Dec 3 | Making Health Storey Candied Ginger & Health Storey Ginger Lemon Tea Syrup

Warm Up This Winter: Homemade Ginger Tea Syrup and Candied Ginger

When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like a cup of ginger tea to warm you up. Not only is it soothing, but it’s also packed with health benefits.

Why Ginger?

Ginger is renowned for its numerous health benefits, especially in the colder months. It’s an effective remedy for colds and flu, aids digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating ginger into your diet during winter can help boost your immune system and keep you feeling energized.

Ingredients

For the Ginger Tea Syrup:

  • 3 cups fresh ginger, peeled and diced in small pieces
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Zest of 3 lemons
  • 3 lemons
  • Zest of 1 orange

For the Candied Ginger:

  • Ginger pieces used from the syrup
  • Extra sugar for rolling

Instructions

Making the Ginger Tea Syrup

  1. Prepare your Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the ginger. Zest and peel the lemon and orange.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced ginger, sugar, and water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
  3. Simmer: Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the lemon and orange zest and lemon pieces.
  4. Cook: Allow the mixture to simmer for hours, stirring occasionally, until the syrup has thickened and turned a lovely golden brown.
  5. Cool and Store: Once you achieve the desired consistenc place the syrup in a canning jar and let the syrup cool before sealing it. Store it in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to two weeks. If you would like to store for a longer time, place the cooled syrup into ice cube trays and freeze.

Making Candied Ginger

  1. Roll in Sugar: While the ginger pieces are still slightly sticky from the syrup, roll them in sugar to coat thoroughly.
  2. Dry: Place the coated ginger pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them dry for a few hours at room temperature.
  3. Store: Once dried, store your candied ginger in an airtight container. Enjoy a few pieces a day as a sweet treat and immune booster!

Health Benefits of Ginger in Winter

  • Immune Booster: Rich in antioxidants, ginger helps strengthen the immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off colds and infections.
  • Soothing Digestive Aid: Ginger can alleviate nausea and promote healthy digestion, especially helpful after holiday feasting.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve muscle pain and soreness during cold weather.

Enjoy Your Ginger Goodness!

With this ginger tea syrup and candies in your home, you’re armed with a delicious way to indulge and stay healthy this winter. Add a tablespoon of your syrup to a cup of hot water for a comforting tea, and snack on candied ginger as you enjoy the cozy vibes.

HappyAdvent Calender day 3!

Day 4 of Holiday Prep | Health Storey Holiday Prep |

Health Storey Holiday Prep: Establishing a Quiet Evening Routine for Success

The holiday season can be both joyous and hectic, filled with bustling activities, celebrations, and preparations that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. As you navigate through your to-do lists, it’s essential to incorporate a quiet evening routine to help you stay grounded, track your progress, and maintain a sense of calm amidst the holiday chaos. Here’s how to create an evening routine that sets you up for success.

Sitting down for a quiet evening chatting

Benefits of a Quiet Evening Routine

  1. Reflect and Review: Taking time each evening allows you to reflect on what you’ve accomplished, celebrate your wins, and identify any tasks that need attention.
  2. Reduce Stress: A calming evening routine can lower stress levels, helping you approach the next day with a fresh mindset.
  3. Promote Better Sleep: A serene winding-down period enhances relaxation, leading to improved sleep quality, which is crucial during the busy holiday season.

Creating Your Evening Routine

Here’s a simple yet effective routine to incorporate into your holiday prep:

1. Set a Consistent Time

Choose a specific time each evening to begin your quiet routine. This consistency signals to your mind and body that it’s time to unwind and reflect. For instance, aim for 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM, right after cleaning up the kitchen.

2. Create a Calming Environment

Make your space inviting and relaxing. Play calming music and turn off the computer and your phone. This atmosphere will help you sit down and review your achievements over the month and what you have left on your todo lists.

3. Journaling or Reflection

Spend 10-15 minutes journaling about your day:

  • What did you accomplish? List the tasks you’ve completed to see your progress visually.
  • What went well? Reflect on moments that brought you joy or satisfaction.
  • What still needs attention? Identify outstanding tasks or concerns and prioritize them for the following day.

4. Plan for Tomorrow

Dedicate a few minutes to outline your priorities for the next day. This could include last-minute shopping, meal prep, or wrapping gifts. Having a plan will reduce morning stress and keep you on track by having everything ready the day before.

5. Pre-Bed Relaxation

Engage in a calming activity to end the day. This could be reading a book or enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea. Aim to disconnect from screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime to promote better sleep.

6. Set Your Space for Tomorrow

As part of your routine, prepare your space for the next day. This could mean clearing your kitchen counter, laying out ingredients for breakfast, or organizing your holiday supplies. A tidy space reduces clutter and helps you start the day feeling organized.

Incorporating a quiet evening routine into your holiday prep can transform the way you experience this bustling season. By taking time to reflect, practice gratitude, and prepare for the day ahead, you’ll find yourself more centered and equipped to handle the joys and challenges of the holidays. Embrace this routine, and watch as it brings clarity and peace during a time that can often be chaotic.

From the Rice Detox: Rethink Your Kitchen Appliances and Furniture | Day 8 of 14

Day 8 of Rice Detox: Declutter and Refresh

Welcome to Day 8 of your rice detox! As we continue this journey, it’s the perfect time to also refresh your surroundings. Today, let’s dive into your kitchen and evaluate your appliances and gadgets. This not only promotes a healthier eating environment but can also make room for items that better serve your goals.

Kitchen Declutter: Evaluate and Replace

  1. Sort Through Kitchen Appliances
  • Coffee Maker/Coffee Press: If it’s outdated or doesn’t meet your brewing needs, consider upgrading to a model that offers better functionality or convenience.
  • Blender: An efficient blender can help you create nutritious smoothies and soups. If yours is weak or ineffective, now’s the time to replace it.
  • Toaster or Toaster Oven: An appliance that doesn’t toast evenly or takes up too much space could be replaced with a more compact or efficient one.
  • Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: These can make meal prep easier and faster. If you have one that’s rarely used or too cumbersome, think about upgrading.
  1. Evaluate Gadgets
  • Clean out items you haven’t used in the last year.
  • Consider donations—charity shops often accept kitchen gadgets in good condition.
  • If you’re unsure about larger appliances, check with local charities if they offer pick-up services for larger items.
  1. Furniture Consideration
  • Evaluate kitchen furniture (chairs, tables, etc.). If something is broken or doesn’t fit your space, consider replacing it or donating it.
  1. Donation
  • Once you have sorted through the items, take them to your local charity shop or arrange for larger items to be picked up.

Menu for the Day

Breakfast:

  • Rice with Margarine
  • Simple and satisfying, this dish will keep you energized.
  • Pan de Yuca
  • A tasty gluten-free bread made from cassava flour—perfect for breakfast.
  • Steamed Vegetables
  • Add some color and nutrients to your plate with your favorite steamed veggies.

Lunch:

  • Plant-Based Chicken Sandwich
  • Enjoy a hearty sandwich made with plant-based chicken for a fulfilling lunch.

Dinner:

  • Cup of Rice with Margarine
  • Keep it simple and comforting as the day winds down.

Day 8 is a fantastic opportunity to clear out the old, making space for healthier habits and a refreshed kitchen environment. Keep working on your detox journey, this is the last week of the rice detox before the Thanksgiving celebrations!

After Thanksgiving, do you want to prep for Christmas and then New Years? Do you already buy your outfits?