The Power of Self Care

How many times have you said that you’re too busy to incorporate self care?  There isn’t enough time in the day, the kids and your husband need to come first, the dishes are piling up and the laundry needs to be folded.  Do you mention any of these common reasons?  Maybe you have a laundry list of your own.

What is self care?  There are many definitions and everyone has a list that works uniquely for them.  I think of self care as any activity that nurtures and refuels us on a deeper level.  To me, self care can be reading a book, taking a walk in nature, oil pulling, a gentle touch, a meaningful conversation, a relaxing bath, massage or a facial, meditation or working out, drawing or writing, a long walk on the beach, sex, rocking on the front porch while listening to the birds or skin brushing before a hot shower.  There are so many types of self care, but you have to define what works for you.

When life gets busy, one of the first things to go is personal care.  Even with a busy schedule, it’s imperative to include it in your day.  Every…single…day!  Yes, we can all think of a million things to do before we take care of ourselves, but not including self care can come with a price.  Let’s look at these two scenarios.

Scenario Number One:  You wake up in the morning hitting your alarm several times.  Waking exhausted and dreading your day, you race around your house to get ready.  You speed through a shower and throw on an outfit that you don’t feel great wearing.  “What’s that?  You don’t have time to look through your closet.”  You skip breakfast because you don’t have time or grab a sugar filled, processed “meal.”  As you rush into your car, you hit traffic and lose your shit.  Now you’re running late to your meeting and start work on a bad foot.  The entire work day is filled with stress, negativity and exhaustion.  You grab sugary sweets and coffee for “energy.”  Now it’s time to hit traffic and head home.  You’re in a bad mood, so you bicker with your husband. Dinner time leads to an argument and you both go to bed angry.

Scenario Number Two:  After a long day, you decide a cup of tea, nice book and early bed time is a great way to end the night.  Even if you didn’t get everything done, you know tomorrow is a new day and you need some rest.  You wake up rested, refreshed and more calm.  You take a little extra time in the shower and throw on that gorgeous outfit that you picked out last night. The one that makes you feel like you’re going to conquer the day.  You enjoy a healthy breakfast and some quality time with your family.  While driving to work, you slow down and take a few breaths to relax and prepare for work.  While at work, you enjoy some meaningful conversations with your co-workers, enjoy a healthy lunch with a colleague and head home feeling more positive and energized.  Once home, you enjoy a family meal while discussing everyone’s day.  Time to get the kids bathed and tucked in before some quality time with your husband.

Which of those scenarios would you choose?  

You are probably sitting there thinking, “I wish it was that simple and easy!”  Yes, life can be chaotic and stressful, but when you’re running with a full energy tank, you will serve on a higher level.  At the same time, your personal care has a ripple effect and the lack there of can serve you negatively.   It’s an important part of your day and one that should be practiced regularly.  Even if you can only allow 10 or 15 minutes.

It’s not something that should be perfected.  It will ebb and flow, but take the time to incorporate it every day.  As you find what works for you and consistently include it in your routine, it will eventually become as common as brushing your teeth.

If necessary, schedule it into your calendar.  Make it a priority when your schedule allows.  Some people find it helpful to have an accountability partner.  You can check in with one another once a week and see how things are going.  Who do you have on your support team who can help you stay consistent?  Do you have another “mom friend” who is also feeling like she puts herself last? Maybe you can ask your husband to help keep you accountable.  Whether it’s your friend, coach, psychologist, spouse or family member, choose to be accountable to someone if you feel like you need the support.  Even when things are busy and chaotic, it’s important to include some form of self care EVERY DAY.

 

Top 10 Tips for Including Self Care

  1.  Make time for healthy meals and avoid a bunch of sugary snacks and caffeine.
  2. Allow some extra time in your day or first thing in the morning.
  3. Take ownership of your needs and communicate them to your family.
  4. If necessary, schedule it into your calendar.
  5. Have patience while you’re discovering what works for you.
  6. Lose the “business!”  It’s a priority like anything else.
  7. Remove environmental and chaotic distractions (car, home and lifestyle).
  8. Keep a list of 5 things you consider personal care.  Keep it handy and refer to it often.
  9. If you think it will help, find an accountability partner.
  10. Single pointed focus- One thing at a time.  For example, don’t be on your phone while you’re relaxing in a bath.

