Turmeric tea is a fabulous treat on a hot day. Forget the ibuprofen and sip some tea! Turmeric is a natural anti inflammatory and pain reliever. The root looks similar to ginger root, but when peeled is vibrant orange.
Tumeric Tea
1 tsp finely grated turmeric
1 pitcher of water
Combine. Let come to boil in a saucepan. Then, simmmer 10 minutes. Cool completely. Strain into a jar with a lid to keep in fridge up to 3 days. Serve hot or over ice. I sweeten with honey and a dash of cinnamon. Enjoy!
Need a simple, healthy snack to take to the beach? Skip the unhealthy bags of microwave popcorn. Instead use that air popper in the back of your cupboard, to make a batch of Beach Popcorn, seasoned with Sea Salt and Coconut Oil. A touch of sweet and savory make the perfect bite!
In a large bowl, toss the warm popcorn while drizzling the coconut oil and shaking the sea salt. Store in re-useable container and enjoy while at the beach…or on your couch for movie night would do too!
Popcorn contains whole grains, loads of healthy anti-oxidants, and fiber–about 4 grams of fiber for every 4 cups of popped corn.
Coconut Oil is a healthy fat. It is heart healthy and can assist in maintaining cholesterol levels.
Living in California, where lovely, large organic artichokes thrive, I wanted to grill up some local flavor. Try this recipe along with some Dijon mustard or garlic butter for dipping on your next warm summer eve.
First use a large knife to trim the stem and cut about 1/2 inch off the top of the artichoke, getting rid of the prickly edges of the leaves. Wash the artichokes and place each one on a piece of tin foil. Stuff 2 garlic cloves between the leaves of each artichoke, squeeze lemon juice on the top. Lastly, drizzle olive oil and coconut oil over the tops, and between the leaves. Wrap each one tightly in foil and place on your outdoor grill for 10 minutes at high heat, then 30 minutes at medium heat/until tender. Let rest in foil for 10 minutes, serve with your sauce of choice!
Artichokes are one of the healthiest foods in the world, and the leaves are the richest and most nourishing part to eat. They rank higher in antioxidants than an any other vegetable!
Coconut Oil adds a sweet taste and is great for your hair and overall health.
I started making smoothies in order to pump up my vitamin and protein levels in my diet. I found that smoothies were a quick and easy way to do that. For your own energy boost, try blending up a smoothie first thing in the morning. I tend to make mine full of enough vitamins and protein to last me until a mid morning snack. Try adding seeds to your smoothie for extra valuable minerals, that tend to be depleted from our typical diets.
Place all ingredients in your high powered blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy the lasting energy and health benefits you will feel from your morning Blackberry Peach Smoothies! Feel free to vary the fruit ingredients with what you enjoy and have on hand. I buy bags of frozen organic fruit at Costco and use those each morning in our smoothies. Sip with a straw and enjoy!
Blackberries have a royal purple color, which is the source of the rich antioxidants that fight free radicals. They also help with memory function.
Peaches and other “stone fruits” contain compounds that have anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties.
Flaxseed is easier to absorb when ground, so blending it up takes care of that! Flax provides fiber, omega 3s, minerals and vitamin E.
Greek Yogurt contains high amounts of protein and calcium for bone health, as when as immune boosting probiotics.
Sunflower Seeds are amazing for the tiny little seeds they are! They contain a powerhouse of magnesium which keeps our nerves relaxed as well as our blood vessels and muscles. They also have anti cancer fighting selenium. Studies have shown a link between low selenium and cancer incidence.
So drink up your daily morning smoothies, and reap the health you sow with these rays of healing!
I made SunshineWater when my little girl came down with a bad case of the flu. She had a high fever and was not able to eat or drink much. She did not like sports drinks, so I made this and she loved it. I believe the natural electrolytes, vitamins and minerals that I infused into the water, helped her heal.
For a healthy and refreshing beverage, pick some fresh herbs and citrus from your garden or local farmers market and make your own SunshineWater.
Squeeze lemons and oranges into your pitcher/jar. Place all ingredients into a large size jar or pitcher. Pour filtered water over the top and refrigerate overnight. Pour over ice into glasses. Garnish with a slice of lemon or cucumber. Sip wildly and freely! Smile.
Cara Cara Oranges are called the “Power Orange”, because they are full of disease fighting anti-oxidants, folate, potassium, vitamin c and fiber.
Lemons are full of citric acid, magnesium, vitamin c, bioflavonoids, and limonene which promotes immunity and fights off infection. Lemons are a natural source of anti-bacterial, anti-viral and full of immune boosting goodness.
Basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory qualities from eugenol, a volatile oil that blocks enzymes that cause swelling. Great for soothing arthritis.
Peppermint aids in digestions, and soothes the stomach. My grandmother used to pick fresh peppermint and infuse it in boiling water and served it to me as a tea, when my stomach hurt! It is also calming and can help break up phlegm from a cough. It also contains cancer fighting qualities.
Cucumbers contain lots of vitamin c, manganese, beta carotene and lignans that have anti-cancer antioxidants.
Serve SunshineWater any day, but especially when your immune system needs an extra kick!
The Culdesac 