I'm all about treating naturally, and this tea is my first line of defence against colds. It's a little spicy and a lot delicious, which makes it a medicine I love to take. 

This tea is full of immune boosters, so don't be afraid to drink it any time you feel under the weather. You can drink it when you're healthy as a preventative measure too! The ingredients in this tea are anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and can be soothing for throats, too.  If you have access to dried Reishi mushrooms (commonly found in health food stores), add some to your tea for an even bigger immune boost. Ginger is a great digestive aid, so you can drink this tea for sore stomachs as well. 

When I'm sick, I usually need some extra encouragement to get through the day- Ben Howard is the best for this.

Ben Howard- Keep Your Head Up

INGREDIENTS

1 tsp fresh grated ginger
1 slice lemon
1 tsp honey, or to taste
boiling water
(optional) 2 slices dried Reishi mushroom

INSTRUCTIONS

Add ginger and honey to a mug. Squeeze the slice of lemon into the mug, then add the slice to the mug. Pour boiling water into the mug, stir, sip.
 

Disclaimer: Information can be empowering, but we all have unique health profiles and needs. Health-related information contained in this post is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for a visit with a Naturopathic Doctor. The advice is intended to offer only a general basis for individuals to discuss their medical condition with their health care provider.  Always consult your licensed Naturopathic Physician.

Merry Christmas! 

I hope your holiday was amazing. Mine definitely was, which is why I'm posting this smoothie- to help with a bit of detox/ rejuvenation after the indulgences of Christmas.

You might not think a gluten free, dairy free Christmas meal is indulgent- but it is, especially with my mom's GF stuffing. It's legendary!

Typically, cleansing and detox starts in the new year, which is great. However, this time in between Christmas and New Years is a perfect time for a nutritional boost. If you have enough greens this week, maybe your New Years hangover won't show up! (Just kidding. Greens are great but they aren't magicians;) )

This smoothie may be green, but it definitely doesn't taste it! I refuse to drink gunky green concoctions just because they are good for me, so this one is both delicious and nutritious! Adding spinach increases iron, vegetable consumption and phytochemical intake for the day. Banana, as we all know, is high in potassium but is also a good source of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. 

INGREDIENTS

1 cup almond milk, or milk of your choice
1 ripe banana, fresh or frozen
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp vanilla
1 cup or 2 big handfuls spinach or kale, or both
ice cubes
 Protein options: 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder, or 1 tbsp almond butter, or 1 tbsp chia seeds, or 1 tbsp hemp seeds

*note: use whatever protein you like or have on hand. If using protein powder, I find it usually makes the smoothie too sweet, so use half a banana instead of a full and throw some extra greens in there to cut the sweetness!
 

 INSTRUCTIONS

Add all ingredients except ice cubes to a blender. Blend until smooth. Add ice cubes and blend until you've reached your desired thickness. Drink and feel great!