Wow. I just went to the new Kingsland Farmers’ Market here in Calgary. Yes, it’s grassroots, and  yes, it’s in a parking lot in the middle of the urban sprawl that is Macleod Trail, but who cares!!! What a great feeling to just stroll outside and talk to the farmers.I’m very excited about the new vendors and the potential this market has to nourish Calgary families. Straight from their website, the KFM says that they desire to be “the bridge, the connection between families, farmers and their food.” Love it.

One of the most exciting things about this new market is the abundance of Gluten Free options that have represented. Speaking as someone who spends her time talking to families about the benefits of reducing or in some cases eliminating gluten or wheat from their diet, I can tell you that the arduous nature of this task is never met with excited, happy-to-hear-it ears. Families are always flumouxed when they hear “Gluten Free” and often respond with, “But what will my children eat??” Well, the vendors at the new market have got it going on!! “Wild Maize Bakery” has a lovely little selection of gluten free flour blends that incorporate vegetable powders right into their cookie mix, and a great, yummy gluten free focaccia that would be perfect for pizzas for the kids. Their mission is to help families transition to a gluten free lifestyle.  ”Sugar N Spice Gluten Free Bakery” has a beautiful gf focaccia as well, and also does lovely, light breads and cakes. “Twisted Basil” is doing all sorts of interesting things with to-go style gluten free salads that you could pick up in a pinch, plus they have gf muffins and savory dips. Even Community Natural Foods is there with a selection of wheat free baked goods.

So yes, all you Gluten Free Families, it’s time to blast south down Macleod Trail and get your wheat free buns over to the Kingsland Market. Life can be tough going without gluten, but this innovative, switched on group of producers has made it a lot easier.

So last week, my good cheffy friend, Wade Sirois and I traipsed across southern Alberta with 20 nutrition students. Wade is Chef/Owner of Forage Foods and Infuse Catering. Within his business, he works primarily with locally grown food, and his motto is “Eat food you know, from people you know.”  After spending a day with Wade and our hard working farmers, the students at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition now know WHY they need to know where their food comes from.

While  standing ankle deep in the 24 inches of mineral rich top soil that Gert Lund has on his organic farm, one student remarked, “Now I understand- when we eat food that is grown in dirt like this, our bodies benefit from all the extra nutrients”. And she’s right. We are so privileged to live in farming country. When I was a child, I thought that a trip through the prairies was so incredibly boring. Now the vast landscapes of lush green plants is more exciting than shoe shopping to me, as I continually imagine all those great nutrients getting sucked up by the bodies of my growing kids. Why would we NOT eat food that comes from around here? Why would you spend your hard earned dollars on gala apples from New Zealand, that have taken a month to get to your plate, when you could buy a beautiful, deep green bag of nutrient dense spinach from Lund’s? And if you eat food you know from people you know, then you can trust that the QUALITY of your spinach is second to none. Because I have met Gert, and shaken his hand and heard his stories, I know he would never put even a drop of pesticides on his crops. I know that life is tough for him because of this, but that he continues to farm this way, anyway, because he loves his plants, the earth, and your health, THAT much.

Next time you shop, head over to a farmer’s market. Stick out your hand and meet the guys and gals that grow your food. Ask tough questions, and demand quality. Engage them, buy from them, and thank them. Support them. Because if our local farmers stop producing due to lack of demand, where will your food come from? Not from 24 inches of topsoil, I can guarantee that. And when your good food is gone, your health is gone. Chew on that.

If you want the absolute best function for your gorgeous body, then you have to give it what it needs. And it needs water. Not just any kind of water, either. The best water for a human body is pure spring water. Spring water contains essential minerals that help water absorb into your system. Tap water often contains chlorine and fluoride, both of which bind with the iodine that your body needs for your thyroid to function properly, and flushes that iodine out of your system. If your thyroid doesn’t get enough iodine, then its function slows, and your metabolism slows too. So, remember, the rule of thumb with water is the same as with your food. Drink only the best. Buy yourself a funky, stainless steel water bottle and keep it filled. You will be amazed how good you feel when you give your body what it needs.

Oh yah, and don’t worry about the peeing thing. Yes, when you increase your good quality water consumption, you may pee more at first. But this is a natural way for your body to cleanse toxins out of your system. If your water contains the minerals it needs to help it absorb, instead of it passing right through you, it will absorb into your cells. Be patient with your body. Let it balance. If you give it what it needs, it will balance in time.

If you are an athlete, you need to know that…

• We are made of water - When you exercise, and sweat, water is released from your body. If you do not replenish it, cellular activity is compromised.
• Exercise produces acidic waste – Disease lives in an acidic environment. Water removes this waste from your system, and the right kind of water will help alkalize.
• Your performance is compromised if you are dehydrated - Enough water prevents your body from overheating, and flushes toxins out of your system. Accumulation of these toxins causes your athletic performance to be compromised on many levels, including decreased immunity, muscle cramps, poor respiration, fatigue, headaches, kidney issues, and nausea.
• The type of water you consume is extremely important (this part is worth repeating!!) - Low thyroid function leads to a slower metabolism, weight gain, and fatigue. Look for high quality spring water, as opposed to thyroid disturbing tap water,  as your most nourishing alternative.

My choice: www.monasheespringwater.com