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

RBNfeature: #WCW: Lesley Rubinoff, CNP (Montreal counterpart)

 Happy #WCW - Woman Crush Wednesdays people!

To recognize this fine day and all of the great women - We are going to add in some female highlights, features, guest blogs and more bi-monthly on Wednesdays! 

Our first female up is Lesley Rubinoff, CNP, NNCP.  We met last year over social media and are now in talks about how we can be each others Toronto & Montreal counterparts.  Leslie will also be guest writing to keep us in the loop all things French, health and food!

Today Lesley is sharing her top 3 essential oils, a bit about herself and as always a delightful smoothie (we love making new ones)!... take it away woman..

 #WCW number one: Lesley Rubinoff CNP. NNCP

As a certified Holistic Nutritionist and in practice for the past 5 years, my soul purpose in life is to change the lives of others, to educate, to inspire, to motivate and to be a leader in the dynamic field of wellness.  I believe everything I have gone through has put me where I am today, I am the reason others change their lives, because I am an example. I have the knowledge and the tools to enable others to take control of their lives. My journey into all of this started with me!

2015 was a really rough year for me, I went from high and thriving to the bottom of the barrel. It was at that lowest moment that a friend had reached out to me and introduced me to the power of essential oils. Even as a holistic practitioner, I wasn't sold on the idea of essential oils, I was skeptical. However, I started to use the oils and things for me started to change.  My mood enhanced, I was able to quiet my mind and shut it down so I could sleep, my hormones balanced, my blood sugars balanced, I was able to concentrate and focus and my body started to detoxify. I noticed the glow in my skin returned, I was sleeping better then I ever had, waking up rested and ready to conquer the world, my food cravings subsided and my metabolism seemed to ramp up. My body truly came into balance. Recently, I had a completely random severe allergic reaction; I used a combination of 3 oils, which acted as a powerful all-natural antihistamine. Automatically cooling down my body, reducing the inflammation and calming me down. I believe there is an essential oil that can benefit everyone. It is important to only use certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils CPTG.

My top 3 favorite essential oils

*All 3 of these oils server multipurpose, here are a few ideas.

Lavender

Calming – Reduces anxiety and stress, calms the mind, a few drops on the temples, bottom of the feet, neck and wrist or even directly on your pillow.

Insect bites - Put a drop of Lavender oil on a bee sting or insect bite to stop itching reduce swelling.

Nauseas or motion sickness -Alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness, place a drop of Lavender oil on end of tongue, behind the ears or around the navel.

Cuts – Put a drop of lavender oil on cut to stop bleeding, clean wound, and kill bacteria.

Lemon

Detoxifying- To every 4 oz of water add 1 drop of lemon oil for a natural body cleansing of your liver, kidneys, and digestive system.  Also helps boost metabolism.

Heart burn- Add three drops of lemon to water to help reduce heartburn and acid indigestion.

WE LOVE LEMON!

Disinfectant - Add Lemon oil to a spray bottle of water to clean tables, countertops, and other surfaces. Kills germs and bacteria.

Congestion - Can help clear congestion in the respiratory tract as it contains cooling, anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Add 2 -3 drops to your drinking water.

Peppermint

Headaches - Use one drop or peppermint oil and massage into each temple for instant headache relief

Mental alertness and Concentration- Put 2 drops in the palms of you hands and inhale, peppermint oil powerfully affects and improves mental clarity and raises energy levels.

 

Post work out- Use 1-2 drops of peppermint on the back of your neck to instantly cool down the body post work out. Runners can add a drop to each shoe to help keep your feet cool.

Digestion – 1 -2 drops under the tongue or applied topically to stomach can help ease digestion

Chocolate Peppermint Smoothie

(gf, vegan) 

Ingredients

• ½-1 frozen banana
• 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond or hemp)
• 1-2 handfuls of spinach
• 2 Tbsp. dried coconut flakes
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 Tbsp. cacao powder

* optional 1 scope favourite protein powder

Feel free to contact me regarding essential oils!   

**Special for RBN READERS, Lesley will offer free 10 minute consultations and enter anyone who contacts me in a draw for a free bottle of one of my 3 favourite oils!!!

As I always say, be happy , be healthy , be inspired. 

EMAIL:

lesleymr@gmail.com

___________________________________________________________________

Thanks Lesley and stay tuned darlings, have a great new recipe on the blog this week!  

xoxo

rbn  

RBN Interview: David Brooke of Skin Essence Organics (Natural Skincare)

Happy Freakin' New Year Everyone - I hope everyone had a joyful and safe holiday with friends and family.

