Healthy lifestyle Archives - Queen St. Bakery

Baked Goods with Benefits

August 27, 2019

Unsure about legumes and seeds? You might want to take a closer look. These foods are not only nutrient-dense, they also work wonders in baked goods. If you want to boost the nutritional value of your baked goods, consider taking a break from traditional, nutrient-stripped refined flour options and try those packed with protein, fibre and nutrient-rich legumes like beans, lentils, chickpeas, and seeds like chia seeds. Made into gluten-free, allergy-friendly flours, these ingredients are not only good for you, they also give baked goods like breads, buns and pastas a moist and soft texture and delicious flavour. It’s true—your…

Canadian flag popsicles, top view scene on a rustic wood background. Canada Day food concept.

Food Day Canada: A day to celebrate all things Canadian + food

July 30, 2019

Have you heard about Food Day Canada (FDC), an annual celebration of the food we eat? Established in 2003, FDC is an exciting opportunity to be loud about and proud of everyone that plays a role in food production, from farm-to-table, including the countless farmers, fishers, chefs, researchers, home cooks and manufacturers (like Queen Street Bakery!). It’s a time to think about those who work hard every day to provide Canadians with an abundance of nutritious and delicious foods to help keep us healthy! FDC’s overall mission is to actively promote the growth and study of Canadian food culture! This…

Chia seeds letters on the wooden table

Why You Should Get Chummy with Chia

July 16, 2019

You are probably familiar with chia seeds, which are often referred to as a “superfood,” a term used to describe foods that offer health benefits. Chia seeds come from the plant Salvia hispanica L., and were a major food crop in Guatemala and Mexico. Historically, these seeds were cultivated as early as 3500 BC, and were offered to Aztec gods in religious ceremonies. Read on to learn more about this nutritionally dense, naturally gluten free and versatile food. Nutritional information Chia seeds are rich in minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus and zinc. They are also rich in nutrients such as…

Diverse active camp kids have their hands together in a circle. They are playing together at the park or school or they are at a sporting event. They are wearing bright colors. Photo shot from low angle viewpoint looking up at their hands. Focus is on the hands. Their faces and trees are blurred. It is a bright sunny day.

Preparing Your Gluten-Free Child for Summer Camp

June 18, 2019

With summer upon us, you might have camp on your mind. And if your child (or a child you care about) is gluten free, you might be concerned about your child’s meals. Luckily, today camps take special care and consideration when it comes to accommodating children’s needs, including food. Communication is key. Not only are parents their children's advocates—parents need to teach their children how to be their own self-advocates. Here are some tips to help you protect your gluten-free child this summer. Many of these tips are also applicable to school, travel, parties and other social gatherings. Schedule a…

Celiac Disease: Tips for Those Newly Diagnosed

May 21, 2019

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month and a great time to spread awareness about the disease. Celiac disease is a gastroenterological, autoimmune and digestive disorder. It is complex and is linked to hundreds of symptoms; some people have many of them and some people have few to none. That’s why it can take years before it is diagnosed. In fact, most people living with celiac disease are undiagnosed. I became very sick at 18 months old and suffered from a wide range of symptoms, particularly those related to my gastrointestinal tract. I had anemia, severe weight loss, was malnourished and…

The Best Gluten-Free Breakfast in Bed for Mother’s Day

April 24, 2019

With Mother’s Day approaching, why not make an epic breakfast in bed for the special mother or “like a mother” lady in your life (or yourself)? Homemade is best made, so show you care by preparing a wonderful nutrition-packed meal to fuel and pamper her. Here are some delicious ideas to get you started. 1. Assemble a mouthwatering breakfast sandwich Create a savory breakfast sandwich by layering your mother’s favourite sliced cheese, sunny side up egg, sliced bacon (or turkey bacon), sliced tomato and lettuce between two slices of Queen Street Bakery Romano bean sliced loaf. Comparable to a sourdough,…

Superfoods Made With Super Flours

February 26, 2019

You’ve heard the term 'superfood' before, but what does it really mean? According to the Harvard School of Public Health, “a food has a superfood status when it offers high levels of desirable nutrients, is linked to the prevention of a disease, or is believed to offer several simultaneous health benefits beyond its nutritional value." For example: Salmon is considered a superfood because in addition to other nutrients it offers, it has a notable fatty acid nutritional profile which supports heart health. Blueberries are considered a superfood because of their rich antioxidant profile—antioxidants help support a healthy immune system. Living…

Enjoy a Homemade Gluten-Free Valentine’s Day

January 29, 2019

Celebrating a gluten-free Valentine’s Day with a loved one? Instead of purchasing treats or dining out, why not make your own treats and dine in? After all, homemade is best made! You just need a little gluten-free knowledge and know-how. Here are some tips and an easy-peasy truffle recipe to show your sweetie how much you care. 1. Learn about gluten’s hiding spots and cross contamination If you are preparing a meal or treats for your sweetheart, it is important for you to verify that the ingredients you use are truly gluten free and free of any cross contamination. Ingredients…

This New Year’s: Resolve to Adhere to Your Special Diet

December 27, 2018

Adhering to a special diet can be challenging, especially if it means giving up foods you love. Learning how to make good substitutions and experimenting with new recipes is key. Why not make it your new year’s resolution to stick to your special diet. After all, it’s better to stick to it than to get sick. Here are some tips to help you out. Create a support system Food allergens such as gluten, dairy and nuts are so common today, which means you are not alone. Speak with family members and friends about your dietary needs when the time is…

Beat the Holiday Bloat

December 18, 2018

Even people with the strongest digestive systems get overwhelmed around the holidays due to an excess of processed foods, sugar and alcohol. Individuals with digestive disorders and chronic diseases can be particularly affected. Research has suggested these conditions (and chronic diseases) are the result of an overgrowth and imbalance of intestinal microbial flora, which consists of bacteria that help keep you healthy. This research dates back to the 1920’s when doctors like Dr. Ilya Metchnikoff recommended fermented milk (kefir) and yogurt to promote healthy gut bacteria. What should you know about the gut? You’ve probably heard about the “gut microbiome” by…