Ditch your coffee, try a morning tonic

I am a bit of a health freak. This comes from my mom, I know it. She raised us on whole wheat cookies and broccoli. Most often, my brothers and I would request mashed potatoes for dessert because that was the closest thing we got to junk food.

My health freak ways go in phases. Usually I will research a health habit and then become obsessed with it. I've done some weird things, BUT- I have stayed healthy, so I know that my health freak obsessions are paying off.

Lately, I have been into honey. I researched it up and down, inside and out. Honey seems to be a miracle cure all! Here is why: yes, honey is sweet and it has calories, but it doesn't affect blood sugar the way regular sugar does. It keeps the blood sugar consistent, rather than causing a spike like white sugar. Honey gives us an energy boost...once again, without the insulin spike. Honey is also an antioxidant and anti bacterial, meaning it helps improve immunity and keep us healthy. It also helps with digestion, fighting disease, hangovers, sore throats, weight loss, and cholesterol.
*A fun little fact about honey: it doesn't go bad. It may crystallize, but melting it will bring it back to its normal sticky state.*

I have decided to switch out my normal morning coffee with a honey tonic instead. So far I have been quite happy with my switch! Here are the tonics I switch between, each having their own benefits.

Honey & Lemon:

This is a good combination for weight loss. Honey aids in weight loss while lemon is a digestive aid and liver clenser. Lemon also provides calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, along with its fighting power towards infections, acne, anxiety, and canker sores.

1-2 lemon wedges

1 Tablespoon natural organic honey

Hot water

Honey & Cocoa:

This is a good combination for heart health. Raw cocoa powder contains flavanoids that are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Cocoa also helps to decrease blood pressure and improve heart health. Not only is this tonic good for you, but it is a healthy replacement for hot chocolate, as it is only about 65 calories.

2 teaspoons raw cocoa powder

1 Tablespoon natural organic honey

Hot water

Honey & Ginger:

This is a good combination for respiratory relief. Ginger helps with colds, cough, sore throats, asthma, and indigestion. Antioxidants in ginger also help with improving immunity, digestion, gas, diarrhea, and nausea. This could be a good tonic if you suffer from morning sickness, or feel a cold coming on.

1-2 slices raw ginger root

1 Tablespoon natural organic honey

Hot water

You can also enjoy these tonics throughout the day, after dinner, or before bed. I like to jump start my day, metabolism, and digestion with one which is why I prefer to drink it in the morning. 

Enjoy, and happy health!

What health habits are you into?