Thinking Out Loud

Can you believe it’s already autumn? I’m not gonna lie, I really love when it’s dark by 6PM and the air starts to smell like a camp fire (not because of these wildfires lately) and I can whip out a sweater. I don’t know about you but this time of year is PACKED full of deadlines, events, family events, more events and more deadlines. Oh and the oh-so-common cold or flu so many of us seem to succumb to.

I have a couple “tonics” that I typically make myself during this season I see as preventative. Depending on what I have scheduled for the week, Ill drink one every day or just a couple times per week to de-stress. One in particular is just a simple anti-inflammatory that I swear by (but hey, I aint no Doctor). Then of course there are the obvious ways to stay healthy during this season like exercising regularly (sweat at least once a day, I always say) and staying away from excess sugar and alcohol. Actually, when you really think about it, SO many things contain sugar...ketchup, salad dressings, coffee creamers...you name it. Your daily intake of sugar can REALLY add up quickly so try and be conscious of that.

Here are 2 of my favorite non-traditional de-stressers:

Autumn’s Tonic

2 tsp Turmeric Powder (natural anti-inflammatory from the turmeric root. You can also grate from a whole turmeric root)

1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

1.5 Cup Filtered Water (I try to drink Reverse Osmosis water. Even smell Fresno water in a water bottle? It actually smells like chlorine. No thank you!)

1 tsp agave or honey (honey won’t dissolve that easily unless you mix well with a spoon or heat it up so I use agave)

Autumn’s Healing Tea

My sister used to make this REALLY strong tea every time I started to get that itchy throat and start of a fever. Plus is smells like a dream, but that’s not the only reason to drink this; lemongrass and ginger for example have anti-bacterial properties.

Makes 2-3 servings

2 cups filtered water (boil for tea)

*These are all approx. Brew to your liking. We brew it STRONG.

2 Tbsp lemongrass (dried or fresh)

2-3 Tbsp freshly grated

2 slices (juiced) lemon

Manduka honey (to taste, we use about 2 tsp)

1 tsp licorice root

*Brew for about 4-5 minutes

I know these sound pretty simple. That’s because they are. They say it takes up to two weeks for form a new habit and get into a routine. Alongside making a conscious effort to stay active during the busiest time of year (and we’re just at the very start of it), it’s crucial to get into these good habits now. For a list of some FREE local community activities, visit www.fleetfeetfresno.com or you can always check out meetup.com as well for runs, rides, walks and other active groups. Stay healthy my friends.