Mind Body Soul Blog

The holidays can be a stressful time for many of us, financially, emotionally, and mentally. Holiday shopping, or not being able to shop, family visits, cooking, cleaning, and the general state of year-end can bring about higher cortisol levels, sensations of depletion, inability to sleep, low energy and so much more. Below, find some easy-to-follow,…

One Pan Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is the perfect weeknight dinner—flavourful, fuss-free, and all made in a single pot. Juicy, golden-browned chicken is nestled into zesty lemon-infused rice, simmered in a savoury broth with fresh herbs and garlic. This dish brings Mediterranean comfort to your table with minimal cleanup and maximum taste. Whether you’re…

It is a well-known fact – weight loss resistance and climbing pounds on the scale are a world-wide, but primarily, first world problem. The incidence of adult obesity has doubled in the past 25 years in North America. As of 2022, 1 in every 8 adults is classified as obese. Even more than this, nearly…

Mindset is a powerful force that can significantly shape lives. It can influence everything from relationships, careers, overall happiness and enjoyment of life. Some people seem fixed in a negative bias or mindset which doesn’t allow them to see the other side of things from a more positive perspective. Staying stuck in negativity allows fears…

I had the pleasure of attending the first mocktail class at Lakehouse Kitchens. It was a delight and a highlight during dry January. I’d love to share the recipe with you so you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail sans alcohol! Hands on time: 15 minsTotal time: 15 minsServes 1  1.5 oz Spiced Pineapple Syrup * 0.5…

There is exciting news on the horizon when it comes to PharmaCare & HRT! On September 12, 2024, British Columbia became the first province to sign a pharmacare agreement with the federal government that would allow BC to fund hormone replacement therapy (HRT).* It is well documented that untreated menopause symptoms have a negative impact…

Back pain affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can be acute or chronic, and it can have a strong negative effect on daily activities, work productivity, and overall quality of life. Traditional treatments often include medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery. Some effective integrative approaches include hypnotherapy, Cold Laser Therapy, Neural Therapy, Prolotherapy…

If you like melanzane alla parmigiana, this dish tastes just like the Italian classic but in dumpling form. The dumplings are gloriously rich and cheesy and yet somehow incredibly light. You can make the sauce ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for 1 month. The…

As we head into the fall, you probably notice that your food habits trend more towards warm and cozy. This salad is a quick and easy way to keep eating your veggies without sacrificing taste! Bursting with flavour and so easy to make in minutes, it’s a great addition to any lunch or dinner and…

Whether your suffering from a stubborn rotator cuff injury, arthritis or a non-healing skin affliction, Cold Laser Therapy can be a painless natural way to stimulate healing in the body.  A cold laser, otherwise known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a completely safe, noninvasive, non-toxic and non-thermal therapy. It works by using a special type…

Enjoying the beauty of the Okanagan’s natural landscapes comes with the caveat of increased tick activity during the warmer months. Understanding the risks associated with tick bites and the mechanisms by which ticks locate their hosts is essential for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors safely. This guide outlines the risks and offers natural strategies…

It’s amazing how many people forget about eating beans! They are so nutritious, loaded in protein, fibre, iron and magnesium. And they are super quick and easy to prepare. This easy bean salad can be added to a bed of greens or eaten on its own! Easy Peasy Bean Salad Recipe INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS: Place all […]

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Canada for both men and women? Heart disease is often known as the silent killer because it has few or no outward symptoms. While there are “common presentations” of a possible heart attack, most of the time we know someone has heart…

Be prepared the next time your chocolate cravings hit with this quick and easy, oh-so-good fudgy brownie recipe. Made without flour, these brownies are deliciously gooey and a great dessert to bring to a potluck or enjoy with the family as an after-dinner treat. We especially like the addition of raspberries for a hint of…

If you are anything like me, your freezer may be overflowing with frozen black bananas! This banana bread recipe never fails and the end product is devoured within 24 hours. Gluten-free baking can be nutritious and delicious. My go-to secret and recommendation is to cut your GF flour in half and sub any nut meal…

Ageing is a privilege. To be able to grow older, hopefully wiser, and one day into grandparents is truly a gift. Taking care of our health becomes evident on our skin. My role is to share with you the many medical aesthetics offerings that are new at Mind Body Soul Integrative that can help enliven,…

As the nights start to get cooler and autumn blankets the Okanagan Valley in warm hues, it’s the perfect time to indulge in comforting soups. Today, we’re excited to share our recipe for Curried Butternut Squash Bisque, a dish that is flavourful, warming and nurtures the body. Join us in exploring the health benefits of […]

