Far from being just another fad, mushrooms are the real deal – they’re the most ubiquitous form of life on the planet, after all – and they’re here to stay. Here’s why you should get on board.

Chart a course forward by looking at the people, movements, and ideas that shone brightest in the past year. Then cherry pick your inspiration!

Intuitive eating, digital detox, earthing footwear, and more. Find out how the best wellness trends are shaping our world for the better.

Community is how we survived and thrived as a species for millennia, and it remains the bedrock of what makes life worth living. Connectedness to other human beings isn’t just crucial to mental health; it’s crucial to physical health as well.

If, like me, your 80/ 20 ratio of good living to ahem, very good living has been on a slippery slope, it may be time for an autumn reset. Summer rules are just that. As we approach the end of a season of very good living indeed, my body starts to give me clues (and sometimes sledgehammers) that it’s high time to turn the page.

One of the most positive outcomes of recent months has been the fact that we’ve had time to get off the hamster wheel and re-assess what really matters. If, like me, you’re undertaking a big rethink of well, everything, that reinvention can seem equal parts thrilling and daunting.

We have an innate need to be with others. It’s baked into our very DNA, and throughout human history it has meant survival. As our social limitations turn from weeks to months, this is worth paying attention to.

We’re careful about so much these days - social distancing, hand washing, staying home, staying safe. Yet we don’t tend to be overly careful about the endless stream of information that permeates our current reality.

The times they are a’ changing. And guess what? It’s completely normal to feel anxious about what’s going on. Anxiety is a normal human response to change, to threat, and to crisis. We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t feel some sense of unease in our current climate. Try these simple steps to shift your energy from anxiety to serenity. Dare I say, even to possibility….

As COVID-19 is declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, as markets crash, as just about everyone wonders whether to quarantine themselves and their families, let’s all take a moment…. to just breathe.

Our gut flora is a complex combination of our DNA, how we were born, where we were born, lifestyle, the foods we’ve eaten throughout our lives, and the circumstances we’ve eaten them in. If no two of us are alike, why are we all following the same dietary advice?

In the spirit of giving, here are a few tips to keep you in top form throughout this season of celebrating. This cheat sheet will see you through the crazy month that is December, and hopefully keep you from needing to make lemonade from those lemons. Because being the life of the party can sometimes take a little advance planning!

How best to fuel an athlete has become one of the most discussed (and profitable) sectors of the health industry. Many of us dabble in shakes, powders and vitamins that sound like the tagline to an action movie: hyper-burn, fit power, energy max. While some brands can definitely help to give you that added boost, the foundation of a healthy athlete always begins with food.

Holiday eating, Christmas lists, gift exchanges, cocktails here, there and everywhere -  as your calendar fills up with festive fun, the next month can be exhilarating and exhausting in equal measure. The difference between staying at the top of your game or becoming a holiday train wreck is all about balance.

It may come as no surprise that labeling, and particularly food labeling, is rife with hidden meaning, sleight of hand, and outright untruths. The bad news is that the current state of affairs may be even worse than you think. The good news is that you can do something about it.

Many of us obsess over what we put into out bodies, but give little or no thought to what goes onto our skin. Cosmetics and beauty lines of every stripe often contain questionable ingredients, including a few that are downright hazardous.

As it happens, in most cases, the wisdom passed down by women through the centuries is (gasp!) true. Until very recently, when it came to run-of-the-mill ills such as the common cold, premenstrual cramps, or aches and pains, women were squarely in charge.

Just as you'd give your home a good spring cleaning, April is the best time to clean out your body. Winter is all about cocooning and shoring up our resources. At the end of this period of hibernation, we tend to have a build-up of ‘sludge’ from all that sitting around. Spring, however, is all about flow. It’s the perfect time to let the natural rhythm of the seasons work in your favour.

Winter is on our doorstep, and with snow right around the corner, it’s time for warming, fortifying, nourishing food. To stay healthy this winter, let’s get back to our roots. Here’s how.

I recently attended an aromatherapy workshop at a friend’s house and it was one of the most (naturally) intoxicating evenings I’ve had in a while. Some of the blends literally made me swoon, while the healing aspects of these oils knocked me off my feet.

