Winter Wellness
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It's that time of the year when the weather is colder, the sky is darker and the air is moister.
Winter is here! Today I want to share some of my tips and tricks to stay healthy through the season. Eating well and having a consistent exercise regime are great places to start. Slowing down and actively working on reducing stress in your life is another important factor. But we will still have to battle colder, damper days and plenty of germs around to weaken our health.
So let's focus on several important immune builders:
Ginger
A natural immune builder. Ginger reduces inflammation, helps with nausea and is excellent for heart and circulatory system. It also helps digestion. Ginger is known to reduce cholesterol levels, suppress herpes simplex virus, and help prevent the formation of blood clots.
I recommend using ginger internally in stir fries, soups or sauteed with fresh green vegetables. Make a hot fresh ginger tea. Just heat a cup of water, lower to a simmer and add 3-4 fresh ginger slices. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes, add lemon and honey if you like.
Garlic
You've heard it before and it's true - garlic is one of the best immune builders there is. When I feel like I am getting sick I eat it raw. I just peel a garlic clove, cut it in several pieces and stuff some olives. If you dislike the garlic flavor another alternative is to take garlic capsules. I also enjoy roasting garlic whole in the oven. When it is done, the garlic can be easily spread on breads, crackers, vegetables or just eaten alone.
Green Plants
Chlorophyll is purifying and stops the spread of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Chlorophyll also promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal flora. Parsley, Kale, collard and dandelion greens, chard, watercress, romaine lettuce, mustard greens, arugola, etc should be staples in your diet.
Seaweeds
The powerful vegetables of the sea are full of vitamins, minerals and calcium. The have an alkalizing effect on your blood and support your kidneys, adrenals and reproductive organs. They have a cooling effect though so be careful when you get cold easily.
Sleep
Probably the most important factor. Sleep is vital to recharging your batteries and to being productive and healthy. In fact, often rest alone will allow the body to recuperate easily.
These are just a few tips to help jump start your road to wellness. If you are looking to create a stronger support team and new ideas for winter wellness contact me for a free health consultation at health@heidirothbard.com
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Food Focus: Sea Vegetables
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In traditional Chinese healing, sea vegetables correspond to the winter season and to the kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder and reproductive organs. The strengthening, balancing and cleansing properties of sea vegetables are known to help these organs as well as the hair, skin and nails. Sea vegetables (or seaweeds) provide a variety of minerals and vitamins, including calcium, iron and iodine, and can help balance hormone and thyroid levels in the body. Eating too many processed foods or foods grown in mineral-depleted soil can result in a lack of minerals in the body, leading to cravings for salty or sugary foods. Adding sea vegetables to your diet can help balance your energy levels and alleviate cravings.
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| Recipe of the Month: Mighty Miso Soup
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Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Yield: 4-5 servings
Ingredients:
4-5 cups spring water
1-2 inch strip of wakame, rinsed and soaked 5 minutes
in 1 cup of water, until softened
1-2 cups thinly sliced vegetables of your choice (see notes)
2-3 teaspoons barley miso
2 scallions, finely chopped
Directions:
- Chop soaked wakame.
- Discard soaking water or use on houseplants for a boost of minerals.
- Place water and wakame in a soup pot and bring to a boil.
- Add root and ground vegetables first and simmer gently for 5 minutes or until tender.
- Add leafy vegetables and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove about 1/2 cup of liquid from pot and dissolve miso into it. Return it to the pot.
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