Feel Better-My Tips for Recovery from a Cold

Against my best efforts I got sick last week.  I ran myself down working too much and this weather didn't help nurture my already weakened immune system.  As we push through the end of this winter cold season there are plenty of healthy remedies you can use. The ones I am sharing with you have helped me heal faster and stronger.  Here are my top ten tips:-

1. Rest, rest and more rest.  Your body heals itself while you sleep so get some extra zzz's and let your body do some amazing work for you.  

2. Hydration is always important and while you're sick it is key to healing.  Keep up your fluid intake, lots of water, warm broths and teas.  A friend of mine dropped off some juices for me this past week and this was a great way for me to hydrate and get nutrients in my body.

3. Vegetables and fruits are vital to a healthy immune system.  They are packed with nutrition and encourage cell regeneration which helps fight your illness.  When you are sick eating can be unappealing but you need to keep your system running.  Eat a few servings of whatever sounds the most appealing to you.  

4. Grain Protein is a great way to get nutrients and is easy for your body to digest.  I ate a quinoa salad with kale, dried cranberries, olive oil, salt and pepper that filled me up and was packed with goodness that my body needed.  

5. Probiotics are an absolute must when you are sick.  Probiotics are good bacteria that already live inside your gut, when you become sick they work overtime to help you heal meaning they need a little back up.  The easiest way to get more in your system is from yogurt.  I was recently introduced to an amazing brand called White Moustache.  They are a small batch yogurt distributor and their product is packed with protein, probiotics and a little something sweet at the bottom. Get your hands on your favorite brand and enjoy the healthful benefits.

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6. Avoid too much sugar, it naturally weakens your immunity so while your sick you want to make sure you aren't indulging in over sweetened things.  Of course, I ate ice cream one night because I needed a little something sweet.  I keep my diet very clean while I am sick so I tend to only use honey as a sweetener which brings me to my next tip....

7. Honey is a little golden miracle.  Honey is antimicrobial and antifungal which helps heal you from the inside out.  Honey is also amazing for a sore throat and to help soothe an aggravated cough.  Add a few teaspoons to your tea or take one teaspoon on it's own.  

8. Elderberry Syrup is a purple liquid of health.  My mother introduced me to this miracle syrup this past illness and it helped me more than I could have imagined.  Elderberry syrup has high levels of A, B, C and helps stimulate the immune system.  It also works as aide to help prevent the flu and speed up the healing time.  I use the brand Sambucus(the scientific name for the berry) which is from a health food store.  

9. My Golden Elixir Tea is something I use in my daily life and was a saving grace for me with all of my body ache.  The turmeric in the tea helps with inflammation reducing the pain.  Follow this link to get the full recipe; http://www.lexieruse.com/new-blog/2014/1/4/new-year-new-things 

10. Apple Cider Vinegar is an amazing natural aide for your health.  Gargle with a tablespoon to help with a sore throat or drink a teaspoon in your water to help your nasal congestion. Consuming a tablespoon a day is a great preventative tip for your immune system.  

I hope these tips help you heal faster in your time of need.  Stay healthy and strong as we push through these last few weeks of winter, I swear Spring is coming.   

Brussels Sprout Salad (Detox Salad)

Don't feel any guilt about indulging today, the Superbowl comes only once a year.  Enjoy yourself and the company of others.   If you feel a little overindulged with the food you ate try my delicious brussels sprout salad. I like to make this salad for a quick & healthy meal option.  I started making it for my friends and they almost demand it every time they come over.  The salad quickly got the nick name of "detox salad" based on it's simple ingredient list that is full of nutritious items.  You can increase the recipe by two and add it as a salad to be shared along with a meal.  To your health!

Ingredients;

1/2 Head of Red Cabbage

6-8 Brussels Sprouts 

1 Scallion

A handful of walnuts

Dressing;

3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar

1 clove of garlic minced 

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

Salt and Pepper to taste

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With the cabbage lying cut side down, starting at the top thinly slice the cabbage and place in a mixing bowl.  Cut the ends off of the brussels sprouts and then slice in half.  As you did with the cabbage, thinly slice the brussels sprouts and add them to the bowl with the cabbage.  Slice the scallions thin and rough chop the walnuts, add both ingredients to the bowl.  

Combine all dressing ingredients into a bowl and stir together until all ingredients are combined. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss together.  Enjoy! 

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Grapefruit Cocktail

I am a lover of fresh squeezed juices in my cocktails and grapefruit tops the list. This is a simple and refreshing drink, easy to make and enjoy. I used my Cinnamon Agave Elixir to compliment the drink.

2oz Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit

2oz Cinnamon Agave Elixir

1.5oz Vodka

Lime Wedge to Garnish

Combine all of the liquid ingredients into a shaker over ice.

 

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Shake for a few seconds, pour over a glass with ice, finish with lime garnish.

 

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Classic Ragu

I can't be blamed for needing something comforting and filling in this winter weather.  I made one of my classic dishes for dinner last night, beef ragu with linguini.  I made a kale and cabbage salad to accompany the dish...balanced right?

For the most simple and delicious sauce

2 28oz canned diced tomatoes (I prefer San Marzano)

1 yellow onion diced

1 pd organic ground beef

3 cloves of garlic minced

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 bunch of parsley roughly chopped

Salt and Pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.  I prefer a pot to a large sauté pan because the liquid evaporates much quicker with more surface area. Add the onions, cook until translucent about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the garlic and continue to cook, stirring to ensure the garlic doesn't burn.  Cook for 2-3 minutes and add the beef.  Turn the heat up to a medium high heat to brown the meat, cook meat until it is no longer pink stirring consistently.  Add the canned tomatoes, stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer on the stove for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add parsley, salt and pepper while it simmers.  The sauce should be thicker but still have liquid, if you notice that the liquid is evaporating quickly while it is simmering, reduce heat to lowest possible.  Salt and pepper to your liking.  I love this sauce with almost any noodle, my favorites are linguini noodle or a rigatoni tube pasta.  

Enjoy! 

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