Sometimes the simplest changes can make a huge difference. As we encourage the addition of leafy greens to everyone’s diet, a new challenge becomes evident. With lots of salad, often comes lots of salad dressing. Unfortunately the health benefits of the greens and other veggies can be ruined with the addition of store bought, fatty, chemical laden salad dressings. I always encourage my clients to make their own dressings.

Here are some of the objections that come up.

1. I don’t know how to make salad dressing
2. I don’t have time to make salad dressing
3. I don’t know the difference. Why bother?

My responses are as follows:

1.  All you need is a good quality olive oil and a variety of vinegar. It can be as simple as mixing the two together in a jar. It’s not like baking where exact measurements are important so you can easily “wing it”. The standard ratio is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. You can use balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar. Each will give you a different flavour and thus a completely different dressing. As oil and vinegar to stay mixed well you will need to shake and serve. I often add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to help emulsify the dressing and create a whole new flavour. You can incorporate flavoured oils, lemon or various herbs for different tastes.

The internet is a handy recipe tool. Just look up salad dressing and pick a new one every time you want to be more creative. If you don’t have all the herbs it calls for, just use what you have on hand. Then you can truly call it your own!

Here are a couple easy recipes to get you started

• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• Kosher salt and ground white pepper (or freshly ground black pepper), to taste

Or

• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• dash salt and pepper, to taste

2.  Time (or lack thereof) is a reason (or excuse) for a lot of what we do in our busy lives. I promise this. If you have the oil and vinegar on your counter, you can have them mixed together in a jar just as fast as going to the refrigerator to gather the jars and bottles of commercial dressings.

3.  The differences between commercial and store bought dressings are huge when it comes to your health. Store bought dressings are loaded with chemicals and preservatives to create flavours simulating natural ingredients and to preserve them so they will last in your refrigerator for endless months. Real food just doesn’t last that long….and it shouldn’t. I heard the other day that one of the ingredients in dressing is a food grade version of antifreeze. Propylene glycol keeps your store bought dressing fresh. That’s the stuff that vets warn us not to let our pets go near because it’s fatally poisonous. I read some labels in the store today…and yes it’s there; that along with a lot of other things that we just don’t know what they are and what they’ll do to us.

To get healthy and be healthy for the long term, we need to work towards reducing or eliminating processed foods from our diets. Salad dressing is one change that is relatively easy to make once you have the ingredients in your house.

Share your favourite healthy salad dressing recipe! Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a wonderful opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog too!

Until next time,

Robin

Kick the Workout Blues!

As the middle of February approaches, I sadly see many previously eager “resolution” exercisers start to lose their motivation. The enthusiasm of those New Year’s Eve promises of a healthy lifestyle start to feel like work. Why? Because it is -just-hard-work. Fitness and nutrition are so very important to our long term health that I urge you to keep plugging along until it becomes habit. This might take a few more weeks. The body you have today is the one you need to use for years to come. If you keep it fuelled properly and maintained starting from today it will be stronger and serve you better in future years. Here are 4 ways to stay on track.

If you’ve begun an exercise program and you’re not getting the results that you believe you should, here are a few points to consider.

1. Food, Fuel, Nutrition!

The way you feed your body can account for half or more of the success of your fitness or weight loss program. Some well-known sayings like “junk in, junk out” or “you are what you eat” are worth remembering. Even if you’re exercising every single day, if your calorie intake is too high and consists of sugar and bad fats, your results will be slow to come….if at all. Don’t trust the food labels to tell you what a healthy choice is.  If you are reading a label, the food is processed and not your best option. Fruits, vegetables and lean protein from the meat counter don’t have labels and these should be the bulk of your shopping cart. If you haven’t got this under control, you can learn lots from a personal trainer or nutrition consultant.

2. Change Your Workout!

You need to keep it fresh and challenging for your body and your mind. If you are still doing the basic workout you learned when you first joined the gym, or bought video, or learned to run, it’s time to switch it up. You can add more weight to increase the intensity. Change the order of your exercises. Take a different class to learn something new. You need to use your muscles in different ways every time you exercise to keep them stimulated and challenged. Hire a personal trainer to create a program of interesting and vigorous workouts for you. You must sweat and breathe heavy to make changes. It’s just the way it is.

