Kaeleigh Phillips, Author at Womens Post

Health & Fitness March 2, 2016

March yourself into a 100 meal journey

It’s been two months since you’ve made that New Year’s resolution to eat well this year … and you may be hitting a plateau. It’s hard to keep inspired and motivated when the weather just makes you want to stuff your face. Luckily, Dieticians of Canada can help you change those eating habits. You may even eat 100 healthy meals in a row! Sound impossible? Trust us, it’s not!

March is Nutrition Month, or at least, it’s labelled that way by the Dieticians of Canada. They started as a Nutrition Week in 1981 and has since expanded into a monthly celebration of healthy eating with a new theme each year. This year’s theme is dedicated to making small changes — one meal at a time. It’s called the 100 meal journey.

The Dieticians of Canada are promoting a series of fun events across the country that help Canadians eat healthy meals throughout the month of March. Each week of the month has a specific theme. March 16 is also Dietician’s Day and is an opportunity to take part in healthy eating events across the country, details of which can be found on this activity map. This year, the weekly themes are: Getting Started, Quality Counts!, Prioritize Portion Size, Try Something New!, and Make it Stick.

Getting started in any healthy eating initiative can be daunting, but there are certain steps that you can take to get the process started. Creating a list of healthy eating goals and then posting it in your desk area or on the fridge will help enforce the new habits. It also takes a community to make a great change — enlisting friends and family. Instead of waiting until the last minute — because let’s be real, it’s exhausting to figure out dinner at 7 p.m. — try making a weekly meal plan. Remember: whole grains instead of white bread and fill that list with fresh veggies and fruits!

Quality cooking is essential in any healthy meal. Dieticians of Canada provide Cookspiration, a link with several delicious recipes that help to plan for hale and hearty options. The Dieticians also provide apps that can be installed to help set goals, give portion size measurements, and provide ideas for the 100 meals healthy eating plan. Some of the better apps are eaTracker and eaTipster.

The number one tip: be prepared. If you are in a hurry, prepare smoothies in advance with frozen fruit, ground flax and hemp seed, spinach, and almond milk. A great snack for those on the run is peanut butter, banana, and trail mix in a whole-grain tortilla for a yummy breakfast.

Another tip the Dieticians of Canada provide in their 100 healthy meals campaign is how to pack protein into meals. Protein reduces the appetite and keeps people healthy. Lentils are a great way to sneak protein into dishes, because the grain has the capability to take on whatever taste is in the dish at hand. The ground-up chickpeas in hummus provide a yummy dipping option with veggies. Pairing protein-packed foods with high-fibre foods is another great way to fill up and avoid overeating. Fantastic fibre foods include whole veggies and fruits, whole grains such as barley and lentils, nuts, seeds, and beans.

Finally, don’t give up! Making healthy lifestyle changes can be a challenge, but the rewards are great.

Are you brave enough to tackle the 100 meal challenge? Leave us some of your meal ideas below!

Racism March 2, 2016

Mary Ann Shadd Cary: Canada’s first African American female editor

“I have broken the editorial ice.”

This famous quote was spoken by the first Canadian African American female editor, Mary Ann Shadd Cary, in 1853 when she started her anti-slavery newspaper, Provincial Freeman.

The Mackenzie House (82 Bond St.) featured Shadd throughout the month of February for black history month, allowing kids and families to print their own copy of her newspaper as part of the historical tour. A presentation is also offered year-round to school groups on Shadd’s life.

Mary Ann Shadd Cary. Courtesey of National Archives of Canada

Shadd was born into an activist family in Wilmington, Delaware that helped run the Underground Railroad. They moved to Windsor, Ont. in 1850 after the Fugitive Slave Law — which ordered all slaves returned to their masters and charged those who helped slaves run away — was passed. She opened the first racially-integrated school in Windsor and also created educational booklets about why African Americans should move to Canada for a better life.

Public Officer at the Mackenzie House, Danielle Urquhart said, “Mary Ann had attended a conference in 1851 at St. Lawrence Hall. She was impressed by Toronto. She felt it wasn’t as racist and it never had segregated communities. Toronto was also not a border town where you might be caught by slave catchers which made it safer.”

