Current research tells us that SUGAR in its various forms (yes, that includes maple syrup, agave, and honey) is little more than poison to the body and just as addictive as smoking. You will find it among the list of ingredients almost everywhere, though it might not be called "sugar" (go here for a list of 61 different names for SUGAR.) It is a substance that no human being interested in achieving optimum health should consume, but especially those with or at risk of develop

Published in Sweat Equity Magazine August/September 2016 Last Friday a student in my seniors’ class asked if yoga could help prevent osteoporosis. I’d researched this subject before, so I didn’t hesitate to respond: The answer is both yes and no. Let me explain. Osteoporosis Defined Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes bone tissue to deteriorate, resulting in brittle and fragile bones (not to be confused with osteoarthritis, which affects the surrounding joints and

I didn’t drive home for Christmas this year; 2017 was a remarkably challenging year, and when December 23 arrived and I was faced with a six-hour trek past Toronto, coupled with daunting weather watches and snow squalls, I just couldn’t do it. It wasn’t an easy choice; staying in Ottawa would mean disappointing family and disrupting some cherished traditions. But it would also mean a handful of desperately needed, sinfully antiquated, schedule-free days of rest. The lure of t

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine Dec/Jan 2018 As challenging and refreshing as it is to enjoy classes offered at a studio, the benefits of establishing a home practice are unmatched. For me, what strengthened the spiritual bent of this ancient art form was rolling out the mat at home. That’s not to say it doesn’t come without effort! Even as a seasoned student and teacher, mustering up the energy to get moving can be easier said than done. In this article, I hope to inspire y

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine Dec/Jan 2017 Cold and flu season (if you want to call it a season) is here. But don’t surrender just yet! You have your own personal defense team, designed to protect you against external and environmental attacks, such as colds and flus: Your immune system. The stronger your immune system is, the less likely you are to get sick. As the colder months roll in (and settle in, unfortunately), it’s important to support our body’s innate healing ca

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine December / January 2018 She’s not what you expect to see on the cover of a fitness and lifestyle magazine. In today’s world, heavy black women fall far on the spectrum of cover models. I did an Internet search using the phrase, “women in fitness,” and of the 160 images that came up (that’s where I stopped counting), two were black. Two! That is a gross misrepresentation of a nation with over 14.5% people of colour! The vast majority of the fem

Ingredients I.5 cup chopped cauliflower (into pearls or grated [just with a cheese grater!]) 1 cup chopped broccoli florettes ½ pepper, any colour, chopped into small pieces One large carrot, chopped into small pieces 6 salad olives ½ cup tri-coloured quinoa handful of sprouts as a topper handful cherry tomatoes 3 tablespoons salad dressing of choice (this one was a vegan lemon poppyseed dressing) 2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds 2-3 tbsp dried cranberries ½ avocado, cut into small c

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine Serves: 1 Total time: 15 mins Ingredients 1-2 large carrots 1.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves of garlic 1/2 cup mushrooms 1/2 cup red bell pepper 2 tablespoons fresh basil 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered 3/4 cup marinara sauce Noodles 1-2 large carrots 1-2 large carrots, made into noodles Sauce 1.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced 2

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies [gluten-free, raw, & vegan!] Makes 18- 24 mini cookies 1 cup raw cashews ½ cup medjool dates [pitted] 2 heaping spoonfuls of natural peanut butter ½ tsp pure vanilla extract 1/8 tsp sea salt Handful of dark chocolate chips (I use dairy-free Enjoy Life brand) Instructions 1 - In food processor, add cashews and pulse. 2 - Add dates to processor and pulse. 3 - Add rest of ingredients to processor, except

If you’re reading this article, chances are you already know that pasta and “lean, clean, weight-loss machine” go about as well together as water and cooking oil. For some, giving up pasta is a notable sacrifice to make, especially if you’re new to the world of bodybuilding or weight training. And especially if your taste buds haven’t yet acquired a liking for restriction or deprivation. Abs are made in the kitchen, you know. That’s exactly why I’ve pulled together 3 noodle-f

I challenge you to bring a new perspective to your mat today. (If you'd like some group support and inspiration for a daily practice-one Sun Salutation a day-come find me on Facebook.) The ultimate goal of yoga is to reduce and eventually eliminate suffering. Ancient yogis believed the Eight-Fold Path of Astanga Yoga was the best means to achieve this state of deep and infinite joy. Because the mind is the source of ALL frustration and hardship, if we can still the mind, we w

This is my favourite vegan smoothie to date. Enjoy! 7 frozen jumbo whole strawberries (Costco rocks for frozen fruit) 1/2 teaspoon ground flaxseed 1 scoop of Vega vanilla-flavored plant-based protein 8 almonds 1 cup almond milk (any milk will do, just NOT cow's milk) Blend (my $30 Magic Bullet works fine). Enjoy! You will need a spoon for this heavenly thick, super nutritious, protein-packed treat. #vegan #rawvegan #recipes #smoothies #health

No-Bake, Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, VEGAN Sweet and Salty Granola Clusters I've been searching for granola that would keep in tight clusters like these, but I never imagined how fabulous they could really be! The best part is they are No Bake, Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, and . . . . . You guessed it: VEGAN! All rolled up in one super-yummy bite-sized treat. Enjoy! Ingredients 4 cups of kasha 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds 1/4 cup sliced raw almonds 1/4 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut 1/

Recipe by Sylvie Gouin and published in Sweat Equity Magazine April / May 2017 Issue. Serves: 1 Prep time: 7 minutes Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup shredded cabbage seeds of 1/2 a pomegranate 1 grated carrot 1 cup cooked chickpeas (can is fine) 1 tbsp flax oil 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (white balsamic infused with grapefruit is best but not necessary) Himalayan salt to taste Preparation: 1.Mix all ingredients in a bowl. 2.Chew slowly and the high fiber content will please your digestio

Are you familiar with that throat-restricting, gut-wrenching anxiety that makes breathing impossible and functioning even more so? Have you experienced lying in bed, all hours of the night, with your mind racing like angry bees circling a hive? It's not a fun place to be. But it is an interesting place to be, and it is an opportunity for change. How to Keeping Smiling, Even When You Can't Breathe Earlier in the day, I wasn't worried about my parents passing or the mortgage ge