3 Tips to Avoiding the Flu Bug

Eat Those Greens!

 Crossing my fingers, knocking on wood that I don't jinx myself by giving away my tips to avoiding the flu or catching the latest cold. I'll come clean... I haven't had a cold for 3 years! Really?! yes sirreee.


I follow these tips as soon as I start seeing people around me coughing, hacking or sneezing. That alarm goes in my head, time to go into the safe zone.

3 Tips to Avoiding the Flu or Cold Bug :

1.) Drink hot or warm water constantly during the day.

Our lymphatic system is the drains to our body. When these drains are clogged up the germs that we take in get stuck in our bodies. When germs are stuck in our bodies the body sends signals to fight these germs and that's when we start feeling sick. Keeping the body hydrated keeps the lymphatic system flowing smoothly and leaving your immune system in tact.

2.) At All Costs - Don't Touch Your Face!
Simple yet often forgotten by numerous people. It was found in a study that on average people touch their face up to 104 times in 3 hours. These germs can get into your system through your mouth, nose, and eyes. It's a quick route for those bugs.

3.) Eat Even Healthier!
During the flu season it's no time to decide to go off your healthy eating plan. It's time to bump it up instead. Keeping your immune system in working order is your main goal when trying to avoid the bug. Eating unhealthy and packaged food doesn't provide your body with proper nutrients. Try eating more vegetables, soups and lean protein so your body is ready to defend.

Good luck out there people!

-Michelle

Beach Vacation & Christmas = Interesting Combo

It's finally time!

Time to take off to Varadero, Cuba. I won the trip about a month ago and at times I think time slowed down and crawled backwards but at the same time, I can't believe it's the end of November already.

Doesn't look to shabby to me?! - img via

We are leaving early Saturday morning and have a quick layover in Calgary. We should be getting into Cuba around 9pm, just in time to grab a drink at the bar. I've got to be honest, I never considered going to Cuba as I had heard from so many people how bland the food was. I never even spent a minute to investigate it on my own. Well ever since we won the trip I've been googling and flipping through pictures of Varadero. People!! Why didn't you tell me they had gorgeous beaches?! Food, who cares about food when you have gorgeous white sand beach and crystal blue ocean waves sparkling at you. All I need is a drink in hand and I'm good. Jeeeez.

I'll definitely be reporting back on my opinion of Cuba compared to other Carribean destinations. I've heard that the people are quite charming and nice like in Dominican Republic. Sweet news to my ears.

We get back into Vancouver on December 2nd. It's going to be strange going from pretty much no Christmas activity in our town to boom, Christmas season galore. I'm excited to start decorating our place. It's our first year in our new condo and our first Christmas living together. Our place is far too tiny to have a fake or real tree so I've scanning the web and Pinterest (of course) trying to find some alternatives. Any ideas anyone?

A little Christmas tree this year - img via

I've been having a craving for pomegranate's this past couple weeks and gave in the other day and bought Scott and I a big one. I couldn't believe that it cost $5.00 just for one but I just had to get my fix. I haven't been having any sugar treats so this was going to be my splurge treat. I tried out the under water method of opening it up. It works so well! It was alot easier then tearing at it while all the pomegranate juice squirts on your hands, eyes and clothes. Come December I'm going to try creating a Pomegranate Martini. Any recipes you could suggest??

A simple pomegranate martini - know of any great recipes? - img via

Well folks, until December....
Have a great holiday Thanksgiving and talk to you soon. xo

-Michelle

5 Interesting Water Facts That Will Benefit Your Health

Our body is made up out of 75% of water and our brain is made up out of 85% of water. Water is crucial to our health. Water is believed to be more important than food! We could last for a while without food but could not last for days without water.

5 Interesting Water Facts 

1. Often times when you think you are hungry for food it is in fact your body sending signals that you are dehydrated and need more water. Try having a glass of water before reaching for food.
2. Drinking warm water in the morning helps to activate your brain and metabolism. Drinking cold water actually makes your body work harder by trying to warm the water up to body temperature. It's best to drink cold water in the afternoons.
3. Water can be used for therapy. Showers can make you feel refreshed and awakened. When you are feeling sick it's important to take several showers to clean the "gunk" off and let your body breathe.
4. It is recommend that men drink 13 cups of water a day and women drink 9 cups. It's best though to get in tune with your body and find what amount works for you.
5. Above all, water can heal. Next time you have a headache, try drinking more water and you will be amazed that the headache will ease off or disappear all together. Water can flush toxins out of your body and make room for fresh healthy cells.

It's important to take in natural, clean water. Coffee, soda and tea can actually have the opposite effect and dehydrate you. Try to avoid water that contains chlorine and when possible filter your water.

Are you good at getting your proper amount of water in a day?

-Michelle