive. So why not sign up for the 30×30 Nature Challenge – and encourage your officemates to join? Challenge your entire company to head outside for 30 minutes a day for 30 days. And be sure to take part in the surveys before and after. Tell us how you feel. Does regular time in nature make you calmer? More alert? Happier? Let’s all get into the nature habit. It can make our lives better.

David Suzuki is a co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation, and is an award-winning scientist and broadcaster. Dr Suzuki has received a UNESCO prize for science, a United Nations Environment Program medal and the Order of Canada.

Jode Roberts is a Communications Specialist with the David Suzuki Foundation.

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reduce Workplace stress by Adding green to Your routine

By Laura Terlizzi

By David Suzuki with contributions from Jode Roberts

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By Laura Terlizzi

Organic PlaneT

Have you been engaged in conversation with one of the young minds of today? If so, did you have the opportunity to real-ize how deeply sophisticated and expansive these little minds

can be? The other day, my seven-year-old son asked me at what age he could become a leader in the Supreme Court. At what age could he start changing some of the laws we live by? This question posed by a philosophical small person with a milk moustache opened the door to a discussion about rules, regulations, communities, and indi-vidual as well as social responsibilities. It also reminded me about the power of one and how the thoughts and intentions of a single person, young or old, can change the world.

I was recently honoured to spend an hour with a man whose wealth of knowledge and experience stands as impressive as any of the remarkable buildings and structures he has designed. David Wong is a Canadian-born architect, biologist and urban ecologist. His list of accomplishments is, to say the least, extensive. Yet, when I met with Mr. Wong to learn about sustainable housing, he graciously welcomed me to share with him the story of my son’s question and the conver-sation that followed. By the end of our time together, I had an even greater appreciation for the importance of what little people with big minds can teach us; what the elders with well-traveled journeys in life can give us; what each and every insect, animal, tree root, scientific or spiritual philosophy has to do with sustainability.

David believes that words such as “sustainable,” “eco-friendly” and “organic” have become overused and over-marketed to a point where environmentally conscientious people are no longer guaranteed to re-ceive undiluted messages that will help sustain us and our world. He said, “The word organic means many things to me. As an architect, the word speaks of grass roots, natural and non-institutional-led efforts to community building. I’m also a biologist by training and I realize that there is a proper scientific definition to it… but organic, like so many other environmental words, has been usurped by the greenwash industry.”

He showed me photos of his local and international projects and told me many details of how each development was thought out literally from the ground up. He spoke about how the surrounding environment is taken into serious consideration, and how the build-ing must work with and welcome the surroundings rather than the other way around. With such a fountain of knowledge presented to me, I asked David: “If there was one message you would like to convey about sustainable housing, what would that be?”

His eyes brightened as he elabo-rated on his vision: for people to un-derstand that sustainability means community, and to appreciate all that includes. He concluded by telling me

about his East Vancouver neighbourhood, where residents have come together to create garden-lined sidewalks with berries to be picked by passing children. The elderly and young gather for nature walks by the golf course, discovering not only the local wildlife that inhabits the area, but also learning and respecting the value of each other. Sustain-ability is making lasting structural and social relationships with envi-ronments. I left Mr. Wong feeling tranquil and optimistic for a future of genuine understanding for my son and the generations to follow.

Vancouver born Architect and Urban Ecologist David Wong founded his first architectural company in 1992. In a few years, it became one of Singapore’s largest design firms. David has earned a reputation for designing “healthy buildings” and for “place making” – designing homes, regional town centres, resorts, and health & wellness spas in over a dozen countries. For more than three decades, his background as a Biologist helped his team embrace sustainability, healing, and a respect for the environment. www.davidwong.ca

Laura Terlizzi is an independent writer, fine artist and educator. Born and raised on the west coast, much of Laura’s work is inspired by nature and the beautiful environment in which she lives. Ecotraction is produced and distributed by Earth Innovations. Resources, benefits and contact information can be found at www.ecotraction.com.

susTainable living:IT TAkeS A neIghbourhood

“sustainability is making lasting structural and social relationships

with environments.”

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When the Dalai Lama was asked the most important thing to teach children, his response was, reportedly, “teach them to love the insects.”

