MEDITATION TONICS

WHATS A TONIC?

It took me a while to give mediation tonics a try. Why? Because I wanted to make sure that I did my research first. The trending train of calming teas and tonics are so HOT right now so I wanted to give them a try with the proper education in mind.

My findings? I believe that proper nourishment and a daily renewal practice are essential for optimal living. The long list of benefits in calming teas and meditation tonics is outstanding. Massive boosts of antioxidants, minerals, herbal focus and drive as well as detoxifying, hormonal balance and a great source of enzyme production (helps us absorb food better).

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Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate teas and tonics into my lifestyle:

I start almost every morning with (tonic #1) a revitalizing glass of lemon + pink Himalayan salt water. Not only does this help my adrenals get started, it’s like flipping on a light switch. This also reduces adrenal stress and sets me up to have the most productive day.

I usually follow that with a bulletproof coffee. Upgraded coffee with a tablespoon on ghee or MCT equals pure power that lasts for hours. On most days, I have a breakfast that includes healthy fats (with or without protein) which is used as sustainable energy throughout the day (no 2pm slump here!). Other days, I will do intermittent fasting until having a late 2pm lunch.

For lunch, I pair high fiber vegetables with protein, usually beef or fish, with dark leafy greens. Depending on which cycle phase I am in, I swap out leafy greens for fermented foods such as kimchi or sauerkraut, sprouted seeds or grains such as buckwheat or quinoa. Post lunch, around 2pm, I make (tonic #2) a chaga tonic with pine pollen and ashwagahnda (hormonal balance & immunity boost), cinnamon (support brain function & aids is reducing stress), vital proteins (hair, skin, nails & added protein) and reishi (liver function and detoxification). Mixing this with homemade nut milk makes it creamy & smooth. If you want to opt out of the nut milk, feel free! This is a caffeine free drink that replicates the taste of chaga, i mean coffee! I do recommend blending these ingredients in a blender, but a fast action fork twirl will do just fine.

GET MOVING – make sure to spend time moving! Step away from your desk and stretch, walk, jog, lift or take part in a group exercise class. I find that moving frequently throughout the day helps me stay focused. I am never in one place for more than 30 minutes.

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This position is typically held for 15 minutes. Viparita Karani nourishes and recharges the adrenal glands. Often I begin this pose very sleepy and by minute 7 or 8, I’m staring wide-eyed at the ceiling alert and ready to go. The extra 7-8 minutes after that really seal the deal. It also brings blood to the head where you can use it! I use also recommend the 7-minute workout app. This fast, simple, science-based way to work out anywhere, anytime uses body alignment and leverage isometrics to create full fiber activation of multiple muscles to maximize fascia fitness. Choose 1 circuit {7 minutes} or repeat a circuit 3 times for a killer 21 minute workout!

Here’s a great time to grab a handful of nuts and sip on some water with lemon or dandelion tea (tonic #3).

Dinner is my smallest meal but its loaded with fiberous vegetables and a little protein (usually wild caught fish, grass-fed lamb, or beef). Heat up a cup of filtered water (tonic #4) for a sleep inhibited tonic. A sleep tonic can be a blend of filtered water, cold-pressed lemon juice, rosewater, chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm & magnesium glycinate. The tonic is touted to promote calmness and drowsiness, helping you get a deeper, more restful night’s sleep.

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I know that an entire body restoration and revamp is close to impossible to do but let me tell you something; if you do at least one of the above options and start to incorporate more as the weeks go on, I promise that you will be more energized throughout the entire day, be more productive and efficient with your time, and sleep like you did during nap time.

enjoy,

xx,

gl