Category Archives: Words

Apr 15 2010

Feed Your Body Well! Pre & Post-Workout Foods

This is a fairly long post, so to avoid causing my blog to look cluttered, I’ve inserted a “read more” tag so that you can open it in a new page.

This post contains information on proper foods for pre & post-workout eating, information on protein, and priceless contact information you can use to speak to a registered dietitian for FREE! (Only for those living in Ontario, Canada.)

Continue reading →

Mar 5 2010

CFIA: Canadian Food Inspection Agency

I have a slightly (okay, maybe more than slightly…) obsessive need to know about how fresh or safe the food is that I’m putting inside of my body, so I like to regularly check the food recall alerts on the CFIA website. Usually, there’s nothing that applies to products that I’ve purchased, however there was recently a recall of some T.Marzetti brand veggie dips. When I’m not up for making my own dips, this is usually the brand that I purchase. (Luckily, the flavours recalled are not ones that I had in the fridge.) The website will list any recalls, with full product information, and any other details necessary.

To keep an eye on different recalls that may happen from time to time, be sure to check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website. (This is a direct link to the food recall alerts. Feel free to explore the other areas of the website for valuable information!)

Feb 18 2010

Flaxseed

Something that seems as if it has popped up out of nowhere in so many foods in the grocery stores, has actually been around for quite some time. You can see it in many breads, cereals, smoothies and more. You can also add it in to so many different recipes, your options really are endless! It’s easy enough to just know that flaxseed is good for you, but what is flaxseed really all about? Here’s some general information from about.com on this lovely little seed!

Flaxseed:

  • -High in omega-3 fatty acids (“good” fats)
  • -High in fiber (contains both soluble and insoluble)
  • -High in lignans (“lignans” act as phytoestrogens and antioxidants)
  • -High in many B vitamins, magnesium and manganese.
  • -Low in carbohydrates.
  • -Good for starch and sugar restricted diets.
  • -Very filling and great for weight loss/maintenance programs.
  • -Comes in 3 forms: oil, whole seeds, ground seeds. Whole seeds cannot be digested and the benefits are not absorbed. Oil is low in fiber content. Ground seeds is the best option for maximum benefits.
  • -Canada is great for growing flaxseed because of the cooler weather conditions.
  • -Comes in two colours: reddish-brown and golden brown. Colour has no effect on the nutritional value.
  • -Best to refrigerate ground flaxseed. Shelf life (in the refrigerator) is up to four months. Whole seeds can last up to one year.
  • -Recommended daily intake is about 1-2 tbsp ground flaxseed.
  • -Ground flaxseed has a slightly nutty taste.
  • -Can be mixed into almost any food, baked goods, and is great in yogurt or smoothies. Can also be used in salad dressing.
  • -Works great as an egg substitute when mixed with water. (1 tbsp of ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp of water forms the equivalent of 1 egg!)

Click here for more detailed information on flaxseed on about.com.

You can also get more information on flaxseed on the website for the Flax Council of Canada.

Aug 17 2009

Day 1 Of The New “Blog”

Hi Everyone!

So happy that you have come to join me in the grand opening of my new Blog Restaurant! ;)

First, let me introduce myself: I’m Nikki. I love art, writing, and I especially love food. So what better way to express these loves than to blend all three together?

What you can expect to find in this blog are recipes that I have come to favor over the years, random musings about food, my photography/art that is centered around all things culinary, tips and information on cooking and food stuff, reviews on restaurants and food, and random food related events that may be happening in Toronto.

Some recipes posted will be favorites that I’ve found in books or websites (with a reference of course), recipes that I’ve tailored to my own tastes and created something new from a basic outline, and even recipes that I have created in one of my frequent bizarre moments in the kitchen when I’m holding four or five ingredients that I haven’t the foggiest clue as to what to do with them.

No matter what the type of the recipes I happen to post, I promise they will only be the yummiest of the yummy!

I hope you enjoy the entries to come, and I look forward to hearing feedback, questions or requests in the future!

Check back soon for new posts!

-Nikki