Enjoy a classic cinnamon roll, but in a gluten-free muffin. Enjoy all the flavour of a cinnamon bun, without all the work! Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These delicious muffins come with a dairy-free option as well. Muffins 1 1/2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour 3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder 3/4 cups dairy…

“Health challenges are often multifactorial. That was certainly the way my health plummeted and my iron literally fell off the charts.”  My pre-existing Celiac genetic issue was activated by a ripe combination of the Covid virus, vaccination and a long-term relationship break up. Events like these act as a series of assaults on the immune…

Pizza is one of those Friday night meals at my house that we can’t live without. My family likes to make our own personalized pizza, so everyone is happy. Get the kids to make the gluten free dough and grate the cheese so everyone is involved. 1 1/2 cups cassava flour 1 TBSP oregano 1…

We love recommending any recipe that is bean-related for some simple facts: it is rich in protein, fibre and iron; it is cost effective and it makes for a healthy, hearty, and easy plant-based meal (dairy excluded)! This Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is healthy, hearty, and easy to make! It’s perfect for meal prep…

Our health and wellness is dependant on the major pillars of health. Depending on the model that you choose, social connection should always be included as an important pillar. Looking ahead in 2023, with the bulk of the pandemic nearly behind us, Mind Body Soul Integrative Clinic and our team have been reflecting upon how…

A balanced and satisfying meal, this meat- and veggie-loaded shepherd’s pie with sweet potato topping is full of nutrition. This dish freezes well, so you can go ahead and double the recipe and freeze one for a future meal. Feel free to substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. 1 pound ground beef or lamb 2 medium carrots, peeled…

This is a popular question that people have been asking me since I began my journey in Hypnotherapy in March of 2015. I was first introduced to hypnosis/hypnotherapy in my early 20’s. I began reading a book that was based on Past Life Regressions and the benefits that hypnosis can offer in resolving phobias and…

Have you been told you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome or “IBS?” You are not alone! Did you know 7.5 million people in Canada are affected by IBS? 50% of our patients who  come in with digestive complaints have been given this label by their medical doctor or gastroenterologist. But IBS is not really a clinical diagnosis. More accurately, this…

Our favourite gut healing smoothie to kick start your spring. Enjoy this every morning for a week in place of breakfast and coffee to shed a few belly pounds! 1 heaping cup frozen pineapple chunks 1/2 large frozen banana 1/2 cup (125 mL) water 1/2 cup (125 mL) coconut water 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley…

Looking for a dairy-free, gluten-free dessert? These decadent Chocolate Quinoa Cupcakes are delicious, moist and nutritious! This recipe can be used to make cupcakes or cakes, and once cooled pairs beautifully with Dairy-free Cashew Vanilla Icing. Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 45 -60 minutes Total time:  45-60 minutes 2 cup cooked quinoa (white or golden), loosely…

Dairy-Free desserts can still be delicious! If you are unable to have dairy, cream, or any form of whey or casein protein, soaked cashews make a delightful topping to any carrot cake, loaf or cupcake recipe. For your next creation, be sure to try out this cashew vanilla icing recipe. It is soooooooo yummy, we…

A New Approach to Weight Loss  “I think my metabolism is slow” is a phase we hear often from patients who are coming to see us for weight loss struggles. The concept of a slow metabolism is not something new, but do you know what a “slow metabolism” really means? How do the inner workings […]

For most of our patients, chronic stress is a major component of what we work on. Stress plays such an important role in the maintenance of proper health, and when we are exposed to chronic stress, we can cause disruption in what is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA Axis The HPA Axis is […]

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD for short, is a type of depression that is brought on by a change in the seasons. SAD begins around the same time each year. It starts in the fall as the days start getting shorter, and it is alleviated in the spring when the sun shines longer during the…

This is an impressively creamy soup without any cream — or guilt! Rich, smooth, and delicious, this dairy-free, gluten-free Vegan Creamy Italian Gnocchi recipe is the perfect cozy soup for a cool autumn day! One batch of this satisfying veggie-packed vegan soup makes about 4-5 servings. Feel free to double this recipe to make extra […]

Warm up your cool autumn evenings with this delicious, savoury pasta recipe. This Red Thai Curry Fettuccini whips up in about 20 minutes and uses easily accessible ingredients that you can find in almost any grocery store. Try this leftover-friendly recipe as part of your meal prep or as an easy weeknight dinner! Prep time:…