We haven't done an interview in awhile and really wanted to re-instate that feature - WE love supporting brands and companies that align with our brand values.  My readers know how much I love natural skincare and this company has been one of my favorite's for years:  Skin Essence Organics.

 I was first introduced to SEO by a close friend and IHN Alum Stephanie, we were on a road trip to Ottawa for a week long skin-care co-op (coincidental!) with a group of us 4 – which meant sharing our beauty regimes!  Occular was my first love and slowly went through the line.  One of my favorite (there’s so many) things about Skin Essence is their dedication to pure, organic and beautiful products without the use of marketing schemes or #buzzwords.  Every product is derived solely from organic fruits, plants, flowers, oils and minerals – which if you’ve seen our social media accounts run right in-line with our MO of keeping things organic, natural and as related to its original state as possible. 

 

RBN: Let’s start easy – how long has SEO been around? What was your number one reason for launching it?

DB:

20 years – Long before it was trendy and WE had all the buzzwords; organic, holistic etc – The previous owner studied Naturopathy/Herbalism & was an esthetician: Would only use products on her clients that she felt safe using on her own. Fast track to 10 years and they had produced this amazing line of eco, safe, clean and organic skincare that everyone can use.  David himself bought has used for 14 years –  a firm believer in healthy skincare in conjunction with diet.  Possibly their most loyal client having it shipped all around the world to use – whilst modeling.  Bought company – tested and true and the rest they say is history.  Great message. Eco, GF, no GMO,

RBN: How many products are in your current line & what are the best sellers base women & men?

DB:

Because there are different lines and no filler products – they truly are all popular from anti-aging to acne to moisturizing/hydrating! Cleansers are a go-to and very popular as well as rose hip –adds that nice glow and super hydrating for your skin – an RBN reco.

RBN:  Has being a model and in fashion had an influence on you in regards to natural skincare, wellness & health?

DB:

Absolutely, being overseas and always in the makeup chair – you end up noticing what is going on your skin.  Products started to disagree (listen to your bod people), if it doesn’t  agree change it,  When you can’t read ingredients in food or skincare its time to make a swap! The sad truth is that many larger companies opt for profit margins (translation cheap ingredients + increased profits) and they don’t want to rely on natural products to produce.

RBN: What is your favourite and least favourite thing about owning your company?

Favourite: When I go to bed, knowing that I’m putting my energy into safer, cleaner products and promoting a healthier lifestyle – I just LOVE that. Close second: consumers feedback – respect, love, loyalty for SEO (the thought makes me tear up (real men are sensitive)!

Least Fav – Perfectionist : Micro managing at times is demanding and others – exhausting and worth it, so actually still one of my favourites.  Ha.  Oh and working with great people in the industry (obviously he’s talking about us).

RBN: What advice can you offer any of us getting into entrepreneur life and business?

DB:

Getting to know yourself and what makes you unique will bring successes, in turn use that.  If you use what others aren’t then the competition lessons - making you something unique and of great value (not financially).

Advice: biz – have to truly love it and believe it + success = LIFE gain as opposed to purely financial gain. TIP: You will never know all the answers which brings learning every day.

RBN:What is your fridge? What is your favourite skin food? Favourite comfort food?

Sounds similar to our breakfasts.

DB:

I eat uber healthy focusing on quality: Water purification system, endless fruits and veg, and I’m know for eating 2 soft boiled eggs every day? Red meat is minimal and always grass-fed, ethically raised and sourced properly.

DBtip: Organic lettuce and all things soft skinned; When you peel you’re able to reduce chemicals and such. Lots of fish too – I’m a Vancouver boy at heart so lots of wild salmon and rainbow trout (nom).

RBN:Can you tell us your go-to smoothie recipe – WE love new smoothies!

DB:

Organic raspberries, blueberries, coconut oil, avocado, pineapple, yogurt and some hemp hearts,  lets call it a BERRY GOOD SMOOTHIE!

**Typically breakfast: Oats GF obvi …coconut oil, frozen rasp, blue, bananas, 2-3 soft boiled eggs (we approve – balanced and simple)

RBN: Can you tell our readers your best winter skin survival advice – changing your skincare routine? Extra hydration?

