Turmeric Milk Recipe

As weird as turmeric milk sounds, it is actually quite delicious! I was reading some blogs and came across turmeric milk and knew I had to try it. I just finished my first half cup and I loved it! I do not think I could drink a whole cup, not just yet. This is a soothing drink that I think would be best to drink at night. 

Why turmeric? Read up on the many benefits of turmeric: here and here.  And check out my awesome turmeric dinner recipe here!

Turmeric milk is made of any kind of milk- usually coconut or almond milk- and then a small amount of turmeric and pepper. The pepper is added because pepper and turmeric go well together and help absorption. Some people like to add in ginger, I still  have not tried that.

I made my own homemade coconut milk:

• 1/4-1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2-1 cup HOT water, not boiling.
• Put in blender on high and blend for 2 minutes.

I doubled my cheese cloths and drained the milk right into a pot. Squeeze all the liquid out. There will be some coconut flesh in the cloth. I just tossed mine. I started with a 1/4 cup of coconut flakes and 1/2 water. I may up it next time if I feel adventurous.

NOTE* If you do not want to/do not have time to make your own homemade milk you can of course buy almond or coconut milk in a carton. I have used almond milk in a carton for my turmeric tea, and it was delicious.

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After the "milk" is made and in a pot, put fire on medium heat and add in 1/2 tsp of turmeric, some black pepper, and fresh ginger. If you do not have fresh ginger powdered is fine. If you need some sweetness add a medjool date to the mix and let it melt a little. Mix around and take the pot off the fire just before it starts to boil. Do not let it boil. Strain (optional), pour in a cup and enjoy!

You can be creative with what you add to your tea. I have added cinnamon and pumpkin spice to my tea. This was amazing, like a little treat! (image above) Just remember the base of the tea is the milk, turmeric and pepper. From there you can add whatever spices and sweeteners you wish!

This is a super helpful blog post about all the different kinds of "milks" and their nutritional value. 

I will be drinking this maybe once a week before bed. It is soothing, tasty, AND good for you! Have you ever tried turmeric milk? How do you make it?

My adventure with Green Drinks

I can remember, at least 15 years ago, when my dad bought his first juicer and would juice everything! He would make straight up carrot juice and try to make my brother and I drink it. We REALLY did not like it. What 12 year old would?? And now, it is the biggest trend. A couple of months ago I tried my frist official green juice at SCLA Boston, and thought it was made with WAY too much ginger. I tried to force myself to take it down, but just couldn't. I later tried a juice from a local store near my apartment, and really liked it. It was made from kale,celery, apple, pear and carrots. Whenever I am at Whole foods I always see the "BluePrint drinks. I am usually hesitant to buy them because of the cost, $10!

blueprint

But today, I bought one... and I LOVE IT! It is very earthy and has a hint of lemon at the end. I truly enjoy the taste but can see how some people might not be able to take it down. I think it helps when the juice is realllllly COLD!

I am not a fan of drinking juices as a substitution for meals. I think grabbing a juice as a snack, or pick me up is fine. Or even alongside a piece of almond butter and toast for breakfast. The green BluePrint drink has only 130 calories. NOT enough for a meal, well for me at least. I plan to add more juices into my diet, but more as a morning addition or midday pick me up, rather than as a meal substitution.

On my wish list is a juicer, but I have been banned from buying any more gadgets at the moment... there is NO room in my apartment for anything! SO I will have to wait, OR just keep buying crazy expensive drinks!?

What is your favorite green juice mixture? Do you have a juicer? Which one?

Water Challenge

Here is a Facebook post I received today! Set yourself a reminder so that you do not forget! I have had a lot of people tell me an alarm, or note helps.

It's happening! People are staying committed and drinking their morning glass of water!! I am loving seeing your tweets, messages, and posts! Keep up the good work. It is not too late to start with this healthy and EASY habit. Many people drink coffee first thing in the AM. But a lot people told me they made the effort this morning to drink a cup of water before their cup of coffee. YES!

http://youtu.be/bs_cCEUpv9U

Keep sending your water drinking pictures! Do it now! Tweet or post your pictures! Twitter: @SweatwithLH Facebook: Sweat With Lauren Hefez

The first couple of pictures that I received this AM... :)

Aruba Circuit workout and a delicious fruit smoothie.

I am back!!! I was in Aruba for a short 4 days and  wanted to film a beach workout for you!  Here is an awesome circuit that will target everything from your arms, abs, legs and inner thighs. This video shows you 1 full circuit, but you will have to do it 5 times through! WOOOO. Enjoy! http://youtu.be/El58Nh16rUA

While in Aruba I fell in love with some amazing fresh fruit smoothies. I got a mixture of papaya, mango, banana and lime. My friend Christine got papaya, mango, banana  and watermelon.  Brandon got papaya and mango, and my other friend got banana, strawberry and yogurt!

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And apparently I am not the only Boston fitness teacher that found this smoothie place. Erica from Erica Bornstein Yoga and Dance loves it too!

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All smoothies are blended with ice and act as an amazing refreshing drink. I wish I could make this on my own at home, but I believe I need one of those special blenders. Mine is narrow at the bottom where I noticed that theirs had a wider base, so it could crush the ice and fruit more easily. Anyone have an awesome blender where you do not need any liquid for it to blend? Just ice and fruit.