These vegan chai pecan cookies are aromatic, gluten-free, oil-free, dairy-free and full of rich chai spices, soft texture and pecans. This recipe uses the Chai Spice blend from our local Kelowna Don-O-Ray Farms containing a ground blend of fennel seed, black cardoon, cloves and cinnamon. 1 ¼ cups Oat flour, super fine 2 tsp Chai ground…

If you feel like a home-made one-pot dish in 25 minutes – this Thai Vegetable Noodle Soup is for you – you just need to prep the spice blend in advance!  This recipe is loaded with veggies & warm Thai spices to satisfy your belly on a cold winter night. ½ cup thinly sliced scallions…

Can’t find a tofurkey? This dish offers a perfect savoury-sweet contrast of tart-but-sweet cranberry glaze coupled with a hearty loaf. It fulfills every requirement of a holiday dinner main dish. A whole foods, plant-based alternative to the holiday turkey or tofurkey. Try this delicious and interesting Vegan Loaf for your holiday meal, and smother it…

Warm up on a cold winter day with this Creamy Indian Vegetable Korma recipe. Aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk make for a healthy and satisfying vegan dish. FOR THE SAUCE 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved 3 cloves garlic, peeled 1 (1-inch) piece ginger root, roughly chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, stemmed and seeded…

Experiencing pain, whether it’s from an injury or a repetitive posture, can be a complicated and frustrating process. Although there are similarities in the expression of pain, every individual’s encounter with pain is unique to them. Massage therapy can be applied using a variety of techniques to help reduce pain and educate the client about…

A delicious twist on green beans and potatoes – Romesco Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans Roasted Veg: 2 pounds Yukon gold yellow or red potatoes chopped into ½ inch cubes 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 lb green beans, chopped into 1 inch pieces Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Romesco-Inspired…

What if I told you that there is a very effective treatment for chronic pain that has been around since the 40’s, that can correct pain in as little as one treatment, and is taught around the world… but you likely have never heard of it? Intriguing, right? The treatment that I am referring to…

Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, refined sugar-free, soy-free – all this and the best lentil soup we’ve had yet! Lentils are rich in fibre, folate and at least 7 different minerals. They are a also great source of protein in a vegan diet. We love this soup as it relies mostly on pantry staples. It is so quick and easy…

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women and the second highest cause of female cancer mortality.1 Nature-based therapies (NBT) such as forest bathing (aka forest therapy or FT) shows promising research in its ability to upregulate the immune system in women with breast cancer. While most of us intuitively feel better…

Quinoa is one of our favourite grains to work with and recommend. Because quinoa flour is high in protein, it will bake similarly to regular flour and result in a delicious melt-in-your-mouth, soft cookie. Quinoa flour is a wonderful option for gluten-sensitive or allergic patients and is rich in fibre, magnesium, phosphorus, folate and small…

It may surprise you to learn that teenagers report higher levels of stress than adults. In 2013,  the American Psychological Association’s annual report concluded that while stress among Americans was not new, teenager stress is growing, and teenagers cite school as the highest contributing factor. Recently, some schools have turned to mindfulness-based programs as a…

These buckwheat cookies were so delicious, we made them twice in one week!  Buckwheat has a delicious nutty flavour and when combined with almonds, is a nutrient-dense treat. These are soft and chewy, and the organic strawberry jam makes the perfect addition. 1 cup Organic Light Buckwheat or Sprouted Buckwheat Flour 1 1/2 cups Organic Almond…

A recent study was published touting mushrooms for their brain health benefits. Mushrooms are not just full of protein but they are rich in ergothioneine – a potent antioxidant, similar to glutathione, that helps to reduce mild cognitive decline and protect our energy-producing mitochondria. Homemade mushroom soup doesn’t take too much skill or effort. If you…

With suspended international travel, school closures, even Disneyland shutting its doors, some of you may be wondering what can be done to protect yourself from COVID-19. Today, we have 73 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia, 304 confirmed cases across Canada and one fatality. COVID-19 is a dynamic situation as cases, countries and recommendations…

As we ease into spring with warmer days ahead and perhaps the innate desire to cleanse, we invite you to try a novel way to increase your brassicaceae content with this Roasted Buddha Bowl. Cruciferous vegetables such as these are naturally high in fiber and B-vitamins, and provide antioxidants and phytonutrients that help protect against…

In advanced massage training, such as neurokinetic therapy, scars are always prioritized by experts in the field. A metaphor used to describe scars are that they are similar to icebergs: you can see the top 1/3 and the bottom 2/3’s are held deep within. No matter the causation, location, age or size – the scar…

