OrganicLives Blog

Staff Recipe: Koly Kale Salad!

Thu, 03 May 2012 23:32:00 GMT

Nothing like a healthy dinner doable in under 30 minutes! Leave it to our HR Manager and in-house mother of three, Merina, to stir up the yummiest organic kale-quinoa salad even the teens will eat! This simple dressing is packed with juicy flavour without the heavy fats normally seen on salads these days. Most important ingredient Merina adds is of course "a dash of love".

Ingredients:

Bunch of organic green kale chopped to bite size

Organic cherry tomatoes sliced in half (as many as you want)

2 organic avocados

1/2 organic green cabbage

2 cups sprouted quinoa (ready to eat) or cooked

1 clove organic garlic

Himalayan sea salt to taste

Organic black pepper to taste

Organic cold-pressed olive oil

Juice of 1 organic lemon

Dash of love.

Directions

Take sprouted or cooked quinoa place in bowl, add cabbage and kale and one avocado mix until the avocado is well blended, add fresh squeezed lemon juice, garlic, Himalayan salt, and pepper.

Fold in cut up cherry tomatoes and other avocado that has been chopped into bite size portions. Mix in the dash of love and serve

Option: Add spice heaven (buy it at our Health & Wellness Center) to give the salad a bit of spicy kick!

Submitted By: Merina Koly

Merina Koly oversees Human Resources here at OrganicLives and is also currently studying at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition. She says, "If I can get my kids to eat this salad and love it then EVERYONE will love it!" These days Merina keeps busy with family and friends. You'll always be able to find her around OrganicLives and many Vancouver yoga studios discussing everything and anything with anyone! Come say Hi!

Meet Preet: OrganicLives CEO & Founder

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:25:00 GMT

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" is the motto of the face behind OrganicLives. Meet Preet Marwaha, whose passion, dedication, and commitment to our health, nutrition, food sustainability, and food security is unparalleled.

Through his passion for food, health, and healing the planet, Preet started OrganicLives as a means to facilitate change. A change that is required in the way that we connect with our food and the systems that produce our food, to enable an understanding of the impact these choices have on our health, that of the planet and all of its inhabitants. OrganicLives is the real life representation of ethical sustainable commerce that enriches lives from grower to consumer.

Preet in the midst of teaching his Sunday morning OrganicLives Cooking Series.

Preet’s personal journey of health began 21 years ago when he was battling an illness that nearly brought his life to an end. After one and a half years of what became routine emergency hospital visits and heavy doses of drugs, he checked himself in and refused to leave until a solution was found. Ten days of testing for what seemed like every disease known to the medical system led to their conclusion that there was something wrong with his brain (what they were really saying is that this was all in his head) and a series of CAT Scans were done.

After finding nothing, it was suggested that he should be sent to a gastroenterologist, who after several hours of testing stated that the only course of action was to remove his intestines and provide him with a colostomy bag. This is where it all stopped and his refusal to have this surgery was met with criticism and a certain path to death. Preet, through a dear friend and reading John Robbin’s Diet For A New America, made a complete change in the the way he was going to eat, think and live for the rest of his life. Thirteen months later, his life was coming back to normal and the power of food had been fully engrained in his psyche and a whole new path and passion had begun.

Preet pictured here with international recording artist Bif Naked in 2012.

Today, Preet is busy promoting and supporting the values of healthy eating and living through the many talks and courses that he conducts. As an instructor with the Institute of Holistic Nutrition he teaches Nutrition & The Environment and Holistic Food Preparation. He also spends his time as a personal health coach, teaching at the OrganicLives Education Centre and performing public health talks for schools and corporations. In addition, his passion for organic sustainable agriculture has led him into numerous projects locally and in developing nations around the globe. Preet has been involved globally on numerous projects including the World Wellness Project, Safe Planet Campaign and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Preet pictured here in 2011 with OrganicLives Head Chef, Christine.

You will certainly have the opportunity to meet him in person at the OrganicLives restaurant (1829 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada) where much of his time is spent interacting, educating and entertaining their guests.

For a free consultation with Preet and to find out more about the OrganicLives Health Plan, follow this link.

Introducing: Weekly Features

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:49:00 GMT

Learn the ins and outs of some of the most beautiful organic products we carry as each week unfolds. At our Health & Wellness Center, you will have a chance to taste that nutritious is actually delicious! We will also help you understand each item's unique benefits and features. Read on to find out the this month's schedule:

April 11 - 22: Organic Tibetan Goji Berries

April 23 - 29: Paradise Mountain Organic Coffee (on special at $14.50 / lb)

April 30 - May 6: Organic Dried Figs

May 7 - 14: Organic Sprouted Chickpea Miso

Health & Wellness Center

At the OrganicLives Health & Wellness center, you will meet Registered Holistic Nutritionists who will help guide and coach you towards better health choices. They will steer you towards the products, resources, and tools to help solve some of your most pressing health related questions. To contact our center please email, hwcq@organiclives.org!

1829 Quebec Street
Open 9am - 9pm Daily.
We are closed on all statutory holidays.

ORGANIC, SUSTAINABLE, FAIRLY TRADED

GOOD FOR THE BODY, GOOD FOR THE PLANET

Labels Defined!

