Hi everyone!

As the weather in our lovely Toronto continues to get colder, I would like to share with you some of my favourite recipes to warm me up and get me ready for winter.

As temperatures continue to drop, our bodies tend to crave warmer, heavier and often sweeter foods. This can easily take us on the path to collecting some extra pounds, if you know what I mean…Been there! Done that! I absolutely love the holidays but not so much the potential to lose my energy or have digestive issues.

Over the years, I came up with a few easy recipes to warm me up and keep me energized. Here are a few ideas I’d like to share with you. My rule of thumb is to start every meal with something warm, like a soup, broth or digestive tea. That makes it a lot easier to enjoy a salad, green juice or smoothie during the colder months.

DIGESTIVE FIRE TEA

2 Slices of lemon

3 Slices of fresh ginger (peeled)

1 Teaspoon raw honey (optional)

2-3 Leaves of fresh mint (optional)

1. Place all ingredients in a mug and add hot water.
2. Let steep for 5 minutes before enjoying.

WARMING VEGGIE BROTH

2 Garlic cloves

1 White onion

1 Sweet potato, skin on

3 Celery stalks

2 Carrots, skin on

Half a white cabbage (approx. 2 cups)

A few sprigs of parsley and thyme

1 Teaspoon whole peppercorns

Other optional veggies: fennel, celery root, radishes, leeks and parsnips.

1. Roughly cut all vegetables
2. Add all ingredients to a large pot and cover with water (approx. 2 inches over the veggies)
3. Bring to a boil and then simmer at medium-low heat for 1 hour
4. When done, strain the veggies in a colander lined with cheesecloth and discard the veggie or use as compost
5. You can keep the stock refrigerated for a few days or freeze in eco-friendly bags and enjoy as needed (Note: Let the stock cool down first before storing)

MISO SOUP

I love to keep miso paste in my fridge at all times, as it is such a quick way to prepare and enjoy. Miso is also fantastic for the friends in your gut and thus will help you much more than just warming you up.

***Enjoy in moderation, as it can be high in sodium.

Organic white miso paste (look for the Japanese kind)

Water

Optional: sliced green onions

1. Heat 1 cup of hot water in a kettle
2. Place 1 tablespoon of miso paste in a mug
3. Pour half of the hot water over the miso paste and mix well
4. Add the remaining water and stir

I hope you enjoyed this week’s post. Please leave a comment below and let me know what other recipes or topics you may be interested in.

Much love,