Here are tips for Vibrancy + Nourishment and find delicious recipes from my friend and collaborator, Christine Dunst Co Founder and CEO of Embody Wellness Company @embodywellnesscompany

We all need nourishment and vibrancy now more than ever. Glowing skin starts from the inside with clean nutrition, de-stressing, optimal sleep and taking care of YOU. Take the time you need for yourself and make some of these warming and nourishing treats. Cooking nutrient rich foods is absolutely a form of self-care.

Stress, fatigue and the do more all the time mentality is everywhere. Not to mention the chronic stress from the global pandemic, politics, homeschooling and beyond. We get it! We are entrepreneurs, moms, and have cortisol issues of our own we are working on. Stress also wreaks havoc on our immunity, skin and vibrancy. Luckily, there are a group of herbal ingredients called Adaptogens that can be used to improve the health of your adrenal system-the system that’s in charge of managing your body’s hormonal response to stress.

Adaptogens literally “adapt” their function according to your body’s specific needs. They strengthen the body’s response to stress and enhance its ability to cope with anxiety while fighting fatigue – without crashes you may get from caffeine. They work gently and cumulatively and bring your body back to a homeostasis state. Adaptogens are useful, but it’s important to discover the root causes of your stress. We partner with clients to uncover their stressors and tactics to alleviate them.

What adaptogens to use and the amount is specific to YOUR body and what symptoms you are having*.

Have a sugar-craving? Try our medicinal hot chocolate (see below) before you reach for the cookies. All the anti-inflammatory properties like cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cacao, etc. work in  synergy to boost immunity while the adaptogens of ashwagandha and chaga helps with stress, energy and overall immunity. The sweetness of cinnamon and the cacao make this a treat. The cacao causes your brain to release endorphins which are also released during exercise! They lower our stress and give us a general sense of wellbeing. We love the functional side of nutrition.

Pause and enjoy these nourishing recipes and take extra special care of you.

*Some adaptogens are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. As always, work with your holistic doctor to determine what is best for you.

Recipe:

• 2 cups of warmed nut milk (or 1 cup of hot water + 1 cup of nutmilk)
• 1 tsp of Ceylon cinnamon
• 1 tsp of turmeric + dash of black pepper
• 72 tsp of cardamom (optional)
• 1 tsp of cacao
• 1 tsp of Ashwagandha
• 1 tsp of Chaga mushroom (Any powered mushroom of your choice works. Explore what is best for your body. We love @MoonJuice or @FourSigmatic brand)
• Optional 1 medjool date or raw honey to your liking

You can make this on the stove or in your vitamix (if usingthe medjool date). Or pour hot water into Vitamix and mix with the remaining ingredients. We typically mix nut milk + 1 cup of hot water from the kettle in the Vitamix. We also love to add matcha if we are making this in the morning vs. coffee.

Top with cacao nibs and an extra dash of cinnamon.

You can also find the adaptogens locally at Arogya in Westport: https://www.arogya.net/