As winter sets in (a little earlier this year!) and the days grow shorter we are all tempted to hibernate. This week I’m challenging you to activate rather than hibernate! Here are my 5 top tips to help get you prepared this winter:
1. Take the stairs – it’s easy to be lured into the warmth and convenience of elevators but the stairs will increase blood flow, get you active and burn off that extra chocolate bar you ate the night before.
2. Don't just sit there... get physical! Have you ever heard of a walking meeting? Quite literally walking while you conduct your work meeting. Aristotle was doing it over 2000 years ago - if you don't believe me Google it!!!
The majority of working men and women are averaging 9.3 hours of sitting a day, in addition to the 7.7 hours of sleep a night. Can you see what’s wrong this scenario? Sitting is the smoking of our generation, and now is time to change this.
3. Lemony goodness – a bright clean way to kick start both your day and your metabolism. It is as simple as a squeeze of ½ of a lemon in a glass of warm water 15mins before breakfast. Make sure the water isn’t too hot, as you want to maintain as much enzyme activity as possible.
4. Maybe Little Red Riding Hood was onto something? Organic steal cut oats perhaps? Porridge...with honey, cinnamon...mmm this will help to keep you fuller for longer, increase your energy to get you moving, reduce cravings and stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the day.
5. Get bendy! Stave off the winter blues by trying out that new yoga studio around the corner. Despite the gloomy weather get those endorphins running, get your heart pumping and blood circulating!
If yoga is not for you then activating is as simple as putting on your runners and just doing it! Walk around the block (in your winter woolies). Make it fun, get your partner in crime or a friend to come with you, put on your warmest outfit and walk around the block. Fifteen minutes is all it takes to get those juices flowing.
Here is a simple porridge recipe to get you warmed up!
Winter warmer porridge
Ingredients:
½ cup of dried Rolled oats
For my followers with intolerances to gluten these are your options:
· Spelt oats- if you can handle them, as they do contain low levels of gluten
· Rice flakes – this makes for a rich and creamy consistency
· Quinoa – Nutty, but delicious, keep in mind quinoa will add an extra 5-10 min of cooking time along with a top up of milk or water.
½ -1 cup of milk any variety…. To name a few: Almond milk, soy milk, rice milk or full cream milk
½ cup of water (option if only using ½ cup of milk)
2 dates or maple syrup to make it fructose friendly
Goodie options to add 1, 2, 3 or all in the last 5 minutes of the cooking process
½ tsp. Grated cinnamon
½ tsp. Grated nutmeg
¼ tsp. Fresh grated ginger
¼ tsp. Fresh grated turmeric
Once served:
Add desired fruit- some ideas for you banana, berries, grated apple
Coconut oil
Coconut flakes
I like to add all these goodies as not only does it enhance the flavor, but it also provides added nutrients needed to increase blood flow, lower blood pressure, increase antioxidants along with give our immune system that extra little boost to prepare us for the winter months ahead
Method:
In a saucepan:
Add in milk, water, oats and dates or maple syrup simmer on a low heat for about 10-15 minutes.
If it dries out then just add more milk and or water and keep simmering until you have a smooth creamy consistency.
Once cooked add in any extras you desire and then finish it off with a small dollop of coconut oil, a sprinkle of coconut flakes and your favourite fruit. I love banana and frozen berries
You can even toast up some seeds and nuts if you feeling super enthusiastic!!!
Enjoy!!!
Love CR
xx