It’s not uncommon to fear or loathe insects and “creepy crawlies.” But it’s not an instinctive thing; in many cases it’s a learned behaviour. Just as beauty among humans is often perceived based on what society dictates rather than the eye of the beholder, so too is it in regards to other creatures on our planet. Our views may also be shaped through limited experiences with a species.

I remember seeing an ex-periment many years ago where a harmless spider was placed in the presence of a mother and very young child. When the mother didn’t react, neither did the child – he had no fear of the creature. However, when the same mother then expressed fear and disgust, it had a marked affect on the child, and continued to do so in experiments that followed. When I was young, a friend told me that dragonflies drop acid bombs from their tails. I believed him and it took me years to get over my irrational fear of dragonflies. These days I smile whenever I see one, thinking back to how silly my fear was.

We often see insects as little more than biological robots, pests or even monsters – incapable of real thought or emotion. However, the concept of insects not experiencing emotion is being challenged. Some species may indeed be sentient beings. Regardless of whether they have feelings or not, insects are an incredibly important part of our planet. They are a food source, they are pollinators (not just bees), soil aerators, disposers of waste, controllers of other pests and provid-ers of fertilizer.

In order to “love the insects,” there has to be understanding and interest. Too often, we are blind to these creatures; crushing them un-derfoot without a second thought, certainly without grasping how in-credibly intricate and refined they are. We need to be able to marvel

at the extraordinary strength of the ant, which can lift and carry fifty times its own weight; or the dragonfly that can zip along at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. We should be in awe of the froghopper that, when it jumps, accelerates at 13,000 feet per second and endures a G-force over 400 times its own body weight.

Whether common or exotic, “ugly” or “beautiful,” all insects have fascinating aspects. Yes, insects can be poisonous or cause other problems, so we need to eradicate them in some scenarios. Even the Dalai Lama has a “three strikes and you’re out” policy with mosquitoes. But bear in mind that everything has its place. A termite colony chomping away at your home isn’t the same as a termite

colony out in the forest. It’s not a problem there; it’s an integral part of that ecosystem. In fact, only 10 percent of the 2,750 known termite species are “pests.”

Mention the word “cockroach” and many people will screw their noses up in disgust. However, similar to the beleaguered termite, a comparative handful of species have given the entire cockroach world a bad name. Only about 30 species out of 4,500 are associated with human habitations. A honeybee is not hell-bent on stinging you – it’s far too busy going about its work, and bees aren’t generally aggressive except in specific circumstances. If a honeybee stings you, it dies.

To cultivate an interest in and respect for insects is easy. Think about the insects around your own yard and run a search on the spe-cies. You may be amazed by what you discover. Learning more about these creatures can also alter the way you deal with some insect prob-lems you experience. Don’t forget to tell your children what you dis-cover so they may also learn to “love the insects.”

Michael Bloch publishes Green Living Tips, an online resource powered by renewable energy offering a wide variety of Earth friendly tips and environment related news to help consumers reduce costs, consumption and environmental impact. www.greenlivingtips.com

By Michael BlochTeach TheM TO lOve The insecTs

insects are a food source; they are pollinators (not just bees), soil aerators, disposers of waste, controllers of other

pests and providers of fertilizer.

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This is a delicious and healthful cookie that’s gluten-free. The taste is smooth and silky and even the toughest

cookie critic will love this odd yet flavourful combination.

Although they may appear humble, black beans hold a major secret – they are loaded with a rare combination of both protein and fibre. The skin of black beans contains a high amount of phytonutrients called anthocya-nins. Anthocyanins are responsible for the deep reds, blues, purples, and magenta co-lours also found in blueberries, grapes and açaí, all of which we know to be powerful antioxidant-rich foods. Anthocyanin con-sumption is known to decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer. It may also aid in the prevention of macular degeneration by protecting the eyes from free radical damage, increasing circulation and stabilizing colla-gen structures.

