Author Archives: Tina

A Sensitive Girl’s Thanksgiving Favorites

October 6, 2011 by Tina | Leave a comment

Thanksgiving and Christmas have always been my favorite meals of the year. Why, you ask? Because of the turkey, of course! My plate was always heaped with meat and stuffing and smothered with gravy. However, when I stopped eating meat I was devastated at the thought of these two holidays being boring meals of, what felt like would be, only vegetables. Determined not to have my meals be a disappointment at holiday time, last year Jackie and I made a vegetarian feast and I definitely wasn’t disappointed!

Soy, Almond, Hemp or Rice Milk: How Do I Choose?

August 24, 2011 by Tina | 5 Comments

So you can’t drink cow’s milk? Don’t fret! There are plenty of options out there to fill the void. I think the toughest part is deciding what your substitute will be. I’d say first and foremost, flavor plays a big role in this decision. Also, you should ask yourself what will you be using this substitute for? Baking? Cereal? Coffee? Or all on it’s own? I’ve found that some are good for all these options whereas others work best as just one solution. By personal research and preference only, here’s my take on four popular cow’s milk substitutions.

A Sensitive Kitchen’s Essential Ingredients

August 10, 2011 by Tina | Leave a comment

Since we’re talking about food sensitivity friendly recipes, I figure there’s probably lots of unique ingredients that you’ve had to invest in. That can be hard if you’re just beginning to switch your eating habits from traditional to alternative. Some can be expensive and hard to find, but hopefully it’s worth the extra effort, I know it is for me. In an effort to help, I wanted to share my list of kitchen essentials with you.

Food Sensitivities and My Pregnancy

July 27, 2011 by Tina | 4 Comments

If you don’t know me personally, you probably don’t know I’m pregnant. In fact…I’m so pregnant I could have this little baby any day now. GULP! My pregnancy has been pretty easy, I actually think I’ve been very lucky. No morning sickness and little weight gain. However, one of the adjustments that I have had to make (and had previously decided I wanted to) has been my diet.

Community Gardening – Following a Plot: Part 2

June 29, 2011 by Tina | Leave a comment

Welcome to Part 2 of Following a Plot. In case you missed Part 1, I’m following the growth of a local community gardening plot in Calgary planted by newbie gardener, Bianca Moore.

Tina’s Picks: Top 10 Calgary Food Markets

June 8, 2011 by Tina | Leave a comment

Do you ever find yourself standing in the produce section of the grocery store wondering…”Where did this food come from?” Meanwhile, busy shoppers are throwing elbows trying to reach the strawberries from California, cheering “It’s finally summer! Strawberries are here!” I find myself so confused and wanting to tell them…”hello, the strawberries have been available from California for like, 3 months already. They’re not in season here, they’re in season in California! In fact, some parts of California can grown them all year round!”

Community Gardening – Following a Plot: Part 1

May 25, 2011 by Tina | 2 Comments

Growing your own vegetables is a great way to eat organic food, get some sunshine and maybe even make some new friends! For city dwellers, planting a beautiful organic, vegetable garden isn’t always an option due to limited yard space. But, have no fear – community gardens are a wonderful second choice to a backyard garden! Actually, from what I have learned Calgary is home to at least 30 community gardens, Edmonton weighs in with 40, Victoria [Read More]

Why I See A Naturopathic Doctor

April 27, 2011 by Tina | Leave a comment

Family meals, as a kid, were usually ‘meat n’ potatoes’ style. Casseroles, cheese sauces and all the comfort food we could handle! Most were butter and milk based and not to mention bread with every meal. But, don’t think I’m trying to blame my mom. The food tasted great! My poor sister and I just suffered afterwards. We didn’t know at a young age that we had food sensitivities and of course neither did our mom.

How To: Cook Salmon

April 26, 2011 by Tina | Leave a comment

I learned the following technique for cooking fish from working in fine dining restaurants. Cooking fish this way allows you to keep the moisture in the meat, while allowing the amazing flavors of the fish to come through! It’s also a nice alternative to grilling.

My First Cooking Class

April 26, 2011 by Tina | 2 Comments

If it hasn’t been apparent yet, let me tell you now: I am NOT a chef! That doesn’t mean I can’t cook, I just haven’t been formally trained. Actually it wasn’t until I met my husband that I really started experimenting with cooking. So, who better to take a cooking class with.