January 7, 2018
Well we're only a week into the new year and I think it's safe to say we're already smack in the middle of cold and flu season...I attended a baptism on New Year's Eve and several people who I expected to be there weren't because they were home sick with the flu.
Many people don't know that cold and flu season actually peaks in February...it's not unusual to come down with a good solid case of the crud somewhere between Thanksgiving and early January so if you've already had a bug or are currently dealing with one you're certainly not alone.
Over the years lots of studies have looked at the efficacy of various home remedies and science repeatedly proves there are indeed a couple steps you can take which will not only help you feel much better if you've got a bug but can also easily ward one off when you feel one coming on. Here are my two favorites:
1. Drink chicken soup
According to January’s issue of Consumer Reports, chicken soup’s reputation for easing congestion, coughs, and sore throats has now been backed up by hard science. Research suggests that chicken soup may inhibit the buildup of neutrophils, white blood cells that trigger the body’s inflammatory response and contribute to the aches and pains that accompany a cold or flu virus. And of course the hot liquid and steam from any mostly-broth soup helps to open up swollen airways and thin mucus (which is probably why your grandmother always told you her soup would make you feel better, right?) And BTW the best chicken soup of all is made with bone broth…IMHO the least expensive high quality brand on the market these days is pacific Foods Organic Chicken Bone Broth but you be the judge (click here for more info on this and all the other “Things I Like.”) Or you can always make your own bone broth! It’s a bit time consuming but tastes SOOOOOO different from store-bought…click here for a great recipe from Steph Gaudreau.
2. EAT MORE VEGGIES!!!
And I bet most of you aren't surprised to hear me say that because the truth is eating more veggies can easily be considered a panacea for warding off almost any nasty condition you can imagine or just improving those you're already dealing with.
So what's one of the easiest ways to eat more veggies (especially if you have the flu and you're feeling pretty yucky)?
Why smoothies, of course!
Seriously think back on the last time you had a really nasty cold or flu and you literally had no energy for cooking and no appetite... remember how crappy you felt?
So if you only have enough energy to be upright in the kitchen for 15-20 minutes and only have room in your belly for about a cup of food, your best bet is a couple of sips of chicken soup and a couple of sips of smoothie.
But what if you don't know how to make a high quality smoothie? Or which veggies and fruits taste best together and why? Or which veggies you should always buy organic? Or how to keep those veggies fresh in your fridge for as long as possible (so you don't waste any of your hard-earned money throwing them out before you use them)? Or even how to tell a good blender from bad?
Well you're in luck because my new DETOX SMOOTHIE class is right around the corner! Smoothies are not only an awesome home remedy for the common cold but they should also be considered a major component of any whole-food diet and offer a myriad of health benefits including:
· Easy detox & natural weightloss
· Reduction of all disease risk & symptoms
· Balanced blood sugar & improved craving control
· Improved mood, sleep, energy & focus
· Strengthened immune system & stronger bones
· Age-defying skin, hair & nails
Just click here for more info, sign up for this unique and TASTY workshop, and learn how just a few minutes a day in the kitchen will not only keep the sniffles at bay but can literally add years to your life!
Photo courtesy of Consumer Reports