Photo provided by City of Toronto, Mackenzie House

In 1853, Shadd founded the Provincial Freeman, Canada’s first anti-slavery newspaper and the first newspaper to be run by an African American woman in North America. The byline of the newspaper was “Devoted to antislavery, temperence, and general literature” and she advocated all three topics passionately. The newspaper was a daily digest, which included interest articles, poems, and tips on how to acculturate oneself to the Canadian lifestyle and weather. “She also connected family members because people became separated when they were traveling on the underground railway. You could run an ad and find your family once you arrived,” said Urquhart.

When Shadd first released the newspaper, she changed her name to M.A Shadd because she anticipated she would be met with resistance as a female editor. “She received death threats,” said Urquhart. “For her personal safety, she brought a friend named S.R Ward to act as a figurehead, but she kept publishing. She remained the editor and when things calmed down, she resumed her public role as the sole publisher.”

Urquhart explains that Shadd was not only facing racism as an editor of a newspaper, but also received judgement as a woman in a leadership role in the mid 1800’s. Shadd did not back down to though.

In 1856, Shadd married a Toronto barber named Thomas Cary. They had a very progressive relationship and he took on most of the familial duties so that Shadd could follow her dreams. “He would be at home with the kids while she went on lecture tours,” said Urquhart. While Shadd was on lecture tours her sister, Amelia Cisco Shadd, who was also a part of the antislavery movement, ran the newspaper.

William Lyon Mackenzie, the namesake of the house, was also a publisher at the same time as Sadd and advocated for social justice.“They were publishing at the same time and we were equipped to do this with a printing press and she lived in this neighbourhood. We wanted to figure out a way to interpret black history and she was a great choice,” said Urquhart.

Sadd was an intelligent and brave woman who was unwilling to compromise herself despite obstacles of race and gender. She became a teacher, a journalist, and went on to get a law degree at age 60. Shadd is a heroine to all women trying to make a difference in this world. She also paved the way for future female African American journalists, as exemplified in when she proclaimed courageously: “Shake off your shackles and come to Canada.”

News February 26, 2016

Cap and trade details released in 2016 budget

For all of the Ontarians that were muddled by the lack of information in the cap and trade proposal, many of those questions have been resolved in the 2016 Ontario budget.

The Ontario Liberal government has released specific details about the cap and trade program, which is set to begin in January 2017 under the new Climate Change Mitigation and Low Carbon Economy Act. The cap and trade program will enforce a “cap” on the amount of greenhouse gases that each company can produce. Companies will be able to then “trade” unused carbon credits by selling them to companies that exceed their “cap”.

This enables companies that use clean energy to create financial gains and penalizes companies that have high levels of carbon emissions. The cap and trade program is expected to raise $428 million in 2016-2017 and is then projected to raise up to $1.8 to $1.9 billion in 2017-2018. Cap and trade is one of the many initiatives the provincial government has enacted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent below 1990 emissions by 2050.

All of the proceeds from the cap and trade program will go to projects and funds in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account, which will then support other green projects. The Ontario government has promised the money raised will be transparent, with results of the funds available for the public. Possible green projects include public transit, electric vehicle incentives, social housing retrofits including geothermal infrastructure, and clean-technology incentives for industries.

Ontario’s cap and trade program is mandatory for industries and institutions that emit 25,000 tonnes or more of greenhouse gases annually. It also includes suppliers and distributors of fuel that distribute 200 litres of fuel or more per annum. Companies that import electricity and fuels into Ontario would also be included in the cap and trade. The businesses mandatorily included within the program are representative of 83 per cent of the total greenhouse gas emissions produced in the province.

Initially, Ontario will give free permits to industries that are especially vulnerable to the cap and trade program, including steel or cement manufacturing, to avoid “carbon leakage”, the feared result of companies leaving Ontario to go to other jurisdictions where the carbon cap wouldn’t apply.

