Christmas is almost upon us.
‘Peace on Earth’ is a phrase that we associate with this time. For many, we may be wondering where that PEACE has gone and whether it will return. There are many things that we cannot control in this pandemic, but we can still pull in some healthy rituals to keep us mentally strong.
MENTAL HEALTH
Remaining resilient to life’s stressors is a tough call at the moment and if you are looking for a helping hand of the non-medical type, look no further than this amazing supplement.
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb. It is classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body manage stress. Ashwagandha also provides numerous other benefits for your body and brain. For example, it can boost brain function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress and it is a herb which is well backed up by research in both animal and human studies.
Several controlled human studies have shown that this herb can reduce symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorders. Reportedly, in a 60-day study in 64 people with chronic stress, those in the group that supplemented with ashwagandha reported a 69% reduction in anxiety and insomnia, on average, compared with 11% in the placebo group.
(Important to note that not all herbs are safe to take with medications so its important to check with a medial professional before taking this herb alongside your meds).
Organic Ashwagandha | Herbal Supplement for Stress (cytoplan.co.uk)
2. MOCKTAILS
Festivities go hand in hand with alcohol consumption. However, it is wise to drink with caution at all times, but especially during a pandemic.
When exposed to a virus, the human body mounts an immune response to attack and kill the foreign pathogen. In general, the more robust a person’s immune system is, the quicker it can eradicate the virus and recover from a disease like COVID-19.
Alcohol hinders the immune response making it harder for the immune system to defend the body against harmful germs. In the lungs, for example, alcohol damages the immune cells and fine hairs that have a role in clearing pathogens out of our airway. Alcohol leads to vulnerability at a time when we need to be physically and mentally strong.
And for that reason, I am ordering another bottle of Pentire botanical alcohol free gin. Last orders 2pm tomorrow. I’ll be posting some images on my Instagram account of the delicious mocktails I’ll be making this week. Insta @bellenutrition
Pentire - Botanical Non-Alcoholic Spirit Drink (pentiredrinks.com)
3. MINDFULNESS
If ever there was a time to concentrate on the now, it is NOW.
In the struggle to find peace with ourselves we often spend time in the regret of past mistakes or struggle with our present weaknesses or worry about the future. Although a level of self-reflection is important for self-growth, a strong focus on getting through the present may well be worth-while.
Lock-down is a time when we can scan our homes for the items we have already around us which may be over-looked at other times. In the kitchen, I’ve certainly been mindfully digging out old recipes and getting creative with creating presents rather than dashing to the shops in my mask. Making Piccalilli is a great idea as by the time you get to visit the family members who you’d planned to spend Xmas with, it will be ready to eat with a nice hunk of cheese and your favourite crackers.
This is my favourite Piccalilli Recipe
Preparation Notes: 30min, plus overnight salting and cooling
Makes about 2.6kg (5lb 12oz)
Ingredients
350 g (12oz) small cauliflower florets
250 g (9oz) small broccoli florets
3 courgettes, cut into 1.5cm (2/3in) pieces
200 g (7oz) green beans, cut into 5cm (2in) lengths
150 g (5oz) shallots, peeled and halved quartered (depending on size)
250 g (9oz) salt
1 l white wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, crushed
2.5cm (1in) piece fresh root ginger, grated
250 g (9oz) granulated sugar
2 tbsp. mustard seeds
75 g (3oz) plain flour
2 tbsp. turmeric
1 tbsp. mustard powder
Directions
In a large non-metallic bowl, mix vegetables, the salt and enough water to cover. Cover bowl with clingfilm and leave overnight.
Drain and rinse vegetables. In a large pan, heat 1 litre (13/4 pint) white wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, sugar and mustard seeds. Bring to a simmer, add vegetables and simmer for 5-8min until just cooked, but still crunchy. Lift vegetables out with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix remaining 200ml (1/4pt) white wine vinegar, flour, turmeric and mustard powder. Stir into pan and bring to the boil, whisking occasionally. Simmer for 5-7min until thickened and glossy.
Return vegetables to the pan, mix. Spoon into sterilised wide-neck jars and seal. Cool completely. Store in a cool dry place for up to 3 months. Chill after opening.
Merry Christmas to you all.
I am planning a January Online Cleanse for mid-January with fine foods, novel recipes and some incredible mocktails. Will keep you posted by my newsletter. Si if you have yet to sign up please do.
A huge thankyou to those who have connected this year via Zoom webinars, 1-1 Zoom consultations or online courses.
I am looking forward to a Happy and Inspiringly Healthy New Year.