This classic twist on roast chicken offers a delicious and festive dish for a smaller crowd. It’s nicely paired with the classic fixings, or can just as easily feature some of our recent side dishes: brussel sprouts, spaghetti squash, or stuffed peppers. For a bonus round, the leftovers will make epic leftover soup.

Heading into this cold weather has me dreaming of stuffed peppers on the island of Naxos, Greece. Since I can’t get there right now, my next best option is to bring it here! It takes a little prep, but makes a nice big batch for several dinners, side dish or makes for a yummy lunch reheated.

These vegetarian nachos qualify as dinner, loaded as they are with protein and good-for-you veg. Better yet, on a scale of 1 to 10, they’re definitely on the easy-peasy side. Don’t be afraid to really load your ingredients as the chips make a great vehicle from plate to mouth.

Bone broth is the ultimate healing liquid. It’s dead easy to make, it’s versatile (use it as broth, gravy, sauce, or even straight up in a mug), AND it’s a time honoured method of wringing every last bit of goodness from meat on the bone. Oh yes - and it’s largely how our ancestors made it through the winter!

Thanksgiving may be a smaller affair this year, but that doesn’t mean it has to be ho-hum! It’s time to make lemonade from lemons. Most of all, let’s continue to give thanks. No matter what 2020 throws at us, we have so much to be grateful for. Bring on that lemonade (with a splash of chilled vodka :)

I had never tried spaghetti squash until about five years ago, but let me tell you, I can’t get enough of this gem! It’s the ultimate un-guilty pleasure, with a pasta-like consistency, sky-high vitamin content, and a delicious flavour to boot.

This quinoa salad is a quintessential rainbow plate, with its wide variety of colourful seasonal vegetables. It’s an excellent vegetarian option that’s equally delicious as a main or side dish. Plus it’s a great excuse to get ye to a farmer’s market! If freshness and flavour are your jam, look no further.

Farmers’ markets are abundant with fresh produce right now. Harvest season is easily my favourite time to cook, but most of all, to eat!!! This beet recipe works equally well as a main or a side dish. The salad dressing in this recipe is my go-to secret weapon for all my salads - so you get two recipes for one!

It’s our lucky day… Caroline has decided to share her famous, guaranteed show-stopper chimichurri recipe. It’s one she’s experimented with on and off for years. And now - perfection. This might just prove to be your new favourite.

While these tasty treats might not be good for you in a technical sense, they’re plenty good for, oh, morale, happiness, treating yourself, your soul - or for making something special for the ‘Dad’ in your life. Father’s Day is around the corner, after all.

Sweets for breakfast are great - on occasion. One of my secret weapons for staying power throughout the day, however, is a savoury meal featuring protein, and if possible, a side of veggies. Some would call that lunch, whereas my family gives me endless grief over the fact that this is, in fact, dinner! Whatever you call it, starting your day in this manner is a game changer for energy levels, weight loss, and wellness.

Do you dream of sushi? Spicy salmon, dynamite rolls, avocado, crisp veg… Dining out at your local may be weeks or months away, but the good news is that most grocery stores stock the necessary ingredients to make excellent sushi yourself - and it’s easier than you think.

Who doesn’t love the comforting gooey goodness of a classic homemade pizza?? It’s the perfect TGIF - or any day - treat.

It’s time to get creative with our cooking, along with everything else! Here’s an easy recipe for cooking black beans (or any beans, for that matter) from scratch. Cooking from scratch has several advantages over the canned variety: it has zero preservatives, it’s economical, and most of all, it tastes WAY better. Try it and be converted! Bonus: add your beans to this vegetarian chili for a power-packed meal.

Super healthy, delicious, and easy to prepare, these fluffy wonders will keep you energized throughout your morning. Better yet, they’re guilt free - unlike the pancakes of old, this version is full of healthy fats and protein. Serve with nut butter, berries or maple syrup for the perfect start to your day!

