LD Picks: 8 Simple and Healthy Recipes to Kickstart Your Year

We’ve all said it before – even if it’s only lasted for the first two weeks of January: “My resolution this year is to eat healthier meals and stop snacking on junk.” Even though a protein-packed and nutrient-rich diet may be ideal, the truth is that a low-fat life is not easy to sustain for everyone.

Thankfully, healthy eating does not have to mean drab and flavourless eating. The following recipes are designed to keep you fuller longer, provide ample nutrition, and satisfy any unhealthy cravings left over from the holidays.

Vegan Overnight Oats

During a busy workweek, it can be difficult to make time for a well-rounded breakfast that will get you through the day. While oatmeal has a reputation for being bland, there are countless variations that will allow you to switch it up daily. Add cinnamon, maple syrup, and dried fruit to your oats the night before, and allow your mixture to soak up all the goodness. The addition of chia seeds supplies an early morning dose of Omega-3s to allow for a bustling day ahead.

Find this vegan, gluten-free recipe from Oh She Glows

Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

When you have a hankering for a big plate of Chinese food from your local restaurant, you may not regret it at first, but all that grease won’t settle well in your stomach. If you’re vegetarian, it’s difficult to find anything on the menu you can eat at all. Lettuce wraps can be made at home for everyone, and are even speedier than takeout. With hoisin sauce, Sriracha and soy sauce as a base, all you need is fresh lettuce, tofu and veggies of your choice. Meat lovers can even substitute chicken or shrimp to make it family-friendly.

Find this delicious vegetarian recipe from Not a Leaf

Simple Roasted Squash

Although squash is a staple of the fall season, they can usually be found at the grocery store year-round. Whenever there’s a significant cold spell in the city, nothing is better than turning on the oven and baking an aromatic, savoury-sweet dinner. This dish is extremely versatile: just add whatever protein you’re in the mood for, quinoa or rice, veggies on hand and toppings such as walnuts and parmesan cheese. Another easily-adaptable meal, roasted squash can also be substituted with bell peppers and zucchini.

Find this cold-weather recipe from the Kitchn

Personalized Flatbread

Carb-cutting might seem near-impossible (or just unrealistic), but as long as you eat it in moderation, and you have no gluten sensitivities, there’s no harm in having pizza once in a while! Personalized flatbread (usually featuring a little less dough than a pizza crush) is one healthy— and delicious—way to curb your craving. Using health-conscious ingredients like organic sugar, and spelt flour (in addition to all purpose flour) can lessen the guilt and add to the flavour. Top your flatbread with hummus, sautéed vegetables, and a protein of your choice. Drizzle with a balsamic dressing for added sweetness.

Try this homemade garlic herb flatbread recipe from Minimalist Baker

Energizing Kale Salad

When you’re looking for an extra boost of energy—whether training for a marathon or preparing for a presentation at work—it can be difficult to eat mindfully. It’s far too easy to load up on carbohydrates like pasta, or simply drink a protein shake and call it a day. Make sure you reap all the benefits from this protein and fibre-packed salad. Olive oil, sunflower seeds, apples and kale can be topped with breaded or grilled chicken, fish or pork. Add a handful of chopped figs for sweetness and sprinkle with hemp hearts for Omega-3s, iron and zinc.

Try this delicious take on kale from Honeycomb Food

Hearty Chickpea Stew

For another vegetarian dish that will please everyone at the dinner table, grab that can of chickpeas you’ve been saving in your pantry and make this creamy curry. Canned tomatoes, coconut milk, tomato paste and spices make the sauce for this stew. Add eggplant, sweet potato and spinach to round it off. Served on rice or quinoa, this is a foolproof dish perfect for the winter. Hint: double the recipe and freeze a portion for another day.

Find this hearty vegetarian recipe from Deliciously Ella

Peanut Butter Quinoa Bars

Using just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard, these peanut butter quinoa bars are great as a snack to throw in your bag, a quick breakfast on-the-go, or as a satisfying dessert after dinner. Substitute peanut butter with almond butter in case of allergies, and chocolate chips with raisins. Oats, quinoa, honey, coconut oil and chia seeds make this a jam-packed protein bar reminiscent of sweet blondies or granola bars.

Try this chewy and fresh recipe from Ambitious Kitchen

Dark Chocolate Apricots

Dark chocolate is not only acceptable as a healthy treat, but it’s also recommended for daily intake. It contains heart-healthy antioxidants, amino acids and releases feel-good chemicals in your brain. Of course, only 1 to 2 ounces of dark chocolate is needed per day to promote some of these health benefits, but don’t worry, we won’t tell if you exceed that amount. Dip dried apricot halves in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chilli powder for a fast and decadent dessert with a kick.