Massage therapy may be your solution for winter blues! One of the many effects that massage has on our bodies is stimulating the release of some key neurohormones. What are neurohormones you ask? They are simply hormones that are produced by our nervous system and secreted into our bodies for circulation. Let’s take a quick…

Borscht is a nutrient-dense, cleansing soup, originating from Ukraine. The number of vitamins and minerals in the beetroot are what makes borscht a true nutritional powerhouse. A few of the notable health benefits include reduction of blood pressure, stomach, liver, and heart protection and cleansing of the blood and circulatory system. Borscht: 3 medium beets…

It is refreshing when mainstream medicine starts to catch up with integrative and preventive medicine practices. If you listen to CBC Radio you may have recently heard about how an incidental finding of low white blood cells can actually be a cause for concern:  a lowered immune system can increase your risk of all-cause death.…

Looking for a comforting, cozy, and healthy option for dinner? Look no further! This Chicken Zoodle Soup recipe is loaded with veggies and chicken, guaranteed to warm you up on a chilly winter evening. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make. A feel-good option for when you’re feeling under-the-weather, or really any time! This recipe…

When some people think of the winter holidays, they picture a happy time celebrating old memories and creating new ones. But it’s not all perfectly wrapped presents and cozy sweaters for everyone; the holidays can actually be very difficult for many. If you are having a difficult time in your life already, the holidays can…

Neurokinetic therapy is offered in the realm of registered massage therapy and provided to patients by RMT’s with extra certification in this area. NKT is a specialized testing and treatment technique that looks to get to the root cause of compensatory patterns that a person is stuck looping on. The human body (specifically, the peripheral…

This chicken noodle stir-fry recipe is healthy and delicious. With flavourful veggies and juicy chicken, this colourful dinner option is sure to become a family favourite. ½ a bunch of fresh coriander 3 cloves of garlic 5 cm piece of ginger 1 bunch of spring onions 1 fresh red chilli 1 lime 2 carrots 1…

The Fall can mean hibernation for many with the dark and dreary days of winter approaching in the Okanagan. The lack of sunlight and colder weather can have a severe impact on our mood. It can leave us feeling tired, depressed, detached and unmotivated. Like everyone, you may notice a cooler night here, maybe a…

This Brine Recipe has become our favourite way to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving, Christmas and any other reason we can think of. We hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as we do! 6 litres of water 1 large orange or 2 smaller (quartered) 1 cup Himalayan sea salt (or…

These healthy pumpkin muffins are naturally gluten-free, sweetened with maple syrup, quick and easy to make, and so perfectly delicious for welcoming us into Autumn. TOTAL TIME: 30 MINS   PREP TIME: 15 MINS     COOK TIME: 15 MINS 3 cups old-fashioned oats* 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, homemade or store-bought 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 teaspoon fine…

Know that feeling of your heart beating faster in response to a stressful situation? Or your palms getting sweaty when you are confronted with an overwhelming task or event? That’s anxiety – our body’s natural response to stress. A little bit of anxiety can actually be helpful. It can spring us into action when there…

Our farmer’s markets are bursting with fresh leafy greens this time of year and the spinach is as crisp and tasty as ever. If you don’t own a copy of the Whitewater Recipe books (they have a few), then you are in for a treat! This is a fresh, vegan-friendly crispy panko tofu salad. It…

Your thyroid test is normal, so now what? If you continue to feel unwell, press on and seek a second, or even third medical opinion. You know your body best. You need a doctor who takes you seriously. Talking to a doctor who takes into account ALL your health concerns in combination with clinical judgement…

Arugula is one of our favourite greens for a fresh appetite-stimulating salad. It’s now in season and available everywhere. If you find that Arugula is too bitter for you to enjoy (as it can be later in the summer months), don’t throw it out! A simple squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt can…

Now that the weather is beautiful and we are socializing a bit more, these are a delicious crowd-pleasing appetizer. These hearty stuffed mushrooms are loaded with cream cheese, spinach, and sausage. A quick tip on washing mushrooms – you don’t! Rather, take a wet paper towel or a wet cloth and wipe them down. Mushrooms…

Bacteria are found abundantly on our skin and in our digestive tracts. In most instances, this bacteria is beneficial to our health and well-being. However, when a large amount of bacteria overgrow in the small intestine, this can result in a syndrome known as Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO is thought to be involved…

Spring has arrived! How fitting that a month of flowers blooming, sun re-emerging and birds singing, is the same month celebrating a profession that encourages growth and renewal. The American Counselling Association has appropriately named the month of April Counselling Awareness Month to celebrate this profession and bring awareness to the necessity and benefits of…

