Weeks ago, just before my family departed for Orlando, my entire household came down with a dreaded winter cold. Sneezing, coughing, runny noses – if the symptom is listed on the side of an OTC cold product, trust me, we had it. And with just days before we reached our sunny destination, I was worried that our first trip to Disney World would be ruined.
“Get rest, de-stress and load up on Vitamin C,” my mother suggested. “As soon as you touch down into the lovely Florida climate, you’ll feel just fine.”
She was right, of course. Through a combination of aggressive hot citrus therapy and the balmy Florida weather, our cold symptoms melted away in a hurry. And is it any coincidence that the delicious orange juice and grapefruits that I was consuming before the trip happened to come from the sunshine state too? Let’s just say that I always feel better in Florida :)
Now I don’t normally make New Year’s resolutions, but this year, I’ve resolved to do one simple thing: incorporate as many fresh foods into my diet as possible. I am tired of feeling rundown and battling colds, and I figure the quickest way to good health is through good nutrition.
Will I follow through? Well, I even put it in writing, because somehow it makes me feel more accountable –
I’ve also developed an S-M-L action plan to implement my new dietary changes. What is S-M-L?
SMALL
My plan is to eat small amounts of the bad stuff – refined sugar, simple carbs, trans fats and those unpronounceable ingredients you find in practically every boxed food. Now I say small – and not total removal – because I truly believe that there’s a place for everything in our diets, and let’s be honest: I have two small children. Complete elimination of convenience snacks and foods just isn’t realistic. However, I can limit the amount of the bad stuff we’re exposed to, so when it’s time to enjoy that bowl of potato chips, it’s a treat – not a dietary staple.
MODERATE
We’ll consume moderate amounts of lean protein, legumes, whole grains and starches. Life is all about moderation, and I’m proud to say that as a whole, my family eats very well. We rarely eat in restaurants or order take-out, preferring instead to indulge in home-cooked, healthy meals (where I know exactly what’s going in the food). So this is an easy one for us, and something we’re already doing.
LIVING LARGE
Living large means incorporating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in our diet – more than we’ve done in the past. Our refrigerator is currently chock full of colourful citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables and ripe, red berries. In fact, on our last trip to the grocery store, I stayed in the produce department until our cart was at least 50% full of the fresh stuff. (Now I just have to look up a recipe for that baby bok choy…) I truly believe loading up on fruits and vegetables is our ticket to a healthier 2013.
So how am I feeling today? Happy to report that the house is cold/flu-free… four weeks and counting! And when symptoms do strike, I start my “hot citrus therapy” mentioned above. Think I’m referring to a packaged liquid medicine? Nope – nothing but the most natural, delicious Florida Orange Ginger Tea for me! It’s just one of the recipes you can find on the Florida Citrus Facebook Page, where they feature a Citrus Recipe Swap.
The bright fresh flavour of Florida orange juice is enhanced with the fusion of spicy ginger and sweet Asian pears, through the infusion method use to prepare tea. This holiday favourite is the perfect refreshment on a chilly day, or for a different twist, serve this drink as a refreshing spritzer with some ginger ale or sparkling water when entertaining.
Here’s the recipe for you to enjoy – and best wishes for a healthy 2013!
4 cups (1 L) Florida orange juice
2 Asian pears, cored and sliced
1/3 cup (75 mL) peeled and thinly sliced fresh ginger
1/4 cup (60 mL) granulated sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
In saucepan, bring Florida orange juice, pears ginger, sugar and cinnamon to boil. Remove from heat and let stand for at least 1 hour to serve warm. Strain through sieve and pour into cups.
If serving cold, let stand for at least 2 hours, strain and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until cold. Pour over ice if desired. Makes 4 cups (1 L). Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat if desired to serve.
Sounds like a great approach! I really like the SML idea – it’s simple, but could make some big life changes!
Very much a resolution of mine as well to try to be healthier!
Thank you! I came up with it because I’m sick and tired of an all-or-nothing approach. I think making small changes will always bring about lasting health benefits!
Oh Yum! Great job!
Don’t you hate being sick right before a trip! Ahrgg, my daughter has been sick right before every trip but one, and on that one, I was the one sick with a fever while walking around Vegas. Still enjoyed it but it’d be nice to go on a trip without someone being sick. I’m eating good and hoping we healthy for our trip to Texas in two weeks :)
It’s so funny you say that, because we travelled twice last year and Reid had a double ear infection before BOTH trips! Let’s just say I’m sick of toting antibiotics along on the plane :) Here’s to a healthy 2013 – and enjoy Texas!
Thanks :)
Very close to my resolution to eat healthier and move more.
Excellent resolution Debbie!
It’s hard to take away all convenience foods for sure. But it certainly does make a difference incorporating more fresh foods into our diets. Way to go Lena!
Thanks Tania – wishing you a healthy and happy 2013!
Good ideas and good luck! I love starting FRESH in the New Year. Bring on spring.
Thank you Kristina! The easiest way to good health is through our diets, I’m sure!
I wonder how this recipe would work simmering in a crockpot? I can envision a few variations and let the pot do the work!
