Week 18: 6 lbs. Honey or more.....

STORAGE
Store honey at room temperature, never in the refrigerator. If honey crystallizes, simply place the honey container in warm water and stir until crystals dissolve. Or, microwave 1 cup of honey in microwave-safe container, stirring every 30 seconds, until crystals dissolve. Be careful not to boil or scorch the honey.

HEALTH BENEFITS
Research has shown that unlike most other sweeteners, honey contains small amounts of a wide array of vitamins, minerals and trace minerals as well as antioxidants. Honey's composition also makes it an effective antimicrobial agent, useful for treating minor burns and scrapes, and for aiding the treatment of sore throats and other bacterial infections.
Note: Honey should not be fed to infants under one year of age. Honey is a safe and wholesome food for older children and adults.

Honey and Exercise
Don't forget when planning your training that honey is a source of carbohydrates, providing energy, sweet flavor, as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This brochures provides three recipes for a honey inspired sports beverage that will quench your thirst during exercise. http://www.honey.com/recipes/broch/index.html

Help for Hay Fever Allergies
Honey contains grains of pollen that, over time, may have a desensitizing effect, making it useful for the relief of allergies. Hay fever sufferers are advised to eat honey that has been harvested locally.

Relaxing Honey Bath
Put 2 ounces of honey in a glass with 5 drops of lavender oil. If the honey is too thick, heat it by placing the glass in warm water. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of the honey-lavender mixture to your bath water to help you relax and combat insomnia.