The Optimal Health Blog
Evidence-based Guide to Supplements for Anxiety
In our fast paced, high-tech world, stress is the norm for most of us. Life stressors including jobs, relationships, health, and financial stressors often contribute to worrying and fear. These combined with other triggers and predisposing factors can cause anxiety....
Benefits of Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a type of cabbage that has been finely cut and has undergone fermentation. It has many nutritional benefits, is a great addition to your diet, easy to add to a meal or experiment with in the kitchen. Growing up in Serbia, my grandmother and mother used...
Sauerkraut Side Dish
Ingredients Olive oil or avocado oil1/3 to ½ of a large onion500g sauerkraut½ teaspoon MSG-free vegeta (alternative: a pinch of salt) ½ teaspoon turmeric A pinch of ginger powder A pinch of cayenne pepper Directions Cut up ½ of an onion into small pieces.Put a small...
Gluten-free, Vegan Apple Crumble with No Added Sugar
Base 5 medium organic apples (my favorites are pink lady but I encourage you to use any kind of apple you like, as long as it’s organic) 1/4 cup Lakanto sweetener (erythritol and Monk fruit sweetener) 1 squeezed lemon 2 tablespoons almond flour 1/2 teaspoon ground...
Fatigue: What Could Be Causing It?
In a world where we are always on the go, it’s no wonder many people suffer from fatigue. Between handling the demands of work, school, family, and other social relationships, it’s hard to catch a period of rest and relaxation....
Thyroid Lab Tests 101
Though small in size, the thyroid plays a significant role in the functioning of the body. This butterfly-shaped endocrine gland is located in the front, lower portion of the neck and works to secrete hormones, like T4 or thyroxine. These hormones act throughout the...
Lavender and blueberry creamy popsicles – Dairy free and refined sugar free
Written by and recipes by Vanessa Kahler, BSc (Hons), BA (Hons), Dip ION Nutrition therapist and certified health coach. Ingredients Makes about 4 popsicles 1 tsp lavender flowers (either from your garden or you can buy bags of organic edible lavender flowers for use...
Sweet Basil and Cinnamon soft serve ice cream – dairy free and refined sugar free
Written by and recipes by Vanessa Kahler, BSc (Hons), BA (Hons), Dip ION Nutrition therapist and certified health coach. Ingredients Can of organic full fat coconut ice cream10 fresh basil leaves3/4 tsp cinnamon2.5 tbsp maple syrup (or your choice of sweetener. Use...
Hibiscus and Mint popsicles – Dairy free and refined sugar free
Written by and recipes by Vanessa Kahler, BSc (Hons), BA (Hons), Dip ION Nutrition therapist and certified health coach. Ingredients makes about 4 popsicles 1 Hibiscus organic tea bags2 cups of water3/4 of a fresh lime6 mint leaves1 tbsp honey (or coconut sugar, maple...