I’ve dedicated a section for complete articles as well as shorter posts on Covid-19. All in an effort to provide an evidence-based perspective that often counters the fear mongering and unscientific measures currently promoted by the media, so-called “health experts”, and politicians. Access Covid section here.
A Different Kind of Wish for 2022
The past two years had us all realize how fragile everyday life is. We were confronted with incredible challenges and, in many ways, we were put to the test.
The analogy of the orange comes to mind. A question is asked: “What do you get when you squeeze an orange?” And the answer, of course […]
“One size fits all” Covid-19 measures lead to more deaths in younger people
The goal of any approach for overcoming Covid-19 should be to minimize all harm and deaths. In our focus to defeat the virus, we seem to forget that a life destroyed due to one size fits all public health measures is just as important as a life lost due to Covid-19. More importantly, we should not have to sacrifice children and young adults in order to protect the elderly. Yet this is what we are doing. […]
Immunosenescence – Part 2: How nutrition can reverse immune system aging, and help defeat Covid-19
In Part 1 I explained how exercise helps prevent immunosenescence, defined as the gradual decline of our immune system which leaves us more vulnerable to infections and even cancer. In Part 2 I will show how our diet is the single most important predictor of whether our immune system is strong enough to defeat the coronavirus, as well as prevent and reverse chronic disease. […]
How To Beat Covid-19, And Why Nobody Talks About It
I read a heart breaking story about a 4 year old boy who lost both his parents to Covid-19. My daughter is the same age and just the thought of having her go through that pain makes it hard to breathe. I then learned that the boy’s parents were both morbidly obese, a known factor that […]
Immunosenescence: the reason older adults are more vulnerable to viruses, and how to prevent it – Part 1
Amid all the confusion surrounding Covid-19, what everybody does seem to understand, without a doubt, is that older people are most vulnerable. It’s a scary world once you hit 60. Novel viruses can breakout at any moment and you are, by default, part of the high risk demographic. And worse, from the constant dialogue presented by the media and health authorities, we are led to believe that this increased vulnerability is inevitable. But is this true? […]
Plant-Powered Parenting
I am one of the forty health professionals and parents featured in Plant-Powered Parenting. The book was recently published, and I am happy to share with you the unedited interview where I am asked about my work in the health industry, as well as how to overcome some of the challenges and criticisms of raising a vegan child.
Fake News About Cancer Treatments Published In Conservative Canadian Newspaper
Despite the medical industry’s many failures, cancer remains a very lucrative field. Never before have we witnessed a business that, after 50 years, continues to be highly profitable despite the fact that it continually overpromises and underachieves. Nor has it ever been more difficult for the general public to distinguish between the business of cancer versus the actual scientific evidence that can lead to better prevention and treatment options. It becomes even harder to tell these apart when respectable news outlets publish content that resembles real news, but is in fact just marketing in full disguise.
When Doctor Prescribed Exercise Restrictions Lead to More Complications
Lack of exercise is a major cause of chronic diseases, so it should only make sense for the medical community to endorse exercise as often and consistently as possible. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In the name of “playing it safe”, cardiac surgery patients, as well as people suffering from osteoporosis and other health challenges, are often discouraged by very general and inconsistent instructions on what to avoid, along with advice that makes no sense at all. This leads to depression, anxiety, and more complications. It’s time for a paradigm shift.
Success Story: Overcoming Osteoporosis
Fear mongering tactics have patients believing that if they don’t take prescribed medications for osteoporosis (Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, Forteo, etc.), they will soon break their hips and end up on a wheel chair. However, there is a far better and more empowering message that people with osteoporosis need to hear in order to take back control of their lives.
Success Story: Overcoming Thyroid Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Thyroid disease as well as IBS, Crohn’s disease and colitis are epidemics affecting people at a younger age than ever before. However, there is no need to suffer for a lifetime. We’ve witnessed our clients achieve great success over the years, and we are proud to have played a small part in their journey. This is the inspiring story of a young woman’s recovery from chronic disease.
How to Make Almond Milk at Home
A few years ago I wrote an article exposing the synthetic ingredients in commercially sold almond milks. It went viral. People were shocked to discover that what is sold in stores is essentially just a mixture of water and low quality synthetic supplements. To this day I still receive emails from around the world asking exactly how we make the real stuff for our clients. Spoiler alert: we use actual almonds! Here’s how we do it, including tips on how to avoid common mistakes […]
Exercise Q&A with Marc
“Many people, including trainers, get caught up in fitness fads and trends that are based on more hype than substance. The result is wasted time and effort, and often an increased risk of injury. Instead of following these trends, you have to remain ahead of the industry by understanding how to review proper research, and then learn to apply this information to benefit your clients. You have to know how to separate the good from the bad, and the disasters as well!” Read More.
The Non Chef
Good meals are simple meals. In fact, there is usually an inverse relationship with how long it takes to prepare a recipe and how healthy it is. I will argue that a great chef is one who is able to create a dish using just a few fresh ingredients, enhancing every flavor in a subtle way. Anyone can add tons of fat, sugar and salt to a meal to make it appeal to our addictions, but that’s not why you’re here. You want healthy, you want easy, and you want tasty. The recipe page on this website features many simple to prepare dishes that remove a lot of trial and error, while also allowing room for you to improve upon them. However, sometimes our problem with eating healthy is not that we don’t enjoy the food, but that we don’t have a consistent routine to fall back on. This article highlights some of the step by step instructions I give every new client as they begin to get into the groove of their food revolution. Read More.
