MY DAILY SHOT

     I was about to start this post off saying that I have a few bad habits, but to be honest, I don't think I do! My health and well-being is pretty important to me and I actually have more good habits than bad ones (so grateful for my health!!) My favourite and pleasurable habit is my morning shot of Ningxia Red.

     My shot of Ningxia Red is the highlight of my morning. The reason I drink it everyday is because it is made from Wolfberries which are an amazing SUPERFOOD ~ so instead of swallowing a bunch of  synthetically formulated vitamins and minerals, I like to eat and drink SUPERFOODS because your body absorbs the nutrients from food so much better.

NingXia Red contains balanced ingredients for a whole-body nutrient infusion. The whole fruit puree of the wolf berry contains vital constituents such as fiber, zeaxanthines, amino acids, polysaccharides, phytocompounds, and polyphenols. NingXia Red is infused with a blend of 5 citrus essential oils including Orange, Tangerine, Lemon and Yuzu Essential Oils. All these ingredients combined support energy levels, normal cellular function, and eye health. It also has many ingredients that participate in antioxidant processes and prevent against oxidative stress.

     Drinking a shot of Ningxia Red is like consuming a huge quantity of fruits and vegetables:

     The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) test, developed by USDA researchers at Tufts University, is one of the most valuable methods for measuring the ability of antioxidants to absorb oxygen radicals. The test showed that the wolfberry has unsurpassed ability to absorb the bad free radicals. NingXia Red has the highest levels of Superoxide-ORAC activity among its competitors. In addition to the Wolfberry puree, there is also blueberry, plum, cherry, aronia, and pomegranate juices as well as grapeseed extract. It is sweetened with natural Stevia extract.

     My whole family loves the sweet and tangy taste of Ningxia Red! My youngest son is a bit of a Ningxia Monster and really looks forward to his daily pouch of Ningxia Red!

Like all Young Living products, there is an amazing story behind the source of the Wolf Berries we use in Ningxia Red. Check out this short video describing the Seed to Seal process of making Ningxia Red:

I also really love this video that outlines the science behind the amazing health benefits of Wolfberries and Ningxia Red:

Are you ready to super charge your health with Ningxia Red? It is easy to get started with a NingXia Red Starter Kit. An extraordinary value that provides a comprehensive introduction to the power of NingXia, this Premium Starter Kit is an essential building block for a healthy lifestyle.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE KIT:

* NingXia Red 2-pack (750 ml each) 

* 30 NingXia Red Singles (60 ml each)

* 1 Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier (30 ml) 

* 5 ml Northern Lights Black Spruce

* 1 AromaGlide Roller Fitment 

* 2 Ningxia Red 60 ml samples

* 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Business Cards (5 English/5 French) 

* Member Resources 

* Product Guide

Investment in your health : $199.75 

Contact me to get your very own personal stash of Ningxia Red!

CHAI

Years ago when I first started really getting into yoga, my interest and fascination with all things "India" began.  Visits to Gerard Street in Toronto to shop in the fascinating stores of Little India, feasts at Indian restaurants, forays into the world of Hare Krishna, and of course, chai.  Keep in mind, I've never been to India and have never had authentic chai, for I am sure it is probably quite different than the chai I like to make.  However, most accounts of this delectable beverage include these ingredients in some form or other.  I like mine really milky with lots of honey.  If you're not really into black tea, you can omit it altogether, which I often due, most of the time just because I forget to add it in.  Chai makes a great alternative to hot chocolate on a cold winter day.

CHAI 

(makes enough chai for 3 servings)

2 - 2" pieces of organic cinnamon sticks, smashed

2 cups water

5 organic cardamom pods

5 organic cloves

2 black peppercorns

1 thumb sized nob of fresh organic ginger, grated

1 Tbsp organic loose leaf black tea leaves

2 cups organic milk (coconut, almond or cow)

2-3 Tbsp local honey

Method:  Add the ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and peppercorns to the water in a small saucepan.  Bring to a gentle boil, then turn the heat low and simmer for 5 minutes.  Add the milk, increase heat slightly, but do not boil, just heat milk gently.  Remove from heat, stir in tea leaves and let brew for 1-3 minutes.  Strain, stir in honey to taste and serve.

