Ten Foods to Boost Your Immune System (with recipes!)

As sickness circles and circles around my house over and over again - I think to myself that I need to do something about this today!

Even though I am regularly washing hands and wiping down doorknobs, we can't seem to fight every sickness that comes our way. SO I thought to myself

"What better way to get better - than putting the BEST kinds of foods in our bodies?!"

So, lucky you.

I found a great list that I wanted to share with you that I know I will put into effect in my house when the "sickness season" flows through again. On top of drinking shakeology, I believe these ten things will be great for helping you (and your little ones) boost your immune systems and fight off those bugs!

PLUS - since I love cooking - I figured I would throw in an added bonus of actually giving you RECIPES for EACH food! Because what good is the list when I know I am not going to walk around eating raw garlic... unless you're into that sort of thing.

BUT for those of you who aren't - here is my list of TEN IMMUNE BOOSTING FOODS (+recipes):

1. OATMEAL: is always a perfect, healthy, easy breakfast but it’s also full of beta-glucan, which has antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities that are as strong as those found in Echinacea. Eat your oatmeal (or whip up some of my favorite overnight oats) and you will notice wounds healing faster and antibiotics working better.

Oatmeal Recipes

2. TEA: I could go on and on and on about tea. It is the BEST. Especially because it fights viruses and soothes sore throats - but also according to Prevention.com, a Harvard study shows that people who drank 5 cups of black tea for 2 weeks had more of the immune boosting protein interferon in their blood than those who didn’t.

Tea Recipes

3. BRUSSELS SPROUTS: YUM!! These help nourish the thymus gland, which controls much of your immune system function. Eat two servings a day of these beta-carotene rich sprouts for optimal health.

Brussels Sprouts Recipes

4. STRAWBERRIES: are the perfect sweet treat and come packed with vitamin C—a common cold remedy most people turn to when they start feeling sick. Vitamin C battles viruses before you even get sick, it also breaks down stress hormones. 

Strawberry Recipes

5.MUSHROOMS: are my go-to veggies for SO many meals. What is ALSO great is they promote white blood cell production, which helps your body fight off an infection. According to the director of the Institute of Herbal Medicine, people have been using mushrooms as immune boosters for centuries.

Mushroom Recipes

6.CHOCOLATE: Just when you think chocolate couldn't get any better (yeah right). It does. DARK chocolate is one of the best sources of zinc, which will decrease your risk of infection and promote the growth of white blood cells. 

Dark Chocolate Recipes

7. CARROTS: and other yummy orange veggies are members of the beta carotene-rich family. Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells and it’s a powerful antioxidant that helps eliminates free radicals, according to Ask Dr. Sears. Studies have shown that beta-carotene can also lower the risk of heart disease.

Carrot Recipes

8. CHICKEN SOUP: comes to mind for practically everyone who gets sick. AND there is a reason for it. It helps to reduce inflammation and thin mucus the same way cough medicines do, according to a study from the University of Nebraska. The amino acid cysteine, which is found in chicken broth, is similar to a chemical in an antibiotic that fights bronchitis.

Chicken Soup Recipes

9. YOGURT: is another go-to breakfast meal or snack and it is a natural probiotic, which means it replaces all the good bacteria in your system. According to a recent study, those who fueled their body with probiotics had 33 percent less sick days than those who didn’t

Yogurt Recipes

10. GARLIC: is so good when added to many meals. Plus it contains an ingredient called allicin, which fights infection and bacteria according to Baseline of Health. AND as gross as it sounds (to me) eating these cloves raw has shown to decrease the chances of catching a cold. But if that doesn't appeal:

Garlic Recipes

Which of these TEN are your favorite?? Or what others would you add to the list? What do you SWEAR by when you and your family gets sick?

Garlic It Up. (Immune Booster #10)

GARLIC!
Garlic is so good when added to many meals BUT have you ever had it be the MAIN ingredient? Plus it contains an ingredient called allicin, which fights infection and bacteria according to Baseline of Health. AND as gross as it sounds (to me) eating these cloves raw has shown to decrease the chances of catching a cold.

I am a sucker for soup when I am sick - so here is yet another SOUP recipe! Enjoy!

Ingredients
1 tablespoon coconut oil or EVOO
30 garlic cloves, peeled
6-8 cups chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
nutmeg, as needed
4-5 egg yolks
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
6-8 slices country bread, toasted

Directions:
Melt the oil in a large, heavy saucepan over low heat. Add the garlic and shake over gentle heat so the garlic cooks without browning. It should just melt in the oil; letting it brown is fatal as the flavor turns bitter.
Add the chicken stock and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grate a tiny bit of nutmeg in, if desired. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, and then force through a sieve or food mill to purée the garlic.
Reheat the soup. Beat the egg yolks and stir in the olive oil. Stir some of the hot soup into the egg yolk mixture to temper them, and then stir it very gently into the soup and heat until warmed through. Do not under any circumstances let the soup come to a boil, or the yolks will curdle. Serve in large soup plates, ladling the soup over pieces of crisp toast, one to a plate.

Simple Yogurts (Immune Booster #9)

Yogurt is another go-to breakfast meal or snack and it is a natural probiotic, which means it replaces all the good bacteria in your system. According to a recent study, those who fueled their body with probiotics had 33 percent less sick days than those who didn’t!