3. Sleep!

Regular and sufficient sleep is more important for health than many people recognize. Your body and mind need to refresh. When you are sleep deprived, your stress hormones become overactive causing a whole host of health issues including erratic appetite, food cravings, poor energy and inability to lose fat.

4. Reassess Your Goals!

Make sure the goal that you set a few weeks ago is logical and attainable. You never want to set yourself up for failure right at the start. If you committed to working out 7 days a week and it’s stressing you out because you just can’t do it, you should change that goal to 4 days a week. Of course you need to do items 1, 2 and 3 above too. This way if you manage to get to the gym 5 days a week, you have overachieved rather than logged in a failure.

Your perception of success will be critical to making this a life change. Celebrate each time you make a good choice or workout a little bit longer than you thought you could. If you normally stay on the elliptical for 15 minutes, I challenge you to make it 16 minutes this week…..and 17 next!

Can you eat healthy and live an active lifestyle? YES, if you choose to.

I hope that six weeks from now you find yourself determined that fitness will be part of your daily routine – priority above other less important things.

Let me know h0w you are doing! I love getting feedback. And here on this blog, you’ll get some commentluv. What a great way to leave a link back to your own blog too!

Until next time,

Robin

When luck strikes, you need to pay attention…..and pass along the message! Last night I attended an author’s book signing fundraiser event for Alzheimer’s disease. I’ll get into the reason why I was there in another future blog. Reasons aside, I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear Sandra E. Black, MD,FRCPC speak on her research and that of others on who gets Alzheimer’s disease, it’s links to other conditions, progression and diagnosis techniques. I cannot begin to repeat the names of the studies or use the medical terms but I can “dumb it down” into some key take away notes that left an impact on me and an opportunity for all of us.

Dr. Black holds the Brill Chair in Neurology at Sunnybrook and The University of Toronto. She directs the Brain Sciences Research Program at Sunnybrook among many other titles, published studies and awards.

Her presentation was detailed and interesting. Medical terms were easily understood with images of brain scans and descriptions. This is important stuff.

As our lifespan as humans increases, so does the likelihood of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease as a population and thus as an individual.

There are studies showing the number of patients now and how drastically that will increase by 2050 as our baby boomers become seniors. The care that many patients need is consistent and draining on families as well as the individual.

Many, many people show the pathology for Alzheimer’s disease (maybe even you) while a smaller percentage will actually manifest symptoms (this number increases with age). There are published studies that show the numbers.

Why do some people get it and some not? Studies indicate a strong link between vascular disease and the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms. This means concerns like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes are like “pre-cursors” to Alzheimer’s. Does that mean if you reduce the risk of vascular disease that you reduce the risk of manifesting Alzheimer’s symptoms? YES!

How can you reduce the risk of vascular disease (stroke and cardiovascular disease)?

EXERCISE!!!!!!!

“Control the risk factors and delay Alzheimer’s by LIVING WELL. This includes a minimum of 30 minutes of vigorous exercise per session. Several times per week” says Dr. Black. “That, along with regular social interactions and cognitive activities like reading can make a vast difference in your future”.

The younger you start exercising the better your chances are for delaying symptoms of both Alzheimer’s and various vascular diseases. That doesn’t mean it’s too late to start. It just means you should do it today. The increased blood flow to the brain that occurs during aerobic exercise allows for some tissue repair…..so get going! Please……and stop smoking too.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative and irreversible disease. It is NOT a normal part of aging. The majority of people with Alzheimer’s disease are over the age of 65, though individuals have been diagnosed as young as 30. It affects men and women of all races, religions and social-economic backgrounds.

To date, the cause of Alzheimer’s is not known.

I’d love your feedback. Has Alzheimer’s touched your family? Here on this blog you’ll get commentluv. This is a great opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Until next time,

Robin

It’s time to liven up the recipe box again. Here is one that is loaded with nutrient rich ingredients and flavor. Some items might be a little obscure or inconvenient so you should feel free to alter it as you wish. There are lots of healthy recipes and ideas on this website I just found. Check out www.fuelingenduranceperformance.com to check them out. Here is a great recipe called Spicy Quinoa Salad.