Companies and organizations that produce over 25,000 tones of greenhouse gases due to it’s size — like university campuses, hospitals, and electricity generators — will have to purchase carbon permits, which is how the government will make substantial profit in the coming years. If these industries apply clean technologies, they will be able to then “trade” their extra credits and make money from carbon-emitting industries.

Free credits will also be provided on a one-time basis to industries that have voluntarily lowered emissions targets earlier then the January 2017 deadline. Companies with between 10,000 and 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases will also have the choice to participate in the cap and trade program, but won’t be forced to.

The “cap” is also set to decline annually to meet 2020 carbon emissions targets and will decrease at a rate of 4.17 per cent per year. A slow decrease in rates allows companies to invest in clean industries slowly and adjust to the new cap and trade program.

Many Ontarians are concerned about rising prices from the cap and trade program. Gas prices are set to increase 4.3 per cent per litre and natural gas costs for home heating will rise $5 per month. Though these increasing prices will put more financial pressures on the consumer, energy programs are being introduced to help mitigate the costs.

Recently, the government introduced an incentive of up to $14,000 to purchase an electric vehicle. Enbridge Gas Distrubtion and Union Gas are also offering programs to help homeowners reduce their electricity costs. An incentive ranging between $1000 and $2,500 is offered if a consumer replaces their furnace and water heating system to a more energy reductive alternative. Enbridge also offers a $75 incentive for an adaptive thermostat, which helps save on heating costs as well.

Recipe February 26, 2016

New! Fresh! Spicy!: 10 fun ingredients for chili

With winter dragging on, the traditional stews and soups of the season are most likely growing tiresome. Here are 10 snazzy ways to spice up your palette. Add any of these odd ingredients to a typical vegetarian chili for a special, and delicious, twist.

While you are cooking, why not use the remaining tomato juice to make a Caesar. Nothing makes cooking more fun than a little bit of juice from the fun flask.

Jalapeno Peppers or Chipolte Peppers found in Adobo sauce.

Block out those grey skies by adding Jalapeno peppers to spice up the chili and give it some colour. Chipolte peppers are a great alternative and are EXTREMELY spicy. They can be found in local grocery stores in adobo sauce.

Espresso for a jolt

Espresso is a fun ingredient that can enhance a chili, adding a jolt to the slow-cooked stew. Espresso adds a unique quality to the dish, deepening the taste and making the eater buzz.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is a popular ingredient for alternative chili lovers and can bring out unsuspecting flavours in other ingredients. It also adds a smoky and earthy flavour to the dish, which will reduce the acidic taste tomatoes tend to cause. Be careful not to add too much cocoa powder — a smidge will make a stellar difference.

Beer

Beer is a great addition to chili because each type of beer creates a specialized taste relative to an individual’s pallet. Dark beers add a smoky quality to the dish and hoppier beers add a bit of a spicy kick. The beer evaporates the alcohol content so the dish is safe for kids, but the delightful taste of a good craft beer is left behind for the parents.

Spicy Chocolate

Spicy chocolate (or chili chocolate) works well and can be found at local grocery stores. A darker chocolate will deepen the taste and add a pleasant and surprising spicy sweetness. It also pairs fantastically with red wine.

Sriracha Sauce

Sriracha sauce gives chili a spicy Asian twist. For those who love typical hot sauce, Siracha will take your experience to the next step. Add soya sauce for a true Asian flare. Make sure to have water or corn bread on hand because Sriracha runs HOT!

Arrowroot Powder and Sour Cream (vegan or otherwise)

Arrowroot can be difficult to find, but it is a staple in many southern dishes, including the classic, Gumbo. Adding the spice and sour cream (vegan variations are available and delicious!) turns the average chili into a southern frenzy. Many of us northerners have never tried REAL Gumbo, so this would be an adventurous option for a winter dinner party to warm the heart and soul.

Quinoa

Quinoa! Quinoa! Quinoa! Everything tastes better with this protein packed and intensely healthy grain. It also makes a great additional ingredient to chili because it thickens any recipe and will fill you up in a healthy and satisfactory way. It has a light taste, but pairs well with any spice, absorbing it easily.