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:18:00 GMT

We want to answer some of your most pressing questions! What is organic food? What is sustainable food? What are gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free diets? What is veganism? What is a raw food diet? Let's get back to the basics! Join us:

Organic

Foods that are produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives. To OrganicLives, organic farming maintains the integrity of the food, soil, and farmers. The food contains no preservatives, pesticides, additives or enhancers. It is more nutritious and contains higher levels of essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. If all farms on earth switched to organic farming practices, we would preserve the top soil and it would sequester 40% of the earth's carbon, eliminating global warming. Organic farming means sustainable farming.
Ceritifying bodies: Canadian Organic Growers, USDA, and so on.

Sustainable

At OrganicLives, sustainability conserves an ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources. It can also mean sustainable commerce. We want to bring business back to its origins: everybody benefits. Sustainability means we aren't exploiting people or resources. To OrganicLives, sustainability encompasses the soil, the seed, diversity of plants, harvesting methods, the farmers, their families, our trading partners, our team, our packaging, our materials, and, of course, our planet.
Certifying bodies: Organic Certifications (listed above), FSC (paper products), ECO Cert (cosmetic/cleaning)

Fairly Traded

At OrganicLives, Fairly traded means giving our growers and producers value that goes beyond paying higher than market rates. Fairly traded means we are supporting the creation of required systems and infrastructure in their villages, the improvement their living conditions, and the creation of educational programs in their communities.

Dairy-free

A dairy-free diet is a diet that does not contain milk or any dairy (milk-derived) sources such as butter, yogurt, sour cream, heavy cream, and all types of cheese. Milk is unable to be digested by the majority of people (lactose intolerant). It is a major cause of many food allergies, is high in cholesterol/fat, is a factor in diabetes and contains many known contaminants, antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, and herbicides. It is also an inefficient use of land, water, fossil fuels, and contributes to pollution via air (methane) and water (faces runoff).

Certifying bodies: Canadian Food Inspection Agency, FDA (United States Food & Drug Administration),

Gluten-free

A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat (including kamut and spelt), barley, rye, malts and triticale. Wheat is one of the top 8 allergies in North America according to the Mayo Clinic, and can be found in the most uncommon places from cakes to ketchups. Gluten, specifically, is used as a food additive in the form of a flavouring, stabilizing or thickening agent, often as "dextrin". A gluten-free diet is the only medically accepted treatment for celiac disease, the related condition dermatitis herpetiformis, and wheat allergy.

Certifying bodies: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (must have less than 20 ppm of gluten), FDA (must have less than 20 ppm of gluten), Codex Alimentarius (must have less than 20 ppm of gluten), Australian standards reserve the "gluten free" label for foods with less than 5 ppm of gluten, as this is the smallest amount currently detectable.

Soy-free

A soy-free diet is a diet that excludes foods containing soy beans or soy bean derivatives. Soy is of the most common food allergies in infants, young children, and adults. Fermented and processed soy is found in tofu, miso, tempeh, momodiglycerides, textured vegetable protein, soy protein isolates, and so forth. Soy foods can stimulate the growth of estrogen-dependent tumours and cause thyroid problems, due to its phytoestrogen content.
Certifying bodies: Canadian Food Inspection Agency, FDA, and others.

Vegan

Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products. Many people choose to abstain from the use of animal products for many different reasons. From issues of animal ethics, to sustainability, to health & research, the benefits of a plant-based diet is undeniable. We have many resources in our Health & Wellness Center available for you to learn about what is sustainable, ethical, and nutritious, come stop by and pick up a book or take one of our classes today!

Some unsuspecting non-vegan items are honey, beer, wine, gelatin (in most candies, or in beauty products as hydrolyzed collagen), many facial cleansers, many shampoos/conditioners, gel capsules for medicines, refried beans (contain lard), jell-o, whey protein, leather, and some soap.

Certifying Bodies: No Federal Regulation

Raw

A raw foods diet consists of unprocessed whole foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). "Raw foodists" know that the nutritional benefits such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants of foods cooked above this temperature begin to break down, losing a significant amount of their value and healing power. Uncooked foods also provide living enzymes to aid in digestion. Proponents of a raw food diet believe there are many benefits to eating raw foods, including weight loss, more energy, clear skin, improved digestion and improved overall health. Many people clarify that they eat a "high raw" or a certain percentage of raw foods in their diet, such as "75% raw diet" or a "90% raw diet". Most follow also follow a vegan diet.

Certifying Bodies: No Federal Regulation

Reversing Disease & Illness: Colon Cancer

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:28:00 GMT

Every individual's journey is a journey within - this one just might make you reconsider everything. In the summer of 2011, Mike walked into our lives having being diagnosed with late stage 3/stage 4 colon cancer. He found himself facing the same questions we had been asking ourselves: What if food is the most potent medicine? What if I can provide my body with the building blocks to heal itself? What if making a few changes about the way I think about cancer will save my life? Read what he found out here:

Ahh, so Mike, thanks so much for sharing your incredible story with our community. Our readers, I'm sure, would love to know how you started with OrganicLives:

I ended up at OrganicLives through a recommendation from one of my good friends and trainer. They suggested I check the place out and I guess I was willing to because I had at that point undergone about 9 or 10 months of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with colon cancer. I had a very large grapefruit size tumour that was initially removed and then about 9 or 10 months of chemo. By the end of all that we were back at a ping pong ball size tumour newly developed in the same area.

