Yes, we’re a mere 290 days from our trip and time for me to knuckle down. I’m never going to get this weight off if I don’t stay serious about my mission!
I’m having a difficult week, though. I guess I should be used to this, but my pain has been insidious. And, of course, I diverged from the plan as previously mentioned … and it’s hard to get back on track when you stray. Anyway, there’s no time like right now! I used to always have a day in the future that I’d do better – like “I’ll start again on Monday,” or “I’ll do better tomorrow.” But facts are facts, if you keep putting it off, you don’t really get it done.
So, I’ve been good about my pool time. I’ve put in well over 3000 steps each day this week. But I’ve also allowed myself some cheats. I know, I know, I need to stop that. But I have other needs, too. Without more info than you want, my “part time” job with WMEA is sometimes a stress producer. And no question, I’m a stress eater. Managing that is just not easy for me. Even now, after these months of dieting, it’s a constant struggle.
On another topic, one of the pool regulars touts the positives of adding tumeric and pepper to his coffee every morning. Seriously. Is this gross to anyone else? But I was just reading that the “Golden Milk Latte” has been called the “drink of the year.” It’s the buzz at all the hip cafés in New York. But what’s so ‘golden’ about this golden drink? It turns out, quite a bit. The magic ingredient is indeed, tumeric, touted for centuries to cure all ailments. People from many cultures have consumed turmeric to reap the benefits of the curcumin it contains to cure colds, fight disease, settle stomachs, and promote wellness.
More recently, turmeric is recognized for fighting inflammation, which is as good a reason as any to stir up a cup of your own. It’s the reason my friend at the pool drinks it. They say this drink is a delicious way to “kick open the door to wellness.” The recipe calls for cinnamon, which helps cleanse the body, ginger, which soothes the digestive system and eases stress, and coconut milk as well as black pepper, which help the body absorb the nutritional benefits of the herbs.
To make this comforting drink, they suggest using freshly ground cinnamon and fresh turmeric because it adds a clean, bright flavor to the latte. Dried turmeric can be substituted when fresh is not available, but it will settle at the bottom of the mug, so stir well before drinking. It all still sounds a little gross to me, but I’m going to give it a try. Here’s the recipe:
Golden Milk Latte
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk, preferably coconut milk beverage or almond milk
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
- 1 (1-inch) piece turmeric, unpeeled, thinly sliced or 1/2 teaspoon dried turmeric
- 1 (1/2-inch) piece ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- Ground cinnamon (for serving)
Directions
Whisk coconut milk, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, honey, coconut oil, peppercorns and 1 cup water in a small saucepan; bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer until flavors have melded, about 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into mugs and top with a dash of cinnamon.
Do Ahead: Golden milk can be made five days ahead. Store in an airtight container and chill. Warm before serving.
Nutrition (Per serving): Calories: 236; Total Fat: 16g; Saturated Fat: 13g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 131mg; Carbohydrate: 19g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 17g; Protein: 1g