So many of us do not actually know what “being healthy” means. It doesn’t mean eating fancy food or starving ourselves in an attempt to fit some kind of perfect image. It is just about caring for your body to ensure a long and healthy life. Which too often we forget consists of more than just what we eat. In order for us to ensure a happy and healthy life, we need to establish healthy habits in the following key areas: stress reduction, sleep, exercise, supplements, nutrition, and hormone balancing. One of the best ways to help all six areas is with hydration!

Feel The Sting Of Success

There is a saying that if you go to meet someone and you do not have anything to give them, give them nettles. Yes, you read that right…..nettles!  Well, Stinging Nettles, to be exact, because of their substantial health benefits. Nettles are one of the best natural ingredients you can consume in the morning for a boost of fresh energy. Not only have they been shown to help aid in naturally balancing out your hormone levels but they are also great for helping you learn to create boundaries with others. Nettles are said to help you naturally distance yourself from those around you who take more than they give while also softening the blow for when you don’t have the luxury of distance.

The Hits Keep Coming!

Nettles have been shown to reverse hormonal imbalance, especially for people just entering middle age. They can also help prevent cancers in the reproductive system. It is important to remember that if you are pregnant or may be pregnant you will want to avoid the digestion and absorption of nettles due to the fact that they can lead to a miscarriage. If you are not planning on being pregnant anytime soon and find yourself dealing with a number of health-related issues nettles may be a great option for you.

A Multitasking Herb

Nettles are a great option if you are looking to work on a number of problems at the same time. A cup of nettle tea in the morning facilitates better nutrient absorption and decreases stomach issues.  It can also improve your metabolism. Since they are very high in potassium and iron, these herbs can help prevent kidney infections, remove toxins from the blood, and relieve arthritis pain. Nettles can also improve mild acne. Soak nettle herbs overnight in hot water to reduce their sting and apply to your face. 

Tea Time

Drinking Nettle Tea: Soak one ounce of the herb in water overnight for maximum results. You can sweeten it with a little honey or stevia monk fruit and enjoy it as an iced tea. If you want to make life easy, then you can buy nettle tea online on amazon.com made by Traditional Medicinals. I love making this tea with almond milk and honey or stevia. Sit down with a cup of tea, a journal, or a book and create that quiet space we all deserve and need in life. Boost your iron levels naturally and let your mind wander as you enjoy your cup of tea. Think about your goals, your dreams and enjoy.

A Rose By Any Other Name

Set aside their unfortunate name and give those stinging nettles a chance! Will you drink your cup of tea today? Personally, one of my biggest issues stems from my inability to establish proper boundaries. I have always been a giver by nature and unfortunately, that tends to attract plenty of people or take more than they give. Over the years the more I gave the more they took and I started to notice that I was having hormone, digestive, acne, weight, sleep, stress, liver, kidney, and nutrient absorption issues. Who knew that the simple act of drinking some nettle tea had the ability to hit all of my health issues in one perfect little package. For the record, I love tea, always have and likely always will. 

Looking To Have Your Cake?

For those of you who are anything like me, you want as many options as possible. I mean, while I absolutely love tea, every now and then I want something a little more substantial than tea. What better way to eat your way to good health than with something sweet? After painstakingly trying a variety of options I finally found a way to do just that. Now you can have your cake and eat it too! The recipe below is a great spring cake that uses stinging nettles, lemon, and strawberries to give your body the pick-me-up it desperately needs right now. This recipe is quickly becoming one of my new favorites and I can’t wait for you guys to try it out. Get ready to boost your energy levels while giving your kidneys and liver some well-deserved TLC.

Strawberry Lemon Nettle Cake

Gluten Free Vegan Serves 12

• 3 cups Nettle, Loosely Packed Raw
• 2 Apples Peeled and Grated
• ½ Cup Applesauce
• ¾ Cup Cashew Yogurt
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• ¾ Cup Coconut Sugar
• ½ Cup Coconut Oil Melted
• 1 Cup Coconut Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 Cup Almond Flour
• 2 tsp Lemon Zest
• ½ tsp Sea Salt
• 15 Strawberries wedged 
• 6 Tbsp Strawberry Chia Jam

Lemon Icing:

• 2 ½  Cups Whole Earth Stevia Monk Fruit Sugar
• ½ tsp Pure Vanilla
• 2 Tbsp Vegan Cream Cheese
• ½ Lemon Zest and Juice
• ⅓ Cup Vegan Butter Softened

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Pre-treat a 2×8 inch round cake pan with a nonstick option of choice (I prefer parchment paper or using silicone molds). Boil nettle leaves for a few minutes until tender (about 5 min). Run under cold water once tender, drain, and puree well. If needed you can add a little applesauce to help it blend easier and set aside. Combine yogurt, oil, vanilla, zest, applesauce, and sugar. Once mixed stir in nettle puree and grated apple making sure everything is well combined. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt gently making sure not to over mix. Pour batter into cake pans and bake for 30 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 2 minutes in pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 

For icing combine all ingredients into a bowl and blend well with an electric mixer. To assemble the cake as seen, transfer the icing into a pastry bag. Place a small amount of icing on the serving dish in the center to hold the cake in place. Place first cake down and pipe (using a large tip) icing into the center. The cake shown has strawberry chia jam in the center with wedges of strawberries surrounding it and the icing on the outer edge. Repeat this layer and top with the final cake making sure to add icing to the center and top with remaining strawberries. Enjoy!

Need A Hand?

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!