I had made certain lifestyle changes post diagnosis and chemo, like how much work I was doing and you know, cutting back on alcohol and coffee. But I hadn't really changed my eating habits. Food always served as a reward for me. After a long day of work, it was my time to relax and enjoy.

I tended to be a guy who went out a lot. I ate at a lot of restaurants. I ate better than the standard meat & potatoes diet, with less processed food and more fish/vegetables, but you never know what a chef puts into the food at a restaurant or no, you actually do know, lots of salt and butter.

Preet calls you his 'guinea pig' for developing the OrganicLives Health Plan. Can you share with us how this all came to be?

Well for me to do the kind of diet that Preet was talking about in order to deal with my cancer, I was extremely unlikely to do it for myself. I was unlikely to cook for myself before, never mind cook the way Preet wanted me to. It looked like a 6 hour a day job to me! I knew I wouldn't have the patience for it and I knew I wouldn't be able to come in every day. So I said, "I'm willing to change something very fundamental but it has to work for me."

And Preet said, "Well, how 'bout if we send the food to your house every day?" I knew the rules about the food needing to be absolutely fresh and clean, and I had some faith in the quality and taste of the food, so it gave me some confidence to actually make a go of it.

So when you first went on to the OrganicLives Health Plan, what did it consist of?

It was two bottles of green juice - an alkalizer and a deep cleanse. A large coconut water and two meals from a reduced section of the OrganicLives menu - some salad or pizza or whatever. If something didn't suit my taste, we dropped it away and added others. I would say for four months I was almost perfect with eating only from the food plan. If I went away, I brought my juicer with me and I would take the raw materials.

So, how did it initially go?

I almost immediately started feeling better. Pooing becomes a whole new experience, *laughs*. Chemo makes you feel stupid and sluggish. You don't have energy or ambition for much of anything. For me, chemo felt worse than what it felt like to have cancer. Eating this way, allowed me to feel like I could recover some of myself. I never felt like I didn't have enough food. In fact, I felt like I had too much food. You can only drink so many salads in a day. Once I got into the pattern I found it quite easy.

If you care about what things taste like, the food they make here is extremely carefully and thoughtfully prepared. It can take getting used to, and I wasn't a cheeseburger eater - I would have been more interested in a beautiful piece of fish or asian dish - but mostly I liked food that was really well prepared. That's how the food is here. They care about flavour and they care about how things go together. But I certainly had to alter my palette.

So alongside your involvement at OrganicLives, what else was going on medically?

In about June 2011, my doctors and I decided to go to a different chemotherapy (with a different chemical makeup) to potentially be more effective. It was at this time I went onto the food plan. The most dramatic part about it was losing 35 lbs within 3 months.

During this time, I was exercising regularly even though the new chemo was really taking it out of me. I still wanted to do my best to keep at it. I was on a two week cycle for the chemo. After the first week, you sort of feel like a truck has hit you, the second week you start to feel better, then just as you start to rise to the surface you start again - with each cycle getting progressively worse. My first round of chemo was 6-7 months, and this round was definitely harder.

But by September, I had lost all this weight, and then when we had the next PET Scan the concentration of the tumour was gone, and all that was left was filaments and areas of cellular metabolic activity indicating active cancer cells. My doctors were awfully surprised about that, and extremely pleased. From the most recent picture in December, that area has diminished again. I'm currently on a break from chemo, a decision made by me and my doctors, and I feel better and better every week.

That is incredible story Mike. Can you believe it?

Well, when you live through it, it doesn't look particularly special. You're just trying to take care of yourself. I started doing some different reading about cancer and I realized that I was going to change the framework from "a fight with cancer" to "trying to return my body to a healthy balance which would allow my body to heal itself." Cancer is a part of your body, if you are in a fight with cancer, you are in a fight with yourself in some ways.

I really changed my diet, I started exercising, I reduced my stress and my workload - I went from very little to nothing, I tried to make a big improvement in my mental/emotional health and well being, but quite frankly I think that diet was what made the most radical change. The last thing that food was for me was nourishment. It was a celebration, a social thing, a reward, and I loved great food. It's not that I don't love food anymore, but I had to let some of that go.

What about family? How did this affect them?

It's been a horrible journey for my family, I'm sure. I was told that I was taking the most intense chemo available at that time, and most people who go through that get hit pretty hard physically, but I didn't. Even after the first cycle, I never really looked like I was sick and I was balding but hair loss didn't look like a big deal. I tried to just keep living my life without making too many large changes. I'd say that was a mistake, now. I should have gotten the message the first time.

But I'd say the gift of what's happening with OrganicLives, and some other things I'm doing, is to give my family some hope. The doctor's said it was a technicality to call me a late Stage 3, so really I was Stage 4 Colon Cancer. That was a year and three quarters ago.

