 First introduced at A & W, these patties have rocked my world. They have the taste and texture of ground beef and with 20 grams of protein, there is no need to sacrifice taste for good health. You can now find these patties either in the meat section or in the frozen food section of your local grocery stores. I have bought them from 49th Parallel, Thrifty's, Country Grocer and QF. They aren't cheap but good quality usually isn't. At most stores the price is $7.99 but QF sells them for $6.99. Even my meat-eating husband loves them. This is the easiest way to give a plant-based meal a try and just in time for barbecue season.
 My buddy Naoko suffers from seasonal allergies and she is also an RHN. She raves about this product and says that there is also a nasal spray. A Vogel Allergy Relief a Homeopathic Preparation. She got hers from Naked Naturals in Parksville for $12.99 but you should be able to find this brand at your health food store. If you are on any medications, make sure that the person at the health food store checks for any contraindications as this is a homeopathic blend.
It's a pretty miserable day out there so here's my Netflix list of my favorite health documentaries:
Karen  One of the reasons that my sister and I had really wanted to go to Salt Spring was to try the Morningside Organic Bakery because we had heard about their vegan butter and vegan cheeses. After leaving the amazing Saturday Market we drove the winding country road down the island to Fulford Harbour. Fulford Harbour has a ferry that links to Swartz Bay (close to Victoria). The bakery is located right around the corner from the ferry terminal. This may explain some of the 'ugly' details about my review.  Here's some Bad and Ugly details for you:
 Here's the Good: - The food is awesome and presented well. This vegan cheese platter was enough for two and cost $30.00. It featured: - The Miyoko's butter on lightly toasted bread. - 3 vegan cheeses: - French Style Winter Truffle - just okay - High Sierra Rustic Alpine - my favorite. Rich and creamy flavor. - Double Cream Sundried Tomato Garlic - My sister's favorite and a close second for me. My sister bought the butter featured below for $14.95.  Here's the Irony:
 Here's what you'll need to make vegan nachos that are just wonderful. I make my own salsa and guacamole but use Tofutti Sour Cream, Daiya Cheese and Que Pasa Tortillas. Firstly, here are the recipes:  Easy Tomato Salsa Ingredients:
 Simple Guacamole Ingredients:
Go here to print these recipes: recipe_easy_tomato_salsa_and_simple_guacamole.docx  Que Pasa Tortilla Chips
 Tofutti Sour Supreme - I consider this to be vegan junk food. It has many benefits over dairy, however it is made from soy which is, more than likely, a GMO product. However, it tastes just like sour cream or even better. Benefits: - no lactose - no milk - no gluten - no butterfat - no cholesterol - You can buy it in the dairy case by the other sour creams. I paid $3.77 (on sale) at Country Grocer on Twelfth Street, Nanaimo. The regular price is about $4.50.  Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds:
I love daiya products. They have shredded cheeses, cheese slices, creamed cheese and cheese cakes (in the frozen dairy case). Their cheeses taste great and melt well. The benefits are: - Dairy, lactose and casein free - lactose is the milk sugars in milk. Casein is the protein in milk that is a known carcinogen. - Gluten-free - Soy free - No cholesterol - No trans-fats Daiya cheese is made from tapioca flour, Non-GMO canola oil or non-GMO safflower oil. This product isn't cheap ($5.99) but goes on sale frequently at various supermarkets. You can use it in grilled sandwiches, macaroni, tacos, nachos, or any another meal where you would use shredded cheese. Keep it in the fridge and use it up faster than you would regular cheese as it can go off and grow mold faster than other cheeses.  My good friend, Karen Blackman, turned me on to this product that has all the convenience of pop but none of the negative nutritional impacts. Great for convenience when camping or going to summer outings and picnics. Country Grocer, Bowen Road, Nanaimo has a special deal on this week - an 8 can case for $2.97. If you are at home, just add lemon, lime, cucumber or orange slices to your carbonated spring water or add some frozen berries or smoosh them up fresh to get a more festive healthy summer drink.
 Do you stink? Going toxin free for your personal care items is important. Especially if you have a weakened or impaired immune system and/or are serious about your detoxification. Some people know that their deodorant probably contains aluminum and other toxins but don't read the label. 'What I don't know won't hurt me' syndrome. There's another way, a healthier way.
I was told about Dom deodorant from one of my instructors at CSNN. It is made on Saltspring Island and you can buy it at Pomme Natural in Nanaimo. It's base is certified organic virgin cold-pressed coconut oil (anti-bacterial), pure, unrefined baking soda (helps neutralize odor and absorb moisture) and natural arrowroot powder (helps absorb moisture).It's not cheap, though. It costs $17.99, but the jar will last you for up to 6 months (depending on the season). It lasts so long that you forget how much it costs when you go back to get more, so that's a good thing. I prefer the green one which is lemongrass, cedar and tea tree oils. The yellow one is citrus fruits which is good but didn't hold up as well for my body chemistry. For more information check out [email protected]. Anyway, I ran out of my Dom's deodorant and couldn't get to Pomme Natural to buy more so I opted for The Green Beaver Company's Natural Deodorant which costs around $7. I didn't realize that for my body chemistry and summer kicking in that I would actually smell worse than a beaver. Perhaps because my body chemistry needs something stronger than citrus scented. I'm not slagging this brand just a head's up to those who want an awesome natural, toxin-free, deodorant, try DOM's first.  Here's a healthy gluten free alternative to wheat pasta. Tinkyada pasta can be found at Save On Foods in the ethnic food aisle beside the bulk foods. (This is the Save on at Country Club Mall, Nanaimo, but I'm sure other Save On supermarkets carry it as well.) It costs $4.99. If you are shopping for price the best deals are at Bulk Barn for Brown Rice Pastas however this one doesn't go mushy as the other ones tend to do.
These noodles go great with my Pesto Pasta with Steamed Greens. Check out my recipe by going to : Blog - Dinner Recipes - Pesto Pasta with Steamed Greens 2/11/2017  The best deal for Organic Spinach and Organic Spring Mix is at Costco. Both are $3.99. If you don't have a Costco membership, I feel the second best would be at Save On their brand Organic.  The key to making your lettuce and spinach last is proper storage. Turn out the packs into glass containers lined with paper towel and then top with another sheet of paper towel to absorb excess water. This will give you a few extra days of freshness. If you leave your greens in the original container, they will rot faster. Spinach is great in your smoothies and Spring mix is a great base to any salad. Eat them daily and eat them often.
 Here's a great reasonably priced product and a great alternative to bouillon cubes. Although, making your own is always better, this stuff is great to use when time is a factor. It's organic and has a wonderful rich flavour to add depth to any homemade soups. It's available at other grocery stores but the best value is at Costco for $8.49 for a 454 gram jar.
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