“Great for You” Chicken Rice Vegetable Soup
The good news is that we’re more than halfway through the winter. The bad news is that we’re still in the thick of cold and flu season. If you’re unlucky enough to get sick, there are certainly plenty of over-the-counter medications out there to help alleviate symptoms. However, you can also add a few eco-friendly tricks into your arsenal to protect yourself from germs so you can get through this season cold-and-flu- free.
Here are some ways to help keep healthy during this time:
Go green (and red and yellow and orange…). Eating fresh fruit and vegetables is one of the best ways to boost your immune system because of all of the vitamins and minerals they contain, including Vitamin C, Calcium, Vitamin B, and Vitamin D. The required servings differ from person to person, so it’s important to figure out the best amount for you. When shopping, look for our “Great for You” icon that makes it easier for you to find nutritious options that fit into your and your family’s lifestyles.
Keep it clean. One of the easiest ways to reduce the spread of germs is by washing your hands and using hand sanitizer. Though regular hand sanitizer provides great protection from those pesky germs that can cause illness, it can also be fun to make your own. Using such ingredients as alcohol, aloe vera, and essential oil (lavender, peppermint, grapefruit, etc.) you can create a concoction that is effective at fighting germs with a customized aroma you choose.
Add spice to your life. Some of the most popular spices and herbs in your kitchen actually can do more than just flavor food. For example, cinnamon is known to strengthen the immune system. Peppermint, especially in tea, can provide a natural menthol effect that helps clear clogged nasal passages. Some spices, such as turmeric and cumin, also have sinus decongestant qualities!
Make it traditional. As long as you’re not a vegetarian, there is nothing better or more wholesome to treat a cold than a big pot of homemade chicken soup. It may sound like an old wives’ tale, but there is evidence that the soup provides anti-inflammatory benefits and also temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus, helping to get rid of those germs more quickly. Try our “Great for You” recipe for a tasty and healthy Chicken Rice Vegetable Soup.
What natural remedies are you using during this the cold and flu season?
