As active yogis and lovers of everything wellness, we were thrilled to discover newly launched Canadian-made supplement line Niyama Yoga Wellness, designed specifically to suit the needs of active yoga practitioners, and those who are looking to energize, repair and eliminate stress in a more body-friendly and natural way.

This mindful wellness line is entirely vegan, non-GMO and formulated with no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or sweeteners. Designed to maximize benefits of yoga, Niyama Yoga Wellness compliments the various results of a regular practice, with specialized formulas developed to enhance sleep, hydration and daily protein intake, reduce stress and inflammation, and provide support for joints and muscles.

With an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and a diploma in Nutritional Management from George Brown, Niyama founder Jillian Mariani has garnered nearly 20 years of experience in the specialty natural health space. Her extensive background working with like-minded companies and her intense yoga teacher training inspired her to create a company that offered products to serve  from a well-rounded and educated approach.

Niyama Yoga Wellness also offers ambassador programs for yoga teachers and has wholesale opportunities for yoga studios. Check here for more information and see a breakdown of the full product line below.

Green Energy Pre-Vinyasa Energizer – An energizing and alkalinizing powder you mix with cold water and drink about 30 minutes before practice, providing an all-natural and stimulant-free alternative to coffee or tea.

After Practice Replenish & Repair – Helps replace and rebalance all electrolyte minerals lost during sweating and supports muscle repair to reduce soreness and stiffness.
Daytime Zen Stress Support – A combination of natural ingredients to help your body deal with and adapt to daily stresses.

Organic Plant Protein – The perfect addition to a post-practice smoothie, this organic plant-sourced protein contains fibre, vitamins and minerals in each scoop and is vegan-friendly, allergen-free, low-fat and zero-sugar with nothing artificial.

Sleep Like Buddha – Fall asleep sooner, enjoy better quality sleep and wake up reaping the benefits of a good night’s rest with natural ingredients.

Vinyasa Forever Joint Care – Combines two clinically proven herbs used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine – turmeric and Boswellia – to manage existing inflammation or to proactively help reduce the risk of painful joints as you age.

Image Credit

Lisa Hobbs

*Canadian Proud: All products in this post are from amazing Canadian companies we love!

We all know that our ability to cope with stress must ultimately come from within. There are practices we can introduce into our daily existence to reduce stress levels such as regular yoga and exercise, more sleep, cutting back on caffeine, etc. But what about the times when you feel the need to curb the anxiety quickly, efficiently and as soberly as possible? Or your mind is in overdrive and you can’t seem to find your breath, peace or sense of ease?

Simply recognizing our need for calm is the first step towards allowing it to enter our lives. Existing in a society that values hustle over harmony can be tricky for those who often find ourselves burning the candle at both ends without seeming to ever accomplish much.

Luckily, we are entering a time when people are feeling more secure to vocalize a need to stop and regroup. A simple evening of self-care and sleep can be the best thing to help us get back into alignment to meet daily challenges with love and perspective.

Giving yourself the gift of calm and deep rest naturally is easier than ever. We’ve curated a selection of our absolute favourite products (they’re ALL Canadian) to help get you there.

Stress Release Roll On from Blends With Benefits

New to the essential oil scene, this Canadian company with its super clever name and cute packaging, offers a 100% blend of pure essential oils in their Stress Release roll on. The mixture of neroli, orange, patchouli, rosewood, champa, and jojoba is the perfect recipe to incite feelings of calm through tried, tested and true aromatherapy practices. Simply roll on, breathe in and chill out.

Relaxation Booster from Well Told Health

(Formerly called Relaxation Booster)

Recognized for their collection of all natural Health Boosters crafted with nothing but organic vegan foods and absolutely no synthetics or fillers, Well Told Health’s Relaxation Booster is made with only two ingredients; organic lemon balm and organic goji berries. Taking two of these a couple hours before bed will help quiet the mind and allow us to sink into a state of calm and restful sleep.

Himalayan Crystal Salt Bar from Earth Luxe

Is there anything that Himalayan Salt can’t do? Using this magic mined salt in handheld crystal bar form all over your body will not only gently remove dead skin and pull toxins from the skin, but can also help reduce stress, muscle tension and exhaustion.

Lavender Orange Body Oil Epic Blend

Best used after a soothing hot shower, generously applying this body oil will have an immediate effect with its use of lavender essential oils. This Lavender Orange Body Oil will not only hydrate and moisturize, its scent is perfect to ground the senses and bring us into a state of calm.

Nightly Zen Loose Leaf Sleep Tea from Affect Health 

This blend of Passion Flower, Valerian, Oat Straw and Skullcap has been professionally formulated to help reduce stress, sooth anxious thinking and calm our central nervous system. A cup of this potent but soothing brew will help wind your body down for a good night’s sleep.

Image Credit

Natalie Walters

Living in the city doesn’t mean we can’t support local on a regular basis. Joining or buying from a food co-op is a great way to participate in the sustainable food community. Check out some of the top food co-ops in Toronto.

1. West End Food Co-op — 1229 Queen Street West, Toronto ON

“Food, Close to Home’— Come on down and see what has been seven years in the making – built by the community, for the community.

West End Food Co-op has a variety of made in-house baked goods, soups and snacks. Run mostly by volunteers; they have a cannery, run various food workshops and a year-round farmers market. They connect local farmers to the local community at Queen and Dufferin

A lifetime co-op membership is only $5 giving access to daily food discounts and in-store Monthly Member Specials

Image Credit: @westendfoodcoop

2. Karma Co-op — 739 Palmerston Avenue, Toronto

One of Ontario’s oldest “one-stop” shop for the conscious consumer.

With a variety of frozen and prepared foods, Karma Co-op carries over 200 bulk items; that is organically produced fresh from dozens of Ontario farms. They provide health supplements and the highest quality of eco-friendly packaged goods along with a diverse range of natural health, beauty and household products.

Located in the heart of the Annex, Karma Co-op has convenient store hours and an incredible community. By joining Karma, you become part of a member-owned, democratic co-op that provides ethically sourced, healthy, delicious food and sustainable household products to its community.

Image Credit: @Karma.coop

3. The Big Carrot Co-op — 348 Danforth Ave Toronto ON

“Toronto’s first health food store that specializes in organically grown, non-GMO and environmentally safe products since 1983.”

The Big Carrot Co-op is more than your average health food store; they carry groceries, body care, supplements and much more. They offer high-quality products, friendly and informed service and ongoing public education to make natural food selection easy for the Danforth and Broadview community.

Healthy food education is the centre of what The Big Carrot Co-op stands by. Knowing the difference to make a difference is key to making every dollar count. The Big Carrot is proud to be Ontario’s first retailer to certify to the new Canadian Organic Standard.

Image Credit: Carrot Common

4. Berry Road Food Co-op — 150 Berry Road, Toronto ON

“Better Food. Stronger Community.”

In June 2018, Etobicoke can welcome one of the newest co-ops in the province is the Berry Road Food Co-op.They will be providing organic, locally and responsibly sourced products at lower prices to the community.

They will also be working with community partners to improve the health and well being of residents and give them more insight into the food they are buying. Anyone can shop at the Co-op, but for $10.00 you can be a part of our sustainable food community and receive exclusive sales and discounts on store items for a lifetime.

Image Credit: Berry Road Food Co-op