Spicy Quinoa Salad

Prep time: 25 mins
Cook time: 25 mins
Total time: 50 mins
Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

• 1- 1/2 cups quinoa
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium eggplant, cut into discs
• 1 bunch fresh spinach, stemmed and washed
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• Handful raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp turmeric
• 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Pre heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook the quinoa in the coconut milk, water and 1/2 of each of the spices (1/4 tbsp turmeric, 1/4 tbsp cinnamon, 1/2 tbsp garam masala).
3. Brush the eggplant discs with 1 tbsp of olive oil and roast in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit  for ~10 minutes or until they are golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
4. Steam the spinach until wilted, then drop in ice cold water to stop the cooking process. Place in a colander to drain.
5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken over medium heat. Set aside when done.
6. When the eggplant is cool enough to handle, cut into small pieces.
7. Once drained, chop the spinach.
8. Place the quinoa in a big bowl and add the rest of the spices.
9. Add eggplant, spinach, chicken, raisins, pecans & pomegranate seeds.
10. Salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Cook time and prep time overlap… Prep everything while the quinoa and chicken are cooking. It takes a bit of multitasking… I would say it took me 25 min all together to make this!  Let me know what you think! I love getting feedback. And here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a great way to leave a link back to your own blog!

Until next time,

Robin

This is a topic of potential debate with a variety of opinions often related to who’s marketing campaign is bigger at the time. If you’re paying attention to this for health reasons or weight management or any other reason, you need to make sure your opinion is based on research aside from the butter company or the margarine company. So here are my thoughts on butter vs margarine.

In the end, we all make our own decision and you must too. I’ve gathered some facts from a variety of sources and summarized them for you here.

1. Both butter and margarine are fat and if eaten at all, need to be in limited quantities.

2. You CAN LIVE without saturated fat. (It is a learned taste, not a natural one).

3. Butter is made by churning milk or cream. Typically cow’s milk. The commercial manufacturing process often includes the addition of food colouring.

4. Margarine is an inexpensive alternate to butter, made from oil or a combination of oils through the process of hydrogenation. There are several steps in processing margarine.

5. 1 tbsp of butter has 102 calories. 1 tbsp of margarine has between 35 and 100 calories depending on the ingredients and processing type.

6. Many margarines have trans fats which is a side effect to the processing and should be avoided at all costs. Watch for those that are hydrogenated…and don’t buy them.

7. Butter is higher in saturated fat but does offer some nutritious benefits. Butter contains key nutritional ingredients including antioxidants, vitamin D and calcium as well as selenium. The fats found in butter also help to aid in the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. This is not to say the butter is the only or best source of these.

8. A healthy alternative to butter and margarine can include coconut oil. It’s loaded with nutrients and has been described as “the healthiest oil on earth”. It does taste a bit like coconut….not a bad thing in many cases.

9. Olive oil is another healthier option. Often you can replace butter with olive oil for cooking. Although the real health benefits that olive oil provides, come from consuming it uncooked.

I always make “fat” decisions with a conscious thought to calorie intake and health. Olive oil is a part of my diet almost daily in the form of homemade salad dressings. When I bake, which is rare, I choose recipes that call for coconut oil. A nutritionist friend suggested using coconut oil like a spread on toast as a replacement for butter. I haven’t tried it yet as I avoid breads as much as possible but it’s on my list of possibilities.

I NEVER eat margarine. It’s far too processed and I read once that it’s only a molecule away from being the same as the container it comes in. I remember that when I was a kid, we lost the margarine container when we moved in August. It was found a week later in the garage…..as good as new. I’m afraid of a “food” product that is that well preserved.

I eat butter occasionally. It probably averages about 2 or 3 tablespoons per month. That would include butter that ends up in cooked food and the butter I give in to when I happen to be out for a nice dinner and fresh warm bread and whipped butter is placed on the table. It sounds delicious…..but only in moderation.

How about you? Share your thoughts on this with me. I love getting feedback. And here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a great opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave feedback.

Until next time,

Robin

HAPPY NEW YEAR! With a new year comes an opportunity to start fresh with resolutions to be better at something. So this blog post is dedicated to a list of the top 7 predicted resolutions for 2012. Many of them are related to fitness, which of course means I can help you achieve them. Many others are related to overall wellness….and I can help you achieve those too!

1.  Stop Smoking

Visit your doctor to discuss stop smoking aids. You can try hypnosis or acupuncture to help you get started. Visit www.york.ca  for more information or find an association that is local to you, to keep you focused and for support.