Self care is one of the highest leverage things you can do to perform every day and stay happy and calm.  Are you including Self Care into your day now?  Where can you make some changes?  Remember, you’re not being selfish.  Everyone around you will benefit when you make these simple changes.

I would love to hear your questions or ideas.  If you’re struggling to include self care or don’t know where to start, feel free to message me.  It’s a huge equation in your overall health and wellness.

XOXO~

Kim

 

SWEET POTATO, APPLE & SAGE SOUP

HAPPY FALL, YA’LL!

This is my favorite time of the year for so many reasons.  I love the crisp air outside, watching the leaves change colors, pumpkins, spiced scents and the bounty of “farm fresh” fall foods.  It’s about this time that I break out the sweaters, slippers and start making yummy, healthy fall soup recipes.  I love soups, stews and chili dishes this time of year.

Today I decided to cook up one of the fall recipes from my “Feel Fabulous for Fall Clean Eating Program.”  I love eating seasonally and experiencing all of the benefits.  Not to mention the variety of fall foods and trying new things.  Right now, I am roasting vegetables for my Sweet Potato, Apple & Sage Soup, and my house smells AMAZING!!!  This soup is perfect for any meal.  It’s so delicious that I would even serve it to friends and family on Thanksgiving.  It’s THAT good!

I know that fall is a busy time.  It’s a busy time for me too!  That’s why I like to keep things simple and easy through the fall season.  Kiddos are back to school, the holidays are approaching, and we know how crazy the last quarter of the year can be before we welcome 2017.  Can you believe it?  Anyhow, that’s why I like to keep things to the basics.  I am a huge fan of crock pot meals, making extra supper for lunch the next day and using simple ingredients that are easily accessible.

I love the combination of flavors in this easy recipe.  I’m telling ya, you’re house will smell so yummy!  These ingredients are ones that I usually have on hand, so when I was craving soup, I knew exactly what I wanted to try.  I welcome you to try it and let me know what you think.  The vegetables roasted up beautifully and simmered well with the broth.  You can add any toppings that you like.  It’s delicious plain too!  Sometimes I add a few pumpkin seeds (garnish on top) for crunch and an extra fall “kick.”

 

SWEET POTATO, APPLE & SAGE SOUP

Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

3 to 4 large sweet potatoes, chopped
1 apple, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
4 cups vegetable broth
6 to 8 fresh sage leaves, chopped (OR 1 teaspoon dried sage)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add chopped sweet
potatoes, apple, and onion to a large bowl. Drizzle with coconut oil, cinnamon, and
nutmeg. Mix until well coated. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes until
everything is soft and brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it
cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
Move the baked vegetables to a large soup pot and add broth and sage.
Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Use an immersion blender or a high-speed blender to make a smooth soup.  This soup stores well in the fridge too.  In case you have some leftover.
Please comment below and let me know what you think of the recipe. I welcome you to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions.  I would love to hear from you and hear your thoughts about ideas for future recipes
IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION about MY “FEEL FABULOUS FOR FALL” CLEAN EATING PROGRAM, you can check out the link here: “Feel Fabulous for Fall” 14 Day Clean Eating Program

XOXO,

kim

Simple Spaghetti Squash

Happy First Day of Autumn!

I absolutely love this time of year.  The weather is cooling down, the leaves are beginning to change colors, pumpkins are everywhere and delicious fall foods are overflowing farms.  What’s not to like about fall?  Especially if you’re on the East Coast like me and can experience the simple pleasures of the new season.

I had the pleasure of joining a local farm this past Sunday, and we cooked up a yummy Spaghetti Squash meal.  It was so delicious and healthy.  We chose so many ingredients from the farm and joined the collection of flavors to create a magnificent dish that anyone can make.

