10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues and Feel Great
By Madeline R. Vann, MPH Medically Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD
To view this article; CLICK HERE
1. Lace Up Your Running Shoes and Get Moving
2. Set Your Alarm Clock and Stick to a Sleep Routine
3. Queue Up a Stream of Laugh-Out-Loud Films
4. Warm Yourself Up With a Mug of Real Hot Cocoa - See recipe we found below!
5. Host a Festive Party-But Don’t Stress
6. Give Yourself a Manageable Task to Accomplish
7. But Don’t Let Your To- Do List Get Too Out of Hand
8. Book a Staycation- Even if It’s a Mini One
9. Consider Light Therapy if You Can’t Get the Sunshine You Need
10. Don’t Hesitate to See Your Healthcare Professional
Simple Hot Cocoa for One
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KEMP MINIFIE | GOURMET | DECEMBER 2011
As with hot chocolate, use any milky liquid you prefer, whether it's from a cow, nuts (almond milk), beans (soy milk), or grains (rice milk).
For sweeteners, feel free to substitute maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar for sugar, but start with less, about 1 tablespoon, and taste the combination before adding more.
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
Pinch of salt
1 cup milk or any combination of milk,
half-and-half, or cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
PREPARATION
Whisk together the cocoa, sugar, salt, and about 2 tablespoons milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until cocoa and sugar are dissolved. Whisk in the rest of the milk and heat it over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it is hot. Stir in the vanilla and serve. If you like it frothy, blend it in the blender. This recipe multiplies easily. When you get up to a quart of milk, use 1/4 teaspoon salt.