This smoothie makes a great nutritious dessert or a sweet afternoon energizing drink. It is nut-free and high in plant-based protein. Additionally, hemp and chia seeds are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Raw cacao is very high in antioxidants, even more than regular cocoa powder. The pear can be replaced with one frozen banana…

We all have times in our life when we experience distress. Events, often out of our control, can cause us minor emotional discomfort, or immense pain and suffering. Crises can come unexpectedly and often cannot be fixed in the moment. Or, if they are fixable, we might feel too overwhelmed to problem solve effectively. It’s…

Spice up your salads with a new twist. This salad dressing packs an extra punch of garlic for heart health and livens up your taste buds. Make ahead of time and pair with some fresh spinach, arugula or spring greens, a handful of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and dried cranberries. Enjoy! ¾ cup extra virgin…

This vegan zucchini bread can easily be made into muffins that are moist, delicious and healthy! This is a gluten-free version, but you may also use regular flour if you wish. You can also freeze the second loaf for future use. This is a great breakfast loaf with butter and jam or can be served…

IV Vitamin Therapy continues to gain traction in the news, with athletes and celebrities and individuals genuinely interested in improving their health. IV Vitamin Therapy has many different names from Vitamin Infusions, Myer’s Cocktail, IV Micronutrients, to even the “Hangover Drip.” IV Vitamin Therapy is a great way to revitalize your body, to boost energy […]

Have you tried the ketogenic diet yet? It’s been the latest trend in the last few years. But more importantly, it’s helped a lot of our patients (in the 40+ years category) to lose stubborn weight, reduce or remove medications, and feel great again! We decided to dive into the research to help solidify the…

As more children and adults develop allergies, it can be a bit tricky to pack healthy accommodating snacks for school and work. This energy ball recipe skips on the nuts and uses black beans as the main protein base. Black beans are not only rich in protein but also in iron and fibre – and…

A recent study revealed that women with higher levels of serum vitamin D have significantly lower breast cancer risk.1 Vitamin D is technically not a vitamin. Rather, it’s a hormone that synthesizes in the skin and converts to its active form in the liver. Vitamin D has amazing health benefits, from lowering cardiovascular risk to…

New York Times best-selling author and professor of Social Work at the University of Houston, Brené Brown, has written a powerful and inspiring book. It explores how we can cultivate courage, compassion, and connection to embrace our imperfections and recognize that we are enough. Every day we are flooded with images and messages from society and…

The weather has taken a turn for the cold. This roasted tomato soup will satisfy your taste buds and delight your insides. If you think that forgoing animal products means you’ll never get to have a cream-based soup, think again! This soup is rich and creamy thanks to the coconut milk but not weighed-down or…

Infertility is increasing in every age group. About 15% of couples have difficulty conceiving. That means 1 in every 8 couples. That is the same statistic for breast cancer occurrence. But we acknowledge and talk about breast cancer openly, while fertility struggles remain quiet. Fertility doesn’t get the attention it deserves, especially when we’re talking…

Simple, six ingredient chocolate chia seed pudding that’s naturally sweetened and so thick and creamy. It’s loaded with nutrients and perfect for breakfast, a snack or dessert! Author: Minimalist Baker Recipe type: Dessert, breakfast Cuisine: Vegan, gluten-free Prep time: 15 mins Total time: 15 mins (not including chilling) Serves: 4 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)…

It is very difficult for children to learn when they struggle to sit still or pay attention. By taking a whole-body approach to treating ADHD, symptoms can improve. Nutrition is a good place to start to ensure adequate intake of essential brain nutrients. Children with attention problems are often deficient in vital compounds such as…

Have you heard what it’s like? Waking in a puddle of night sweats? A mouth as dry as the Sahara? Weight gain in places you’ve never experienced, even with exercise? A wilting libido? Depression or moodiness that has overcome your true personality? Menopause is a normal midlife transition that affects women from the ages of […]

According to Kristin Neff Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Austin, developing the habit of self-compassion involves taking more personal responsibility for your health and well-being. So what is self-compassion? And what are the obstacles for people in this perspective and practice? According to Neff (a well-known researcher in the study of self-compassion), self-compassion…

There is a new Hot Box in town! Come warm up from the cold Kelowna winter with our new Infrared Sauna in our new Integrative Clinic. Sauna Therapy has been used for centuries for joint pain, heart health and asthma. The appeal of using saunas, in general, is that they induce vigorous sweating and increase…