Indulge on this healthy snack from Better Homes & Gardens

Congratulations to one of our five winners of the LDExtras Win a Dream Experience

Winner, Donna H. chose the $10,000 holiday shopping spree as her prize and shared the experience with her family.

The other 4 winners have been contacted and are selecting their prizes over the holiday. A complete list of winners from the LDExtras Win a Dream Experience contest will be posted after the New Year!

Sign up to become an LDExtras member and receive exciting rewards and experiences! When you sign up you’ll also be entered for a chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree*.

 
*Terms and conditions apply. Chance to win depends on number of entries. Selected entrant must answer skill testing question to win. No purchase necessary. This contest is open to residents of Canada (excluding Quebec).

Come by the Rogers Food Bank Friday event on December 9 to donate to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society

The annual Rogers Food Bank Friday is on Friday, December 9th with live radio and television remotes at the London Drugs location on Granville and Georgia in Vancouver. Returning for its fifth year, the Rogers Food Bank Friday event will begin at 6:00 AM and go until 6:00 PM. Customers are encouraged to stop by in support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and bring a non-perishable food donation or make a donation. The London Drugs at Georgia & Granville will be open at 7:00 AM.

Starting at 5:30 AM Citytv’s Breakfast Television will be broadcasting live from the plaza in front of London Drugs at Georgia and Granville with special guests and holiday cheer until 9:00 AM.

Starting at 6:00 AM KISS Radio will be broadcasting live until 6:00 PM at the corner of Georgia and Granville in Vancouver. Stop by anytime throughout the day with a donation for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and say hi.

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS) is a non-profit organization with the intent to help nourish individuals by providing healthy food, education and training. The GVFBS gives support to over 28,000 people every week through 15 food depots and over 100 community agencies throughout the Lower Mainland. Suggested non-perishable items to donate to Food Bank are:

  • Protein meat/fish/beans
  • Natural peanut butter
  • Whole wheat pasta/rice
  • Pasta sauce
  • Canned soup, fruit & vegetables
  • 100% Fruit juice
  • Low-sugar cereal
  • Infant food & formula

We look forward to seeing you at Food Bank Friday!

Special delivery from London Drugs and The Honest Company

Our new LDExtras program is built around delighting our members with rewards. That’s why we recently partnered with The Honest Company to thank one of our valued members.

bike_lock_2

Last week London Drugs and Honest surprised customer Darcee with an Honest cruise bicycle, complete with a hand-written card from Honest Company Founder Jessica Alba!

 

honest_card_crop

Sign up to become an LDExtras member and receive exciting rewards and surprises like this one! When you sign up you’ll also be entered for a chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree*.

Learn more about this exciting new program by London Drugs at LDExtras.com.


*Terms and conditions apply. Chance to win depends on number of entries. Selected entrant must answer skill testing question to win. No purchase necessary. This contest is open to residents of Canada (excluding Quebec).

Giving Gifts They’ll Actually Love

Hint: It’s not the thought, it’s the personalization that counts!

We all know that one person who seems to always give the perfect, thoughtful and most unique Christmas gifts. How do they do it? Our Photolab Experts have the secret, and it’s easier than you think. It’s all about personalization. Adding a personal touch, like a photo or custom text, will give your gifts a unique quality that your loved ones will cherish. Our Photolab has virtually endless possibilities to customize your gifts for friends, family, colleagues and anyone else on your holiday shopping list.

card_xmas22

Greeting Cards – Whether it’s your family’s annual Christmas card, or individual cards to give out to family, friends and colleagues, spreading the holiday cheer starts here.  Rather than picking out a set of generic cards to send, why not create unique holiday cards with personal photos? Our Photolab can now customize Greeting Cards using a wide variety of themed templates on 6 new premium card stocks: linen, natural white, matte soft white, shimmer silver and shimmer soft gold. We are the only local Photolab to use these premium card stocks, so your greeting cards are guaranteed to be entirely unique.

 

5677992_photobook_xmas

Photographic Albums – Give a truly thoughtful and personal gift by curating a collection of special photos and creating a personalized photographic album for loved ones. The book’s photos are printed on thick photographic paper that will brilliantly display cherished memories in a high quality format. Share photos of a recent trip together, a collection of photos taken over the past year, or even old childhood and family photos.

