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In this issue...beating the winter blues, vegan hot cocoa, resources for seasonal affective disorder, and more...

It's great to see the sun slowly beginning its return. This time of year, with its low light, and our tendency to remain inside, is a difficult time for people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

In this issue, we've got a sweet treat recipe that's also good for your mood, our favourite light-treatment tool for SAD, and a look at what SAD is, and how naturopathic medicine and conventional medicine see depression, via our article last week on our blog.

Don't forget to get outside!

-The StoneTree Team

Recipe: 5-Minute Vegan Hot Cocoa

One of the best foods to elevate your mood is chocolate â€“ beautiful dark, rich, organic, fair-trade chocolate.

Full of antioxidants, minerals like magnesium, and chemicals that are metabolized in our bodies to make serotonin, chocolate really does make us feel better.

One producer of raw cacao, Navitas Naturals has a great website of recipes.

This monthâ€™s recipe comes from Minimalist Baker. It's a delicious and nutritious mood-boosting cup of hot cocoa that can make any cold winter day better.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1.5 Tbsp dairy-free semisweet chocolate (chips or bar, chopped)
Sweetener of choice (I prefer 1 Tbsp raw sugar or 1/2 packet powdered stevia)
1/8th tsp peppermint extract (optional)
Optional: Coconut whipped cream for topping

Instructions

Add almond milk to a large mug and microwave for 1 minute. Alternatively, add to a saucepan over medium heat.
Once milk is warm, add cocoa powder, chocolate and sweetener and whisk to combine.
Put back in microwave or continue cooking on stovetop until completely combined and has reached your preferred temperature.
Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
Lastly, add in your extract of choice â€“ I think peppermint is truly unbeatable. Stir, and top with coconut whipped cream.

Recipe source

A Look at SAD/Depression

Individuals suffering from SAD have all the typical symptoms of depression, like low mood, reduced interest in usual activities, and decreased concentration and energy. However, they also tend to have some additional symptoms unique to SAD, like:

Increased sleep
Increased appetite
Unacceptable weight gain
Carbohydrate / sweets craving

In other words, SAD isn't just "feeling a little gloomy"--it's considered a form of clinical depression.

What to do about it? We spent some time on our blog last week looking at the pros and cons of conventional anti-depressants, and sharing the naturopathic approach. You can find the piece here.

If you suffer from mild to medium depression or SAD, or know someone who does, you can book a complimentary visit to see how we can help by calling 705-444-5331.

Things We Love: LiteBook

Some Canadians really do suffer from the lack of daylight during the winter months. We wake up in the dark, go to work in the dark, and come home in the dark. Sometimes, we only see daylight through the odd window as we go about our largely indoor winter existence.

Light is a very important signal in our body that helps regulate cortisol, serotonin and melatonin in our brains. When light is low, these hormones can be affected in ways that make us sleepy, lethargic and unhappy.

The best solution, or course is to get outside at least once a day, especially if the sun is shining. But when that's not possible, some types of artificial light sources can really help change moods for the positive.

Products like the LiteBook emit a bright, white light, similar to sunlight but without UV rays. This allows the light to affect our internal chemistry, but not harm our eyes and skin.

We have had many patients use this wonderful therapy safely and effectively to reduce their SAD symptoms.

They are available at the local health food stores or on Amazon.

Clinic Happenings

Be The Change Film "Growing Cities" - Jan 28 - The Gayety Theatre Join us for this StoneTree-sponsored film about the role of urban farming. Details here.

Stayner Health & Leisure Showcase - Mar 21st - Stayner Community Centre Join a host of local recreation, culture and health organizations at the annual showcase for info sessions, samples, demos and more!

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is coming to StoneTree Clinic. Sign up for our blog or call the clinic to get on the list to get notified.

Well Woman Visits - Feb 23, Mar 30, May 4
Complete breast/gynecological exam with Pap test. $135, space is limited. Call 705-444-5331 or book online here. Non-patients welcome! Learn more about this unique service here.

Online Booking - You can now request your appointments online! Click here to try it out. :)

View all the upcoming happenings on our event page.