So what's next for you?

They don't ever change that diagnosis but I have the potential, at least, to be on my way to remission. I'm not yet as there is still significant activity in that area but I'm on my way.

If you or someone you know has cancer and is interested in making some radical food and lifestyle changes, we are here to provide you with the tools for revolution. Whether you join a class at our Education Center or book a consultation to join our Health Plan, our team will be with you every step of the way. Stories like Mike's are great tools to provide examples of tangible hope and success, so please feel free to share this story with the ones you love.

Speechless: Organic Orange Mousse Torte

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:10:00 GMT

Announcing our newest "Speechless" Dessert to the world today! An Organic Orange Mousse Torte with Candied Orange Zest and Chocolate Drizzle. Available Easter Sunday onward.

Grab a piece for $8!
Offer only available at our Quebec Street location.

Gluten-free | Dairy-free | Soy-free

ORGANIC, SUSTAINABLE, FAIRLY TRADED

GOOD FOR THE BODY, GOOD FOR THE PLANET

SuperGreens Special!

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:41:00 GMT

Supercharge your Earth Day with OrganicLives SuperGreens - a nutritional transfusion for your body! For one day only (Sunday April 22, 2012), come into our Granville St or Quebec St locations and try our SuperGreens drink for just $7 (regularly $10!).

Our SuperGreens Super Mix is also available with retail savings of $10 for the rest of April at $49.95! Read to find out more of it's super powers and ingredients.

Naturally delicious & wheat-free

SuperGreens is a nutritional transfusion for your body. It is the fastest and easiest way to achieve full spectrum green nutrition. Our organic living formula contains vital enzymes, essential amino acids, fatty acids, trace minerals and vitamins can help to increase energy, correct imbalances, oxygenate cells and realize high levels of physical and mental health.

SuperFood and SuperBody also available.

What’s So Super?

E3Live BrainON®, a blue-green algae that promotes clear thinking, enhances focus and mood balance.

AFA blue-green algae is a superb natural source of nutrients and boasts outstanding levels of chlorophyll, vitamin B12, beta-carotene, iron, protein, enzymes and amino acids.

Spirulina powerfully protects and supports your immune system and helps to lower cholesterol and reduce hypertension.

Chlorella is high in many healing nutrients-such as vitamin A, C, E, beta carotene, chlorophyll and C.G.F.

Wheat Grass & Barley Grass are also packed with highly concentrated vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, and enzymes!

Click to Purchase!

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon daily (Add to coconut water or juice), 30 Servings per Jar
Organic Ingredients: Spirulina, Chlorella, Barley Grass, Wheat Grass, AFA, BrainON®

ORGANIC, SUSTAINABLE, FAIRLY TRADED

GOOD FOR THE BODY, GOOD FOR THE PLANET

Staff Recipes: Raw Chocolate Brownies

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:37:00 GMT

We are on a mission to prove nutritious is delicious! You absolutely must try this raw chocolate brownie recipe, submitted by OrganicLives Holistic Nutritionist, Jen Walker. Jen has been inspired by her fellow nutritionist Chris Brown while attending school together at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition. Jen says, "Chris generously nourished our brains and souls, now it’s my turn to pay it forward, Enjoy!"

Ingredients

Yield: 12 servings

1.5 cups organic Walnuts (optional for a nut-free dessert)
(It is also ideal to soak the walnuts for 8-12 hours before using them)
10-12 organic Medjool Dates (pitted)
(If dates are hard, soak for 15-30mins in warm water to soften)
1/2 cup organic Cacao Powder
1 Tbsp organic Coconut Oil
2 Tbsp organic Hemp Seeds
1 tsp organic, bio-dynamic Vanilla Powder, or 1.5 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1.   Process walnuts in food processor until fine and crumbly, make sure not to process too long
2.   Add the remaining ingredients except the dates and process for 30 seconds
3.   Now add the dates a couple at a time until mixture begins to stick together, you may want to scrape down the sides a few times to ensure that everything is mixing evenly
4.   Transfer mixture to a square glass pan, distribute evenly and firmly press mixture into pan
5.   Place in fridge to set for 30 mins. Cut into squares and enjoy!!
Variation: Instead of making the mixture into squares, roll into small balls and cover with coconut flakes, more hemp seeds, or cinnamon. Place in the freezer to have as a quick energizing snack!

Nutrition Information 

These super simple tasty treats aren’t only amazingly delicious; they’re good for you too!! (Don’t tell your kids that though!)

Medjool dates are a low/medium glycemic carbohydrate making them an excellent snack to refuel and reenergize throughout the day. They contain dietary fiber that not only promotes a healthy digestive tract but helps to stabilize blood sugar levels to avoid cravings. They are also a good source of potassium, magnesium, and manganese.

Cacao Powder is a true Superfood! It is the highest food source of Magnesium, a mineral deficient in 80% of the population, which is responsible for balancing brain chemistry, building strong bones, and regulating heart beat & blood pressure. Cacao is also rich in the chemicals Phenylethylamine (PEA), which is released by our brains when we are in love, and Anandamide which has been coined the “Bliss Chemical” because it is naturally released from our brain when we are feeling great and promotes relaxation. Overall cacao promotes a positive outlook, facilitates rejuvenation & simply helps us feel good! A great substitute for coffee in the morning!

