Exercising While Sick + Honey, Lemon & Ginger Tea

December 10, 2013

Honey, Lemon & Ginger Tea


Today I woke up with a terrible sore throat and stuffy nose.
The savvy thing to do would have been to make some tea and curl back up into my bed. But no,
I headed out the door in hopes that running in the freezing cold would reinvigorate me and cure all.
About two miles in, I felt like I was moving slower than a sloth and could not breathe for the life of me.
I contemplated heading back to the house, but hey, am I or am I not a triathlete? Nothing can stop me, right?
So I convinced myself to keep running. Worst.Decisions.Ever.
After one mile I had to stop and walk back home. Fail.
My lungs were burning, my throat felt like sandpaper and I was feeling like the biggest IDIOT in town.
I arrived home light headed but at least the agony was over. I brewed me some honey, lemon and ginger tea (recipe below) and went back to bed. Which is where I should have stayed all along.
Considering that cold (and flu) season is in full swing - and the poor judgement on my part this morning - I thought it would be a good idea to discuss whether it’s to OK to exercise while sick.


Honey, Lemon & Ginger Tea


We all know that exercise is key to good health, but there are times when your body needs a break.
Having to slow down when you’re sick is Mother Nature’s way of saying don’t push it man, just chill.
Our bodies already are battling against an illness and that takes energy. It’s not wise to put extra stress on them.
Want to exercise while sick? Doctors recommend to follow the above/below neck rule.
If the symptoms are above the neck, it’s ok to engage in a moderate physical activity.
Above the neck symptoms usually include the common cold, runny nose, nasal congestion, minor sore throat, sneezing, tearing eyes and a mild headache.
You aren’t feeling well, but still want to exercise? If the symptoms are above the neck you can still do it.
You need to lower your expectations about what you can do though, and you shouldn’t push too hard.
Any below the neck symptom is a big no-no. Fever, shortness of breath or chest congestion, body aches, heart burning, or feeling dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up: do not exercise.
Pretty clear-cut rule, right? Guess I got it wrong this morning.

Honey, Lemon & Ginger Tea

Whenever I feel something coming or I’m already sick, I make this honey, lemon and ginger tea.
Usually, I manage to curb the cold before it takes hold, and when it’s too late, this tea not only gives relief, but also works on stimulating the immune system and warms me up quite a bit.
I feel that this tea helps cure what ails me.
The lemon and ginger help clear sinuses and honey is the best for soothing the scratchy throat and relieving cough symptoms. It really works the magic.

Honey, Lemon & Ginger TeaHoney, Lemon and Ginger Tea                                                                               Print this recipe!

I’ve been known to add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the tea - which helps a lot with the sore throat. I must warn you though, it’s kinda hardcore.

Ingredients

Boiling water
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon
1 tablespoon raw organic honey, plus more to tales
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

Put ginger in a teapot or medium bowl. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over it and let steep for at least 5 minutes.
In the meantime, in a mug combine lemon juice and honey (and cayenne pepper, if using.) Strain the ginger tea into the mug. Stir to dissolve the honey. Taste and add more honey or lemon if you like.

24 comments:

  1. Great advice and get well soon!

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  2. Great tips. And agree. I so wanted to get back into a routine a month ago, but was fighting bronchial crud and just could not do it.

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    1. Yep Lauren, sometimes dialing down is the right move. I've learned it the hard way :-)

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  3. Awww, you poor little thing you. I really hope you get better soon!

    Now follow your own [very sound] advice and hop into bed. NOW! No more taking pictures and writing posts for you today. And no more cooking either! BED! And stay there. Good.

    Now don't make me come there, alright? ;)

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    1. Thank you Sonia, I'm just doing some yoga. Nothing major though...

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  4. Hi Mike, sorry to read you're not well. Hope you feeling better after drinking this honey, lemon and ginger tea. Gargle with warm salt water several times a day, it help to cure your sore throat faster.

    Take care and have a great day.



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    1. Thank you Amelia. Gargle with salt water is a very good idea, I should do that!

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  5. Mike so sorry you are not feeling well - last year I made this same judgement call and tried to run with a 101 fever and cold...tried to "sweat it out" but it misfired...live and learn huh?
    I sure hope you are feeling better soon friend! Sending a bowl of chicken soup with a side of broccoli your way!

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    1. I could use a bowl of hot chicken soup for sure!
      About sweating it out...last night I went to Bikram...not a very good idea in hindsight...

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  6. Love the cup! I have it with my initial in gold--from Anthropologie. I love this tea. And I have lemon water everyday--really helps fight colds :) Thanks for sharing!

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  7. So sorry that you are not feeling well, not fun at all.
    But, you are something, seriously, you went out for a job when down??... I admire your will power, but again, rest is super important. Rest up and enjoy Sashi's soup, your lemon honey drink and my turmeric-pepper milk(it works wonders).

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    1. Turmeric-pepper milk???? Sounds amazing, I want/need some!!!!

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  8. There's some really bad stuff going around and it seems to hang on forever. Hope you kick its butt in record speed Mike, and make sure that chicken soup is made with homemade broth if possible.

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    1. Awwww thanks Patty, that's supersweet of you. And I'll make sure to make me some real chicken soup!

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  9. Just made this, it works the magic for my sore throat!

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    1. That's awesome Annette, this tea is THE best cure for sore throat!

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  10. When I am sick I like taking copious amounts of garlic and vitamin C. But this sounds yummy too.

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  11. This helped big time! Thank you!

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  12. This is a great recipe, and a good reminder as to when it's smart to push your self and when its smart to get back in bed! One thing I add to this tea- which gives a little extra flavor, and maybe some extra TLC, is dried juniper berries. Just a few.
    Thanks again for a great blog!

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    1. Adding dried juniper berries is a great idea, I'm gonna try this next time. Thanks for the idea!

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  13. I was wondering could you use ground ginger instead of fresh grated ginger

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  14. Honey, lemon, ginger tea can be the best recipe during the cold or Flu. Also I think proper hydration, get enough rest, hot water gargle, and take some cold/flu medication can help to reduce Cold or flu very fast. Thanks for sharing this recipe, very helpful. Keep up the good work!

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