I quit smoking 10 years ago after 22 years of believing that I HAD to smoke. It was one of the hardest things I ever did and without question one of the best.

2. Get into the habit of being fit

Join a local fitness club or program so you have a place to go. Hire a personal trainer to teach you how to get results and avoid injury. Get moving, every single day.

My personal fitness journey began with gusto in 2004 when I joined Fitness Force in Keswick. I would never have predicted then that I would purchase the gym that I joined but here I am years later living a healthy lifestyle and encouraging others to do the same. It needs to be forever……..

3. Lose Weight – the Battle of the Bulge

The fitness program and personal trainer should do the trick here too. Choose a diet rich in nutritious foods with lots of fresh vegetables and less processed food. Take time to learn more about healthy options and exercise regularly.

When my lessons in nutrition began, I read books, magazines and attended nearly every seminar I could find. There is a lot of conflicting information out there. You need to either do a lot of research or find someone you trust that has already done the legwork for you.

4. Enjoy Life More

Find activities that bring you joy and take time for yourself. Be sure to stop and smell the roses every now and then.

This could mean reading a book, doing some gardening, joining a fitness club (of course!) or spending time with your family. Be sure that you work to live, not live to work.

5. Quit Drinking-

If it’s a problem, join a local program for support. If it’s a decision to go along with a healthier lifestyle, you are on to something good.

This can work towards losing weight and being fit too.

6. Get Organized

This may mean purging closets or time management. Hire the right help. It may mean a house keeper or a seminar on organization. Check with the Georgina Chamber of Commerce or your own local chamber for recommended organizers….they’re out there!

I find that when my house or office is cluttered and disorganized, my mind is too. The chaos around us can affect us in far greater ways than just making it hard to find the scissors. When you purge a closet, it can be quite uplifting…and maybe that old stuff can go to a local charity.

7. Learn Something New

Take a night school course. The Town of Georgina programs for example, start soon. Join a bowling league or a card club. Read a book on a topic that you’ve been curious about.

Of course starting a fitness program can be something new too!

Your resolution or goal for 2012 may be different from this list of predicted ones. The key to success is that it needs to be personal and needs to be important enough for you to make it a priority. I hope you find great success and happiness in the coming year, whether it is related to a resolution or not. I also believe that 2012 will be the best year ever, and I hope you do too. I said that last year and it came true. Our attitudes totally predict our mood and success. Just because last year was the best year ever, doesn’t mean that this year can’t be even better!

My personal 2012 fitness goal is to achieve a minimum of 15 hours of physical activity each week. That may include working out, hiking, shovelling snow or anything that increases my heart rate and requires dedicated time. Last year my goal was to workout 365 times throughout the year. With very specific requirements on those workouts, I found it challenging in the end but I did achieve it. 2012 will allow for some more flexibility with what counts, but 15 hours per week equals 780 hours for the year. I will be busy!

I challenge you to create a goal that will keep you motivated. Not because it’s New Year’s but because you can!  And, I’d love your input. Share your goals with me! Here on this blog, you’ll also get commentluv. What a great way to also leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment!

“The best way to predict your future is to create it”.  Peter J. Drucker

Until next time,

Robin

T’is the season for shopping and gift giving galore! The holidays bring with them the easy excuses for skipping exercise and making bad food choices. Somehow we manage to accomplish this not only for ourselves but also in many of the gift choices that we make for our loved ones. There is no lack of chocolate covered “everything except the kitchen sink” under most Christmas trees on December 25^th. It can be a challenge to provide creative, healthy gifts that will bring the same joy as some of the more indulgent options. Here are 10 creative ideas that might fit your budget this year.