Hmm… now you have me wondering too! If you try it out, you’ll have to let me know how it goes!
great idea. that recipe looks delicious and should fit into your new lifestyle perfectly. (I dont want to use the word diet since they are temporary and often fail)
EXACTLY. No diets for me! Just a better, healthier lifestyle.
Glad your all feeling better and thanks for the drink recipe. It looks very healthy and certainly helps when trying to get well. Thanks for the post.
Anytime Lee! I hope you try it out – it really is very delicious!
We all got sick the first of November and we are still having issues now.. I’m glad you are feeling better.. I hope to eat healthier fresher foods in the new year.. -fingers crossed-
Good luck Candi – it’s hard sometimes making the change, but so much easier once you get the fresh foods in your home. Hope you all feel 100% soon!
i wanna go to florida too !!!
Hahaha I think we all do! <3 Florida!
I have the same goals too!
Awesome. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2013!
I like your SML approach to the foods we eat and as you said, with small children you can’t eliminate everything! Thanks for the post :)
You’re welcome! As much as I want to get rid of convenience food, I’ll always need them for snacks, lunches, etc. BUT, as long as they only make up a small portion of the meal, we’re still doing very well!
I too believe that loading up on fresh fruits and veggies is the best for good health and that is my resolution for 2013. However, “moderation” is the key word for all the other stuff that we crave. There is no need to eliminate all the unhealthy snacks and goodies completely since there has to be a balance in our diet.
Exactly Marissa – balance is key! I find that when you try to eliminate everything, you end up craving it more. Moderation is the way to go!
I always feel better where it’s warm and the beach has a cabana boy to bring me endless orange margaritas.
OMG – orange margaritas? Now THIS I must try! (Googling recipe in 5..4..3..2…)
Glad to hear your family has been in good health! The recipe sounds great, thanks for posting!
You’re welcome Nicole! Wishing you a healthy 2013!
Sounds delicious! I’ve always known that Vitamin C helps a cold and thismismamgreat way to serve it!
It certainly does – if I’m already sick, I find that Vitamin C helps lessen the symptoms, and if I’m about to get sick, sometimes loading up on Vitamin C can help me avoid the cold altogether!
That sounds so amazing! I passed the recipe on to my wife and she agree’s, we need to make this. I think my mom would love it too, she is a big fan of ginger flavored anything. What a unique flavor combination.
It’s so delicious Andrew! And ginger has also been revered for it’s health benefits, so it’s a winning combination :)
orange juice and ocean scenery too..ha ha
Indeed! Can’t beat that!
Love this article. Great healthy living ideas and your goals were broken down and explained very clearly, concisely and in a fun way – delivery was an everyday something we can all do approach. I posted this article to my FB page publicly with the healing cold remedy. I will try this next time I feel a cold coming on or during a cold. :)
Thank you so much Michelle – so happy you enjoyed the article and my hot citrus therapy! Wishing you a healthy and happy year!
That looks so amazingly delicious!!!!!
going to try it tomorrow LOL ty for posting!!!!
Awesome! Please do – you’ll love it!
Thanks, Lena. My resolution was to incorporate more fruits, vegetables and healthy fiber in my diet this year, even if it’s only one glass of fresh squeezed juice in a day, it’s more than before if I can stay consistent. The orange juice recipe sounds great, and my hubby just woke up with a cold, so may see you for the twitter party on the 22nd!
Cheers! :)
That is so great to hear – not that your hubby’s sick, but your resolution to have even one glass of fresh squeezed juice a day. I promise it will make a difference!
Looks great!
Thanks Jen :)
My Mum went to visit her sister in L.A. and she was sick for the first 2 weeks. I would love to go on a holiday…I haven’t been on a holiday since I was 13 hehe…My Mum took me and my 2 sisters on the bus (that’s another story) to visit her sister…we did the Disney Land thing and I remember having a wonderful time but I think I am do for a spa vacation. I am sorrry to hear that you and your family were ill but hopefully you are better now!
We are indeed much better now! And LA vs Florida…. big difference! LA is smoggy – not good for colds at all :)
Hope you get that spa vacation soon!
Great ideas! I loved the sml. I am trying this at home…with perhaps more protein than you. I really like the recipe and noticed that Florida Feel Better has given you a plug on their facebook today :) Going to pin this to try it out. Thanks,
Thanks for noticing they gave me a plug – I was quite proud of that, LOL! Good luck with your SMLP (P for protein!)
What a GREAT Idea, I think I need to have a similar approach in my own life, Thank You for the inspiration =)
You’re very welcome Cheryl – thank YOU!
I never considered sprucing up my own orange juice — did you make that up? I love ginger so I’m going to have to give it a try!
Hahaha I wish I could take credit – but the recipe is found on the Florida Citrus Facebook page, as part of their Recipe Swap. Enjoy!
Bein sck is for the birs….I started my new healthier lifestyle withthe new year and I am feeling better than I have in a long time!
Wonderful to hear Jenne!
Wish I could go to Florida to relax! But sadly I’m doing final exams and have the flu…
Oh no! Good luck with your exams, and hope you feel better soon!
I’ve never heard of this kind of recipe before but I’m going to try it the next time I’m sick. Thanks !