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Category: Health and Wellness

Drink This Health Tonic And Prevent Colds And Flu

Anybody have sick kids? After just one week back to school several of my parents reported children (and sometimes adults) coming home with pink eye, colds, the flu, and strep throat. Your exposure to germs goes up when you are surrounded by large groups of people –  schools, airports, hospitals – but why is it that some people are more prone to sickness than others?

Louis Pasteur allegedly stated on his deathbed: “The microbe is nothing, the terrain is everything.”

By strengthening your immune system you are less likely to catch what is going around this season. My healthy winter plan includes frequent hand washing, daily physical activity, drinking bone broth, eating loads of fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking lots of water, using a neti pot, and staying away from sick people.

Speaking of sick people…I do appreciate your wanting to keep your scheduled appointment with me however if you are running a fever, vomiting, or are in the first 48 hours of a contagious disease like a cold or the flu please stay home and rest (or call your medical professional). We will reschedule your appointment for when you are feeling better.

I just made a batch of this health tonic and once it is “cooked” will be taking a few spoonfuls a day. What are your winter health strategies?

Master Tonic ingredients

Master Tonic Recipe

Things you will need:

  • garlic
  • white onion
  • jalapeno pepper
  • serrano pepper
  • ginger root
  • horseradish
  • 32 oz apple cider vinegar
  • honey
  • large jar with lid

Peel (if needed) and chop equal parts garlic, onion, jalapeno and serrano peppers, ginger root, and horseradish. I used my food processor for this.

Master Tonic chop 10.13

Place the chopped veggies in a large jar and fill with apple cider vinegar. Cap it and place it in a dark place (or in a brown bag on your kitchen counter). Once a day give it a shake. After 10 – 14 days open it, strain the liquid (the veggies can be used in a stir fry, salad dressing, or soup) and add honey to your liking. Take a few spoonfuls every day. If you do feel a cold coming on take a few spoonfuls every couple of hours.

Master Tonic finished 10.13

*please use caution when handling raw peppers, wear gloves if you have sensitive skin and for God’s sake do not touch your eyes or any other body part after chopping these hot things!

 

Anne McCranie owner of Fluid Movement + Massage LLC is a personal trainer and licensed massage therapist living and working in Sellwood (Portland, Oregon). This recipe is intended to spark your interest in natural health remedies. Please see your health care provider for specific dietary or medical advice.

Anne can be reached at (503) 705-4762

 

 

Fluid Movement + Massage Has A New Sellwood Address!

That’s right, Fluid has moved!

Don’t worry, we are still in the lovely Sellwood neighborhood, in fact we moved just ten blocks away.

Come see us at our new address: 1626 S.E. Sherrett Street, Portland, Oregon 97202

The massage room is set up and ready for you, and Pilates and yoga classes and personal training sessions are going on this week. Photos coming soon.

For Anne’s updated class schedule click here. To schedule your next massage call or email Anne. (503) 705-4762

Anne@FluidPortland.com

Healty Habits Trump Willpower When We Are Under Stress

According to a recent study during times of stress we tend to go with our established routines.

donut text 6.13

Researchers at USC studying college students and found that:

We are just as likely to default to positive habits, such as eating a healthy breakfast, getting massage or going to the gym, as we are to self-sabotage. This research shows that lack of control doesn’t automatically mean indulging in unhealthy behaviors; it’s the underlying routine that matters, for better or worse.

Students who ate unhealthy breakfasts during the semester – such as pastries or doughnuts – ate even more of the junk food during exams. But the same was true of oatmeal eaters: those in the habit of eating a healthy breakfast were also more likely to stick to routine and ate especially well in the morning when under pressure…. And regular gym-goers were even more likely to go to the gym when stressed.

 

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Need help establishing your healthy habits? Contact Anne today. (503) 705-4762

 

Three Tips For Healthy Weight Loss

Looking to shape up for spring? Try these three weight loss tips:

  1. Follow the 80/20 rule. 80% healthy foods, 20% fun. It is a lot easier to sustain a healthy diet if you know you have a cocktail or sweet treat waiting for you at the end of the week. No need to give up your favorite foods entirely, in fact if you allow yourself the occasional indulgence you will feel less deprived and be more likely to stick to a healthy eating plan.
  2. Replace “I have to” with “I choose to”. No one is holding a gun to your head and telling you to eat a salad. What is your goal? Smaller pant size, toned arms, having the same amount of energy you did in your 20’s? Keep your end result in mind when choosing what you eat, how you spend your time (and who you spend your time with).
  3. Get plenty of sleep. Studies show that those who sleep less often weigh more. While every body is different most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Trouble sleeping? Try going to bed at the same time each night, limit booze and caffeine, especially right before bed. Turn lights (including electronics) down in the evening to let your brain know you are about to snooze.

What tips have you used to reach your fitness or weight loss goals?

 

Anne McCranie is a Portland Oregon based Personal Trainer and Licensed Massage Therapist. She works with her clients one on one and in small groups utilizing a combination of Movement + Massage to help them reach their fitness goals. Need help establishing or sticking to your plan? Contact her today for a free consultation (503) 705-4762

How Sitting Is Killing Us

Get up! Yes you…right now.

Why you ask? Check out this video where Dr James Levine, an obesity specialist, claims our sedentary lifestyles may be hazardous to our health. He is the guy who came up with the idea for a treadmill desk by the way.  He claims “If you are sitting for an hour it’s too long.” and suggests that  you get up and move for a few minutes each hour.

Could you stand up to take your phone calls? Can you adjust your desk so you can stand and work? Or get up and walk around your desk once an hour? What can you do to stay “Fluid” throughout your day?