Veggie Dogs

A less healthy, but yummy, alternative is to thicken your chili and pour it on top of veggie hot dogs. Turning boring chili into chili dogs will cheer up anyone with winter blues — plus it’s a really fun dish for kids. Worried about the mess? Veggie hot dogs can also be cut up and put into the dish for younger children. No need to worry about getting chili on the floor.

Curry Paste

Curry adds to any dish, giving it a spicy and cleansing flavour while still remaining delicious. Curried chili is a simple mixture and is affordable. Pairing curry paste with coconut will give the chili a rich and spicy flavor, making a smoother chili option.

With these new and fun ingredient options, enjoy your Friday night cooking and remember to have a drink on me.

#TOpoli February 25, 2016

Gondola could bring Toronto into skies

Torontonians and tourists love this city because it has a little bit of everything — whether it’s a trip up the CN Tower, a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame, or a walk through Kensington Market, there is something for everyone. But, I’ve always felt something was missing. What is it, you may ask? A Gondola obviously!

Toronto is reviewing a proposal for a cable car that would traverse through the Don Valley, between Playter Gardens and Evergreen Brickworks. Private company Bullwheel International Cable Car Corp put forward the proposal for the gondola, saying that it would cost $20-25 million.

The gondola would have 40 cable cars, each carrying up to eight people each ride. The trip would be one kilometer, touring the Don Valley for a glorious eight minutes, cycling through every 15 to 30 seconds. The cable cars would also have a bicycle racks for those looking to explore the paths after the ride.

No proposals have been submitted to the city as of yet, but an informational meeting is scheduled for March 8 at Estonian House at 958 Broadview Ave. The meeting will be open to consultations with the community to ensure the project meets the needs of Torontonians.

If approved, the project will go forward in a series of phases. The first year is dedicated to public consultations, while the second year would include be dedicated to gaining approval from the City of Toronto, a process that will take a minimum of nine months.

The third year would be about construction (it is estimated to only take one year to construct and install the gondola) and the final step would be the testing period for safety measures. And voila, a gondola is born! The fact that the project is privately funded increases its rate of success in the city.

There have been recent tongue-in-cheek discussions about the gondola providing an alternative option for transportation, which is entertaining but if you are afraid of heights like myself, a terrifying idea. I’ll stick with the grounded options, thank you. Personally, I think the cable cars have the potential to help people reach places like the Evergreen Brickworks, whose location makes it feel like you are trying to get to a remote town in Alaska. It will also bring more tourist traffic to the Danforth and the Don Valley Parkway.

Let’s make Toronto even more desirable with a cable car in the Don Valley and allow ourselves eight magical minutes to revel in the natural beauty this city has to offer.

Entertainment February 25, 2016

Rock lives: Female rocker, Urvah Khan and class-act, Old James

Rock n’ roll is not dead, at least not according to lead singer of a scrap metal rock n’ roll band, Urvah Khan. Women’s Post caught up with the female rocker and namesake of the band after her show at Lee’s Palace. Khan was sporting a blonde Mohawk and a traditional Pakistani bindi and jewelry.

“Rock n’ roll is the sound of an oppressed nation. It is a liberation front for people who don’t have freedom. I found my freedom through rock n roll,” she said. “I want to spend the rest of my life creating a sound called scrap rock. We build our music from the scraps of what is left behind, and mix it with Indian and south Asian sounds.”

Khan hails from Pakistan and grew up in Dubai. She was 12 when her family moved to Canada. She is a self-proclaimed feminist who firmly believes rock n’ roll can help to spread the message of gender equality. She also passionately loves her chosen style of music and believes that you have to truly love rock n’roll in order to make a killer rock song.

Khan got into rock in her early 20’s after performing a song with the band The Central Nervous System. She was a rapper prior to this performance, but after listening to N.I.B by Black Sabbath, she fell in love with the music. She also sees rock n’ roll as a source of liberation for women in the East.

“I want to make rock music for Muslim girls where I came from. I’m making music for brown women who need to realize freedom is not a choice, it is a right,” said Khan. “Why do we have to walk with hijabs for a man to feel good? Why can’t we just do it because we want to or we don’t want to. As a woman in the West, I can do anything I want. Let’s take rock to the East.”

