Feed it Forward - How are WE dealing with food insecurities?

The amazing #FEEDITFORWARD team!

Last week I was approached by our dear friends at Gastropost Toronto to write and share what food insecurity means to me.  

I figure we should begin with the true meaning of Food Insecurity - according to Stats Canada:

 

• Food insecurity rates have remained relatively stable over time. Every year from 2007 to 2012, approximately 5% of Canadian children and 8% of Canadian adults lived in food insecure households. This means that they did not have access to a sufficient variety or quantity of food due to lack of money.

• The most recent statistics indicate that in 2011–2012, 8.3% of Canadian households experienced food insecurity.

• Nunavut had the highest rate of food insecurity (36.7%), over four times the Canadian average (8.3%) in 2011–2012. ce94c57ca63fb7a3967e28c7dab12b25bd0ff946cf0f417e69

• In 2011–2012, the rate of food insecurity was more than three times higher in households where government benefits were the main source of income (21.4%) compared with households with an alternate main source of income (6.1%).

1 in 6 Canadian children are affected by hunger.. Astonishing fact.  We must work harder to eliminate this stat.

As we can see, this is cause for concern.  How do we as a city, province and nation address this?  How are we relieving or refocusing on lowering these issues.  Good news is that there is a movement happening - Thanks to Maple Leaf Foods and Gastropost Toronto people are stepping up to get involved through community gardens, education, lunch programs, volunteering OR even nominating someone in their (your) community that is going above and beyond to assist in food insecurities.

All smiles - the mini humans are so inspiring and great to be around!

How is RBN helping - Well food and wellness has always been in our top considerations BUT as of last year I've been working with Real Food for Real Kids (RFRK) - which is a non for profit dedicated to bringing kids (some less fortunate) whole foods that are ethically sourced,  quality made, grown by local farmers, using only environmentally responsible vehicles and supply litter-less reusable lunch containers.   Oh and you get to spend afternoons learning and educating young minds about food and such.  Its such a joy and has become the favourite part of my week. 

What are some other great ways YOU can get involved?

1. Community gardens: Pitch in some volunteer hours to help seed, plants and teach the younger generations about how and why local food growth and sustainability is a prime issue.
2. Form a group in your neighbourhood or school, maybe you take turns doing a new activity bi-weekly to bring awareness and support.
3. Nominate someone YOU know that is already taking part in this great initiative - click HERE for details to #feeditforward pledge!
4. Look to schools and daycares to teach and get them involved, in my experience as a nutritionist - the more kids know, the more apt they are to learn, eat and explore food and our food culture!
5. Let RBN know your idea too - we're always looking for new ways to motivate and give back!

***

 “​This blog post was promoted by Gastropost + Maple Leaf Foods but the opinions are completely my own based on my experience.”

Please share this with anyone you think should be involved!

xoxo
rbn

RBN 12 DAYS of HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY CONTEST!

Happy December (almost) & holidays!  If you know me, you know I'm obsessed with Christmas and holidays!  It brings so much joy, you get to reconnect and make time for family and friends & it brings a New Year with new possibilities and goals!  Because we love the holidays so much we tapped into our inner Oprah (no cars or trips unfortunately!) and decided to run our largest giveaway of our favourite things - 12 days in total! 

How it works:  

Each day RBN will highlight a local (National) product or company that WE LOVE.  Some days will be paired up and December 12th will be the GRAND PRIZE basket of a mash-up of products and items!

How to enter:

YOU MUST follow RBN and featured company on all social media outlets.

If YOU win prize we would love a shoutout and post on YOUR prize and what you will do with it: Skincare - take a selfie?  Food - Show your creation! You get the idea.

Generous & LOVELY Participants: Check 'em out!

Mad Mexican

Go Go Quinoa

Genuine Health

Station Cold Brew

Walter All-Natural Caesar Mix

Tito's Vodka

Shockingly Health (Brownies and Cookies)

Barre Works

Van Isle Salt Co.

Aroma Espresso Bar

Earls Canada

Blue Goose Pure Foods

Neal Brothers

Three Farmers

Joe Scrub

Nudge

Rolling Meadow Dairy

Jollification

Natural Calm

Coco Jax

Skin Essence

& MORE!