Black beans provide heart-healthy ome-ga-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflamma-tion. They’re also an excellent source of mo-lybdenum, which is an element involved in

energy production and lipid metabolism. In addition, black beans are a very good source of dietary fibre and folate. Black beans are also a good source of manganese, muscle-building protein, energy-producing magnesium, thia-min, phosphorus and iron. Protein, fibre, and powerful antioxidants – all wrapped up into a tasty little nugget for you to make dessert with!

black bean carob cookies Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked black beans • 3 whole eggs (room temperature)• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract• 12 oz extra firm tofu• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce• 2 tbsp coconut oil• 1/2 cup unpasteurized honey or coco-

nut palm sugar• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder• 1 cup chocolate whey or hemp pro-

tein powder (brown rice, pea protein)• 1 teaspoon baking soda• 1 cup carob chips

• 1 cup of your favourite nuts and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, hazel nuts)

• 1 cup raisins/currants/dried cranberries or blueberries

• 2 tsp crushed chili peppers (optional)

Directions1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.2. Puree beans in blender or food pro-

cessor. Add tofu and blend.3. Add the rest of wet and powdered in-

gredients and blend until well mixed.4. In large bowl, mix dry ingredients

with fork. 5. Add wet ingredients to dry ingre-

dients and stir with spatula until mixture is smooth and creamy, then lightly stir in carob chips, dried fruit, nuts and seeds.

6. Use tablespoon to scoop onto greased cookie sheet or parchment paper.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool and dig in!

Yield: approximately three dozen medium-sized cookies.

By Tracy Kaye Holly, CSNA Master


black bean cArob cookIeS

Editor Selects

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ThE hEalThy ShoppEr MakES EvEry Day EarTh DayThe Healthy Shoppers, Randy Boyer and Andrea Donsky, believe it’s easy to make every day Earth Day, because what’s good for us is good for the environment. They focus on the importance of reading labels to know what’s in the products we buy. The Healthy Shopper Coupon Book for Natural & Organic Products includes their top “picks” for spring 2013, such as Earth Balance Organic Coconut Spread, Simply Natural Organic Salsas, Hyland’s Homeopathic for restless legs and leg cramps, and Natracare’s 100 percent organic, biodegradable and compostable feminine hygiene products and wipes. www.thehealthyshopper.ca

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organic coconuT nEcTarStep aside syrup. The coconut alternative, simply harvested from coconut flower sap, is an excellent source of iron with a low glycemic index. Experi-ence the rich caramel flavour and versatile consistency of Organic Coconut Nectar in hot beverages, cooking and baking. Naturally gluten-free, GMO-free and vegan. Taste the Qual-ity of Sweetness® from foods by Organika®.www.organika.com

MojoSThe Mojos from Wicked Audio are chic earbuds that incorporate fashionable colours from bud to cord. In addition to a unique design, they also sound great, delivering enhanced bass for an impressive music listening experience. The Mojos are also packaged with three cushion options, for a unique fit for everyone. They are available in seven bold colours including red, purple, teal, yellow and more.www.wickedaudio.com

ThyroiD SupporT The thyroid gland is the Master and Commander of many bodily processes, directly influencing circulation, respi-ration, and tissue growth and repair. Life Choice Thyroid Support Homeo-pathic works gently with the body to help relieve symptoms of thyroid im-balance such as weakness, fatigue, cold hands and feet, dry skin and chilliness.www.life-choice.net

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Life Choice supplements has once again pioneered the legal rein-troduction of a sought-after supplement into the North Ameri-can market. DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is known for both its

powerful smell and its amazing pain-relieving abilities.

First synthesized in 1866 by Russian scientist Alexander Saytzeff, DMSO initially caught attention for its ability to combine with almost any chemical. Later, in 1959, a study conducted in Great Britain found that DMSO was also capable of protecting red blood cells and other tissues from freezing conditions. A few years later, Dr. Stanley Jacob began investigating ways to safely freeze human kidneys, and came across DMSO. His discoveries about the compound would lead him to become DMSO’s biggest advocate.

DMSO became widely known as an incredible pain reliever and transporter. However, despite its growing popularity, the FDA only permitted DMSO usage for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. As the controversy escalated, DMSO received even more national attention.

In 1980, the show 60 Minutes did a special on DMSO, demonstrating its capabilities through personal testimonies. The initial broadcast re-ceived 70 million views, and Dr. Jacob’s office was swamped with calls.

