9 minute read
Beat the Chill
Beat the CHILL with these HERBAL COLD and FLU DEFENSES
by Michael Kabel
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WINTER’S CHILL BRINGS THE WARMTH OF THE HOLIDAYS – BUT IT ALSO BRINGS THE ACHES, PAINS, AND OTHER DISCOMFORTS OF COLD AND FLU SEASON. HERBAL AND ORGANIC HEALING EXPERTS POINT TO THESE THREE NATURAL TREATMENTS AS SOME OF THE BODY’S BEST DEFENSES AGAINST SEASONAL DISCOMFORT.
GOLDENSEAL – This bittertasting member of the buttercup family is probably best known for its anti-microbial benefits, both taken as a tablet and when used as natural sanitizer. Its active ingredient, berberine, is regarded as a natural enemy of bacteria and fungi. The goldenseal berry is also prized for its anti-catarrhal benefits such as alleviating mucus and sinus congestion. It can also help reduce hay fever and soothe runny noses.
It is also used as as a laxative, a digestive aid, and to ease menstrual pain and to treat urinary tract infections. Goldenseal is usually taken in tablet form.
ELDERBERRY – Sometimes called sambucus or elder, this fruit of the perennial elder plant is used to treat common allergies. Studies show it’s also effective in combating a range of flu symptoms including headache, sore muscles, and coughing. One report shows that consistent use cuts the flu’s lifespan in half. Additional
evidence inidcates that the berry might be useful in fighting both the swine flu (H1N1) and more severe respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis.
Though taken safely as a syrup or lozenge, elderberries should never be consumed raw as serious health risks can occur. Elderberry tablets are often taken in conjunction with zinc supplements for added immune system support.
ECHINACEA – The coneflower daisy that grows throughout America is probably also its most famous illness-fighting herb – and probably the most misunderstood. Though millions of patients take it to prevent common cold symptoms, research demonstrates its active ingredients work to help the body treat the effects of a cold more than prevent them.
Besides colds, Echinacea is commonly used to treat similar issues such as the flu and streptococcus infections. It’s sold as a tablet and found in teas and juices.
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Style Whitney Alexandra Photography: Nick DuPlessis Model Erica Kern with Ford Robert Black model agency Clothing: CarolesCouture.com Hair & Makeup: Malissa Ramer
Tis’ the SEASON! … Make it glamorous!
By: Whitney Alexandra
One of the most enchanting times of the year is upon us. With your calendar filling up for holiday parties and events to attend, it is not only a must to be glamorous but desirable and fun to look glamorous. No need to stress about your holiday party wardrobe options…here are some quick tips to bring out the glamorous woman in you this holiday season!
Keep it stunningly simple! A fulllength cocktail dress might seem too much for a holiday party or perceived that it will cost a pretty penny and should be worn only to black tie events. NEWS FLASH! Both of these perceptions are FALSE! Purchasing a classic long cocktail dress for a very reasonable price is simple if you try shopping brands such as ABS by Allen Schwartz where you will find stunning
Whitney’s Fit Fashion Find:
Whitney Alexandra
The struggle to stay fit in the winter can be a challenge due to the frigid cold weather outside. Stay motivated and keep warm with the Nike Miler Long-Sleeve running shirt. Pick up a few on Nike.com or at your local Nike store. This long sleeve shirt “wicks” the perspiration away from the skin and helps you to stay dry while working out. Available in a variety of cool colors … these shirts are a must-have winter workout addition to your wardrobe.
looks for an affordable price. Style your hair with loose wavy curls and keep your makeup looking natural. For shorter hair, try combing it back to give a sleek, high style look. You will be the talk of the party!
Heading out for a night on the town to celebrate the holidays? Try a knee length or shorter A-Line black dress. Find a fabric with texture such as lace or fringe to give your look a flirty meets classy look. Accessorize with fun fashion necklace, bracelet or earrings to add some extra glamour to your look. Pair with an ankle cuff heel or keep it classic with a black pump heel.
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According to scripture, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Hah! Maybe not THIS time of year! Between all the extra shopping, planning, and holiday events to attend, it’s pretty difficult to remain a cheerful giver. Relax – there’s plenty of time to put together these quick and easy gifts from the heart for the special loved ones in your life.
Personalized Herb Garden Fresh herbs are a healthy way to flavor foods without adding fat. Pick up several small ceramic pots at your local garden center and paint them in the recipient’s favorite color, pattern, or theme to match their kitchen. You can also hand-paint a line from a favorite poem of theirs across the pots. Plant with fresh herbs such as basil, rosemary, and thyme.
Handmade Lavender Soap Lavender is calming – the perfect gift to give during the stressful holiday season. Combine three cups glycerin soap base (available at local craft stores, pharmacy, or online), ¼ cup lavender flowers, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of lavender oil. Combine all ingredients in a double boiler until the base is melted. Heat on low for ten minutes. Pour liquid into molds and let stay overnight to harden. Stack several bars and tie with purple ribbon.