Food Revolution: Step 1
I work very closely with individuals as they succeed in making a transition to a healthy plant-based diet. Success, as I tell every new client, is not about forcing yourself to eat healthier while restricting the foods that you enjoy the most. Real success is when you begin to naturally gravitate to the foods that best nourish you, while losing interest in choices that are harmful to your body. Read More.
The Paleo Diet is Based On Fantasy, Not Science
The Paleo Diet instructs its followers to eat lots of animal-derived food while completely avoiding all grains and legumes. It is an equally harmful derivative of its meat-heavy predecessor, the Atkin’s diet. The intention of this article is to expose some of the many fallacies behind this fad, while also providing some insight on how to properly fact check health information. Let’s begin by addressing 6 of the core presumptions that form the basis of the Paleo Diet. Read More.
Common Misconceptions About Juicing
Hardly a day goes by that I don’t hear one, or several, of the common misconceptions about juicing. Unfortunately, they often come directly from health professionals, such as registered dieticians or doctors, thus making it very confusing for the general public to understand what’s right or wrong. I’m going to directly quote a few of these false assertions and then respond to each of them with facts. Read More.
Type 2 Diabetes is Reversible
Make no mistake about it, type 2 diabetes is reversible through proper nutrition. This is not opinion, belief or hope, it is a reality that is supported by the preponderance of the scientific evidence, and a truth that I have witnessed firsthand with my own clients. The following 10 true or false questions will put an end to common misconceptions, and get you started on the right path. The answers may surprise you. Read More.
Bone loss begins at 30 … you CAN prevent it
This week a person who watched my video on osteoporosis wrote the following question:
“You say if your dexa scan tests show your bone health has decreased more than a normal amount then you could be looking at a problem. What is a normal amount for bones to decrease yearly?”
Here was my response: “Bone mass normally starts to decrease between 45 and 50 years of age for men and continues at a rate of 0.4% to .75% per year. Females have 3 phases of bone loss- the first phase starts between 30 and 35 years of age at a rate of .75% to 1% per year until menopause. Read More.
The Truth About Cholesterol and Heart Disease
Many people are confused about cholesterol and, when they are exposed to misinformation presented in the media, their level of confusion often worsens. The lack of proper knowledge on health issues is, in my opinion, a leading cause of death in North America. This article will empower you with the real truth about cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Read More.
Your Sodium Intake is Much Higher Than You May Think
Last week I consulted with a client who proudly informed me that she’s been “watching her sodium intake for years”. But, once I reviewed her food log, it turned out that she was consuming over 5000 milligrams per day! This wasn’t the first time that I had a client’s jaw drop to the floor in complete shock and dismay. So, how does this happen? How does someone who is watching her sodium intake still manage to consume over 3 times the maximum limit deemed safe? Are you also making this mistake? Here are some tips to help you transition from an unconscious sodium addict to a well informed consumer.
Sprouting for Success
Dedicate this year to becoming more mindful about the foods you consume and to breaking addictions. We encourage you to add a new level of richness and health to your diet and there is no better way to begin than with the magic of sprouts; one of nature’s finest super foods. From alfalfa to broccoli, oats to buckwheat, mung to adzuki beans and chick peas to sesame and sunflower seeds, the benefits of sprouts and microgreens (baby plants in their nutritional prime) are well documented. Read more.
Confessions of a Former Chronically Fatigued Police Officer
Chronic fatigue is one of the most dangerous and under diagnosed health challenges that affects millions of people every day. In this article Christine Frappier opens up about her past struggles with chronic fatigue, how she had little support from her doctor other than being prescribed dangerous sleeping pills, and what she eventually did that literally brought her back to life after years of suffering. So put your coffee, Red Bull, and other dangerous products aside – It’s time to learn how to infuse real energy back into your daily life.
Vegans Have More Testosterone
A study recruited 226 meat-eaters, 237 vegetarians and 233 vegans to determine how diet impacts IGF-1 and testosterone levels. There was a clear winner.
It’s time to learn the facts and put an end to popular misconceptions regarding plant-based diets. Your health and even your “manhood” depend on it.
Highly Misleading Report on Cholesterol Makes Headlines
This week I was asked to comment on an article from the National Post with the headline “A vascular surgeon explains why he ditched statins for more meat and less sugar, lowering his cholesterol in the process.”
Upon reading the article it became clear that the headline should have read “Vascular surgeon maintains high cholesterol on a meat diet even after cutting out sugar.” Learn the truth.
Meat & Dairy Harms Your Gut, Quickly
A new study from Harvard University serves as more evidence that an animal-based diet rich in meat and cheese leads to inflammation.
Warning: Harmful Chemicals in Almond Milk
Commercially sold almond milks, as found at your local health store, are full of synthetic chemicals that stress your immune system and contribute to chronic disease. But there is no need to feel discouraged. Instead, it’s time to get educated so that you and your family may finally enjoy a healthy and delicious milk alternative…