MY BLOG

Before you pack away your gardening gloves… the growing season doesn’t have to end just because summer has! Creating an indoor garden is a simple, body, mind, and soul nourishing way to extend the garden magic all year long, and it comes with some surprising health benefits, too.

As the seasons shift, many of us notice our energy levels dipping. The shorter days, the full schedules, and colder weather can leave you reaching for that second (or third) coffee just to scrape through the day. But if you’re feeling more than just a little sluggish, your iron and ferritin levels might be the missing piece.

Pumpkin spice has become the unofficial flavor of autumn. It’s cozy, warming, and instantly makes you feel like fall is here. But beyond the infamous lattes and sugary treats, there’s real wisdom behind these spices. The spices used to create ‘pumpkin spice’ are traditionally used in herbal medicine, with ingredients that support digestion, circulation, and immunity. When we peel back the layers of syrup and whipped cream, we discover that maybe it’s popularity is more than superficial.

You ever feel like the gray west coast fog crept inside your head and is making it impossible to focus or get what you need to get done, done? Well you’re not alone. In my practice one of the most common symptoms my patients come to me with is brain fog, and the change is seasons can make it feel so much more… foggy. While the underlying cause of brain fog can be more complex and definitely worth exploring with your healthcare provider, you can help to support your brain with the right fuel, nutrients, and daily habits. 

If you aren’t one of those people who wake up with the energy of a golden retriever on espresso, mornings can feel like an uphill climb. You hear all the time about how good it is to have a solid morning routine to start the day right, but you just can’t seem to get yourself moving before you have to make a mad dash at the last minute out the door. Well, I’m here to tell you that you can still build a morning routine that supports your health, mood, and productivity all without trying to become a 5 a.m. sunrise chaser.

Summer is over and we are back in the regular grind. You’re inspired to do this season right, stay on track with your health goals and stick to your grocery budget… but the phrase “packed lunch” conjures up mental images of sad sandwiches or wilted salads you forget in the fridge while you go and grab fast food. But a lunchbox can actually be something you look forward to. It can be nourishing, satisfying, and way better than grabbing something random (and regretful), and easier on your wallet.

Summer is a favourite time of year for many people, but once the season winds down, you might notice your digestion isn’t quite as happy. Bloating, irregular bowels, heartburn, or that heavy “post-patio” feeling are all pretty common. So, besides eating more ice cream cones than we’d ever admit…why does the gut go off track after summer, and how do you reset?

Given how grey the winter months are here on Vancouver Island, many of us make it our priority to get out and enjoy the sunshine while it’s here, soaking up that vitamin D and enjoying our beaches, lakes and rivers. But after months of soaking up the sunshine, your skin might be feeling the effects, even with careful SPF use. The combination of UV rays, heat, salt water, and chlorine can leave skin dry, dull, or uneven. The good news is our skin is remarkably resilient and with a little extra care, we can help it recover, restore its glow and vitality.

There’s no shortage of wellness advice floating around out there…some of it helpful, some of it... not so much. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I get asked a lot of the same questions online and with my patients. I love being your go-to source for clear, grounded, and natural health wisdom, so I figured I’d round them all up together for any curious minds who aren’t able to come see me in the clinic.

Summer is full of on the go adventures… road trips, beach days, weekends at the lake, and spontaneous hikes… but what about keeping yourself fuelled on these wild adventures? It’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing gas station junk that leaves you feeling more sluggish than satisfied. While there's a time and a place for indulging in your favourite snacks, I’m all about making your summer snacks work for you.

It’s easy to find yourself swinging by a fast food drive thru on the way home, or ordering in doordash for the 3rd time this week, but cooking healthy meals doesn’t have to be a huge time suck.  There are some great strategies you can use to make things easier on yourself while maintaining good nutrition for you and your family.  You’re probably even too busy to read this article, so I’ll keep it super quick. 

There’s something about pool, or oceanside lounging that practically begs for a drink in hand, but that drink doesn’t have to be boozy to feel luxurious. In fact, skipping the alcohol can mean better hydration, clearer skin, fewer headaches, and waking up the next day feeling refreshed instead of wrecked. Keep your poolside vibes high and your blood sugar stable this summer with these fun, flavourful, and functional beverage ideas that taste like vacation— minus the hangover.