Food

Various types of beets and honey can take this dish in plenty of delicious directions. Honey takes its flavour from the fields that surround the apiary and there are many varieties to explore, ranging from fireweed to blueberry to wildflower.

3 cups (750 mL) water
3 cups (750 mL) sugar
8 cups (1.8 kg) rhubarb, chopped
3 Tbsp (45 mL) lemon rind, grated
1 1/2 cups (350 mL) lemon juice

Tart, sweet, and filled with the flavour of spring, this is an easily made and readily enjoyable treat to be spooned atop your favourite vanilla ice cream or yogourt. A topping of berries makes for further delight.

Favoured by fish lovers for its sweet firmness and nutritional profile, halibut also has blessedly few bones. Rich in omega-3 essential fats and a strong source of protein, it veritably swims with the minerals selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Most importantly, the taste is unbeatable!

The first fronds yet unfurled of a young fern, fiddleheads get their name from their shape and are also referred to as crosiers, the curved staff used by shepherds. A seasonal delicacy requiring a good rinse and thorough cooking, fiddleheads are a traditional dish of Canada’s East Coast.

Fresh asparagus is the truest sign that spring has sprung. These edible spears have been cultivated throughout the ages by Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Rich in dietary fibre, folic acid, and potassium while low in calories and containing no fat or cholesterol, these young shoots are now prepared nearly worldwide in countless ways and an be easily pickled for keeping.

This gluten-free pumpkin roll is so delicious, no one will suspect that it does not contain wheat flour.

I wanted to create a delicious high-fibre, colon-loving muffin. What I ended up with is a cross between a scone and a muffin. I’m calling my new creation “scuffins.” These portable snacks, or breakfast food, are fibre rich with both soluble and insoluble fibres. Not too sweet, slightly dense, and diabetic friendly, they offer 13 g of fibre per muffin. Now that’s what I call a true colon cleanser.

Rich in both fibres, this smoothie is a great way to get ground flaxseed into your diet. The probiotic yogourt also contributes to the health of your gastrointestinal tract.

Keep a close eye on the first step or you will burn your caramel. Keep the heat low, the spoon stirring, and remove the pot from heat as soon as desired texture is achieved. A tasty and tart finish to any gathering.

Served with boiled baby potatoes and seasonal vegetables, this will warm whatever winter is left in your bones. Lamb or chicken can also be substituted, but keep an eye on the moisture level and reduce your simmering time accordingly.

Morels are as delicious as they are dear in price, so you might want to start by experimenting with other mushroom varieties. The exotic varieties are common enough in Canada and carry both good nutrition and a broad range of flavours and textures.

1/2 cup (125 mL) large flake oats
1/4 cup (60 mL) unsalted raw peanuts
1/4 cup (60 mL) unsalted raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup (60 mL) raw sunflower seeds
1/4 cup (60 mL) flaked semi-sweet coconut
1/4 cup (60 mL) golden seedless raisins
2 Tbsp (30 mL) dried cranberries
2 Tbsp (30 mL) dark flaxseeds
1 Tbsp (15 mL) toasted sesame seeds
1 1/4 cups (300 mL) rice cereal
1 1/4 cups (300 mL) bran flakes
1/2 cup (125 mL) smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup (125 mL) liquid honey
1/3 cup (80 mL) corn syrup
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla

8 whole wheat English muffins

Recipe adapted from Ultimate Foods for Ultimate Health … and don’t forget the chocolate! (Whitecap, 2007) by Mairlyn Smith, PHEc, and Liz Pearson, RD.

An all-around winner for the entire family, this sweet potato soup is slightly sweet with just a hint of spice. The addition of dried apricots makes this soup a beta carotene star, which helps stimulate your body’s immune system—a definite plus in the winter months.

This spicy carrot soup has a unique heat that comes from the combination of fresh ginger and Thai red curry paste. Choose your level of heat and either use 1 or 2 tsp of this amazing little condiment.

Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps stimulate apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. According to David Servan-Schreiber, MD, and author of Anticancer (Collins, 2008) a combination of turmeric and black pepper allows the turmeric to be assimilated into the body.

Combining the fibre-rich benefits of a whole grain such as brown rice with tofu, a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals, is a heart-smart combination. The marinade lends a spicy element of circulation-boosting chili and ginger that livens up this dish. Add in a portion of sesame seeds toasted in a pan (rich in cholesterol-lowering phytosterols) and your tastebuds will be as pleased as your heart!

This fast and satisfying recipe combines nutrient-rich green kale (which can help inhibit the transport of LDL to the bloodstream) with creamy-textured chickpeas, a healthy source of fibre and protein. Studies have shown consumption of legumes can reduce cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

This recipe combines fibre-rich brassicas, including broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, with circulation-boosting mustard and heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil. Steaming is a healthy and quick cooking method that preserves vitamin and mineral content in the vegetables.

This luxuriously textured salad features wild salmon, an excellent source of omega-3s. These anti-inflammatory fats can help to lower LDL levels and reduce the plaque deposits in blood vessels that contribute to heart disease. Avocado is rich in heart-healthy potassium, folate, and oleic acid, while grapefruits add vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that aids in reducing cholesterol levels.

Enjoy on the trail or afterward to help speed muscle recovery. Reduce the chili pepper if it’s too hot for you.