Cultivate Nutrition

Boost Collagen with Bamboo Silica This nutrient helps the body produce its own collagen at a fraction of the cost of a collagen supplement. It also delivers fast results! Within a few weeks you'll notice thicker hair and nails. It also helps to build healthy ligaments and bones. Plus it's also vegan! Interested in more health tips? Like my page Cultivate Nutrition

Find Wakeful Relaxation with Theanine This tranquil amino acid found in green tea can help to alter your brain waves to alpha, which is typically experienced during meditation. This can be especially helpful for those undergoing stress or overthinking a situation.

Transform your digestive health with Slippery Elm I've been getting a lot of great feedback lately regarding the effectiveness of this tree bark. Not only does it feed beneficial bacteria (prebiotic), but it also helps to heal the entire digestive tract. It gives colonies of good bacteria a place to take root and thrive.

Cover your bases with Oil of Oregano this powerful herb is my go to whenever I am feeling a cold coming on. Not only does oil of oregano kill viruses, bacteria, fungus and parasites, but it also helps the body to heal by bringing down inflammation and reducing pain.

<3 Happy Valentines Day! <3 Have you ever tried making your own chocolates using raw cacao? Raw cacao is a rich source of antioxidants, iron, magnesium and calcium! All you need is to heat some cacao paste or cacao powder with cacao butter, local honey and any extra flavours like cayenne pepper, sea salt or orange! Simply heat all of the ingredients in a sauce pan, stir and allow to cool in a mold. This method is a much cheaper and healthier way to eat chocolate! You can buy these ingredients at stores like Body Energy Club, Choices, Whole Foods or your local health food store!

Checkout my latest recipe I named the Magic Mushroom Pasta This pasta dish is low carb, high protein, vegan and gluten free! Get that creamy pasta taste without all the calories or negative health effects. http://mercedessawan.wixsite.com///25/Magic-Mushroom-Pasta

Ezekiel Bread Unlike most other breads, this one is completely organic and vegan with no additives or added sugar! A variety of sprouted whole grains and legumes are used. Sprouting helps to enhance the bioavailability of nutrients and aids in digestion. This recipe has been used for thousands of years and is even mentioned of in the bible! You can find Ezekiel Bread in the freezer section of your local health food or grocery store. Try topping it off with some avocado, cayenne pepper and coconut oil. Yumm!

Try out this Arugula and Artichoke Salad! This salad is vegetarian, dairy free, and gluten free. It is also great for anyone on a cleanse or detox! You can substitute vegan mayonnaise to make the dish vegan. Substitute chickpeas with a hard boiled free range egg to make paleo friendly.

Check out this great new series on Netflix! Rotten aims to expose the truth on where your food comes from. It is more important now than ever to be a wise consumer. We should all strive to buy our food from ethical and sustainable sources. I recommend purchasing your food from a local farmers market as much as you can! https://youtu.be/_ot6W_7hvrM

When old patterns are broken, new worlds emerge Changing your diet really can change your life for the best! One of the best ways to start a major shift in your life is by first going on a cleanse. This can help to reduce unhealthy food cravings, provided tons of energy and help to purge all that no longer serves you. Releasing stagnation in your body can also help to release stagnation in your life.

Introducing the Holistic Haven Do you have questions about nutrition or supplementation? Join our Facebook group for continuous support on your path towards healing. Share stories and get your questions answered by a Registiered Holistic Nutritionist. In this group we highly encourage open discussion on nutrition and holistic healing. Head on over and join today! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1068509789848792/?source_id=1490279894601765

Most of us have heard of probiotics, but have you ever heard of a prebiotic? Both are essential to the foundation of health. Beneficial colonizing bacteria have a difficult time taking root if there isn't a healthy mucosal lining to attach to. Prebiotics help to heal the entire digestive tract and give a place for beneficial bacteria to grow. Laxatives and intestinal flushes can remove a healthy mucosal lining. Here are some great prebiotics that help heal the digestive tra...ct by creating a healthy mucosal lining: > Slippery elm > Marshmallow root > Licorice root > Aloe vera Prebiotics can also help good bacteria by providing beneficial nutrients. Here are some prebotic foods that help to "feed" good bacteria: > Acacia gum > Psyllium husk > Raw dandelion greens > Raw leeks > Raw under-ripe bananas > Raw chicory root > Raw garlic > Onions (raw or cooked) > Raw asparagus

Start your day off right with a serving of vegetables! It is also high in soluble fibre and protein. These overnight oats can be prepared the night before and tastes just like real carrot cake. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health. Check out the recipe below: CARROT CAKE OATMEAL... > 1 cup oats > 1/4 cup hemp hearts (or chia seeds) > 1 tsp ground cinnamon > 1/4 cup chopped walnuts > 1/4 cup chopped dates (or raisins) > 1/4 cup protein powder (or use more greek yogurt) > 1 cup shredded raw carrot (two carrots) > 1 1/4 cup coconut milk (or unsweetened almond milk) > 2 tbsp organic maple syrup (or raw honey) > 1 tsp vanilla extract > 2 tbsp full fat plain greek yogurt Mix dry ingredients together in a small bowl. Add wet ingredients. Garnish with greek yogurt. Put in the fridge over night (or for 1-2 hours) to allow the oats to soak up the liquid. Makes 2 servings. Lasts in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Try incorporating healing spices with your favourite black tea! Masala is simply a mixture of any number of spices, and chai is another word for tea. Feel free to get creative with whatever you find in your spice rack. Spices are very healing and have numerous health benefits, especially when it comes to digestion, inflammation and immune function! Check out the recipe below: MASALA TEA... > 4 whole cloves > 10 cardamom seeds > 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces > 4 peppercorns > 3 cups water > 14 tsp ground ginger > 12 cup coconut milk > 2 tbsp unpasteurized honey (or other natural sweetener) > 2 tbsp black tea In a mortar, crush the cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and peppercorns (or use a coffee grinder). You could also add some turmeric, star anise, coriander, or sage for added health benefits and flavour! Transfer the crushed spices to a small saucepan, add the water and ginger, and bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add the coconut milk and honey to the pan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the tea. Cover and let steep for 3 minutes. Stir the mixture and strain. Serve hot. Makes 2 servings.

Making homemade sauerkraut is a great way save money! Each gram contains over a billion active cells of probiotics, which is comparable to how much you'd find in a probiotic supplement. All you need is some cabbage, sea salt, caraway seeds and a large glass bottle. Probiotics are essential for digestion, immune function and weight loss. Check out this simple recipe below: SAUERKRAUT... >5 pounds of cabbage (any type works) >2 tsp sea salt (or korsher salt) >1 tbsp caraway seeds (or mustard seeds and garlic) >1/4 onion (optional) Thoroughly massage all ingredients in a large mixing bowl for several minutes. Allow mixture to sit for 10-30 minutes. Add mixture and juices to a large mason jar. Firmly press as much into the jar as possible. Allow for a small space at the top of the jar large enough to fit a 1/4 onion. This prevents the sauerkraut from touching the lid and keeps the mixture firmly pressed down. Cover with a clean cloth and elastic band. Let sit for 2-4 weeks in a cool dark place (the longer it ferments the more bacteria is created). Store with an air tight lid in the fridge for up to 6 months. Be sure to be very sanitary when fermenting foods. Always wash your hands and keep all utensils and dishes clean. Happy fermenting!