Natural Recipe: Sweet Citrus Calm Tea

Sweet Citrus Calm Tea

1/4 - 1 tsp Natural Calm Magnesium Citrate Powder 

1 cup warm water (Go slow when adding the water- the magnesium powder is fizzy)

1 tsp raw honey

squeeze of lemon

I recently had the great fortune to hear the lovely Susan Gianevsky speak. Susan is a very inspirational woman. Her passion for homeopathy and tissue salts is quite exciting to me because I too am so in love with these methods of healing. At her talk, Susan recommended Natural Calm Magnesium Citrate supplement. I've been feeling lately like my body needs a bit more nourishment and as soon as Susan suggested this product, I knew that myself and my family could benefit from some additional magnesium. I brought it home and we have begun a new ritual.

In the evenings after a particularly hectic day, or just when I feel we can use some extra nourishment, we are all enjoying 1 teaspoon (quarter to a half a teaspoon for the kids*) of magnesium powder in a cup of warm water with some raw honey and a little squeeze of lemon. The kids call it our 'special drink'. This beverage is soothing, nourishing, alkalizing and as the name of the supplement indicates, calming as well. Especially at this time of year, I notice my nervous system and immune system can use a bit of extra support. A cup of this tea seems to be just what my body is asking for. This also makes a great after work drink to help settle body and mind of any hustle and bustle that may be lingering on in there after coming home.

I love that this supplement is called Natural Calm because that is just what magnesium is for the body. I have long been a believer in Mag Phos Tissue Salt which I recommend often to my clients and I keep next to my bed and take anytime I feel that I need a little help falling asleep or if I wake in the night with a leg cramp (these can be signs that the body is depleted of magnesium). When needed, I'll continue to take Mag Phos Tissue Salt along with the addition of my Sweet Citrus Calm Tea ritual. Now that I've been doing this for a little while, I notice a real difference in my body. My nervous system feels stronger, I haven't had any leg cramps or difficulty falling asleep and I generally I feel more grounded, centered and relaxed.

This has become my new favorite ritual.

♥ Andrea ♥

*The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health care practitioner.* 

Nutrition is King

The importance of nutrition is paramount. Nutrition really should be our #1 form of medicine. Many people feel strapped for time and unfortunately, diet is one of the things that can suffer in a busy life. Diet has to be a priority. The better you eat, the better you will feel. It really is that simple. Everyone (including myself) can have a better relationship with food. Take the time to assess your diet and come up with a plan for change.

I am often asked about what we eat and what I think constitutes a good diet. And so, I will share some of my thoughts on family nutrition here.

Here are the dietary changes that I recommend for everyone:

Increase:

Water, raw vegetables and fruit, sprouts, whole grains, legumes, raw and soaked nuts and seeds and raw cold pressed vegetable oils.

Decrease:

Saturated fats, meat, refined sugars, refined flours (switch to whole grain varieties), table salt (switch to sea salt)

Eliminate:

Processed foods, artificial sweeteners, artificial colours, preservatives, hydrogenated oils

Try your best to make eating time a quiet and stress-free time. Chew your food thoroughly and focus your attention on your food rather than thinking about you are going to do next or working on projects while you are eating (this isn't always easy in our busy lives, but try your best). This will ensure optimal digestion.

I try and feed my family as many raw vegetables and fruit as possible. I often buy much more fresh produce than I think my family can eat. This has increased the amount of raw food we eat and has forced me to come up with ways to get more into us.

Don't forget that your relationship with food will effect your children's relationship with food. Give them lots of raw veggies from an early age and try not to assume what they will like and what they won't like. Do your best not to draw attention to a family member's dislike for vegetables for example. Find the raw vegetables your family members like and offer them everyday.

A great way to eat more fresh fruit and veggies is to make shakes. We love shakes. I have a few basic recipes I often use but I always experiment with different shake recipes.

We make this shake a lot:

Refreshing Green Gloop

3 big handfuls of greens (spring mix or baby spinach)

* I have small hands but I usually almost fill the blender with greens

1/4 of a cored pineapple

juice from 3 oranges

juice from 1 lemon

1-2 ripe bananas

1 heaping teaspoonful of Spirulina

1 scoop brown rice protein (optional, the brand I have is Interactive Absolute Rice Protein) *ensure you read the label if you buy a protein powder, many of them have artificial flavours

water (as per desired consistency)

Blend all ingredients well in your blender until smooth

My kids love this shake. Shakes are so easy to make and they are packed with nutrients!

"It's not the food in your life, it's the life in your food". I love this quote. I don't know who coined it.

How much life is in your food?

♥ Andrea ♥