Tuesday, January 25, 2011

For the COLD weather...

Hot Chocolate!

I've been going to this recipe lately, especially when the "instant" powder is out of stock at home.  I make mine a dairy-free version but you can use whatever version you have on hand...

You need... for each serving;

1 cup of milk (soy, rice, almond all work fine)
1 tbsp of cocoa powder
1 tbsp of chocolate chips (I use pure chocolate but can easily use milk chocolate, etc.)
1 tsp vanilla extract

and if you would like it a little extra sweet and decadent...

1 tsp or more of maple syrup (or other sweetener like rice syrup, honey, etc.)

What you do...

Put all ingredients in a pot on the stove, set to a medium setting.  Mix while slowly heating milk and melting chocolate chips.  I find using a whisk is helpful especially with getting that cocoa powder mixed in.

Once heated and melted, pour into mug(s) and top as you'd like with marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings... whatever you like.

A nice way to warm up on these cold days and nights!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Keeping active! Winter fun.

It's seems so much easier keeping active in the warmer months.  Even taking those evening walks on a warm summer eve is decent activity.  So what do you do when the temperature is -20C and the snow is blowing sideways outside?  Hardly tempting to go for that stroll, short of wearing some type of winter survival gear.

Well, if you ski or snowboard, that's great.  Skating in an indoor arena is a possibility as well.  And it saves you from the elements.  But what to do if "winter" activities aren't for you?

I've been warming up in the mornings with some Moksha yoga before hitting the clinic lately.  The studio I've been going to downtown currently has worthwhile specials going on.  Perhaps it's a good idea to check out a yoga studio close to you.  Help de-stress, stretch and keep in shape!  A gym is also a popular idea for those indoor winter workouts.  If you're new to the gym experience, a personal trainer may be a good idea.  They can help design a workout routine to fit your needs.

Whatever the activity, I believe the benefits are plenty.  You avoid that "extra baggage" which is so easy to gain over the winter months, it helps your mood, helps de-stress and keeps you ready for those warm weather activities.... not too far off, I hope!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Effective Monday, Jan. 17th... new hours!

Beginning next week I will have even more extended availability at the clinic.

The hours will now be:

Mondays 8am - 6pm
Tuesdays 8am - 8pm*
Wednesdays 9am - 6pm
Thursdays 9am - 6pm
Fridays 8am - 3pm*

* indicates NEW hours.

The regular clinic hours still remain Monday through Thursday 9am - 6pm and Friday 9am - 1pm.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

For starters!

Hello and welcome to the blog.

This will be a space to compliment the newsletter (are you signed up?) "Hands On Health".  So, within you will find the latest news on clinic happenings, health news and maybe something completely unrelated every now and then.

Thanks for stopping by and watch for future updates!