 

l6564348_01

Personalized Large Fleece Blankets – Brand new to the London Drugs Photolab, this is the ultimate cozy Christmas gift. Got a hockey player in the family? Customize a fleece blanket with a photo of their team, and parents can use it to show support and to keep warm at their next game. Grandparents would love a personalized blanket with a photo of their grandchildren, and a dog lover would be over the moon to see their prized pup immortalized on a super-soft fleece.

 

crystal_xmasheart

Photo Crystals – Choose a meaningful photo to share with your loved ones and gift it to them in the form of a crystal. Our new expanded selection of shapes includes heart, teardrop, moon, wave and rectangle-shaped crystal blocks, which can transform your photo into a unique, eye-catching Christmas gift. This would make a great personalized hostess gift for any of your upcoming holiday parties.

 

f593349

Express Books – Need to whip together a quick and easy Christmas gift, and need it right away? The 8×8 photographic Express Books can be made within 24 hours at any London Drugs location. Just choose your photos, and we’ll create a sleek photographic book complete with black leatherette cover. So if you forgot one last person on your list, or if you received an unexpected gift from your neighbour or colleague, don’t fret: we can take care of that.

 

l2231785_03

Instagram Books – This small personalized Instagram Book makes the perfect stocking stuffer gift! Simply select your favourite square Instagram photos from your feed, and our Photolab will turn them into a beautiful square photo book you can easily pop into someone’s stocking. This is a great gift for hard to buy for tweens and teens and for hobby photographers who showcase their work on Instagram.

 

5678040_calendar_xmas33-xx

Photo Calendars – Have a few people on your shopping list that you’re just not sure what to get them? Our photo calendars are easily customized, which make them the perfect gift for almost anyone this Christmas. For family, feature images of your kids growing up, or for co-workers, perhaps feature some of your favourite landscape photos. It is useful all year round.

 

mugs_xmas11

Personalized Mugs – Whether they’re a coffee person or a tea person, you can’t go wrong with gifting a personalized photo mug. Pick a colour, design, and then choose your photo: it’s as simple as that. You can even choose our Magic Mug that reveals your hidden photo when hot liquid is added. These personalized mugs make great stocking stuffer gifts, as well as gifts for colleagues or your kids’ teachers.

 

Order any of these gifts at our new Photolab website or by visiting any London Drugs location.

 

Holiday Order Deadlines

A great selection of products are available for same day or next day pickup, up to Saturday, December 24 including Enlargements, Canvas Gallery Wraps, Express Books, Photographic Calendars and Mugs. See a photolab expert for details.

Be sure to place your orders for the below products before the listed dates to ensure Christmas delivery:

Photobooks, Calendars and Traditional Greeting Cards: Wednesday, December 14

Creative Products: Wednesday, December 14

Crystals: Tuesday, December 13

Crystallize-it 3D Photo Crystals: Tuesday, December 13

Bobbleheads: Monday, November 14

Yes Video: Friday, November 25

Click here for information about order deadlines.

 

Awesome new mobile app upgrades

Upload to a Photolab kiosk—from anywhere!

In addition to conveniently being able to upload photos to your Photolab account and ordering prints from your mobile phone, the new Photolab mobile app has received a sweet upgrade: now you can also upload your photos to a Photolab kiosk—from anywhere! And by “anywhere” I mean, “without having to be physically present at a London Drugs location and connected to its wireless network.”

 

In case the awesomeness of this upgrade is eluding you, allow me to present just one of many scenarios where it will make your life easier in an awesome kind of way:

 

Imagine you and a friend/sibling/spouse are out shopping for holiday gifts, and you stop at a coffeehouse to briefly collect your senses amidst the madness and chaos. Your friend/sibling/spouse takes a sip from their mocha and begins speaking to you without realizing they have a big dollop of whipped cream on their nose. In a flash, you grab your phone and snap a perfect close-up of them before they realize it. You realize that this photo is too perfect NOT to commemorate as a photo gift especially for their mother/other siblings/co-workers.

 

So what do you do, Hotshot? Here’s what you do:

screenshot1

  1. You open your newly-upgraded Photolab mobile app, with its upgraded menu options—including Upload to Kiosk!

screenshot2

  1. Select & upload the recently taken whipped cream nose photo (not shown).

screenshot3

 

screenshot4

  1. When the upload is complete, the app displays a code that you can use to access your uploaded photos at ANY Photolab kiosk, at any Photolab location (for a limited time.)

 

With your prize photo uploaded and waiting, you can make a quick stop to your local Photolab right there in the mall or on your way home and order this comedically priceless gift photo mug or ornament in even less time than before. One little upgrade and your holiday shopping time was substantially reduced. More importantly, you were able to create and order a unique, spur-of-the-moment gift that celebrates and mildly embarrasses your friend in less time than it takes to get through a crowded holiday parking lot.