The farm that I visited is called Hometown Harvest, located in Frederick, Maryland.  What started off as a family dairy business, has now turned into a  delivery service that’s similar to bringing the farmers market right to your doorstep.  I was fascinated to hear how they got started and how much they have grown.

Hometown Harvest and it’s owners have a huge passion for supporting the community and local agriculture.  They help educate the community about the difference between the American diet and the importance of  locally grown, healthy foods.  When the foods are not in season and available locally, they outsource and are very particular about their sources and practices used.  I am very particular about sustainable farming and knowing where my food comes from, so I was thrilled to learn how they select their sources for partnership.

What started off as a partnership with a small hand full of growers and 250-300 deliveries has grown into working with 150 trusted farms and 1,000 deliveries (and counting).  In addition, they now deliver to workplaces as well.  Currently they are serving the Maryland, DC and Virginia region.

Customer support has allowed more opportunities and ways to help the community and their farm.  They’ve been able to partner with many others farms and help out young farmers who are just starting out.  They are also working with local farmers, helping them to invest in “season-extending, sustainable methods.”  This will allow year-round healthy and local food, while providing reliable income for the farmers.  They’ve also expanded their line and provide breads, rolls and pastries (baked daily), pickles, granola, condiments and other goodies from local sources.  They have gluten free products as well.  They have come a long way since 2001, and I am excited to watch their growth.

It was an incredible experience meeting them at their warehouse a month ago and then visiting their farm this past weekend.  I cannot say enough wonderful things about their character, what they believe in, how they give back to others and they provide a phenomenal service that has so much heart and genuine care in it.  You know you’re getting a wonderful, healthy product that’s been grown, raised or made with a lot of care and heart.  For more information about Hometown Harvest, I encourage you to check out their website and delivery areas at: Hometown Harvest.

We planned to do a Facebook Live Food Demo this past Sunday, and I was thrilled when they gave me the opportunity to put the menu together.  I went to their website and started checking out the ingredients that were fresh that week.  I saw spaghetti squash, broccoli and many other goodies. I love spaghetti squash and thought it would be fun to do spaghetti squash boats.  Fall is the perfect season for loading up on Spaghetti Squash and other fall goodies.  Hometown Harvest has a wonderful meat and cheese selection, so I gathered up some ideas for a meal and got started combining flavors.  Check out the recipes below and let me know what you think.  Check out the LIVE Demo on our pages:  Kim Wilson and Hometown Harvest.

spaghetti squash boats

 

ground turkey boats (serves 4)

ingredients:

(2) Spaghetti Squash

1 LB of Ground Turkey (or your protein of choice)

Oil (I prefer avacado or grapeseed oil to cook)

1-2 Cloves Garlic, minced

1/4 to 1/2 onion, diced

3-4 Roma tomatoes, diced

1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

Salt and Pepper (If preferred and to taste)

1 tsp Italian Seasoning (or make your own)

Fresh Basil

1 cup Raw Cheese (Optional)

Note: I used their Sun Dried Tomato Basil Cheddar for this recipe

instructions:

