I can’t believe it – the holiday season has snuck up on us already! If you are like me, I love giving gifts that are naturally based, gifts that inspire and gifts that give back. This month’s ultimate gift guide will certainly help you pick out the ideal present for that special someone on your list. We have also loaded our holiday edition with delicious recipes that will please any party.  From healthy latkes to a chocolate peppermint smoothie, you will not be able to resist. 

We have so much planned for the 2019 year that we cannot wait to share. But for now, from my team and I, we wish you a holiday season filled with love, joy and health. 

Happy holidays! 

Dr. Joey Shulman DC, RNCP

We went from 2000 applications to 60 interviews and have now picked 3 finalists to join the Cityline Weight Loss challenge – year #9! For everyone who applied, and everyone who came out for the interview, we want to say thank you! We loved hearing all of your stories and hope you join us as we kick off another fabulous year.

Tune into www.cityline.tv the second week in January to see what we have in store. 

At Shulman Weight Loss we love teachers and are so blessed to have so many of them as clients. In order to say thank you for all that teachers do, December is our “teacher month”. All teachers will receive 10% of any program at all 3 Shulman Weight Loss clinics.  

Congratulations to Janice who lost 30 pounds at Shulman Weight Loss. You are looking amazing Janice – two thumbs way up! 

THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING GUIDE:

This is the perfect gift for anyone on your list who is a skin care junkie! This kit contains a combination of natural skin care products that help rescue dry, dehydrated and damaged skin. The rescue party kit includes a whipped face cream, a jelly cleanser, an intensive hydration serum, a multivitamin eye cream and a decadent lip balm. To top it all off Drunk Elephant is committed to making products that are free from all those harsh chemicals, alcohol, silicones, fragrances and dyes.

www.sephora.com

This stylish watch by JWLS is the perfect gift for any fashionista on your list.  Its simple and clean white dial is combined with a nylon pink and white band that is bright and fun. JWLS also donates a portion of all proceeds to cystic fibrosis research as well as supporting individuals and their loved ones who are fighting this disease. The perfect gift that also gives back.

www.jwlsofficial.com

With the cold weather quickly approaching, the need for cozy items inches higher up on our list of necessities. The “All You Are” robe is quite literally the best robe you will ever own- making it a great gift for anyone on your list. This chic, comfortable robe is made with 100% cotton French terry material, making it extremely soft and cozy. Throw it on after a shower or cozy up in it with a hot cup of tea on the weekends. 

www.allyouare.ca

This limited edition natural hand soap by Mrs. Meyers is a bathroom staple this holiday season. A blend of aloe vera gel, olive oil and various essential oils, it leave your hands feeling soft and smooth. All Mrs. Myers soaps are at least 98% naturally derived and are 100% paraben free. Meyer’s soap comes in a variety of scents including lavender, basil and lemon verbena. Check them out at www.mrsmeyers.com

What should you buy the man on your holiday list? Look no further! This shave collection bag by Buck Naked includes everything needed for the perfect shave – including a pre shave oil, a Canadian glacier clay shaving soap, a post shave toner, and a handy cotton canvas bag. All products are made using all natural and vegan ingredients that are chemical-free and use only sustainable resources. Buck Naked has also partnered with WE Charity to provide clean water to developing communities and a portion of all proceeds in the WE collection goes to providing clean water to Kenya. Learn more about this amazing company and the products they have at www.bucknakedsoapcompany.com

This cleaver holiday box by Organic Traditions puts a fun spin on everyone’s favourite holiday tradition - the advent calendar. Inside you will find 12 powerhouse super foods, along with a booklet that outlines tips and tricks on how to use them. 

www.organictraditions.com

DELICIOUS HEALTHY HOLIDAY RECIPES

Peppermint smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened oat milk 
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• ½ avocado (or ½ banana if you want it a little sweeter)
• 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 2-3 fresh mint leaves, for garnish 

Directions: 

1. Add all ingredients, except mint leaves, into blender and blend on high for 30 seconds to a minute until smooth and creamy. 
2. Top with fresh mint leaves before drinking.