 

And that friends is why the Photolab app upgrade is so awesome. So be sure to give it a try before you embark on a long holiday shopping sojourn.

 

London Drugs to Reward Members of New LDExtras Loyalty Program with $50,000 Worth of Dream Experiences

machu-picchu

As part of the LDExtras launch, London Drugs is now giving new members a taste of the LDExtras experiential rewards by surprising five lucky winners with their choice of one of eight $10,000 ultimate dream experiences.

Customers who sign up for the new LDExtras loyalty program before November 30, 2016 will be entered to win a dream experience. Five winners will be chosen and each winner will choose from 1 of 8 experiences catered to their interests. Experiences include a range of adventures from a Beauty Getaway to a Culinary Extravaganza, to a $10,000 exclusive VIP shopping spree at London Drugs.

Through the ongoing LDExtras program, customers capture rewards for every “Visit”* to London Drugs, from special customized offers on products and services customers routinely purchase, to being entered into a monthly $2500 shopping spree. Special offers include everything from free health coach consultations and free camera firmware, to Photolab rewards and free computer virus checks. More rewards and experiential offerings will be added to the program as London Drugs learns more about its customers through their participation in the LDExtras program.

*Short descriptions of the eight dream experiences, each valued at approximately $10,000 are listed here:

  1. Tech Out Your Home
    London Drugs will outfit the winner’s home with the best smart home technology available, from the world’s fastest wifi to a smart security system. All of those new gadgets just might make their house cooler than the ‘The Jetsons’.
  2. Photography Paradise
    Jet off to Machu Picchu with a friend for the photography adventure of a lifetime! Explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World and capture its beauty with a deluxe camera package from London Drugs.
  3. LDBeauty Getaway
    The winner and their guest of choice will be whisked away to London, England to attend one of the UK’s biggest fashion weekends where they will catch must-see catwalk shows and get an insider peek at the hottest new fashion brands and trends. The LDBeauty experience will also include a vast selection of London Drugs’ VIP beauty products with a value of $1,000.
  4. Culinary Extravaganza
    This is the ultimate one-of-a-kind culinary experience for a self-proclaimed foodie. 10 guests, including the winner, will be treated to a delicious feast prepared by their very own personal celebrity chef – right in the comfort of their home. The prize also includes a deluxe package full of London Drugs’ kitchen gadgets and small appliances to create their own culinary masterpieces.
  5. House Buffing Blitz
    This prize is the secret to a perfectly spotless home. London Drugs will help keep the winner’s home sparkling clean with cleaning services for one year, plus all the cleaning supplies they could ever need, including a Dyson Vacuum, brooms and polishes.
  6. Health and Fitness
    Jump start healthy living with a luxurious spa getaway and retreat! This Health and Fitness experience includes a spa getaway plus personal consultations from a qualified nutrition coach once they return, who will deliver weekly health coaching and continuous support to help maintain a healthy lifestyle for one year. A prize package of VEGA products and a VIP London Drugs health and wellness package will also be gifted to the winner.
  7. The Perfect Christmas
    Deck the halls for the holidays with a $10,000 shopping spree at London Drugs! Shop stress-free during a special VIP afterhours visit to London Drugs, to find everything needed for the perfect Christmas! Christmas gifts galore in every department, wrapping, décor, entertaining essentials and more.
  8. Donate
    Choose a cause that’s close to the heart and we’ll donate $10,000 to your favourite charity.

For more details on the Dream Experience contest and a full list of prizes and terms and conditions, visit LondonDrugs.com/LDExtrasContest

Signing up for LDExtras is simple. Sign up in-store or online at www.LDExtras.com and once registered, the rewards naturally start rolling in. Simply provide your phone number at checkout to begin racking up Visits* and unlocking rewards.

Customers can track and take advantage of LDExtras through the iOS and Android mobile apps; in-store at the LDExtras kiosks; and online at LDExtras.com

*A LDExtras Visit is earned when you spend $10 or more (before taxes) on eligible products each day at a London Drugs store or online at LondonDrugs.com.

*Dream Experience prize specific dates and events subject to availability. London Drugs reserves the right to choose another event in replacement.

*Contest open only to residents of Canada (excluding Quebec).  See full package descriptions and terms and conditions at www.LondonDrugs.com/LDExtrasContest Approximate value $10,000 per prize. Chance to win depends on number of entries. Selected entrant must answer skill testing question to win. No purchase necessary.

« Previous Page Next Page »