Spring Renewal Tea

It’s officially spring (finally!) and it’s time to feel renewed.

Each morning is a chance to set the stage for the rest of the day, so I like to make sure I do at least one good thing for myself. Stretching, meditating and drinking tea make up my ideal routine. If you can’t do all three, try this tea recipe. You can sip it while you get ready and take it on the go.

Okay, I call this a tea–even though the base has no tea leaves! You can certainly add this mixture along with your favorite teas or drink alone for a simple, all-natural morning detox.

This recipe is so simple, affordable and guaranteed to rejuvenate you and put a ‘spring’ in your step.

What you will need:

• 1 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger (fresh ginger root or organic minced ginger from the market)
• Half lemon (clean lemon skin with 1 part vinegar + water mixture)
• 1 teaspoon organic honey (optional)
• 1 mint leaf (optional)

Steps:

Heat the water (on stove or microwave).

Stir in ginger and mix well.

Squeeze half a lemon (or more, according to your preference).  I like to keep the lemon peel in the tea. If you choose to use only the juice, try re-using the lemon peel to freshen your garbage can, add to a home-made cleaning spray or add to the compost for your garden!

Try some organic honey if you want to add a bit of sweetness.

The key to this tea is to drink it every morning–before you eat breakfast and even before drinking coffee or a smoothie. Sip slowly, while you medicate, watch news or catch up on emails.

Enjoy the natural flavors and let the ginger and lemon detox your system. Ginger and lemon both have energizing qualities and help boost your immune system all year long.

Tip: You can chill this tea and enjoy on warmer days. Add some mint (or mint ice cubes) for a cooling effect.

Now, take a deep breath. Exhale. Acknowledge the beautiful sunlight and get ready for an amazing day 🙂

Quick Bite

Have five minutes, kale and avocado? Then you have the makings of the simplest salad and healthy snack!

What you’ll need:

Kale

Avocado

Half Lemon

Honey

Black Pepper

{Preparation}

Wash and drain kale.
Cut half avocado into slices or cubes.
Mix kale and avocado.
Drizzle dressing made of lemon juice (from half lemon) and honey.
Sprinkle fresh ground black pepper.

There are many variations you can try depending on your palate or meal pairings. Another summer version I like is to cut fruits like green apples, grapes or strawberries and make a citrus dressing from olive oil and oranges or grapefruit.

For a savory twist, add crushed red pepper flakes your favorite cheese and use balsamic vinaigrette instead of honey. All you have to do is try different combinations.

For the version I’m enjoying tonight, I invested no more than five minutes to prepare and mix the ingredients and have spent approximately $1.50 – $2.00 for a medium size salad!

What are your favorite easy salad recipes?

{Liz}

#Elizabethology