Fourteen years ago, I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).  Doctors told me that there was nothing they could do to help ease my discomfort and pain, except that I should watch my diet, reduce stress, and get lots of exercise.

I attempted numerous alternative therapies and cut out meats, fermented foods, hot and spicy foods, and dairy products.  However, it took three years ago before someone recommended that I eliminate wheat from my diet.  Until this time, it had never occurred to me that wheat, or gluten, could be the source of my ailments.

I have been wheat-free for over ten years now, and gluten-free for about seven.  My “IBS” is all but gone and I lead a very healthy and normal life.  My story isn’t uncommon; in fact, it has become increasingly common for people who suffer from a broad range of symptoms from lethargy to liver disease. …read more of Going Gluten-Free here

Despite its name, buckwheat is neither a wheat nor a gluten.  Although it is commonly treated like a grass or a cereal, buckwheat is actually the fruit seeds from a plant, or an agricultural weed known as Fagopyrum esculentum.

Buckwheat is a hearty whole food that can be grown in poor soil and weather conditions; it originated in Northern Europe and Asia.  In North America, we often find buckwheat ground into flour, which is an excellent alternative to wheat flour or other glutinous flours, such as spelt, rye, and kamut.

Buckwheat is high in calcium and protein and can be found as a substitute for wheat in gluten-free beer, and its kernels, also known as groats, are an excellent substitute for rice or quinoa.  To top it all off, the hulls of buckwheat are commonly used as fillings for pillows, and as a renewable natural resource, this product is much more environmentally friendly than a synthetic poly-filled pillow. …read more of Gluten-Free Buckwheat Crepes here

If you’re always looking for a low-fat, high-protein, delicious, and versatile snack, then look no further.  Let us discuss hummus.

With its main ingredients being chickpeas, tahini (crushed sesame seeds), garlic, and lemon juice, hummus is an excellent source of dietary fibre, protein, zinc, iron, and foliates. Combine hummus with vegetables, whether as a dip or on a salad, or as a spread on sandwiches.

Hummus is a great, healthy alternative to other high-fat dips, dressings, and spreads like mayonnaise or sour cream.  As a plant-derived protein, it is also a sustainable source of protein to incorporate into your diet. …read more of Hummus Among Us here

Almonds, almonds, good for your heart, the more you eat the more you… lower your LDL cholesterol, improve your complexion and digestion, and reduce your risk of cancer.

If you are looking for a simple and healthy snack while you’re on the run, then go on and grab a handful of almonds.  Once considered a food that is high in fat, research shows that this fat is monounsaturated, which actually helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

Almonds are also high in protein, and jam-packed full of fibre, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. And as a bonus, supplementing your diet with whole foods, such as almonds, is a delicious way to lighten your eco footprint with less processing and packaging. …read more of Almonds: Good for the Heart here

It’s summer time and that means it’s time to get out of the hot kitchen and start cooking outside. Sayonara to the hot stove and welcome to BBQ season… or even better, how about a grill on a wood fire, says Chef Michael Smith.

Last week I had the pleasure of speaking with this world-renowned Canadian chef, host of the Food Network series Chef at Home and award-winning author.

Hailing from Prince Edward Island, Canada, Michael spoke with me from the Culinary Institute of Canada. Speaking passionately about the importance of eating local and supporting community-supported agriculture, Michael finds his inspiration from local flavors, calling PEI a “chef’s paradise.” …read more of Renowned Chef Chooses Local here