I was going to announce the schedule BUT have since decided to keep a secret!  Begins tomorrow - Follow us on ALL of our social accounts to BE IN THE LOOP!

twitter 

Instagram

Facebook (Business Page)

Bonne chance!

rbn xoxo

 

RBNsoups: White Kidney Bean & Cauliflower Soup

Sometimes we find ourselves struggling to prep easy weeknight dinners that don't take much time, are nutritious and great for those picky eaters- kids, partners and ourselves.  I developed this soup for a client that has many dietary restrictions and is almost vegan...

It ended up being so popular with clients that I ended up throwing into my food line & catering line-up.  I first made it without garlic or onions - which as we know are part of essential soup prep BUT it was still delicious!  Literally a few ingredients and takes less than 25 minutes, also able to add some sautéed greens, prawns or even chicken to make it a more protein heavy meal!

What you need:

1 cauliflower head, chopped

1 onion, diced (optional)

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups of vegetable stock

1.5 cups white kidney beans, soaked & cooked (1 can organic if crunched for time)

2 tbsp olive or coconut oil (and some for finishing)

Green onions, cilantro or parsley for garnish

What to do:

Sauté onions and garlic for two minutes until transparent.  Add in cauliflower and roast in pot until it becomes toasty and golden.  Add stock - if cauliflower is super large you may need more stock (enough to cover).  Bring to a boil, then reduce to a med simmer for 15 minutes or until everything is tender.  Add in beans and puree until desired texture - adding in more stock if needed.  Serve with oil and garnish.  Yumms - I know I always say eat with colour and this is a white soup BUT its not processed so its okay!

Short and sweet today darlings!  Bon appetite!

xo rbn

LMK what you think and as always tweet or IG us with your version..

The Happiness Challenge & How-to: Insert #healthy habits into YOUR life!

 

For those of you that follow me @rachelbies on Twitter - know that we proposed a gratitude journal #challenge in which you write down your thoughts of gratitude every morning - THE REASON: Studies have shown people who are grateful & mindful show less signs of depression, anxiety, anger and overall it becomes a mood enhancer.  For an extra 2 minutes a day - We believe the benefits outweigh the "work" - this is also #10 (no value) on our list of HEALTHY & HAPPY HABITS!  Take a look at our list...these are in no particular order!

RBN Healthy & Happy Habits

1. Mornings: Wake up and try to go without looking at your phone or computer for the first 30-60 minutes after waking.  Connect with your loved ones, pets, go for a walk, drink lemon water.  You'll notice that you start your day more settled - its tough at first but you can do it.  Make it a priority to decide that YOUR day is going to kick A$$!

2. Lemon Water: YOU know how strongly I feel, past blogs and social media highlight this.  It will start your body as alkaline, wake up digestion and great for skin!  DO IT!

3. To do lists:  I'm a list maker.  Obsessed with them.  The downfall is that they can leave you feeling incomplete or disappointed in your day.  New version: make a list of 3 things; 1 small, med & large.  Anything else is a bonus.  For tasks you don't complete - add to next day and give yourself a break!

4. EAT: This is crazy important, no excuses!  Eat a bar, a smoothie, an RBN bfast bowl or toast!  Something!  We burn our food when we sleep and we need FUEL for our long days of work, movement and stress.   Get up 15 minutes earlier to prevent rushing in the mornings or prep the night before - EMAIL ME for a top 10 breakfast list!

5. Afternoons: Take a 15 minute walkabout after your lunch, preferably outdoors but if unable then stretch your legs in your office.  Make it even more enjoyable with a nice tea...ahhh almost like a spa.

6. Après Work: When you get home or have finished work, take some space - outdoors, yoga, bike ride, meditation - something that isn't a chore, work or for someone else! JUST YOU. Maybe its looking up a new recipe or writing in your gratitude journal!

7. Dinner: Try making dinners a thing.  Not an inhale and eat standing at the counter but eat at a table, with friends or loved one.  Plan, shop, decompress from work.  Clean up together.  Be mindful and thankful for where your food is coming from!  Trust me - its the best and fall is the season of dinner parties! Yumms.

RBN has ton of DINNER PARTY ideas - just ask us!

8. Electronic Detox: Josh and I have to adhere to this.  Make a cut-off time for phones/social media.  Take your IG pics and then phone gone.  No phones after 9pm, etc.  Make ones that work for you.  Incorporate a conversation or a board game - something that doesn't involve your head down in a screen! Upside: Tomorrow you'll feel so satisfied after ignoring your phone for hours.

