In honor of International Women’s Week, I wanted to share a wellness secret on how I stay healthy and can kick ass every day. As women, we’re constantly running around from work to the gym to an appointment, just trying to accomplish everything on our to-do lists. But we’re bound to get sick with everything going on in our lives. When I fall sick, it’s game over.
Up until a year ago, I was constantly catching a cold, suffering from major migraines and pretty much had a weak immune system. I wasn’t the best version of myself and never truly felt healthy. I wasn’t able to do or complete the things I wanted to. I went to my doctor, and she didn’t provide much help. I tried various teas and supplements, but that didn’t help either. Then, my mom recommended ACV – apple cider vinegar.
She poured me a cup of water and mixed a tablespoon of ACV in it. I took my first sip, “This is nasty,” I mumbled to myself. The next day, I tried it with hot water because I prefer hot over cold. That helped a bit. I kept experimenting with the recipe, and I now add honey and lemon to make it easier to drink. It’s still a bit of a unique, pungent taste but with the honey, it’s not that bad. You really get used to it. And honestly, I rather have this than a golden latte – turmeric is hard to swallow.
I’ve been pretty consistent over the past year having ACV every morning. I cannot start my day without having a cup of hot water mixed with ACV, lemon and honey. As soon as I get to work and put my bag down at my desk, I head straight to the kitchen to make this concoction. I have it before I put anything else into my body. My family thinks I’m crazy because I pack all the ingredients whenever I travel too.
But let me tell you, I’ve seen a difference.
I found that I suffer less from headaches; I feel less bloated, and my immune system has definitely improved. Don’t get me wrong, I still get headaches or a runny nose from time to time but not as bad or as often as I did before. I can actually make it through my to-do list and run from one appointment to the next without the fear of falling sick the next day.
Seeing the benefits and incorporating this into your lifestyle will take time (I say 3 months solid), but it’s worth it. At least, it’s worth a shot.
My recipe:
1. 1 cup of hot water
2. 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with the “mother”*
3. 1/2 a lemon
4. 1 tbsp of honey (raw unfiltered is the best)
*I like Bragg’s but since I go through ACV so quickly, Costco’s 2-pack ACV is just as great. Also, feel free to add 2 tbsp of ACV instead of 1 but make sure you don’t have more than 2.
Combine all the ingredients into a cup, squeeze the lemon, stir and enjoy! Have it before breakfast, and you won’t even need coffee after to give you that morning pick-me-up.
Anisha 🎀
It's Simply Anisha 