The headliner band at Lee’s Palace, Old James, believes the message in the music is the key to a great rock song as well.

“Music with a message is what stands out. The difference between our band and every other band is that we have guys that aren’t cool. We aren’t cool. We are happy being in our band, pissing in bottles, and touring the world. It is about the music.”

Old James and Urvah Khan both stole the audience at Lee’s Palace, bringing heavy rock melodies to a venue often filled with popular hipster indie bands. Khan is a fascinating artist to watch live and an avid advocate of on-stage energy, even pulling a fan on-stage to “scrap” with her.

“Sometimes when I’m performing, I run out of breath and my notes aren’t perfect. My rap isn’t perfect but I believe that if my energy is perfect, I can afford to compromise myself,” said Khan.

Lead singer of Old James, Brian Stephenson, is an unstoppable force of nature on stage, bouncing from end to end while hitting every note seamlessly. As a fan that has seen Old James perform previously, each show is different and equally interesting to attend, making them unforgettable to watch on-stage. The band also surprised fans by performing new songs from their upcoming album, due to be released later this year. They performed “Speak Volumes”, their title track, as well as “Lovefire”.

Old James often performs with women and Stephenson was excited that Urvah Khan was on the bill.

“We love her message. She has taken several pieces of different genres and created her own music,” said Stephenson. “With women playing and sharing the stage, there is a massive amount of respect. They are sticking their necks out because they have to put up with a lot of crap still. A lot of the attitudes towards women in music are unfair. It doesn’t matter what gender or colour you are.”

Both Old James and Urvah Khan believe in the power of music with a message. Though their focuses differ, attending a gig where the music is deeply meaningful is inspirational and has the ability to change the world. As it turns out, rock is definitely not dead.

“Rock n roll came from the blues and came out of an oppressed generation of people. Once I found that out, my band and I decided to create the next wave of rock n roll,” said Khan. “People say that cannot be because the pioneers of rock n roll are done but I don’t agree. Let’s take rock to India, Pakistan and to places where women don’t know what freedom means.”

Living February 24, 2016

What is cap and trade?

Climate change is on everybody’s mind. The Ontario government has been slowly releasing a stream of green initiative announcements about green cars and environmentally sustainable housing retrofits, but one of the most important initiatives is still to come. Investing in a cap and trade program is one of the best options for the province, with the potential of making a vast impact on the amount of carbon Ontario produces.

Cap and trade agreements place limits on the amount of carbon companies can produce without being financially penalized for it. The “cap” puts a limit on the specific amount of emissions that can be produced annually. In Quebec and California, which currently have active cap and trade programs, the cap declines annually by three to four per cent to allow companies to slowly adjust to increasing carbon reduction targets.

The “trade” allows companies to participate in a market where companies can buy or sell carbon credits. The carbon credits are linked to every tonne of greenhouse gas that is emitted. The “trade” portion of the incentive creates an opportunity for companies make financial gains through the use of environmentally sustainable initiatives — if a company lessens their rate of emissions, they can sell their unused carbon credits to other companies.

The cap and trade program simultaneously rewards companies that have lowered emissions, while penalizing companies that use high levels of greenhouse gases. The incentive also pushes companies to invest in green technologies.
When the cap and trade programs were put in place in Quebec and California, free permits were accessible initially to companies that were particularly vulnerable to the cap and trade program, and Ontario is due to follow suit. Companies that are emissions intensive and trade exposed (EITE) will receive free permits until they can gradually meet targets and reduce greenhouse gases.

Ontario’s cap and trade program will partner with the existing system in Quebec and California. The partnership will allow access to a bigger pool of low-cost emission reductions, a larger market for trade, and help to set a common price for carbon across several jurisdictions.

It is expected that the cap and trade program will make $1.4 billion for the Ontario government annually through penalties, permits, and the auctioning off of carbon credits. Ontario has promised this profit will be invested back into environmental initiatives. “The proceeds generated through cap and trade in Ontario will be reinvested in a transparent way. They will be used for initiatives that further reduce greenhouse gas pollution, support innovation and help households and businesses reduce fuel needs,” said the Cap and Trade Program Design Options report, released by the Ontario government.

