Today’s blog is brought to you by Florida Orange Juice. As always, all opinions are my own.
Ever since I was a little girl, Florida Orange Juice was a part of my family’s happiest memories.
Pancakes at my best friend’s house only paired perfectly with ice cold orange juice. Ever had an“Everything Bagel” from Long Island? I can assure you, it is not the same without Florida Orange Juice to wash it down. It’s natural sweetness and burst of flavor cuts through life’s most indulgent delicacies. Now, living in Florida, I always look forward to the drives to my in-laws house. We drive past orange grove after orange grove and it’s a pleasant reminder that there is nothing more delicious than a glass of Florida Orange Juice.
As we move into winter, staying healthy is the utmost priority! I am not going to lie, we had a rough start. After coming off a full year at home, CJ got hit hard when he started school, but it seems that with some tiny practices, we are on the mend, staying healthy and his little immune system is getting stronger with every runny nose. So, I understand that navigating the school year or life during winter and remaining healthy can be a daunting task, but here are a few things we do to support our immune system and keep the germs at bay, the best we can.
Daily Movement: It is no secret that 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every week has many benefits, including immune support. For my family, daily movement can be an intense workout class or simply a walk to the park. Moving is as much for my mental health as it is for my physical! Find a way to move your body every single day.
Wash Our Hands: What if you kept track of the number of times you washed your hands these past two years? It must be record for most hands washed EVER, right?! Having a toddler who absolutely loves putting his fingers in his nose and an infant who will eat just about anything, including my fingers, makes it incredibly important to keep my hands squeaky clean and as germ free as possible. So, we make sure to wash or sanitize our hands often. We also bring wipes and sanitizer wherever we go.
Disinfecting My Phone: My phone is being touched all day and night by someone’s hands. To me, that means one thing…germs. A daily disinfecting can decrease the number of germs and hopefully decrease the risk of Lily transferring germs to her fledgling infant system. Especially since she goes after my screen and somehow gets it in her mouth daily.
Sleep: Although I have two young babies, sleep is a priority for all of us. We wind down early and go to bed shortly after the babies to ensure restorative restful sleep. That means, turning off electronics an hour before bed, reading and maybe meditation or breathwork. I love sleep, I always have and as a mom of two, if mama isn’t rested, then I cannot be all that I need to be for everyone in my family.
Meditate/Journal: In a modern world, keeping your stress level down can be difficult. It is so important to find tiny moments to breathe and reflect. Adding a daily meditation practice or gratitude journal can do wonders for mind, body and soul.
Consume Nutrient Dense Foods: “You are what you eat.” You have probably heard that term a million times over. The truth of the matter is, the foods and beverages we consume can support your immune response. We try our best to cut out as much processed foods as possible and incorporate as many whole foods as possible to include fruits, vegetables, lean protein, legumes, eggs and fish!
Around here, we try our best to infuse these wellness practices into our daily routine in a simple and convenient way! For example, who doesn’t love a hot toddy during the winter? They are fun, festive and can be made to provide key nutrients that help support the immune system.
For an added boost of vitamin C and fun, try my Ginger-Orange Winter Wellness Hot Toddy, made with Florida Orange Juice!
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Florida Orange Juice
- 4 Cups Warm Ginger Tea
- 1 Shot of Whiskey (If 21+ years of age)
- Honey to taste (you may not need any)
Directions:Steep tea bags in hot water. Add Florida Orange Juice and pour into carafe. When you are ready to use premade ginger-orange juice mixture, warm up a cup, add whiskey (if you are of age) and sweeten with honey to taste. You may not even need honey as Florida Orange Juice is naturally sweet already. Sip Slow and enjoy!
Why did I forgo the lemon and use Florida Orange Juice?
Florida orange juice is naturally sweet and doesn’t require the addition of added sugar or honey, unless desired.
The immune system is complex and needs a constant supply of essential nutrients to support its function and Florida OJ provides key nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, potassium, thiamin and vitamin D (in fortified juices) that may help support your immune system.
100% orange juice can additionally help support hydration because it naturally contains several electrolytes, including potassium and calcium (in fortified juices), and magnesium in smaller amounts, to aid in fluid balance.
This winter, be sure to incorporate wellness practices into your routine and I hope you place this hot toddy on regular rotation! Just remember, it can be enjoyed without libation and would be just as delicious! Cheers!
Click this link for more on the health benefits of Florida Orange Juice! Happy Holidays.