1. A gym membership at your local fitness club. (Yes, I had to put it at the top of the list). Many will offer gift certificates on short term or trial memberships. It makes a great couples gift too!
2. Healthy cookbooks. Many people are eager to learn about healthier cooking options. A new book might inspire them to try new recipes and maybe even test them on you!
3. Dance lessons for that couple that has everything. It will get them out of the house, learning something new and staying active.
4. Passes for your local public swimming pool or leisure centre.
5. The kids might enjoy an afternoon at an indoor glow in the dark mini-golf centre…..or maybe bowling!
6. Create your own “foodie” gift basket with infused olive oils and a variety of good vinegar including a nicely aged balsamic. Homemade salad dressings are easy and delicious when you have the right ingredients handy.
7. Snowshoes! I got a pair last year and I love them! A pass for cross country skiing and a lesson might be fun.
8. If you really feel the need to go with chocolate, choose a good quality dark chocolate that is decadent and far healthier than chocolate flavoured Santas and tin foil covered balls. Yes, real chocolate like real anything is more expensive.
9. Juicer – if your gift recipients are already in a mode of health, a juicer might be the next big step.
10. Spa treatments are a way to indulge a little and are certainly on the wellness list. There is nothing like a good massage. It can be relaxing or therapeutic.

Remember to enjoy the season! Be conscious of your indulging. By that I simply mean to choose when it matters most. Keep it decadent and stay hydrated in the shopping malls. Don’t skip your daily exercise because you’re busy. This is the time to stay true to that commitment. You CAN make it through the holiday season without gaining weight.

Do you have some great healthy gift ideas to share? We’d love your feedback. Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. What a great way to leave a link back to your own site when you leave a comment!

Until next time,

Robin

While there is some ongoing controversy over the effects of indoor tanning, there are some benefits that are hard to dispute. As with anything affecting your body, mind or health, you should research from a variety of sources and make a decision that is right for you. Here are 4 advantages of indoor tanning.

1. Indoor tanning is controlled

The time and intensity of the environment within the tanning booth is controlled. The UV rays that activate melanin (tan) are available without the harmful rays from the sun. Of course you should limit your visits to a tanning salon to a maximum of once per day and never tan skin that is already damaged or burned.

2. Vitamin D

Those of us living in the Northern hemisphere are usually lacking in Vitamin D more than 50% of the year. Vitamin D is produced in the body from unprotected sun exposure.  During many months, our sun isn’t strong enough to accommodate this reaction. Indoor tanning can be an effective substitute. Vitamin D is important to regulate calcium which is critical for bone growth and kidney function.

3. Seasonal Affect Disorder

The winter months here in Canada can sometimes feel long and dark. Some people suffer from a disorder during these months that is similar to depression. Indoor tanning has been found to assist with this due to the exposure to UV rays.

4. Pre-tan before vacation

Not just to blend in with those who have been on the tropical island for a few days before you! A tan (melanin pigment at the surface of the skin) acts as a natural sunscreen. By gradually building your tan before hitting the beach, you can reduce your chances of burning on your first day. It won’t remove the need for sunscreen as there are harmful rays once you’re outside, but it will certainly help!

Some things to consider before embarking your indoor tanning regime:

1. Always wear protective eye goggles. Your eyelids are not enough to protect your eyes from the UV rays. It’s highly recommended that you purchase your own personal goggles rather than sharing, as many diseases and ailments can be transmitted via they eyes.
2. Use a good quality indoor tanning lotion every time. It will moisturize your skin and prepare it to produce the best possible tan. Note that indoor lotions do not have an SPF component and shouldn’t be used for outdoor, unprotected tanning.
3. Start slow with only a few minutes and gradually build up the time you spend on a tanning bed. Not everyone will see results right away. The melanin can take a couple of days to be noticeable. You do not want to burn……ever!

Many fitness clubs and hair salons offer indoor tanning as part of their list of services (including Fitness Force here in Keswick). This has allowed the industry standards for pricing to be quite competitive. In fact, many include tanning for free as part of their membership. It’s worth considering, as you may be able to access indoor tanning at a great price and consider the gym membership as a free bonus!

I’d love your feedback! Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. What a great way to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment!

Until next time,

Robin

I’m not sure if it’s the season, the average age of my friends or the quality of our 21^st century diets, but there seems to be a surprisingly high number of people mentioning their recently diagnosed Vitamin B deficiency. The fact that I’m not sure of the answer, is reason enough to research and find one. Are you Vitamin B deficient?

What is Vitamin B?

B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism. The B vitamins were once thought to be a single vitamin, referred to as vitamin B. Later research showed that they are chemically distinct vitamins that often coexist in the same foods. In general, supplements containing all eight, are referred to as a vitamin B complex.

What are the health benefits of B Vitamins?

