This week on the Lovoni and Sarah podcast we’re talking about choices…
and our first guest: Kirsty from Sober Girl Adventures Malvern ,joins us. Over three years ago, Kirsty chose to give up alcohol; she’s been sober ever since. We talk to her about what the deciding factors were in her choice, how she went about the sobriety process and the changes she had to make to her life to be successful in her goal. For those wanting to get healthy and lose weight, you’ll find inspiration in Kirsty’s courageous story. The link to this episode and all others is here. So listen to our Choices Episode & Garden Spritz a recipe Kirsty was kind enough to share for a non-alcoholic lavender-infused, sparkling lemony iced tea.
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Do you know an average adult makes about 35,000 choices in a day, about 226 of those are about food? That’s a LOT of choosing. How often do you get hungry, or feel in need of a comforting snack, make what you know to be a poor choice at the time, and then regret it later? Too many times to count, right? You’re not alone. We all do it. The plan though is to make better choices that align with your health and wellbeing goals.
As discovered, we face countless choices in a day—what to say, where to go, what to wear, what to eat. Often, these decisions are made on autopilot, without much conscious thought. Yet, each moment presents an opportunity for choice, with numerous options at our disposal.
When various aspects of our lives aren’t working as we’d like, we usually have the choice to change them. Making the initial choice is the easy part. The real challenge lies in making a firm decision, devising a plan, taking action, and seeing it through—a feat that demands a resilient mindset focused on long-term goals rather than immediate gratification. Indulging in a small slice of cake occasionally? Sure, it’s okay for a celebration. Consuming an entire cake or consistently eating sugary, high carb foods with little to no nutritional value won’t boost you toward your key goal of a healthy, robust life free from excess weight though will it? Small-term sacrifices must be made to pave the way to your ultimate objective – losing weight and getting healthy.
To quote Jordan Tarver: “Your decisions are compounding assets for where you end up in the future.” So stop and think – as your decisions possess immense power. They act as strong bonds that propel you towards your desired destination. Use this power wisely and you will achieve the future you yearn for.
GARDEN SPRITZ
Ingredients
SPRITZ
- 3 cups 750ml Earl Grey tea (or black tea) (50ml)
- 1 cup 250ml fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup 250ml lavender syrup
- Ice to serve
- Chilled sparkling water or club soda
- Lemon slices & lavender sprigs to garnish
LAVENDER SYRUP
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar or sweetener of your choice – monkfruit sugar is low carb
- 1/3 cup dried lavender flowers plus extra for garnish
Instructions
To make the lavender syrup:
- Combine the water and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat; stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the lavender, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the syrup to a boil. Allow to boil, uncovered for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let sit for 10 minutes for the lavender to infuse the syrup; strain. Makes about 1 cup
To make the spritz:
- In a large pitcher, combine the tea, juice and syrup. Place ice into collins/highball glasses. Fill two-thirds of the glasses with the tea mixture. Top with sparkling water and garnish with lemon and lavender. Serve immediately. The lavender syrup will keep for 1 month is a sealed glass jar in the fridge. The tea mixture will keep for 1 week in the fridge in a sealed glass jar. Add the sparkling water, ice and garnishes just before serving. Makes about 5 cups.
