Having healthy go-to choices during festivities is a good thing; especially when the choices are super tasty. Keeping in the spirit of the World Cup, I created three deceptively delicious and delightfully nutritious fruit slushy concoctions. Even if you aren’t a soccer (futbol) fan, there’s something fun and healthy waiting to be taste tested by you.

Ever show up to a party where the food spread is mostly comprised of junk food? Is it just me or do you search for something tasty yet healthy? I’m all about you celebrating life and festivities like the World Cup with food that’s not gonna put junk in your trunk. Growing up, most of the festive gatherings I attended had few healthy choices. Let me level with you, even if there had been, I probably wouldn’t have appreciated it like I do now. Like many people it took having my own health issues to capture my attention.

Today is a different story. I choose to pass on junk food that leaves me with that not-so-energetic feeling the day after. You know what I mean? The food hangover created by carbs, processed foods and sugars. Instead I opt for tasty lusciousness found on the vine.
 

 

Friends, you can easily make these DIY tasty treats. I use this recipe in lieu of ice cream and don’t feel left out of the party. Fancy that!

 

Ode to Old Glory

My first fruit slushy concoction is contains some good ol’ USA Patriotic symbolism donning the red, white & blue.

I chose to stick with two of my favorite berries, raspberry and blueberry. However, feel free to opt for strawberries or blackberries. Smash them up with a fork so to get that slushy yummy texture. In between the berries I opted for creamy coconut milk. Well, because who’d want to leave out Hawaii?

Viva El Tricolor!

The second fruit slushy mixture is made up of Mexico’s colors of red, white and green to honor my husband’s birthplace, as well as our friends and family. It’s got an entirely different yet delicious taste from the first slushy.

Watermelon just seems to be the most appropriate color for red. It’s a Mexican favorite. Creamy white bananas easily play their part. Mainly, because most everyone loves bananas, right? Any thoughts to what fruit won green representation? Well, by popular Facebook demand, my friends seemed quite smitten with the adorable fuzzy kiwi fruit, and well, the lovable avocado. Between the two winners, I opted for kiwi. I find between the watermelon, bananas and kiwi, we’ve got ourselves a refreshingly fine slushy. I’ll add saucing it up with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for more Mexican flair! Delicioso!

Last but not least, if you aren’t feeling the Ode to Old Glory or Viva el Tricolor, I’ve got something extraordinarily exotic for you.

Ode to Brazil! Tropical Passion Slush

To honor our friends from around the world who are currently enjoying Brazil, I’ve got the Tropical Passion Slush to make you blush. 😉

Remember, it’s easy! Just mash up these ingredients and put it in the freezer for about 30 minutes so you get the slushy love you deserve. This passion slush consist of pineapple, mango, watermelon & a little dragon fruit to boot. You can layer them or get creative. Do your thing and enjoy!

Thanks for coming by to watch by first video blog post or for reading this one. In the comment section, let me know what fruit slushy you found most appealing and why, or just share with me what World Cup team you may be rooting for! Get out there, be happy, stay healthy and enjoy the fun junk food alternatives!

How you kick a cold to the curb or boost your immune system!

There’s a common belief held by many that choosing health is as challenging as swallowing cod liver oil. I’m here to set things straight. While cod liver may be healthy but it’s down right nasty. I’d rather you skip the nasty, and go for healthy and happy. I’m here to help you take a simple yet profound action. It can help kick colds to the curb and boost your immune system.

So here’s a little recipe I use to feel happy as a lark and healthy as a horse. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I have.

Lemon Ginger Honey Love Tea

Yes, you read the title correctly. It’s that good that love in included in it’s title.

Ingredients (Serves two):

1 medium to large freshly squeezed lemon
1 heaping tablespoon of local raw honey
1 nub of fresh ginger to taste (or more and try using a garlic press)

Here are a few words to describe how I feel when consuming this tea:

Loved, Happy, Vibrant

Passionate for life, Spicy, Alive

It may seem a bit silly to describe how I feel, but if marketers can create emotions surrounding wines with chocolate cherry full-bodied flavors, then I purport we can FEEL amazing while sipping Lemon Ginger Honey “Love Tea”.

So if you’ve been sniffling and snotting, get aggressive and go for some Love Tea! Wanting to feel as strong as an ox? Or perhaps beef up your immune system? Consider the Love Tea!

Here’s a few benefits of each ingredient. Once you read it, you’ll understand why the Love Tea packs such a powerful punch!

Lemons

1. Obviously lemons offer up vitamin C and that’s a good thing. They’re also rich in flavonoids and work like tag team wrestlers kicking colds and the icky flu to the curb.
2. Lemons help the body become more alkaline by balancing out the body’s pH level. Now this may seem weird but think about it. Cancers thrive in an acidic state. And this my friends, is why I’m pro lemon! Lemons have over 20 anti-cancer properties. So why not include some ounces of prevention, hey?
3. Lemons are cleansing. And I’m here to set up to have you mischievously enjoyable time at your next annual doctor’s visit. You realize doctors are challenged by their patients’ continual commentary, like “Dr. Oz said this” or “Dr. Oz suggested that”. Well, give them something new and fresh. When Doc asks, “how are your bowel movements”? And, you know it will! You preparedly answer, “well, according to Dr. Paige’s prescription for love tea, I’m finding that the lemons are raising the peristalsis in the bowels, thus making me a “regular” kind of gal/guy”. Have fun with it and do me a favor. Come back with report so we can giggle about it, okay?

Ginger

1. This root herb is spicy! And that’s beneficial right? In her book, Healing Spices, Dr. Bharat Aggarwal explains that ginger is effective in addressing all types of nausea from motion sickness to morning sickness. She also shares that ginger helps with post-surgery nausea and nausea that results from chemotherapy. To me, it just taste good, and that’s why I vote ginger a winner!
2. And did you know ginger is known to reduce inflammation and aid with digestion? And, yes! Please take note if you have an upcoming hot date. Psst! It reduces flatulence. Of course, you don’t need this information for yourself, it’s for your date. 😉

Honey

1. Okay, Pooh Bear, do your best to get raw local honey. Now why is honey so spectacular? Because it contains antioxidants, anti-bacterial properties as well as enzymes; all which support a happier digestive and immune system. And who knew something so sweet could be so helpful?
2. Honey is a hero. Sometimes it’s referred to as a natural antibiotic because it can kill certain infection causing bacteria. It’s serves as a trusty ally to health warriors battling unfriendly symptoms caused by colds, flus, or a compromised immune system.
3. Want more energy? Honey is great because it serves up natural sugar and it’s carbs give us strength. Here’s a special “007” secret of honey. Its glucose is absorbed quickly in our body’s giving an immediate boost of energy or a Hap-bee buzz. (oh why resist?) Then, its fructose is slowly absorbed for sustained energy. This friends, is why I go for honey in the morning before a workout. If you want a pick me up and sustained giddy up, you’ll enjoy it’s benefits too.

Talk to me. Are you ready to embrace the “prescription” for love? Let me know what you think in the comments below.