Create Warming from the Inside Out
The end of the year is here. I don’t know how you feel but I personally tend to find this time of year a bit hectic and stressful. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a total grinch, I love all the warm and fuzzy holiday feels but as hard as I try to keep my Zen, at some point I usually find myself holding some sort of hefty tension somewhere in my body.
This is when I realize I need to do something to relax and re-center. I will usually start working on it by doing some deep breathing. If I’m still feeling anxious, I may do a quick 5 minute meditation.
If I have the time and I am home, I’ll take my dog on a brisk walk. This is one of my favorite ways to distress and find my happy place, especially if the air is cold and the sun is shining. Of course, here in the Pacific Northwest that’s not usually the case; but a brisk walk on a cold and drizzly day has its benefits as well. It tends to be more peaceful, quieter; this allows me to be present and enjoy the moment.
Another way I destress is to cook. I find that generally when I am cooking, I can focus and just be right there in the kitchen. This allows me to reset and re-center. The recipe I’m going to share not only gives you a chance to get creative in the kitchen, it’s also chock full of spices that help lower blood pressure, improve lung capacity, keep your blood sugar level, make your heart happy and warm your belly up. I think this recipe is a perfect de-stress, relax, and enjoy the moment type of recipe.
I’m sharing a recipe for mulled wine or cider. You can make either or you choose. I suggest you make both versions. They are both super yummy and have no added sugar. (YAY!)
The tradition of mulled wine or cider goes back thousands of years. Mulled wine or cider will create warming from the inside out. All of the spices used in this recipe and most other recipes that you can find have amazing properties for health. Cinnamon which I have shared about in the past, is known to support heart health, blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels.
Cloves are an amazing spice that need more exposure, in my opinion. It helps support your liver function, has been found to help support blood sugar levels, and is full of antioxidants. Star Anise has been used as a medicinal for thousands of years. It is chock full of antioxidants and its oil content helps fight coughs and flu. Ginger of course is excellent for your digestion, and the citrus used in this recipe is high in vitamin C.
All of these spices and fruits are perfect to help protect you from the seasonal viruses and bugs that we encounter during the cold winter months. I know I have said this before, but spices are the key to not only great tasting foods and drinks, but they are key to maintaining good health and wellbeing.
I hope you enjoy the recipe. If you really like it, you can share this with a friend. I’m wishing you all a wonderful end of the year and a very happy New Year. Thanks for allowing me to share my love of food as medicine and my love of cooking as a way to connect community and cultures.
Be well-Live well
Rosie
