- What’s in a shrub
- Blueberries for a radical brain boost
- Restore your Power
- Recipe with Control Oolong Tea
Author: Andrea Cooper, Owner and Founder of PILATEA®
_________________________________________________________________________
What’s in a Shrub
The basics of a shrub is essentially equal parts fruit, sugar and vinegar. You can play with those ratios to cater more toward your palate.
I paired a blueberry, thyme and balsamic vinegar shrub with Control Oolong Tea for elegant aperitif. Control Oolong Tea, hand-harvested from the Guangdong Province of China, has a full-bodied mouthfeel. The combination of fruit, vinegar and a tea with a rich body does a fine job of mimicing a glass of wine. All the antioxidants with no risk of a dehydration head ache.
_________________________________________________________________________
Blueberries for a Radical Brain Boost
The antioxidant in blueberries is a polyphenol called anthocyanin. Just to name a few benefits, Anthocyanins are shown to protect or brain cells by reducing inflammation, regulating the expression of our genes, promoting synaptic plasticity, and scavenging for free radicals. All of this slows the aging process and enhance brain performance. Pass the blueberries please!
_________________________________________________________________________
Restore your Power
More on step 4. Control: You are in charge. Restore your power by owning your journey.
A big part of owning your journey is also about letting go.
Let go of the idea that others should rescue you. You are giving your power away to the futility of someone else taking the lead in your adventure. Personal volition is a beautiful thing. You get to be your hero!
Let go of how others react to your change. Most people don't like change and will squirm a bit when you disrupt the status quo. They have defined you by your past habits and would prefer you remain predictable. If they push against your audacity to strive for improvement, stand firm and love them anyway.
The rest of your journey will highlight who is really in your corner. Lean into those who support you and compassionately step away from those who try to pull you down.
_________________________________________________________________________
Next Up
Blueberry Balsamic Shrub with PILATEA's Control Oolong Tea
Ingredients
- 4 sachets of PILATEA's Control Oolong Tea
- Water for brewing tea
- 1 cup blueberry juice
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 sprigs of thyme
Directions
- Brew 4 sachets of Control Oolong Tea in 16 ounces of water. Steep for 2 to 4 minutes. Let cool.
- In a small sauce pan on the stove combine blueberry juice, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and thyme sprigs. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool.
- Set out four separate wine glasses. Add 1/2 cup brewed Control Oolong Tea and 1/4 cup blueberry balsamic shrub to each glass. Stir to mix, serve and sip.
Recipe Notes
- Add more sugar for a sweeter shrub.
- Add more vinegar for a tangier shrub.
- Feel free to use an alternative sugar.
- If you don't like thyme, try tarragon or rosemary.
- Serves four
“The Pilates method teaches you to be in control of your body and not at its mercy.” -Joseph Pilates-
________________________________________________________________________________________