  1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Unless you are able to carefully slice your spaghetti squash in half (long ways), I recommend you warm it in the oven until you’re able to carefully insert your knife.  Cutting is the hardest part of the recipe.  Make sure you use pot holders to remove the warmed squash.
  3. Carefully cut off the ends and sit your squash upright on the counter.  Once sliced down through the middle (long ways), scoop out the seeds and drizzle the flesh side with oil.
  4. On a foil lined baking sheet, place your boats flesh side up on the pan.
  5. Cook about 45-60 minutes (depending on your oven) until you can insert a fork straight into the flesh.  The flesh will eventually show a gorgeous browning top.  You want this but not too cooked.
  6. While your boats are cooking in the over, start to prepare your filling.
  7. In a dry pan (stove top), cook your red pepper flakes for just a few minutes while moving it around the pan.  Make sure you do not allow the flakes to stay in one place for a while and burn.  Let them sit to the side and cool.
  8. In your warmed skillet, add some oil and allow a little increase in the temperature (about medium heat).  Add in your garlic for a minute or two (while moving around the pan) and then your onion.  Cook for a few minutes.
  9. Add your ground turkey to the garlic and onion mixture.  Mix well.
  10. Add in your prepared red pepper flakes, salt and pepper (as desired) and Italian seasoning.  Cook until meat is brown.  Add in you tomatoes, mix and simmer (while stirring occasionally) until all ingredients are combined and tomatoes are wilted. Set aside.
  11. Once the boats have been taken out of the oven and cooled for a few minutes, scrape the squash (long ways) with a fork, which will give strands of squash (similar to the appearance of noodles).
  12. Carefully and gently combine some of your squash and meat mixture in a separate bowl.  Fill one boat and repeat with the others until your mixture is gone.  You can also reserve some to enjoy later.  It lasts several days.
  13. Top each boat with a little cheese and broil in the oven until lightly browned on top.  About 1-3 minutes.  Watch the oven because they will broil quickly.
  14. Garnish with some chopped fresh basil.
  15. ENJOY!
NOTE:  WE ALSO MADE BROCCOLI BOATS.  GREAT FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT WANT TO EAT MEAT.  SAME INGREDIENTS (MINUS THE ONION and tomatoes), BUT INSTEAD OF THE MEAT, WE SUBSTITUTED 3-4 CUPS OF SAUTEED BROCCOLI. you can add the tomatoes if you like.  WE COOKED THE BROCCOLI THE SAME WAy AS THE MEAT BUT ADDED IN SOME WATER AND STEAMED IT ON THE STOVE.  YOU CAN ROAST YOUR BROCCOLI in the oven AS WELL.  WE ALSO USED THE RAW SMOKED CHEDDAR FOR THE BROCCOLI BOATS, BUT BOTH KINDS of meats ARE FABULOUS.  THE GARLIC AND SEASONINGS REALLY ADDED FLAVOR TO THe broccoli.  Any type of meat can be used.  this would also be yummy with bison, sausage (not as healthy but would be delicious) and grass fed beef.  so many options for these boats.  i recommend you to try them and see what you like.

*** Spaghetti Squash (uncooked) will keep for quite a while on your counter after you buy it.  I love to load up at the farmers market and store it on my counter for use.  They will last several weeks, if not longer.  Fresh off the farm is best, but just so you know, they will keep a while.

Have you made Spaghetti Squash before?  I welcome you to comment below or share a recipe you love.  Enjoy, Friends!

XO~

Kim

 

10 Simple Tips to Slow Down

With phones and the internet, it’s so easy for us to connect with people all over the world.  Yet somehow, people struggle to connect with themselves and slow down.  Schedules and demands grow every single day.  We have the tools and assistance to help us with those “lists and tasks,” but we carry much of the burden ourselves.  We feel like we need to do everything and it needs to be done NOW!

Unfortunately, we are setting ourselves up for a large possibility of issues.  Anything from stress and anxiety to illness, marital problems, poor eating habits, lack of sleep  and a poor work environment.  These are just a few examples, but I hope they give you a little understanding of the importance of slowing down.

We are getting ready to head into the holiday season, so that will bring another addition of stress, full schedules and anxiety.  As much as I talk about personal care and taking the time to slow down, I cannot stress the importance of these things.

Even with a hectic schedule and many demands, it’s important to take the time to slow down, smell the roses and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.  Not only will they allow for new opportunities, but there are so many benefits for the body and soul.

Look at these exercises and ideas as a guide.  Incorporating just a few (or more) will lead to greater health and happiness.