This lower fat & paleo version of meatballs is an Asian inspired favourite at our house. The tasty ingredients are at once nutritious and satisfyingly sweet, sticky, and savoury. Better yet, it’s quick and easy to throw together for the perfect weeknight meal. It comes together faster than you’ll get takeout, plus it’s healthier to boot.

This version is full of nourishing ingredients that have zero guilt factor. In fact, it’s even GOOD for you (99% guaranteed… especially if you share it with someone you love :) It’s the perfect cuppa to help you warm your soul - as well as your fingers & toes!

A delicious muffin to enjoy with a cup of coffee in the morning, or as an afternoon snack when you need a quick pick-me-up! Chock full of healing oats, packed with protein, and loaded with pumpkin-y vitamins, this is a perfect food for fall.

We each have a different version of the past two years, but it’s a fact we all jumped off a cliff into the unknown a very short while ago. We’re still trying to find our footing in this new landscape. No wonder we’re a bit wobbly.

The concept of a lending library is something most of us take for granted. Yet it’s extraordinarily rare for most Mexicans, especially those who live outside of large cities (and for many within cities as well). Enter the Tiny Library with a Big Heart.

While the present time in history may feel like an uphill slog, some of the cosmic goodies I’ve gleaned this past week may help to put it all into perspective.

Today is the Winter Solstice. The winter solstice predates modern religion as a celebration of the tipping point when the dark begins, by tiny increments, to give way to the light.

We’re all aware by now that our technology is both a blessing and a curse. The research shows that we’re on our screens more than ever – and our smart phones are SO smart they know they have us hooked. But what happens when we unplug, even for a little while?

Enter the era of brands that do so much more than offer an awesome product. These folks inspire, provide a unique twist, give back to local communities, and do good for the planet - all while crafting something you actually want to buy.

This year, New Zealand became the first country to phase out gross domestic product (GDP) as its main measure of success. The government, led by Prime Minister - and visionary - Jacinda Ardern, released a budget that aims to maximize well being instead.

When it comes to wellness, there’s plenty of buzz about doing what you love, finding your tribe, mindfulness, and living in the moment. We hear endless facts about diet and nutrition. We compare notes on the merits of crossfit, yoga, pilates, and spinning. What we rarely discuss is a simple walk in the woods.

September brings with it a frenzy of activity. Don't get me wrong. I love this season; the majestic colours, the blue on blue skies, the fantastic food, cooling temperatures, and new beginnings. It represents a switching of the gears in every sense.

I’ve been spending my summer holidays with my young niece and nephews at a beach house our family owns. It’s been a reminder of what childhood means; the bumped knees, the laughter, the ice cream dropped, the occasional tears, and yes, the diapers. Most of all, these lazy days have brought back the glorious enthusiasm of the very young.

Canada's 150th birthday is this July 1. it seemed an apt time to wear my heart on my sleeve and embark on a very un-Canadian activity: showing off a little nationalistic pride. I do so love this country. Here are just a few reasons why.

On our honeymoon, my husband and I bought a framed poster entitled ‘Life’s Little Instructions’. We were in the fabulous city of New Orleans and the sweet, wise, timeless advice has been hanging on the bathroom wall of our cottage ever since. The author was never named, but it’s full of little zingers that make you go ‘hmmmm’.

When was the last time you pushed yourself to experiment and try something completely new? Something outside the box, something creative, something a tiny bit terrifying? We often forget the creative wonder of childhood and get caught up in adult lives that can be devoid of that magic spark. The doing of something, with your hands, just because.

While September can be invigorating and full of fresh starts, it can also be an exhausting avalanche of e-mails, new schedules, and a feeling that everything on that to-do list needs to get done yesterday. After crawling into bed several nights in a row in a worn out heap this week, I’ve been reflecting on the fact that a) I really should know better, b) I need to go back to the principles of finding balance.

The weather outside remains spectacular, and in these final days of summer, I find my mind wandering to less serious subjects… such as whether I should buy those great new boots for fall (yes!), that crazy last episode of Game of Thrones, and of course, a little light browsing material - or shall we say, eye candy. Before the full force of Real Life hits in September, it’s essential to revel in life’s lighter side.