Personalized Glass Block Pick up a glass block (with an opening) at your local craft store. Insert a special framed picture appropriate for the recipient, and fill with polished river rock up to the base of the frame. For example, if you are giving the gift to your parents, look for a block etched with “Family” on the front, and insert a family picture inside.
Healthy Gift Basket Assemble the following in a gift basket: An immersion blender, a healthy, low-fat, or guilt-free cookbook, and a holiday-themed kitchen towel, oven mitts, G IFT INSPIRING IDEAS By Maureen Sangiorgio
or apron. Immersion blenders are great for making healthy soups and smoothies in a flash. Be sure to include a nice bottle of red wine – after all, red wine is healthy!
Eat Super-Natural by Christina Leidenheimer. A healthy cookbook is a great addition to everyone’s kitchen. “You can look and feel super amazing simply by eating Super-NATURAL. Discover why a diet rich in whole, plant-based, fresh and tasty food is the absolute key to melting fat and obtaining vibrant lasting health. It really is easier than you think to lose weight, create a new mind and body, and feel your absolute best every day.”
Pre-order your copy today at inspirehealthmag.com
Mocubo board This unique cutting board has built-in storage compartments underneath so you can chop fresh veggies for a healthy stir-fry. The Mocubo also helps you save time during the hectic holiday season because you don’t have to clean dirty dishes to hold what you just chopped. The compartments store neatly under the board, saving room on a kitchen counter.
Made out of bamboo, the board has rubber feet so it won’t move around. It comes in two sizes.
Soup Creamy Potato
WHAT YOU NEED 3 cups of vegetable broth 1 cup of water 10 medium red potatoes (peeled and chopped) 1 small yellow squash (chopped, about 1 cup) 1 celery stalk (chopped) 1 banana pepper (seeds removed, chopped) ¼ cup sweet onion (thinly chopped) 2 Tbsp. vegan butter 2 Tbsp. minced fresh thyme 1 tsp. Pink Himalayan salt ½ tsp. fresh ground black pepper
PREPARATION: 1. Peel, rinse, and chop potatoes. Place potatoes in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes by 2 inches. Boil on high for 30- 40 minutes. Pierce potatoes with fork to check for doneness. 2. Wash, peel, and chop squash, celery, banana pepper, and onion. 3. Measure and prepare herbs, seasonings and all other ingredients.
WHIP IT UP: 1. When potatoes are almost done, use a large sauté pan over medium heat to sauté onions, celery, and banana pepper in butter. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until veggies are translucent. 2. Once potatoes are cooked, drain the water and put pot back on lowmedium heat. Add the sautéed onions, celery, and banana peppers to the pot. Add all seasonings, vegetable broth, and water. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. 3. Garnish with fresh chopped thyme. Serve and enjoy.
YIELDS: 6-8 servings.
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GoAhead INDULGE(a little)
By: Robyn Lorando, RD, LDN I T’S THAT TIME OF YEAR WHEN SWEETS FLOOD THE BREAK ROOMS AND PARTIES CONSUME YOUR WEEKENDS. DURING THE HOLIDAY SEA
SON, THE AVERAGE PERSON GAINS ONE TO TWO POUNDS. WHILE THIS MAY NOT SEEM LIKE MUCH, MOST DO NOT LOSE THE WEIGHT IN JANUARY, ONLY CONTRIBUTING TO THE WEIGHT GAIN THAT HAPPENS OVER TIME FOR MANY ADULTS. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN CAN BE AVOIDED; JUST FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE GUIDELINES TO GET YOU THROUGH THE SEASON.
Enjoy social gatherings, but stick to your healthy routine between parties. Don’t skip meals, have healthy snacks often and make time for exercise. If you can’t fit 30 minutes of exercise into your day, do something whenever you can. Take 10 minute walks throughout the day, use the stairs instead of the elevator, skip the online shopping and instead brave the crowds while burning 10 times more calories in the process.
It is a common strategy to go all day without eating to make up for the calories you plan to consume at a party that evening. The problem is that you arrive starving, everything looks tempting, and you will likely eat more in a few hours than you would have eaten all day. A better plan is to have light meals throughout the day and a small snack before you go to curb your appetite. Instead of grazing all night, make one plate with small tastes of your favorite dishes and fill the rest with salad or vegetables.
Calories from alcohol can add up faster than food. While all alcohol contains calories, some choices are worse than others. Just eight ounces of eggnog will cost you about 300 calories. If you are going to drink this holiday season, go for a glass of wine or a spritzer and consume in moderation. If you are not an alcohol drinker, go for something calorie-free such as sparkling water with lemon or lime.
Remember that the holidays are a time for celebration and spending time with friends and family. If your plan doesn’t go exactly as expected, that’s okay; just use that as your motivation to start off right in the New Year.
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