Alive

Serves 4 Written by Published Sep 17, 2026 At the centre of this dish is halloumi cheese—a brined, firm cheese that keeps its shape and texture when it hits the heat and has a pleasantly rubbery squeak against the teeth. On the sheet pan, tomatoes become amazingly tender; the earthy sweetness of the onion grows; and everything becomes infused with lively shawarama seasoning. The creamy hummus spread underneath ties it all together.

It’s mid-August, and your calendar is packed. Friday: your summer work barbecue. Saturday: a flight to your in-laws’ across the country, kids in tow. Wednesday: another flight back home, just when you’ve started to kick your jet lag. Thursday: summer camp drop-offs and back to work after a night of tossing and turning in the heat. Summer is often framed as restorative, but for many of us, our packed schedules quietly create the opposite effect.

Not all exhaustion comes from work, parenting, or lack of sleep. Sometimes, it comes from people. Even enjoyable conversations, packed calendars, and positive social events can quietly drain your mental and emotional reserves. As September arrives with its return to routines, school schedules, obligations, and social catchups, many people notice their patience shortening and their desire to retreat growing stronger.

Interest in traditional medicine has grown significantly over the past decade. Now, around 80 percent of the world’s population is estimated to turn to nature as their first remedy when feeling under the weather. But as natural medicine becomes more mainstream, what does the science really show? Historic wisdom, cutting-edge science Ancient Egypt’s Ebers Papyrus is one of the earliest written records of herbal medicine, but fossil records show that prehistoric humans also embraced natural remedies.

Serves 1 Written by Published Sep 12, 2026 Carrots are low in calories and a good source of fibre. Like bananas, they also contain potassium, an essential mineral, which helps with blood pressure regulation. This smoothie has a spicy, warm flavour from gingerroot, cinnamon, turmeric, and smoked paprika. A frozen banana keeps this smoothie cold and creamy. Take the time to slice the banana first before adding to blender to make it easier to mix.

If a friend with a cold came over, you’d probably avoid drinking from the same glass, right? That said, you can’t exactly avoid breathing the same air. A growing body of research suggests respiratory infections—including the flu, a cold, and COVID-19—spread significantly by inhaling virus-containing aerosols, particularly indoors. This means that the quality of your indoor air is integral to avoiding sickness. Here are research-backed ways to reduce exposure to airborne viruses when indoors.

Serves 8 Written by Published Sep 10, 2026 A hearty shepherd’s pie is the ultimate in cold-weather comfort. This vegetarian version is as savoury as it is nourishing with mineral-rich lentils, vegetables, garlic, and paprika. Topped with an earthy celeriac and potato mash studded with fragrant thyme, the dish sings with rich flavours that are sure to please a crowd.

A stroll through the grocery store reveals no shortage of organic options—from produce and dairy to packaged foods and pantry staples. Yet despite the label’s popularity, many consumers aren’t clear about what it actually means. In Canada, organic certification is based on a comprehensive set of standards that go far beyond limiting pesticide use.

Serves 4 to 6 Written by Published Sep 8, 2026 This soup is full of flavourful immune-boosting aromatics such as ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. With fibre, protein, and minerals from chickpeas and more minerals from kale, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious. The vegetable stock takes a little extra time to make, but the rich flavour is well worth the effort. Soak 1 cup (250 mL) of chickpeas in 5 cups (1.2 L) water and add 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) baking soda to help soften them.

The delicate balance behind your body’s first line of defence Written by Published Sep 6, 2026 Fact-Checked This article has been written and fact-checked by experts in the field. Think about the last time you had a cold or suffered from allergies … stuffed or runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, maybe a sore throat. What about going through bouts of stress and noticing that your gut is acting up?