Boosting your vitality

Whether you are living somewhere where it is still winter, or nice and sunny, we all need a “pick-me-up” sometimes.  When was the last time that you had a chance to sit down, put off your phone, make yourself a nice cup of tea or coffee, and just relax?

No time to do that?  Well then, you have come to the right place, because I am going to share some recipes to boost your vitality, give you more energy and lift your mood.  Just make sure that you are not sensitive or allergic to any of the following ingredients and, if you are pregnant, check with your medical practitioner first before drinking the mixes.

Herbal tinctures like Gotu Kola Organix, Liquorice Root and Ginseng, not only give you a real boost, but it also helps the body to build up energy reserves.  Just a note here:  pregnant ladies should not use Liquorice Root!  Now, before you wonder if you must mix all 3 into hot water or juice, the answer is no – you can use only 1.  Many health shops sell the drops, so just pop about 20 drops into warm water or juice, and enjoy!

Another drink is warm water with lemon first thing in the morning.  It will cleanse your digestive tract and at the same time, kick start the digestive track as well.  Green tea is another wonderful tea.  Full of anti-oxidants and other health benefits, green tea can also help you to lose weight.  Do take care not to drink too much though. 

Feel like something sweet?  Simply juice a small mango, 5 strawberries and add 5 satsumas; to re-energize you if you hit a dip. 

If the above ingredients are not what you fancy, then try a Nettle- and Lemon, Mint- and Lemon, or Dandelion- and Ginger-tea.  Nettles are packed with iron; it gives you energy and detoxifies the body.  Simply use a spoonful of fresh or dried nettles and stir it into 225 ml of boiling water.  Add a few lemon slices to bring out the flavour.

Are your energy-levels low or did it take a dip in the afternoon?  Then why not try a Mint- and Lemon tea for an instant pick-me-up.  Using fresh mint, pop a few sprigs into a mug and cover with boiling water.  Add a slice of lemon and voilà!

Dandelion salad is something that is eaten in France before a meal to act as a bitter tonic for the system.  If you don’t fancy it, try it as an energising tonic tea instead.  Simply add a teaspoon of dandelion to boiling water and let it seep for a few minutes.  Add a slice or 2 of fresh ginger to bring out the taste and enjoy!

Today there are many dried herbs and mixes of teas; however, if you can use fresh ingredients, it will not only be tastier but also more potent.  Again, do chat to your health practitioner or health expert, before you use any ingredients that you have never used before.

Another quick and easy way to give yourself an energy-boost, is to make sure to eat protein and/or fruit in the afternoon; especially if you suffer from low blood levels.  Bananas will give you an instant boost, but it can also cause your blood sugar to drop quickly.  An apple, on the other hand, will let your blood sugar levels rise slower, but it will stay there for a longer period.  A piece of cheese, some meat or any other form of protein is also good. 

If you are one of those people who don’t eat breakfast, stop and rethink.  Not eating breakfast will not only deprive your body of all the necessary nutrients and energy-blocks it needs to get you through the day, but it can also cause you to struggle if you want to lose weight.  Instead of skipping breakfast, try a smoothie, a healthy breakfast bar, some fruit, yoghurt or a slice of toast with Marmite, peanut butter or cheese. 

Whatever you eat or drink, try to always add ingredients to your plate and/or glass that is packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients.  The more vitamins, minerals and nutrients there are in what you eat and/or drink, the better for your overall health, vitality and energy-levels.

Next week I will give you more tips to help you boost your energy; things like different bath salts to use, what to eat / drink to add some glow to your skin, and so on.