Walnuts contain the essential Omega 3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular and irritable bowel disease. Omega 3’s are also essential for optimal cognitive function and mental clarity.

Hemp Seeds are an incredible plant-based source of complete protein. They contain all 20 amino acids including nine of the essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce. They have a perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids for supporting cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation and general strengthening of the immune system.

Coconut Oil is very nourishing to the immune system due to its antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. It also contains medium chain fats that increase the speed of the thyroid and metabolism, thus allowing the body to drop excess weight and accumulated toxins.

Every ingredient is available online or at our Health & Wellness Centre at the Quebec Street Organic Lives location!

Submitted by: Jen Walker

Jen Walker is a Holistic Nutritionist at OrganicLives, in beautiful Vancouver B.C. Because not one person is exactly the same, Jen’s approach focuses on holistic wellness, carefully considering your individuality when personalizing your road to health and happiness. Through her down-to-earth style and ability to make healthy eating FUN and EASY, Jen is able to present the information in a way that you will understand and leave you feeling empowered to make simple yet transformational changes to your lifestyle. You can find Jen in the Health and Wellness Centre at the Quebec Street Organic Lives throughout the week. She loves to chat about anything nutrition and golf-related so come say hi!

If you are interested in learning for recipe ideas and nutrition facts, join us at the OrganicLives Education Center for some upcoming events!

If you have seen any awesome recipes along these same lines, feel free to comment below to share with our community:

Reversing Disease & Illness: Diabetes

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:10:00 GMT

After being diagnosed with Type II Diabetes last February, Darren finally woke up. For years, Darren, father, husband, and entrepreneur, slipped in and out of alcoholism and various addictions, exacerbated by the nature of the international energy business culture in places such as Moscow, London and Amsterdam. Darren topped out at a whopping 365 pounds. While drinking and smoking cigars, signs of sugar imbalances, such as mood swings, fatigue, and foot tingling, began to worsen. His wife, Francesca, relentlessly pleaded for him to consider his health and the effects on his family, but nothing seemed to work.

Darren & Francesca in 2007

Finally after 10-12 years of weight struggle and alcohol abuse, Darren knew if he continued at this rate he was going to die. Darren's mother sent a documentary called "Reversing Diabetes in 30 days on a Raw Food Diet" in an attempt to help. Darren promptly dismissed this as impossible, however, it caught the attention of Francesca who was beginning to think that switching to a raw diet might help take her husband off medication.

After some convincing, Darren noticed that a juice bar opened on his street and started to have vegetable juice once in a while, noticing that he felt somewhat better. By chance, the two were grabbing some things out of storage across the street from OrganicLives on Quebec St. in Vancouver, and Francesca nudged Darren to head over to see if he could pick up a juicer. When Darren walked in that fateful day, he reports, "I just got this overwhelming feeling, something happened. I saw a Feed Life Starve Cancer poster on the wall and something clicked. I knew I needed to look more into it."

Darren booked a personal consultation for the very next day with Preet, OrganicLives CEO and Founder. He decided to take on the 30 day meal plan, agreeing to eat only at OrganicLives and the rest is history. Continue reading to find out how Darren came off medication and jump started his life

Darren in October 2011

OrganicLives: Darren, we are so happy you are open to sharing your journey with our community. So, how did the first consultation with Preet go?

Darren: We spoke for a couple hours, it was a Saturday. Preet had a great approach with me. He has an incredible depth of knowledge that is just unbelievable when it comes to the body and food so it was an unplugging moment for me. I started my diet change that day and did a 30 day juicing challenge. He told me everything that would happen, it was really tough. Detoxing, troubles with bowel movements, and emotional release. I would have vivid dreams about things that happened in the past. It was unbelievable and very intense. It happened that Francesca and my son Antonio went on a planned 2 week vacation to Portugal and I am happy that they were not around for the first phase of the Health Plan as it the detoxing effects led to several emotional outbursts.

Everything that Preet said would happen, happened. He was a great resource for me. The doctors say when you get diabetes you need to build your own "health team." So, the first step was to contact my good friend and personal trainer, Ted Loo (www.tedloofitness.com) and continue my psychological counseling with Dr. Geoffery Carr who I had been going together with Francesca.The final and most important team member was Preet at OrganicLives on what and how to eat. . These three people are the legs to the stool that I am going to build my life upon.

OL: Describe the health regimen you began in July.
Darren: The first 5 days was juice only. The next 5 days were juices and smoothies. The next 5 days were juice, smoothies, and one green salad. Then I reintroduced solid food that was plant based. After a week or two I went back on the 30 day Health Plan. I've been doing the 30 day Health Plan over and over again since then. I also train with my trainer, Ted Lou, 3 times a week.

Francesca: And in the first two weeks of doing the challenge he went off his diabetic medication. He had been working out before July but changing his diet really made the difference when it came to coming off the medication for Diabetes.

