On the rise!

The December sickness has come upon me once again. Tragically, since moving to California four years ago, the only time I now ever get sick is during my favorite month of the year. Of course, there is the occasional summer malaise, but when the classic red-nosed-warped-voice-queen-of-the-tissue curse is upon me, chances are it means Christmas is right around the corner.

December 2011 has proven no different. Though most likely heightened due to a month of travel, as soon as I was back in Los Angeles last week, my immune system opted for a vacation of its own. I felt as though my legs had been kicked out from under me and I had zero sick days to lean on.


Rather than turn to chemicals to save me, however, this year I decided to forge ahead naturally.

This meant no matter how bad I felt, no Nyquil, no Dayquil, no acidifying chemicals were allowed into my body.  Though compromised, I wanted to believe my body still had the capability to heal itself as long as I gave it life-giving fuel, so a diet of apple cider vinegar, raw honey and the occasional (or multiple, who's counting?) organic cough drop became the norm.

And would you believe, within four days, I was on the rise! Whereas in the past I would easily don the prepubescent Bobby voice for at least a week, this year I hit bottom on a Wednesday, and by Sunday was singing in church. Though I still felt pretty weak and tired, Monday arrived with far less of a bite than I was expecting. I only needed my morning coffee for the caffeine, not for numbing a raging sore throat.

Needless to say, my belief in the power of The Raw and The Natural has been taken to a deeper level. In celebration I decided to amp up my morning breakfast by creating an immunity powerhouse to continue the speedy healing. It is a delicious medley of fresh fruits with super seeds and berries. The mangoes alone are an excellent source of antioxidants, digestive enzymes, fiber, iron and vitamins A&E. They are bit higher in caloric content than other fruits, but when combined with the chia seeds (which are a hallmark of metabolism boosting and energy production) their benefits far outweigh a fear of getting fat. Adding goji berries provides essential fatty acids and aminos, particularly important for healing a sick body and warding off future disease, as well as additional antioxidants, 10x more than those found in red wine. Goji berries also help hydrate cell membranes, which is important for the body's natural detoxification processes and for preventing inflammation.

I knew I wanted some extra electrolytes in this mix, so I added the rest of the fruit (especially the pear) for potassium, manganese, magnesium and copper, to name a few. They were also what jumped out to me most at the market because they were fresh and on sale in season. Really any fruit can be added according to your fancy. Nuts would also be a good addition- I would have added some cashews if I hadn't blown through an entire pound days before. Oops.

Sunrise To-heal-ya Breakfast Salad

* 2 organic navel oranges

* 2 medium organic bananas

* 1 medium organic pear

* 2 organic red mangoes

* 1/3 cup raw, dried goji berries

* 1 Tbs raw chia seeds

* 1 Tbs flaxseed oil

* 2-3 Tbs raw honey

* 1/3 cup organic, unsweetened coconut flakes

- Cut up fruit and add to large bowl. To help keep the mango from sticking together first add one mango, then one banana and one orange, then repeat in that order. Next add the chia seeds and goji berries, then finally the pear. Sprinkle the coconut flakes, oil and honey on top, give it a quick toss, and say hello to a spoonful of health. 

*Note: this makes a batch big enough to have for several breakfasts, or several people, if you are feeling in the Christmas Spirit and want to share.