9. Gratitude is a mood lifter: Buy yourself a little old journal!  We're on day 23 I believe and it works. Less stress, anxiety and more mindfulness.  Not sure where to start? I'm grateful for... the food on your table - the fact that you have a job to go to - your family (even though they are crazy lol) - fresh air!  It can be as little or as big as you want!

10.  Meditate:  There's this great app called Headspace that I've been using and loving!  It's 10 minutes a day (or when you have time) & is narrated by a nice british lad (dreamy) and teaches you how to relax, be mindful and be aware of your thoughts - NOT to run from them.  I suggest looking into it!

 ***Results may include: Constant smiles, annoying your co-workers & constant humming.  LOL.

GET YOUR BOD BACK FROM SUMMERTIME FUN!

RBN - 30 WHITE OUT CHALLENGE IS BACK 

EMAIL ME rachelbiesnutrition@gmail.com

for more details!!  Whooooo!   

PRODUCT REVIEW: JOLLIFICATION by Julia Morisset (All Natural Skin Food)

Natural skincare at its finest...

I'm currently on summer holidays with my oh so wonderful boyfriend and we're spending lazy days of sun, sand, cooking (of course) and dreamy naps.  It's now day three and I'm ready to do some work (albeit outdoors and taking many breaks to play with the dogs),  first up JOLLIFICATION by Julia Morisset!

As far as I can remember, I was always interested in natural skincare and products, it always seemed like a "no-brainer" that if nature was providing all these great resources, it only made sense to choose over a manufactured & chemical version...it wasn't until I went back to school for Applied Nutrition and heavily immersed myself into a lifestyle detox (switching cleaners, skin/hair care, kitchen staples) that I realized the importance of being aware of what we put ON our skin/bodies is just as important as what we put INTO our bodies. 

Jollification founder, Julia Morisset has been making her own skin care items since she was 10 years old and decided as an adult to make it into a full fledged business.  She was tired of always shopping around and never being able to find natural products free of parabens, sulfates, chemical fragrances etc..  Jollification was born.  I met Julia over social media and was honoured to be a new member of her blogging team, sample her products and write a review..first impression ~>  Super cute packaging and smells so yumm!

Treats made in Dominican Republic & sent with LOVE from Ottawa, ON

Here's what I tested & fell madly in love with!

Oats & White Chocolate Soap

Oats & White Chocolate Soap

(100% natural & handmade)

Dreamy and silky.  Smells like heaven and chocolate.  Because the base is olive oil & Dominican cacao butter, leaves your skin hydrated and soft hours après shower even in the winter!  Love and a must try!

Cold Pressed Cocoa Butter & Lavender Deodorant

 Cold Pressed Cocoa Butter

Smells like dark raw cacao + applies like butter (hard but melts with body temperature) = sure to be every women's (and men's) favourite cream.  Tip: Great under eyes & helps to regulate blood flow.

Lavender Deodorant

I've tried many natural deodorants and this one works oh so well.  Very gentle (even after shave/wax) and lasts all day long.  In the warmer days, apply twice!   
 

                                                                                                                                                                        

Hibiscus Rose & Organic Honey Shampoo Bar

Shampoo Bar

I've never used a shampoo bar and was a tad skeptical at first; I have so much hair, and its dry so I need a fair amount of shampoo.  The shampoo bar lathered really well and coated my bountiful hair quite easily.  Rinsed out quick and left my hair soft, bouncy and shiny! Tip: Great for travel.

Calm & Hydrate Bar w/ Organic Honey

 Face Bar

(for dry & reactive skin)

This little treat is made up off olive, cacao, shea and grapeseed oil which protects and re-hydrates your skin!  The addition of chamomile and vitamin E, helps soothe and minor skin irritations or acne.  All around a great product.  Tip: Great for travel.

 

Currently you can order  order online or check for the nearest store!  I'd like to thank Julia Morisset for all the divine treats and urge you to try some as soon as possible!  They have different versions for all different skin types (mine was for dry skin) & email them with any questions!  Another bonus is that this line is super affordable ranging from $6-$14 dollars!  Follow Jollification, by Julia on: 
Instagram
Twitter 
& Facebook!

For more questions about natural skincare or nutrition, feel free to email me! 

xox
rbn