  1.  REMEMBER YOUR GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS:  AS YOU LAY IN BED IN THE MORNING, THINK ABOUT THE GOALS YOU HAVE SET FOR YOURSELF AND ANY OTHERS THAT YOU RECENTLY DISCOVERED.  WHAT ASPIRATIONS DO YOU HAVE?  TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND THINK ABOUT YOUR GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS BEFORE STARTING YOUR DAY.
2.  SIT WITH YOUR EYES CLOSED:  BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR BED, TURN ON YOUR COMPUTER, RUN OUT THE DOOR OR HEAD INTO THAT MEETING THAT YOU’RE NERVOUS ABOUT, SIT AND RELAX.  TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO SIT IN A PEACEFUL PLACE WITH YOUR EYES CLOSED.  TAKING A FEW DEEP BREATHES WILL HELP TO REDUCE YOUR ANXIETY AND BRING ABOUT A SENSE OF CALM.
3.  TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE:  THIS HAS BEEN A HUGE HELP FOR ME IN MY OWN LIFE.  LIVING NEAR MOUNTAINS AND A LOT OF FARMS, IT’S VERY THERAPEUTIC TO TAKE THE “SCENIC ROUTE.”  IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY, I RECOMMEND TAKING THE BACK ROADS, CATCH THE CITY SKYLINE, ENJOY THE FRESH AIR AND OPEN FIELD VIEW.  EVEN IF IT ADDS ON AN EXTRA 5 OR 10 MINUTES TO YOUR COMMUTE, IT’S WORTH IT.
4.  ALLOW MORE TIME:  WE ARE USED TO A FAST PACED LIFE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU LIVE IN THE CITY.  ALLOW YOUR SCHEDULE AN EXTRA 15 TO 30 MINUTES WHEN YOU CAN.  IT WILL HELP TO REDUCE STRESS, ALLOW YOU TO SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY A FEW MINUTES TO YOURSELF.
5.  TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF:  I HAVE THIS DISCUSSION ALL OF THE TIME WITH MY CLIENTS.  THEY PUT EVERYONE BEFORE THEMSELVES, BUT THEY DO NOT REALIZE THAT THEY CAN GIVE BACK SO MUCH MORE WHEN THEY FEEL BETTER.  IT’S OK TO TAKE TIME FOR YOU!  THERE SHOULD NOT BE GUILT ATTACHED WITH CARVING OUT A LITTLE TIME WHEN YOU’RE BODY IS TELLING YOU TO RELAX AND SLOW DOWN.  IT’S IMPORTANT TO SAVE SOME TIME FOR THOSE THINGS YOU LOVE.  TAKE 30 MINUTES TO READ A BOOK, TAKE A RELAXING BATH, ROCK ON YOUR FRONT PORCH, MEDITATE OR RELAX IN A YOGA CLASS. TAKING TIME FOR YOU IS SO IMPORTANT!
6.  CONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS:  CREATING TIME TO SPEND WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS VERY IMPORTANT.  GRAB LUNCH AND CATCH UP WITH A FRIEND YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IN A WHILE OR DROP BY YOUR PARENTS HOUSE TO SAY HELLO.  NOT ONLY IS IT GOOD FOR YOU, BUT I AM SURE IT WOULD MEAN A LOT TO THEM TOO.  EVEN A LITTLE CALL CAN MAKE SOMEONE’S DAY AND BRING HAPPINESS TO YOU AS WELL.  WHEN YOU ARE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, BE PRESENT.  WE ARE OFTEN ON OUR TABLETS AND CELL PHONES, AND WE ARE NOT FULLY PRESENT.  BE PRESENT!
7.  SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY YOUR MEAL:  I KNOW OUR SCHEDULES AND CAREERS CAN BE VERY FAST PACED, BUT THERE ARE SO MANY BENEFITS TO SLOWING DOWN AND ENJOYING A DELICIOUS MEAL.  NOT ONLY IS IT BETTER FOR YOUR HEALTH, BUT IT ALLOWS THE ABILITY TO ENJOY THE TASTES, TEXTURES AND VARIETY OF FLAVORS.  WHEN YOU INHALE YOUR FOOD, IT’S NOT GOOD FOR YOU AND YOU MISS OUT ON THESE WONDERFUL THINGS.
8.  ENJOY NATURE:  DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF THE SEASONS AND ALL THEY HAVE TO OFFER OUTDOORS.  TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO STEP OUTSIDE AND BREATHE IN FRESH AIR.  SOAK UP SOME SUN ON YOUR LUNCH BREAK AND TAKE A STROLL WITH A FRIEND OR CO-WORKER.  MAYBE TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF AND RELAX UNDER A TREE, WHILE YOU FEEL THE BREEZE AND RUN YOUR TOES THROUGH THE GRASS. NATURE HAS AN AMAZING WAY OF HELPING US REFRESH AND RELAX.
9.  CUT PERSONAL INTERNET BY HALF (OR MORE):  IN TODAY’S WORLD, WE ARE SO CONSUMED BY FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, LINKEDIN, WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE WORLD AND WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING.  IT’S EASY TO GET SUCKED IN, WANDER AND OFTEN COMPARE OURSELVES TO OTHERS.  THE INTERNET IS A WONDERFUL THING, BUT IT ALSO BRINGS MANY BAD HABITS.  INSTEAD OF SPENDING SO MUCH TIME ONLINE, CUT SOME OF IT AND TRY A NEW HOBBY OR ADVENTURE. GO OUTSIDE AND MEDITATE OR READ A BOOK.  LIKE SO MANY THINGS, IT’S IMPORTANT TO FIND A GOOD BALANCE…A HEALTHY BALANCE!
10.  ALLOW TIME TO PRIORITIZE DAILY OBJECTIVES:  EARLIER IN THE DAY, FOCUS ON THE MOST IMPORTANT TASKS TO BE COMPLETED.  IF YOU HAVE A LONG LIST, PRIORITIZE AND DON’T FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING AT ONCE.  IF YOU HAVE TASKS THAT YOU ARE DREADING,  LIST THREE OR FOUR THINGS THAT YOU ARE NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING.  GET THESE ITEMS DONE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.  THAT ALLOWS FOR MORE TIME THROUGHOUT THE DAY TO DO THE THINGS YOU ENJOY.

