Store bought hot chocolate “packets” contain massive amounts of sugar and even hydrogenated oils (an unexpected, undesirable ingredient). You can serve this with whipped cream made of organic heavy cream with a little bit of Monk Fruit Sweetener.
1/3 c full fat coconut milk (unsweetened)
2/3 c boiling water
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
Monk Fruit Sweetener
(optional) 1-2 drops peppermint oil, whipped cream, or cocoa nibs
Boil water on the stove. Add in all remaining ingredients. Stir well. Let cool a little bit, serve and enjoy!
Community News
Book Club: The Power of Meditation
Simple Practices for Mental Clarity and Relaxation. Have you tried to meditate but your thoughts are all over the place? Your mind wanders, you find yourself fidgeting, and what should be a source of peace and joy becomes an irritation. In this book written by Jason Hemlock, you’ll learn: The physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of meditation; Common pitfalls and how to avoid them; How to establish a meditation routine you can commit to; Five basic meditation techniques and how you can adapt them to suit your personal preferences.
Exploring Creative Passions
Embracing creativity unlocks numerous benefits. It allows us to reconnect with past joys and explore fresh passions, fostering fulfillment. Creative activities, from art to games, offer mental and emotional rewards, granting purpose, combating isolation, and sharpening cognitive abilities. Moreover, creative pursuits foster connections, as you lead to participation in group activities. Such interactions alleviate loneliness and facilitate meaningful friendships. Age should never deter us from exploring our creative side as it nourishes our mental, emotional, and social well-being. Whether reviving old interests or embarking on new adventures, creative passions in your older years can be a gateway to newfound fulfillment.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to driving awareness about prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment options. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women globally, and within Canada, it is the third most-commonly diagnosed cancer, accounting for 25% of all cancer diagnoses in females. As you get older, your risk of developing breast cancer increases, and women between the ages of 50 and 69 years of age are more likely to develop it. The good news is, when detected early, the chances of survival increase. Regular screening increases the chances of detecting certain cancers early, before cancer has a chance to spread.
Book Club: Set Boundaries, Find Peace
A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
By Nedra Glover Tawwab.
Healthy boundaries. We all know we should have them–in order to achieve work/life balance, cope with toxic people, and enjoy rewarding relationships with partners, friends, and family. But what do “healthy boundaries” really mean–and how can we successfully express our needs, say “no,” and be assertive without offending others? Licensed counselor, sought-after relationship expert, and one of the most influential therapists, Nedra Glover Tawwab demystifies this complex topic for today’s world. Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life.
Simple Sweet Potato Soup
1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 white onion diced; 3 cloves minced garlic; 2 Tbsp grated ginger; 2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled, cut into small pieces; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 Tbsp sliced green onions or chives. Place a large pot on the stove over medium high heat. Add in olive oil and onion and sauté until tender, about 7 min. Add in garlic and ginger and sauté 1 min more. Add in sweet potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer until tender. Transfer soup to blender and blend until smooth. Return to a pot over low heat and add in cheese. Serve topped with green onions or chives.
Locally Made Flavored Pretzels
Elevate your Charcuterie board with Lady Di’s Snackers. Straight from Anola, Manitoba, these snacks are the ultimate crowd-pleasers! Savor four irresistible flavors: Zesty Original, Rosemary & Sea Salt, Parmesan Herb & Garlic, and Dill Pickle. Each bite will leave you craving more. Crafted by Lady Di, these pretzels are a must-try. Visit your local grocery store today to snag your own pack of Lady Di’s Snackers. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a special event, these pretzels bursting with flavor will be a hit!
In-Home Personal Training
Fitness On The Go Personal Training delivers tailor-made fitness solutions right to your doorstep. Our mission is to make fitness accessible and convenient by providing personalized workout programs and expert trainers in the comfort of your home. We bring all the necessary equipment, including exercise mats, Swiss balls, medicine balls, and elastics, directly to you. With just a 6×6 feet floor space and 50-55 minutes of your time, you can work towards your fitness aspirations and improved overall health. Experience the ease of achieving your personal fitness goals with us.
Shop Gluten Free!
Amanda Lynn Gluten free is your gluten free haven! Their Anola production facility is dedicated gluten- and nut-free! This is where they craft all their amazing products by hand with top-quality ingredients to accommodate various dietary needs. Their gluten free journey began with perfected perogies, holding true to traditional, taste and texture, meeting the needs for most of Canada’s top 10 allergens as well as vegan lifestyles. Pick up the finest gluten free, dairy-free, and vegan perogies at your local grocery store or explore their menu online: cabbage rolls, take-&-bake pizzas, ready-to-cook meals, wholesome soups, and decadent desserts – all allergen friendly. Amanda Lynn Gluten Free | algf.biz
Benefits of Purple Tea
Purple tea, sourced from Kenya, boasts a vibrant hue and various health benefits. Rich in anthocyanins, polyphenols, and antioxidants, it surpasses green or black tea in health perks. Notably, it has half the caffeine of green tea, offering sustained energy without jitters. Purple tea contains a unique polyphenol, GHG, associated with weight management. Furthermore, purple tea supports heart health by improving blood vessel function and lowering cholesterol. Its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties make it a valuable immune system booster, while also enhancing cognitive function and memory. Embrace the goodness of purple tea for a refreshing and healthy daily habit.
Acupuncture for Gastrointestinal Disorders
If you’ve tried conventional medicine to keep digestive problems in check without success, consider acupuncture, a holistic health treatment without side effects. Many clinical studies show that acupuncture alters various biochemical and physiological states to treat a wide variety of gastrointestinal illnesses, like irritable bowel syndrome, Chron’s disease, gallstones, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea. Acupuncture helps by improving gastrointestinal motility and restoring stomach acidity to normal levels – reducing serum levels of serotonin and reducing inflammation by promoting release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors.