DB:

1. Cleanser Fresh (no alcohol), Exfoliate/ facial masks x 2 week, Blend Neroli/Rosehip (beta carotene) which promotes a warm healthy glow.  BONUS: Ecream over top – acts as a sunscreen which we still need in the winter and offset redness!  YOU’RE welcome!

RBN: Any new announcements or products we should keep our eyes open for next year?

DB:

We’re launching a new Sunscreen using cocao butters, zinc and no water. We also recently passed our ECOCERT certification (huge accomplishment!) with flying colours!

RBN: How do you motivate clients to take care of their skin and follow a great skin regime?

DB:

We all have skin (largest organ btw) and we eat well to treat our bods well BUT we also need to use real,ingredients on our skin!  Always spend a little more for quality rather than quantitiy/bulk items.  Truthfully our products sell themselves!

BONUS: Use their online store and our code: RBNholiday for 20% your next order!  Whoa!

xoxrbn

RBN - Holiday Gift Guide for EVERYONE in your Life (Bonus: 20% discount off a fav too)

In line with our RBN 12 Days of Giveaway WE figured that sharing our favourite gift giving items would be an awesome idea!  Don't fret we have you covered for everyone in your life; The Gourmand, The Health Nut, Fitness Fanatic and More...

The Gourmand:

Walter All-Natural Caesar Mix : 
If YOU love #caesars and Canadian made products, this is your jam (juice).  The brain child of Zack & Aaron - who were tired of mixing beautiful spirits and accompaniments into neon and synthetic "tomato" cocktail.  Canada's first all-natural Caesar was born and has so many great characteristics: gluten-free, no high fructose corn syrup, Ocean-wise certified (amazing), small batch and made in glass bottles (no gross plastics).  I suggest bringing to your next party or setting up a Caesar bar at your holiday open house.  Pairs well with all spirits and we also cook with it at home! (and today's giveaway!)

Handsome, local, gluten-free and natural.  What a hunk, bring Walter home this season!

 Three Farmers Camelina Oil: 

We wanna road trip here and try everything!

Colin, Dan and Ron are second and third generation farmers who have grown up on this land and are committed to its preservation, proudly numbering the prairies among the best places in the agricultural world. Farming, they are proud to say, is not simply a job, but a way of life, and one they are all too happy to share.  Their Camelina oil has a super high smoke point and is great for cooking, bbq season, sauteing and all your healthy oil needs!

We like to dip everything in here.

 Neal Brothers:
Okay so WE adore Peter & Neil so technically we love all of their products BUT this one we just discovered & are sort of addicted.  We love it on our sammies, roasted potatoes and sweet potato frites - its all about balance people.  Oh and if you haven't bought their new Goodness book - this also makes a fab gift idea!

Blue Goose Pure Foods:

Another mainstay in our house is Blue Goose - I'm their brand ambassador and absolutely love using all their products for fun, nutritious and inventive meals.  As a believer in local and organic living - BG make its super easy and affordable.  Check their link and give the gift of clean proteins for the home chef!

 

Health Nut:

 

Genuine Health:

As their newest Brand Ambassador & caterer I obviously adore them, they will have your covered for Greens+ (so many options), fermented vegan protein bars, sleeping aids (natural) and whole body needs.  Check out the link (in name) and start adding them into your everyday life!

Nud Fud:  Created by a fellow IHN alumni, these snacks are healthy and delicious.  Great for travel, road trips and for even the pickiest of eaters - make these your stocking stuffers.  Gluten free and vegan!

Fitness Fanatic:

 

 Barre Works:
Prep for the holidays or offset the holiday cheer and indulgences with one of our favourite studio's in the city.  Located Queen West, BW offers great classes to work on your bod, flexibility and is a great group class.  Woot!

Wellness Lover:

Skin Essence Organics: This company is the best.  Offering clean, natural plant based skin products, gluten-free, vegan and stored in dark glass bottles is only some of their upsides. They are also offering a 20% discount code: RBNholiday at your checkout.  Check them out asap and add into your routine to prevent dry and dull winter skin!

Don't waste the discount - order now!

We're also offering a 15% discount on RachelBies Nutrition  services including food deliveries,food line, meal plans, skincare and wellness protocols too!  Follow us as we also have some exciting plans for 2016!

 WE hope this helps you find some peace whilst holiday shopping and as always email us: rachelbiesnutrition@gmail.com  for more options!  Also give the gift of RBN too.

Happy Friday,
xoxo 
rbn