Darren: Preet told me that would happen, but I just couldn't believe it. We talked about the diabetic health industry, how they say you can't reverse diabetes and how it's a 40 billion dollar business. I knew I should be skeptical but I just couldn't believe how quickly it happened and I want to share my story with the world.

OL: So what's the diabetes status now after 3 months of making these diet and lifestyle changes?

D: I was 253 pounds when I started the program and within 2 months I was 225 and off medication. It's a combined effort of training 3 times per week with my trainer Ted Loo and the diet changes I've made here at OrganicLives.

OL: Addiction-wise, how have these changes made a difference?

D: As soon as I started to eat this way, I realized you are what you eat. The 100% philosophy has really spoken to me. It's integrity or nothing. It's 100% always now and I'm just going to die trying. Addiction-wise, I have cravings once in a while; however I have the support system to fall back on.

OL: What has been the most difficult part of this process for you? What was your solution?

D: Because I'm social, I'd say it's been hardest dealing with friendships and business relationships - most specifically business lunches and business dinners. I bring OrganicLives to restaurants for business meetings and plate the food now as a solution. Also, traveling in Europe and the Middle East is difficult. Trying to find vegan and vegetarian food while traveling can be a challenge, however I travel with my OrganicLives coconut water and juicer. . It's possible, for sure, it's just about preparation and awareness.

OL: What are you most proud of about this experience?

D: The pride that I have is probably based on having more energy in order to be present for my family. My family is the most important thing to me, I have four children. Seeing my youngest son Antonio's interest in the changes I've made - he's lost weight, he's 12, I feel like a better role model and a better dad.

Francesca: We've always had healthy meals at home but the snacks he used to bring in for the in between times really were the problem. Watching Antonio learn and change as a result of this has been really inspiring.

If you or someone you know has diabetes, please share this story by referring to this link: http://bit.ly/xlQICb
If you or someone you know would like to book a personal consultation to jump start your health, click here.

Click here to learn more about the OrganicLives Health Plan.

Macaroon March!

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:54:00 GMT

This is the most fudgy-delicious and nutritious organic macaroon you will ever taste. Join us between March 15th - March 30th to get 6 chocolate macaroons for just $6! One macaroon contains the equivalent amount of antioxidants as two cups of blueberries. Finally, a snack that works for everyone: gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.

Warning: May cause excessive happiness.

To purchase online, follow this link.

ORGANIC, SUSTAINABLE, FAIRLY TRADED

GOOD FOR THE BODY, GOOD FOR THE PLANET

Quick Fire Questions: Bif Naked

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:21:00 GMT

The gorgeous and inspiring multi-platinum recording artist and breast cancer survivor, Bif Naked, sat down with OrganicLives to talk food: from a few of her faves to what it means to her. If you've never heard of Bif Naked then you should probably know that she is an Indian born American-Canadian international multi-platinum recording artist, poet, and actress who also happens to love OrganicLives & the planet. Check out what she answered here!

Favourite vegetable?
Bif Naked: Right now, because it changes all the time, it is a zucchini. Zucchini will take on the flavour of anything I mix it with. For example, if I want to make a raw hummus, I cut it into small pieces and throw it in my food processor with some garlic and tahini it will completely take on that flavour. If I make it with marinara sauce, it takes on that flavour. If I just want to make zucchini coins and use them as chips with a dip, they take on the flavour. It's amazing!

Food you can't live without?
Bif: Right now I don't think I could live without bananas. I mean, I guess I will have to one day given the state of the banana trade, and how fragile it is. I'm really grateful every time I have a banana, I really am. It's honestly the perfect food.

Most annoying question you get about the food choices you've made?
Bif: "Is that all you're eating? Salad?" That's my number one. And then I just say yes because that's all I can do.

What food choices did you decide to make when you decided to make a switch in your life?
Bif: It was really born out of being vegan. It was pretty easy to be vegan, we were pretty poor. For me it was a really sociopolitical decision in my early 20s. Being surrounded by the straight edge mentality, how it informed my diet and my lifestyle, it was really important to me.
As for going raw, it became easier and easier, especially as I kept going farther and farther east in Europe. Unless I wanted to eat plain bread, jam & peanut butter (none of which I ate anyway), it was hard to be vegan. Eating raw started to become a survival tactic for me. Have a tomato here, banana there, or a big plate of cucumbers. Eventually it became a lifestyle. It became how I ate. Someone came along, like, 7 years later and pointed out, "Hey man, you're a raw food eater." At this point, I was like, "Ohhhhhh, I didn't know."

When you say sociopolitical impact, what are you referring to specifically?
For us, when we were younger, being "straight edge" was a thoughtful and deliberate lifestyle. It meant we were making a statement to everyone around us. You know, it was the era when there were a lot of skate punks, and skateboarders, and we were all in bands. There were a select few of us who decided we didn't need alcohol and we didn't need to do drugs.
You know its one thing to go "Yah, I don't drink" or "Yahhh, I don't do drugs," but it's an entirely different thing to say, "No, I'm a straight edge." That basically made us feel like we were a part of something bigger. We didn't need it. We felt like we were part of a community that all looked out for each other and supported each other. It was really validating. I think that's why it resonated with so many people, especially back then.