• Maintain healthy skin, hair and muscle tone
• Enhance immune and nervous system function
• Promote cell growth and division, including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia
• Reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer (when consumed in food, but not when ingested in vitamin tablet form)

B Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms

Symptoms of B vitamin deficiency will vary dependent on which of the eight individual vitamins is lacking. They can include weight loss, emotional disturbances, sun sensitivity, memory loss, dermatitis, high blood pressure, water retention and others. Your doctor will diagnose specific deficiencies based on your particular symptoms and a blood test.

List of B Vitamins

• Vitamin B₁ (thiamine)
• Vitamin B₂ (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B₃ (niacin or niacinamide)
• Vitamin B₅ (pantothenic acid)
• Vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, or pyridoxamine, or pyridoxine hydrochloride)
• Vitamin B₇ (biotin)
• Vitamin B₉ (folic acid)
• Vitamin B₁₂ (various cobalamins)

Natural Sources of  B Vitamins

B vitamins are found in whole unprocessed foods. B vitamins are also concentrated in meat and shellfish. To be more specific, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds will provide seven of the eight B vitamin complex (as well as host of other important nutrients). The B₁₂ vitamin is of note because it is not available from plant products. This is where your protein sources like meat, fish and eggs come in.

Who needs B vitamin supplements?

The elderly and athletes may need to supplement their intake of B₁₂ and other B vitamins due to problems in absorption and increased needs for energy production. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetics may also be advised to supplement thiamine. Also, Vitamin B₉ (folic acid) deficiency in early embryo development has been linked to birth defects. Thus, women planning to become pregnant are usually encouraged to increase daily dietary folic acid intake.

Vegans may suffer with B12 deficiency as their nutrition choices don’t include meat, fish or eggs.

Result…..

Eat lots of whole foods every day. If you suspect a problem, see your doctor for a blood test. Then eat lots of whole foods every day, along with what your doctor tells you! That means the issue may very likely be our 21^st century diets!

How about you? Are you Vitamin B deficient? I’d love your feedback. Here on this blog, you’ll also get commentluv. What a great opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Until next time,

Robin

The spirit of the season is here with cheer on every corner. There isn’t any snow on the ground yet…thankfully, but with the recent Santa Claus Parade, everyone is chatting about shopping, gifts lists and money. This article isn’t focused on fitness or on nutrition as you might have come to expect from me. It is focused on wellness though. Your well being, along with the wellness of your community and the wellness of the recipient of your gift, can all be enhanced.  Below are 5 ways that you can give back to your community and make a difference this holiday season.

During this time, our thoughts lead to giving and sometimes to volunteering. Both are appreciated and needed not only at this time of year but all year long. These ideas that I am sharing here are on some programs that are local to my community. There are similar opportunities in your community too! If there aren’t, maybe you could be a leader and start one.

1. Be Santa to A Senior

This is a program created by The Town of Georgina along with Club 55 and several local businesses. You choose an item on a local senior’s wish list, buy it and leave it at the store. It will be delivered to the intended recipient before Christmas. Often seniors are far from family- in facilities and homes. Many are on fixed incomes. But more than that, everyone wants to feel special.

2. Salvation Army

If you prefer to avoid the act of shopping, you can leave a donation at one of the Salvation Army Kettles that will be set up and manned by many volunteers throughout December. Money collected in Georgina, is used to assist residents of our own community. I’ve checked the Salvation Army website and there are kettles all across Canada. At the very least, you can donate online now too! You will find a link to their site by clicking here.

3. Georgina Food Bank

The Georgina Food Bank will always accept donations of non-perishable goods or money. If you can’t make it to the Bank yourself, you can drop off items at many local businesses who have graciously given their space and time to collect items. Nearly every community has a food bank or food program. If yours doesn’t, you can probably think of someone in need and leave an anonymous basket.

4. Donate Items

Clean out your closets! After your gifts are unwrapped and put away, you may find that some old items are accumulating. When you purge, take the bags to a clothing donation centre! Georgina has three Stretch locations. One is sure to be just around the corner from you. They are always in need of donations and will gladly accept yours.

5. Volunteer Your Time

If you aren’t in a position to give money or goods, your time is equally as valuable. Please consider volunteering with one of your local charities over the holiday season.

Please share your ideas on how you give back to your community. Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a great opportunity to leave a link back to your own site when you leave a comment.

Until next time,

Robin