Uplive: Week 1
Every Monday we are going to upgrade life. Each upgrade will be dead simple to start and easy sustain. 52 upgrades in one year. That's gonna f-ing move the dial!
If you get one percent better each day for one year, you'll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you're done. - James Clear
I'm calling this series "Uplive: Life. Upgraded" because when you give a thing a name, you bring it to life. And this is one of the things I've wanted to bring to life for some time now.
So what is upgrade for week 1?
Morning Wellness Shot
Start your morning with a wellness shot. Get a concentrated dose of nutrients into your system, preferably as soon as you get out of bed. Have it ready. Bottoms up!
A very common ingredient in a wellness shot is ginger root due to its amazing benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pain management
- Workout recovery
- Immunity boost
To make this a layup, get yourself a few pre-packaged ginger shots. If you already have a slow-juicer then by all means use it because that's a more sustainable option, but for those mornings where you just can't it's good to have back up. In other words, do what you gotta do to get going, but be consistent.
When making the shot yourself, try to use as much fresh and whole ingredients as possible. You'll maximize the benefits. If using turmeric try to include some black pepper to increase the anti-inflammatory benefits.
Make it taste good, but not too good. Part of the benefit of the morning shot is the small challenge that an intense shot presents. Don't take away the opportunity for a quick win by making it so sweet that it doesn't hurt a little. I like the double kick of ginger and cayenne pepper, cut with lemon and a small amount of honey.
Best Value Recipe
- 2" ginger root
- 2" turmeric root
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (or whole lemon, peeled)
- 1 tbsp filtered water
- 1 tsp raw honey
- pinch black pepper
- (optional) pinch cayenne pepper
- (optional) 3 cardamom seeds
Conclusion
Starting the day with a ginger wellness shot is a revitalizing ritual that primes the body for optimal functioning. Consuming ginger in the morning provides an immediate infusion of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially reducing morning stiffness, combating inflammation, and clearing the mind. Moreover, its digestive benefits can set a positive tone for gut health throughout the day, helping in the digestion of breakfast and preparing the stomach for subsequent meals. As an added perk, the zesty kick of ginger can act as a natural pick-me-up, offering a refreshing alternative to caffeine. In sum, a morning ginger wellness shot is a healthful practice that can upgrade one's physical and mental well-being, laying the foundation for a productive and energized day.
You got this!
Resources
- Hurom HP Slow Juicer, Hurom
- Nama J2 Cold Press Juicer, Nama
- Immunity Boost Wellness Shot, Whole Foods
- Continuous Improvement, James Clear
- Why Turmeric AND Black Pepper, Verywell Health