DMSO commonly comes in either liquid or gel form. Both have been known to help with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). The liq-uid helps to temporarily reduce the pain associated with musculoskel-etal conditions of the large joints, such as post-traumatic soft tissue in-juries, acute bursitis, strains and sprains. The gel is known to help with sunburns and wound healing (such as cuts, skin irritations, and burns). Now, Canadians can safely explore the healing potential of DMSO and utilize it for their specific needs.

Life Choice was founded in 1986 with a commitment to provide the natural health industry and its clientele with supplements of the finest quality. For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Eldon Dahl, please call 1-866-226-1722 or e-mail [email protected].

LIfE CHoICE NoW HAS THE oNLy LEGAL DMSo IN NoRTH AMERICA

In the ConsumerLab.com 2013 Survey of Vitamin and Supplement Users, Carlson Laboratories was ranked as the top rated fish oil brand based on consumer satisfaction. These results were based

on responses from over 10,000 ConsumerLab.com e-newsletter sub-scribers collected in November and December of 2012. ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition.

Carlson has been specializing in the finest Norwegian fish oils for more than 30 years. The family owned and operated company takes great pride in maintaining high quality standards not only with its fish oils, but with all of its products.

Carlson Laboratories President Carilyn Anderson states, “We are extremely pleased to win this prestigious award. At Carlson, we have always been devoted to helping people live healthier lives, and receiving recognition for our hard work is a real honour.”

Carlson Laboratories has been supplying high quality vitamins and nutritional supplements for over 45 years. Our Norwegian fish oils are renowned for their purity, freshness and great taste. Call us today for more information at 1-888-234-5656, or visit your local natural foods store. J.R. Carlson Laboratories, Inc., 600 W. University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. www.carlsonlabs.com

CoNSUMERLAB.CoM’S SURvEy RATES CARLSoN LABoRAToRIES AS #1 fISH oIL BRAND!

Press release

“From my personal experience with DMSO, this product is highly therapeutic and very potent. I strongly suggest that you use only a licensed, medicinal grade product and further suggest that you use it sparingly in order to feel the effects and lessen any discomfort.”

Trent E. Nellis - Publisher, Vista Magazine

www.Click4Time.com/health

Award Winning eSheduling SystemClients love the convenience of booking 24/7.Single or multiple Email and SMS notiications.Very easy to use for everyone.Works on most mobile devices.Clients can print their receipts at tax time.Fast and Secure, daily backups included.

“My Clients and I love the convenience of Click4Time's

Online Booking System”

Sony Baron - Clinical Counsellor - Vancouver, B.C.

cOMing neXT issue

Interview with Baywatch Star and Thyroid Health Advocate

gena lee nOlin

Plus... • Nutrition for Growing Bodies and Minds • The Superfoods You’ve Never Heard Of• Breast Cancer Awareness: Three Keys to Breast Health • Raw Foods You’ll Love • Avoiding Xenoestrogens

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Plus... • Nutrition for Growing Bodies and Minds • The Superfoods You’ve Never Heard Of• Breast Cancer Awareness: Three Keys to Breast Health • Raw Foods You’ll Love • Avoiding Xenoestrogens

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Join us for a girls night out in support of Arts Umbrella! Treat yourself to a spa service of your choice, see the latest must-have summer fashion trends, discover tips on holistic living and more! Funds raised at Indulge will support Arts Umbrella’s Bursary and free-of-charge Outreach programs. It’s an evening that will leave you looking and feeling fabulous!

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For a full list ofretailers visit:www.SKNspin.com

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Amanda Beisel (R.Ac) is the owner of SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic in Yaletown and specializes in Medical Skin Needling and Cosmetic Acupuncture.

This combo is the most effective homecare rejuvenation system available. Using the SKN Spin and AfterGlow Replenishing Skin Oil just once a week will transform the health of your skin. You can expect improved skin tone and texture, a natural glow, and reduced appearanceappearance of fine lines, crow’s feet, and pore size. Also, this powerful combination helps stimulate the key growth factors that slow down thinning of the skin and stimulate natural collagen. Discover the difference with SKN Spin and AfterGlow today!

I encourage you all to take the SKN Spin and AfterGlow Beautiful Skin Challenge in 2013.

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vista magazine issue 89

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