To hear more from Bif Naked, her music, or to continue the conversation follow her on twitter @BifNaked and on Facebook.com/BifNaked! Comment below and let us know who you'd like us to ask our Quick Fire Questions to next!

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Why Sprouted?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:57:00 GMT

If you find you have an intolerance to nuts, seeds, legumes, or even some grains, it might be worthwhile to consider soaking or sprouting them. Why? We soak/sprout our nuts in order to make their nutrients more bio-available to our bodies. In this quick article, we break down how soaking initiates the germination process, what the means for your digestion, and how it affects nutrient levels.

Sprouting Aids Digestibility

Enzyme inhibitors, present in nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains, prevent the activation of enzymes within the seed that initiate the germination process. Enzyme inhibitors exist to prevent the seed from germinating while in storage. These enzyme inhibitors may hinder optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients. By way of hydrolysis, soaking these food items begins the germination process. This process also neutralizes a component of plant finer called physic acid, by means of activating phytase, which initiates the release of phosphorus, calcium, iron, and other minerals in seeds. As a result of this process, soaking aids the digestibility of the stomach. [Source]

Sprouting Increases Nutrient Levels

Studies have repeatedly shown that sprouted nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains have higher nutrient values over non-sprouted versions of the same items. Think about it, at the time of germination, the sprout is in need of the highest level of nutrients to grow. This means the nutrients within the seed will be at the highest point of availability. To prove this, specifically, studies have seen higher absorption rates of essential amino acids (proteins) and B-group vitamins of sprouted items. Also, A-group vitamins and C-group vitamins have shown similar improvements. The magnitude of nutritional improvement is dependent and influenced by type of nut/seed/legume/grain, its seed quality, and the conditions of sprouting. Choose organic, raw products and use alkaline water for optimal nutritional improvement. [Source]

Learn How to Sprout/Soak in Your Kitchen

For a comprehensive list of how to sprout various food items, check out these great instructions by Thomas Billing.

Nuts: To soak nuts, follow these great directions by Kim Harris at the Nourishing Gourmet.

Grains: To soak grains, follow these directions by Jenny at the Nourishing Kitchen.

OrganicLives Sprouted Products

Sprouted Almond Croutons (to die for!)

Chilli Sprouted Almonds

Teriyaki Sprouted Almonds

Sprouted Hunza Valley Granola

Granola Bars (in cafe)

Sprouted Chickpea Miso (in retail store)

Sprouted Sesame Gaufrettes

If you have a suggestion or recipe including sprouted seeds, nuts, legumes, or grains, please share with our community below!

Alkaline Water: The Battle Over pH

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:31:00 GMT

The controversy over optimal performance water has exploded in health media and we want to set the record straight. To get the best water into your body to increase cell functioning and performance, you must drink alkaline, chlorine free, mineral rich water. To understand why, feel free to continue reading.

The Delicate Balance

In order to maintain homeostasis in the body, the pH of our blood is tightly regulated by a complex system of buffers that are continuously at work to maintain a pH range of 7.35 to 7.45 (slightly alkaline). The pH levels of our internal fluids effects every living cell in our bodies. Over-acidification of the body can have devastating effects on our health as cell performance is compromised.

In other words:

"Because water is the universal solvent for all life, it is important to know how its chemical properties can affect cells. One of the most important characterizations of a biological fluid is its pH. The concentration of hydrogen and hydroxide ions in an aqueous solution can greatly affect both the structure and chemical reactivity of cellular molecules.

Cells ...must maintain an appropriate pH in order to function optimally. Additionally, dramatic shifts in pH can play a role in controlling cellular activities such as egg division after fertilization. Consequently, cells must work constantly to maintain an acid-base balance. At the appropriate pH and concentration, buffers can be highly important in maintaining pH by preventing drastic changes."

Source: University of Tennesee

Thus, in order to aid the body's performance we can choose more alkaline water to help it maintain this acid-base balance. By preventing these drastic changes, the body will not have to expel energy in order to maintain homeostasis at the right pH.

The Water We Drink

The water that comes out of our taps here in Vancouver (and most N. American cities) is usually somewhere around 6.5-6.7 (slightly acidic) and contains chlorine with the intention to kill harmful bacteria. The pH of bottled water ranges from 3 (Dasani) - 7 (Fiji Water) and is usually equivalent to most tap waters. Almost all of the water we drink is slightly acidic when we need it to be slightly alkaline, chlorine free, and mineral rich in order to hydrate our bodies to have optimal cell functioning.

What does this mean for you and your family? Do the research yourself. Choose water that has been filtered for heavy metals and other toxins, including chlorine. Alkalize it. Add electrolytes if desired, naturally, by using a Himalayan Rock Salt brine.

If you need help researching, come into the OrganicLives Education Center to one of our free talks or paid workshops on how to sift through nutritional information, do the best thing for your body and the planet.

For a more comprehensive look at this issue, please read this article by Dr. Gary Tunksy.

To install a water filtration system in your house to always have alkaline water coming out of your taps, click here.

To ask a question or concern regarding alkaline water and how to get it into your household, please feel free to comment below and be sure to include your email address.

