My Guilt-Free Beverage

Infused Waters are a great way to mix your beverage up without drinking something loaded with sugar. As little as 2-3 teaspoons of sugar impacts the blood sugar level and elevates triglycerides. There are 4 grams = 1 teaspoon. Most teas and even all natural sodas have 22-44 grams of sugar per serving. That's the equivalent of 5.5-11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. Diets excessive in sugar and carbohydrate can affect the biochemistry of the brain. They impact the hormone levels and are linked with weight gain, depression and increased fatigue. There are healthier options out there like creating an infused water, teas, flavored soda waters (fizzy!), vegetable and fruit smoothies/juices.

Add a little bit of sea salt if you are overly hydrated and need electrolytes. If you're feeling saucy you can add a dash of cayenne for extra nutritional benefits. The fruits used in this infusion are sources of Vitamin C which can help ward off colds and sickness. Aloe juice is good for the digestive system and anti-inflammatory. I use George's brand aloe vera juice as part of a candida elimination diet - it has no preservatives and tastes like water. Some brands of aloe juice are not filtered or juiced properly and can be harsh on the body and bitter. 

Cucumber, Green Apple, Lemon and Aloe Infused Water

Ingredients:
1/4 of a medium cucumber, very thinly sliced
1/4 of a small granny smith apple, quartered and thinly sliced
1/3 of a small lemon, very thinly sliced into rounds
1 tbl. George's Aloe Vera Juice 
1 quart filtered water
*Add even more of these delicious plant foods to amp up the flavor.
Optional: Dash Pink Himalayan Sea Salt or Cayenne Pepper

Directions:
1. Add all ingredients to a one-quart mason jar. Sit out or place in the fridge until you would like to drink. Refrigerate or drink within 2 hour of making to preserve fruit.
Recipe and photo by Keri Marino.

Keri Marino is an internationally Registered Yoga Teacher, Propmaker, and Yoga Therapist.  She owns and operates Yoga Unique LLC offering mobile Private classes, Yoga Therapy and Yoga props. Keri teachers both privately and publicly around the Greenville area. Check out more here: YogaUnique

5 Healing Teas to Rock Your Life

Pau D'Arco

I love herbal tea and it packs some serious health and nutritional benefits. I often times think of tea and healing foods as my secret weapon to ward off illness and weight-gain! Here are some staples that I always have on hand and why:



1. Pau D'Arco aka The Divine Bark

Health Benefits:

• Anti-Fungal: this tea is historically good for eliminating fungus from the body such as Candida  which robs the immune system and destroys balance of bacteria in the digestive system.
• Immune Stimulant & Disease Fighter (also Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antimicrobial & Antitumor)
• Liver and Lymph Cleanser
• Aids in Mucous Reduction

Nutritional Profile:

• Contains: Iron, Calcium, Selenium, Vitamins A, B-Complex and C; Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Phosphorous, Potassium and Sodium.
• Naturally Caffeine Free

2. Yerba Mate aka The High-Energy Tonic

Yerba Mate is traditionally served in a Gourd

Health Benefits:

• Energizing to Mind and Body
• Fights Fatigue
• Boosts Metabolism
• Sexual Tonic 

Nutritional Profile:

• Contains: Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin, B5, B Complex; Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc
• Caffeinated

3. Peppermint aka The Tummy Soother

Health Benefits:

• Soothes the Digestive System
• Pain-Reliever (when applied topically)
• Aids in Tension and Stress Reduction
• Relieves Congestion (when inhaled)

Nutritional Profile:

• Contains: Vitamin A & C and Manganese, Folate
• Naturally Caffeine Free

4. Chamomile aka The Tranquility Tonic

Health Benefits:

• Reduces Inflammation (also Antibacterial and Antiseptic)
• Sleep Aid
• Reduces Menstrual Cramps, Aches & Pains
• Soothes Muscles

Nutritional Profile:

• Contains: Vitamin A, Folate, Calcium, Potassium and Sodium
• Naturally Caffeine Free

5. Ginger aka The Warming Root

Health Benefits:

• Increases Circulation and Warms the Body (Great for a winter's day)
• Reduces Nausea and Motion Sickness
• Promotes Metabolism and Digestion

Nutritional Profile:

• Contains: Choline, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sodium.
• Naturally Caffeine Free

It's worth mentioning that sometimes the health benefits of tea accrue when a certain quantity is consumed over a period of time. For example, in order to reap the reduction in menstrual cramps of Chamomile tea it should be consume daily for at least 2-3 weeks before cramps are reduced.

Article by Keri Marino.

Keri Marino is an internationally Registered Yoga Teacher, Propmaker, and Yoga Therapist.  She owns and operates Yoga Unique LLC offering mobile Private classes, Yoga Therapy and Yoga props. Keri teachers both privately and publicly around the Greenville area. Check out more here: YogaUnique

Resources:
20,000 Secrets of Tea: The Most Effective Ways to Benefits from Nature's Healing Herbs by Victoria Zak
Guayaki
World's Healthiest Foods - Peppermint
Nutrition Data 
World's Healthiest Foods - Ginger

January Schedule

Private Classes & Yoga Therapy:
Available by appointment only. Private classes and yoga therapy are great for individuals who want the yoga experience in a more intimate setting with room for personalization. Classes offered in a variety of locations around Greenville, SC and online. Contact me for details:YogaUnique.KeriMarino@gmail.com 

Public Classes: 

Tuesday & Thursday
12:30-1:30pm Yoga for Cancer Survivors (on Tuesdays only, free classes offered at the Greenville Memorial Hospital - Cancer Center in the Mezzanine.) 
5:45-7pm Therapeutic Flow Yoga @ Greenville Yoga (Augusta Rd)

Sunday
2-3:15pm Therapeutic Flow Yoga @ Greenville Yoga (Augusta Rd)
4:30-5:30pm Restorative Yoga @ Greenville Yoga (North Main)
public classes.

Drop in to any of the above classes any time it works for your schedule. All classes are $10 unless otherwise specified. See location details at: www.GreenvilleYoga.com