WE CAN MAKE EXCUSES ALL DAY AS TO WHY WE ARE SO BUSY AND DON’T HAVE TIME.  SO, I ASK YOU….

DO YOU FEEL STRESSED?  
ARE YOU EXHAUSTED DURING YOUR WORK DAY, ESPECIALLY AFTER LUNCH?
DO YOU FIND THAT YOU’RE EASILY IRRITATED AND DEFENSIVE WHEN OTHERS SPEAK TO YOU?
ARE YOU LACKING DRIVE AND MOTIVATION?
DO YOU FEEL DISCONNECTED FROM FAMILY, FRIENDS AND YOURSELF?

If any of these questions resonate with you, I recommend trying some of these tips.  It’s pretty incredible how some simple adjustments and changes in the day can produce incredible results.

If you have tried any of these or have some ideas of your own, I welcome you to message me or comment below.  I would love to hear from you!

Wishing you a happy and healthy day!

XOXO~

KIM

My Daily Refresher Drink

I love starting my morning with a delicious and healthy Daily Refresher Drink.  With the season beginning to change and the air turning a little crisper, I want to protect my body against the temperature changes and germs which surround us every day.

Not only is this power packed drink a great fighter against illness, but it’s great for cleansing the body, clearing up your skin and those pesky blemishes, building immunity, slimming your waistline (with proper nutrition) and kicking up your metabolism.  Yes, you can choose to drink this when you feel a cold or flu coming on, but I recommend it every day and throughout the year.  Plus, it’s delicious!

My Daily Refresher Drink #detox #holistichealth #naturalremedy @nutritionschool

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There are SO many benefits to every ingredient in this yummy concoction.  I know a lot of people get freaked out when they hear the words “detox or refresh,” but this isn’t some “crazy liquid diet, only drink this all day, magically make you healthy drink.”  It’s safe enough to drink daily (even several times a day) and year round.  It does help you cleanse your body, but there are other benefits, as I mentioned.