Cap and trade essentially holds high carbon-emitting companies accountable and allows environmental sustainable companies the opportunity to make financial gains while supporting the green energy industry and boosting government dollars. More importantly though, it makes strides towards a world where human beings co-exist with the planet rather than continue to destroy it— that is, as long as the government doesn’t auction off too many credits, allowing emission-intensive companies to continue producing greenhouse gasses by simply paying for it.

The Ontario Premier, Kathleen Wynne, is positive that this new cap and trade program will make a substantial difference in the province’s emission levels.

“To fight climate change — one of the greatest challenges mankind has faced — Ontario is putting a limit on the main sources of greenhouse gas pollution through a cap and trade system to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the health of our children and grandchildren,” she said in a statement back in April.

The Ontario government will be revisiting the cap and trade program in Thursday’s budget meeting, in preparation for its estimated launch in January 2017.

#TOpoli February 23, 2016

PM Justin Trudeau to attend 2016 Toronto Pride Month

Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, will be the first leader in Canada’s history to attend the Toronto pride parade on July 3, 2016.

The Prime Minister has previously attended pride parades in both Vancouver and Toronto, but this is his first pride event as the leader of Canada. He tweeted in response to Pride Toronto announcing Trudeau’s involvement, “Very looking to being there again, this time as PM.”

Very much look forward to being there again, this time as PM. #PrideTO https://t.co/cz5gBLZNyD

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 22, 2016

Trudeau will attend alongside Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Mayor John Tory. Since 1995, Barbara Hall established the tradition for the head of city council to march in the parade. This was only broken once in the past 21 years by previous Mayor Rob Ford.

Toronto Pride has a somber history. The first registered LGBTQ pride gathering occurred on Feb. 5, 1981, after the bathhouse raids or “operation soap”, a massive police raid of bathhouses on Church and Wellesley meant to silence the LGBTQ community under the bawdy-house law. The raids were followed by a great show of support and protests throughout the streets of Toronto.

In 1984, Pride was celebrated for the first time on Canada Day and became a fixed tradition. Mayor David Crombie, the mayor at the time, wouldn’t officially recognize the event. It wasn’t until 1991 that Toronto Pride Day was approved by the city. In 1998, Pride Week became official.

Prime Minister Trudeau’s attendance will be a welcome addition to the festivities as thousands of people will gather this coming June to celebrate Toronto’s first pride month. This month-long celebration will feature specialized events and programs around the city, finishing with the 10-day Pride Toronto festival between June 24 and July 3.

Having all three levels of government attend the event is amazing —and surprising. To quote the Prime Minister himself, “It’s 2016”. Why hasn’t a Prime Minister attended Toronto’s pride parade before now? That’s a question worth answering.

Health & Fitness February 17, 2016

Carrots, kale, and oranges, oh my!

Are you finding yourself yawning half way through the day? Healthier lunch options may help to alleviate the desire for an afternoon cat nap.

Lunches can be hard, but never fear! Women’s Post has you covered with some healthy options for your lunch. These foods will keep you healthy, restore your energy, and ultimately help you be more productive on the job. According to the Mental Health Foundation, nearly two-thirds of those who do not report daily mental health problems eat fresh fruit each day. Foods that have high levels of trans-fats and additive properties can damage brain function and lower productivity.

Trans-fats weaken the physical structure of the brain, which decreases memory and brain function as well as causes lower levels of physical energy. A study by the Mental Health Foundation concluded that additive properties can be dangerous to the body at work because

“when the brain is ‘flooded’ by an artificial influx of a neurotransmitter (for example, adrenaline triggered by a strong coffee), the brain’s receptors respond by ‘closing down’ until the excess is metabolized away.”

Eating fresh fruits, veggies, and healthy snack options instead of drinking coffee and eating sugary snacks will maintain your energy levels better. If you are enticed to make the change to a healthier lifestyle, here are some tips that can make lunch stress-free.