Event Highlights: January 2012

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:58:00 GMT

So what happens if the world doesn't end? You get another chance to take charge of your health. Join us for a free seminar, attend a cooking workshop, or learn about a specific health-related topic personalized to you. Check out the event highlights we have in the New Year below.

OrganicLives Cooking Series

Date: Sundays, Januray 15th - March 5th, 2012, 10am-1pm

Price: $500 / series, $95 / session

Join Preet Marwaha, OrganicLives CEO & Founder, every Sunday beginning January 15th, 2012 for this seven-part cooking series on how to jumpstart your health. Learn the tips and tricks of the health food industry to cook the most nutritious, organic, and sustainable food for yourself and your family. Get the whole series for $500 or try each class for $95. Register today, spots are limited!

• Register Today

OrganicLives Free Seminars

Date: Thursdays, January 12th- 26th, 2012, 7pm

Price: Free

Join Preet Marwaha, OrganicLives CEO & Founder, for one of three free workshops this January to learn more about improving your health and lifestyle to make the changes you want to see.

An Introduction to Healthy Living - January 12th - Register Today

The Skinny on Carbs & Fats - January 19th - SOLD OUT

Reversing Disease & Illness - January 26th - Register Today

Feed Life Starve Cancer

Date: Tuesdays, January 17th - February 7th, 2012, 6pm

Price: $380

This course is a four week lecture series filled with humour, innovative ideas, and simple steps. It will include a culinary component. Each week you’ll take home tasty recipes and new thoughts to ponder. The 3 hour class will fly by with lots of interactive demos, delicious foods and Q&A. Each class will feature a 45 minute lecture and hands on culinary component.

• Register Today

Reorganizational Healing

Date: February 1st, 2012, 6pm
Price: $10
Reorganizational Healing encompasses where are you now, where you want to be, how you can get there, and how you keep growing from there. This presentation by Dr. Detzler will introduce you to the fundamental science and art of sustainable positive change. We will discuss new concepts in healing and wellness with your brain and spine in mind. What does it mean to have a self-healing/self regulating spine? During this 1 hour talk, you will learn: how crucial your nervous system is to your daily functioning; how your posture reflects your emotions; and how to respond to stressful situations constructively.

• Register Today

Your Best Year Yet!

Date: January 11th - 25th, 2012 6:30-8:30pm
Price: $60 / series, $25 / session
Utilize the powerful Heal Your Life® philosophy and techniques of Louise L. Hay to effectively embrace the life you REALLY want in 2012…Affirm and align with YOUR vision! Discover and apply effective techniques to transform your life on a daily basis. Improve YOUR health, expand YOUR wealth and increase YOUR capacity for love…Create inspired changes to awaken YOUR passion, purpose and peace!

• Register Today

Top 5 Natural Beauty Tricks

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 23:06:00 GMT

Simplify your beauty regimen by testing out these organic, natural, chemical free beauty tricks. Save money, look beautiful, and save the planet with a few simple switches!

"Give me beauty in the inward soul; and may the inner and outer be at one."

1. Coconut Oil

No, but seriously, drop all your over-priced "natural" lotions immediately. Try this skin saver and get an amazing bang for your buck (without the nasty preservatives and chemicals to boot). Be sure to pick up an organic, extra virgin coconut oil, it should be solid at room temperature. Mix with your favourite organic essential oil to add a bit of your favourite scent! You can get it at any natural food store or from us here or in our retail store at Quebec & Second.

2. Chlorine Free Water

The chlorine in many city water supplies helps destroy harmful microbes but it can compromise the skin's acid mantle, making the skin and scalp drier and more susceptible to irritation. The heated water in showers produces chloroform which, when inhaled, can make us more prone to allergies, respiratory disorders, and under-eye puffiness. Grab a chlorine filter for your shower to feel an instant change in your hair and skin quality.

3. Avocado

Avocado is rich in vitamins E and B complex, beta-carotene, potassium, fluorine, copper, and lecithin. Eat it, rub the peels on your face, or try this amazing deep conditioner for your hair. Add one half of an organic ripe avocado, one half teaspoon of organic olive oil, to a few drops of organic rosemary or lavender essential oil and let it sit in your hair for 10 minutes, concentrated at the ends. Rinse well. Best when hair is dry or damaged and needs a facelift.

4. Camu-Camu Fruit

This fruit contains more vitamin C than any other known plant. it is also rich in calcium, iron, niacin, and the amino acids leucine, serene, and valine. Add a half teaspoon of powdered camu-camu to your water, three times daily, and it will help with immune system function, improve energy, and relieve various skin conditions. Add a tablespoon to your natural shampoo or conditioner and it will improve shine.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is astringent, deodorizing, and anti-fungal. It helps to rinse calcium residue and soap out of hair, fights dandruff or oily hair, improves shine, cleanses blemishes, cools sunburn, and exfoliates dead or oily skin. It helps restore an acidic pH after shampooing. Use as a toner or add a bit to your shampoo to improve shine and hair health.

Remember that exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin and increases collagen production. Just one more incredible reason to get up off that desk chair and get your body moving. Don't forget that yoga counts.

If you have a great natural beauty trick that you'd like to share with our community, post below!