Warm Lemon Water:  i love warm lemon water!  There are so many benefits with these two ingredients alone.  warm lemon water balances ph in your body, aids in digestion, hydrates and rejuvenates skin, flushes out toxins, reduces inflammation, helps purify and stimulate the liver and has been linked to weight loss.

ginger:  this spice is a power house of health benefits.  it helps to boost the immune system, eliminates gas, has anti-inflammatory effects, helps to prevent cold and flu symptoms, provides headache and cramp relief, aids in allergy prevention and reduction of symptoms, helps with motion and morning sickness and provides heart health.

turmeric:  this powerful plant is actually a part of the ginger family, so you know it’s got to be kick ass!  turmeric helps to detox the liver, improve the appearance of skin, improve digestion, reduce bad cholesterol, helps with weight management, reduces fever, heals wounds quicker and helps to relieve arthritis pain.

honey:  did your mom ever tell you to drink warm water with honey when you had a sore throat?  That’s what i always thought it was for, but i had no idea how many other benefits honey provides.  honey does help to relieve sore throats, but it also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.  it also helps to strengthen the immune system, provides energy to the body, can aid in proper digestion, improves skin quality, helps with improving sleep, helps with inflammation and has been shown to improve allergy problems.  it’s also a great natural sweetener.  i recommend local, raw honey to all of my clients.  It’s much healthier than tablespoons of sugar or “fake” sweeteners

apple cider vinegar: this is another ingredient that i’ve been using for several years.  it’s definitely got a power punch of a taste, but combines well with other ingredients.  apple cider vinegar helps to detoxify the body and warn off cold and flu symptoms.  it also acts as a natural appetite SUPPRESSANT, slims the waistline, lowers cholesterol, clears skin, reduces inflammation, helps with arthritis, regulates ph in the body, helps to relieve gout, helps relieve sinus pressure and infection and helps with nausea symptoms.  it’s very universal in that it can be combined in a drink, taken in a diluted shot and used in many recipes.  i often use apple cider vinegar in my salad dressing recipes.

As you can see, these ingredients together (and alone) provide a phenomenal combination of health benefits.  This drink can be modified to your liking, so I welcome you to switch it up.  Even though the raw honey is healthy, I encourage you to not go too overboard.  It does provide a nice sweetener and boost of benefits, but you don’t want to add too much.  One half to one full tablespoon should be plenty.  The apple cider vinegar is optional and a splash should do just fine.  I provided a gauge with the measurements because everyone has different taste buds.  Play around with it and see what combination you like the best.  I welcome you to message me if you have any questions or if I can help you in any way.

Have you found a healthy drink or detox combination that you love?  I welcome you to share it below.  Wishing you a happy and healthy day!

 

daily detox drink recipe

One cup of hot water (to steep)
lemon juice (1/2 of an organic lemon, freshly squeezed)
1/2 tsp of fresh turmeric (you can use the powder if you cannot find it fresh)
1/2 tsp of fresh ginger (i zest mine fresh from the root, but you can also use 1/2 to 1 tsp of ground ginger in the powder form)
1/2 to 1 TBSP of local, raw honey
a splash of apple cider vinegar (you can measure a 1/2 tsp as well, but some prefer a splash)

Directions:

Carefully pour the hot water into a mug of your choice.  Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into your mug.  I prefer organic, but it’s not imperative.  Add in your turmeric and ginger.  If you’re using fresh ingredients, you can cut your ginger and turmeric into pieces or zest them into the cup.  If you’re using the powder version, measure out and add into your cup.  Finish off your drink with the raw honey and apple cider vinegar (optional).  Stir to combine all ingredients and let cool until warm.  You may notice some of the ingredients settle while you’re enjoying this yummy, healthy drink.  Stir occasionally to mix all of the ingredients.  Enjoy!

XOXO~

Kim