STRAWBERRY KEFIR SMOOTHIE

     These past few mornings I've been drinking a delicious strawberry smoothie made with kefir.  Kefir is a lacto-fermented beverage that supplies beneficial probiotics, enzymes, minerals, rapid hydration, and enhanced digestion to people.  It is so easy to make too!  I have to yet built up a taste for drinking it straight up though, so I like to blend it into this delicious smoothie.  Kefir is even easier than yogurt to make, so don't be timid, try it!  Just stir in the cultured powder and let it sit on your counter.  

HOMEMADE KEFIR

1 litre organic whole cow or goat's milk (raw if you have access)

1 packet kefir starter

Pour the milk into a glass Mason jar.  Add kefir starter, screw on the lid and shake.  Set at room temperature (70-75*) for 12-48 hours, then transfer to the refrigerator.    Can last for several months in the refrigerator.  

STRAWBERRY KEFIR SMOOTHIE 

(adapted from "The Maker's Diet" by Jordan Rubin http://astore.amazon.ca/prasada02-20?node=6&page=2)

300 ml organic kefir or yogurt

1/2 Tbsp organic extra virgin coconut oil

1 Tbsp organic flaxseed or hemp oil

1 Tbsp unheated local honey

1 Tbsp organic hemp nuts

1 cup organic frozen or fresh strawberries

2 Tbsp organic goji berries

1 Tbsp organic greens powder

Method:  Blend all ingredients and enjoy.

DANDELION WINE

     When our lawn begins to sprout lovely yellow dandelion flowers,  I start planning my yearly batch of dandelion wine.  That makes it sound like I've made dandelion wine all my life, when in truth this is only my second year!  But this year I invested in a wine bottle corker because I have plans to make all kinds of homemade wines.  My husband and I enjoyed last years batch so much that I can't wait to see how this one turns out.  We will have to wait 6 months to find out though!  That's right, wine has to rest for that long once it's bottled.  The timing couldn't be better though because we open a bottle on Winter Solstice,  so it's like a Christmas gift to myself.  Be sure to pick the flower around noon on a sunny day when the blossoms are fully open.  Also make sure that you avoid picking any green parts of the dandelion as they may interfere with the fermentation process.

DANDELION WINE

4 litres boiled water

4 cups dandelion blossoms

2 organic oranges, zest peeled and then juiced

1 organic lemon, zest peeled and then juiced

2 pound local honey

1/4 tsp dry white wine or champagne yeast

Method:  Steep the blossoms in the boiling water, cover and let rest overnight (or up to 3 days) in an earthenware pot.  Then stir in the citrus peels and bring to a boil.  Strain into the earthenware crock again, stir in honey and let cool.  Add the raisins, lemon and orange juice and the the yeast.  Cover loosely and let sit in a dark room or cupboard for 2-3 weeks,  stirring every 2-3 days.  When fermentation is complete, strain with a cheesecloth, and pour into a 4 litre sterilized bottle fitted with a little gadget you buy at the wine making store that lets gas out but no air in.  Let this sit for 3 weeks and then pour into 500 ml bottles and cork.  Let age for 6-9 months.  Enjoy!

Fresh Juice Smoothie

When it comes to my juicer, I have to admit to being fairly predictable in what beverages I create.  My goal is to be a little more adventurous.  But this morning I stuck to the tried and true.  My all time favorite concoction is this smoothie.  If you don't have a juicer you can always substitute fresh apple cider from the Farmer's Market for the fresh apple juice.

BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE

1/2 cup unsprayed or organic local blueberries (mine are frozen except in the summer and fall)

1 organic banana, cut into pieces

fresh juice from 2-3 organic apples

1 -2 tsp organic spirulina powder (optional)

1 tsp bee pollen granules (optional)

1/2-1 Tbsp organic flax seed powder (optional)

Method:  Combine all ingredients in a blender or measuring cup if you use a stick blender and mix together until smooth.