Advice from a girl guide: always be prepared

Preparing meals in advance saves time during a busy week inundated with meetings and long commutes. Taking an hour on Sunday evening to prepare an assortment of vegetables and fruits make it easier to grab them before heading out the door. Preparing food in advance also helps to use more of the fruits and vegetables that are purchased because they are pre-divided for consumption.

Cutting cucumbers, carrots and peppers, mango, cantaloupe, and other fruits and veggies in advance helps to make them more edible and simple to prep before work. Try preparing a large bowl of salad without adding dressing and then distributing it into containers for the week. Another source of preparation is making smoothies and freezing them, then allotting a daily portion into a reusable container for a snack on the job.

It’s all in the containers

Purchasing containers that have several compartments is a great way to bring fresh foods to work instead of packaged options. Without reliable modes of transportation for our healthy options, spills or rotting can occur. Bento boxes are a great to use for transferring fresh fruits and veggies without spilling it on the streetcar.

Mason jars are also a great type of container to use for fresh foods. The jars are sealed and extremely useful for pre-divided salads, yogurt and granola or cold pastas with a delicious sauce. Plus, they look really nice when placed strategically on your desk.

Homemade goodies vs. packaged goods

Homemade snacks are a healthier option that pre-packaged foods and are even more delicious when fresh. When cutting veggies and fruits for the week, preparing a few easy snacks can help when you get the munchies while at the office. Curried cashews are an easy and delicious option; simply douse the nuts in curry powder. Homemade granola bars are also an easy choice, combining a number of simple ingredients such as oats and bananas and then freezing it for a treat during the week.

Eating a healthy lunch helps restore energy at the workplace, changes eating habits to make better food choices, and alleviates symptoms of depression or exhaustion during the day. Next time you are the grocery, challenge yourself to buy as much fresh food as possible, and don’t forget the jars!

Recipe February 16, 2016

A redhead’s guide to great drinks for St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is the one day a year where drinking is not only acceptable, it is encouraged. As a redhead, it is also the day when I get to celebrate my Irish heritage and freckled past — and the day where everyone thinks “kiss a ginger” t-shirts are entertaining.

As of 11 a.m. Thursday, the bars will be full and the alcohol will be flowing. But, what if you really dislike green beer? Can you still participate in this historic day? Absolutely, and Women’s Post has you covered. Here are a few drink options that will leave you loving green, and maybe even Irish redheads to boot.

Mint Martini

A great alternative to the traditional beer is to try out a green martini. It is festive and fun as a St. Patty’s day beverage and will make your breath minty fresh if you have a date for the evening. Combine one a half ounces of green crème de menthe and one ounce of white rum with a glass filled three-quarters with ice. Shake well and garnish with mint if desired.

Irish Coffee

An Irish coffee is a great way to start off your St. Patty’s morning, but it also serves as an alarm clock if you’ve had a few afternoon drinks and need a jolt. Make a cup of your favourite type of java and add one and a half ounces of Irish whiskey. Add sugar and almond milk if desired. It will be sure to give you a kick in the pants and keep the St. Patty’s party going.

Shandy

Is your tummy starting to crave something simpler? Try a shandy! This drink spices up a traditional beer by adding ginger ale. The recipe calls for three-quarters beer combined with one-quarter ginger-ale to give it a bit more bubbly. A Shandy is great with traditional Jamaican ginger ale, which is spicier.

Lime Mojito

It may not be beach weather yet, but you can pretend with a lime mojito! Typically a summer drink, the green mojito brings a festive element to St. Patty’s and can be refreshing if the weather is warm. Fill a glass three-quarters with club soda and ice, and then add one and a half ounces rum. Put in a few mint leaves and half of a cut-up lime with a sprinkle of white sugar for delicious mojito madness.

Irish Redhead

Combining sparkling cranberry juice with an ounce and a half of Jameson’s Irish whiskey makes a delectable and sweet drink to be enjoyed by all. Add ice and garnish with a slice of lime for an extra touch. It is also a great drink to make for an Irish redhead, just a hint.

What is your favourite drink on St. Patty’s? Let us know in the comments below!