Serves 1

Nutritional analysis: calories 294, fat 9g, carbohydrates 29g, fiber 7g, protein 27g

The perfect whole roasted chicken

Ingredients: 

• 4 lb whole chicken
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 whole lemon
• Fresh herbs, such as parsley, rosemary, basil or thyme

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 425°F. 
2. Place the chicken on a cutting board and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Drizzle the oil on the chicken and rub it all over the skin. Season with sea salt and pepper. Place the lemon and herbs inside the cavity. Place the chicken breast-side up in a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet.
4. Roast the chicken in the oven for 15 minutes on the middle rack. Reduce the temperature to 375°F and continue roasting for about an hour (until the juices run clear).
5. Remove the chicken from the oven and place on a cutting board. Let it rest about 15 to 20 minutes before carving.

Serves 8

Nutritional analysis: calories 359, fat 9g, carbohydrates 1g, protein 60g

Garlicky baked carrots  

Ingredients:

• 8 whole carrots
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 large garlic cloves, sliced thinly
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Wash carrots well and cut the tops off. Place onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Coat carrots with olive oil and top with garlic. Season with sea salt.
4. Place into oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, until carrots are soft (fork easily goes into them).

Serves 4

Nutritional analysis: calories 130, fat 7g, carbohydrates 17g, fiber 4g, protein 2g 

Mini walnut and chocolate chip cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed walnuts 

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 
2. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, baking soda, sea salt, coconut oil and maple syrup until dough begins to form. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed walnuts.
3. Form cookies and place onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, remove from oven and allow to cool.

Makes 24 mini cookies 

Nutritional analysis per cookie: calories 70, fat 6g, carbohydrates 5g, fiber 1g, protein 1g

Butternut Squash Latkes with yogurt and cilantro dressing 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups coarsely grated butternut squash
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon coconut sugar OR 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)

Dressing

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ teaspoon cumin

Directions

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash and sauté until lighter in color and soft, but not turning too much, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the squash and egg. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
3. Coat a large cast iron skillet with a generous layer of olive or canola oil, and set it over high heat. Test the heat with the first latke: add a tablespoon full of batter to the pan. The latke should immediately sizzle and firm. Cook for one minute on each side. Remove to a plate with paper towels. Repeat with the remaining batter, making sure not to crowd the pan.
4. Mix cilantro and yogurt together – enjoy on side for dipping sauce. 

Makes 12 latkes 

WHAT ARE WE READING?

Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life by Cleo Wade

This book is a must read so get ready to curl up by the fire and dive in! This beautifully illustrated book from Cleo Wade offers creative inspiration and life lessons through poetry, mantras, and affirmations. A truly inspiring, accessible, and spiritual book of wisdom. With relatable, practical, and digestible advice, Heart Talk is a great book to keepby your bedside table or in your bag for an empowering boost of spiritual adrenaline that can help you discover and unlock what is blocking you from thriving emotionally and spiritually.

HOW TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE THIS WINTER

1. Warm water with lemon– Start each day with a wedge of lemon squeezed into a warm cup of water.  Lemon has a natural detoxifying effect. 
2. Get to bed early!– Sleep is essential for the body to repair and restore. Try to sleep in a completely dark, cool room at night. 
3. Take a probiotic– Supplement with a daily probiotic and incorporate probiotic rich foods such as miso, kimchi, kombucha, or sauerkraut.  Probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. 
4. Ginger –Along with making your tea taste delicious, ginger also has natural immune boosting qualities. 
5. Wash your hands!– Continuously wash your hands to eliminate the risk of picking up and spreading germs. Consider carrying a natural hand sanitizer in your purse (available at most health food stores). 
6. Boost your daily vitamin C– Boost your immune system with a daily dose of vitamin C. Keep a packet of Emergen-C on hand or have a chewable vitamin C daily for maximum benefit daily. I try to pack as much as I can into my morning water. To get a whack of immune goodness in your water, click here to find out more.