Since Yogurt is good plain Here are some simple recipes:

YOGURT, FRUIT & ALMOND PARFAITS

Ingredients
4 ALMOND COOKIE OR MACAROONS, COARSELY CHOPPED (1/2 CUP)
2 CUPS OIKOS® GREEK 0% PLAIN OR VANILLA YOGURT
1 CUP DICED FRESH FRUIT (BERRIES, PEACHES, APRICOTS,)
2 TBSP. SLICED ALMONDS, TOASTED
2 TSP. HONEY

Directions
PLACE 2 TABLESPOON OF CRUSHED COOKIE IN THE BASE OF TWO SUNDAE OR PARFAIT STYLE GLASSES.
LAYER WITH: 1/2 CUP YOGURT, 1/2 CUP FRUIT AND 1 TBSP MORE OF THE COOKIES.
TOP WITH 1/2 CUP YOGURT, REMAINING COOKIES, TOASTED ALMONDS AND A DRIZZLE OF HONEY.

OR here is a yummy sauce recipe you can use with yogurt too:

CREAMY AVOCADO YOGURT DRESSING

Ingredients

1 RIPE HAAS AVOCADO, PITTED AND MASHED

1 CUP OIKOS® GREEK % PLAIN

1 TBSP. LIME OR LEMON JUICE

2 TBSP. MINCED CILANTRO

1/2 TSP. GROUND CUMIN

SALT AND HOT PEPPER SAUCE TO TASTE

Directions

IN A BOWL COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS AND MIX UNTIL BLENDED.

USE AS A DIP, SANDWICH SPREAD OR CONDIMENT FOR GRILLED MEATS OR VEGETABLES.

both from oikos.com

"Sickie" Chicken Soup (Immune Booster #8)

Chicken Soup comes to mind for practically everyone who gets sick. AND there is a reason for it. It helps to reduce inflammation and thin mucus the same way cough medicines do, according to a study from the University of Nebraska. The amino acid cysteine, which is found in chicken broth, is similar to a chemical in an antibiotic that fights bronchitis.

My most recent FAVORITE Chicken Soup Recipe is:

Crockpot Chicken Rice-Lentil Soup

1 small onion
1 cup celery +/-
1 small bag of baby carrots
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried sage
1/2 tsp. thyme
4 chicken bouillon cubes
8 cups water
Pink Himalayan salt and white pepper (to taste)
4 cups cooked shredded turkey -or- 2 cooked chicken breasts (i shredded the chicken too)
1.5 cups brown rice
1/2 cup of lentils
Put all ingredients in slowcooker on high and cook for 3 hours. Put brown rice in 1 hour before you serve. Lentils in 45 minutes before. I also use Pink Himalayan Salt versus iodized white table salt which is far healthier for you. Black pepper can be substituted for White Pepper. Use less rice and lentils if you prefer more of a ‘broth’ consistency to your soup. This recipe is great with either chicken or turkey.

SOOO Good.

Carrots, Carrots, Carrots. (Immune Booster #7)

Carrots and other yummy orange veggies are members of the beta carotene-rich family. Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells and it’s a powerful antioxidant that helps eliminates free radicals, according to Ask Dr. Sears. Studies have shown that beta-carotene can also lower the risk of heart disease.

AND in honor of carrots and other yummy orange veggies - here is an amazing soup recipe!

Curried Carrot, Sweet Potato, and Ginger Soup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons canola oil

1/2 cup chopped shallots

3 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled sweet potato

1 1/2 cups (1/4-inch) sliced peeled carrots

1 tablespoon grated ginger

2 teaspoons curry powder

3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots; saute 3 minutes or until tender. Add potato, carrots, ginger, and curry; cook 2 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender; stir in salt.

Pour half of soup in a food processor; pulse until smooth. Repeat procedure with remaining soup.

from health.com

Must-Have Mushrooms (Immune Booster #5)

Mushrooms can go on almost anything - and they should!
Because they promote white blood cell production, which helps your body fight off an infection. According to the director of the Institute of Herbal Medicine, people have been using mushrooms as immune boosters for centuries.

Here is one wonderful side:

from foodandwine.com

Mixed Mushroom Ragout

1. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
2. 1 pound shiitake mushrooms—stems discarded, caps sliced 1/4 inch thick
3. Salt and freshly ground pepper
4. 1 pound mixed mushrooms such as cremini, sliced 1/8 inch thick, and oyster mushrooms, caps quartered
5. 1 medium onion, finely diced
6. 2 garlic cloves, minced
7. 1/4 cup dry white wine
8. 1 cup chopped canned tomatoes, drained
9. 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
10. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
11. 1 tablespoon harissa
12. 2 teaspoons white or blond miso
13. 1 tablespoon golden raisins (optional)
14. 1 tablespoon capers
15. 1/2 cup chicken stock
16. 
    

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the shiitake and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until tender and starting to brown, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in the skillet. Add the mixed mushrooms and cook over moderately high heat until any liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms start to brown, 5 minutes. Add the onion and remaining 1 tablespoon of oil; season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cover and cook over low heat, stirring a few times, until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 4 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk the coconut milk, mustard, harissa and miso. Add to the skillet with the shiitake, raisins, capers and stock. Simmer over low heat, stirring, until thickened, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Strawberry Sides (Immune Booster #4)

Strawberries are the perfect sweet treat and come packed with vitamin C—a common cold remedy most people turn to when they start feeling sick. Vitamin C battles viruses before you even get sick, it also breaks down stress hormones.

Simple recipe:
Whipping up a strawberry orange smoothie for breakfast is a great way to start your day (and it will feel soothing on a sore throat). (plus there is the double vitamin C boost to kick that sickness)

Another Strawberry Side dish:

This is perfect to top on almost any protein, but would be particularly tasty on fish such as salmon or tilapia.

Strawberry-Avocado Salsa

Ingredients

1 cup finely chopped strawberries

1/4 cup finely chopped peeled avocado

2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons finely chopped seeded jalapeño pepper

1/4 teaspoon sugar

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl; toss gently. Serve immediately.

OR what better way to eat strawberries than to eat them plain, whole, and fresh. :)

Brussels Sprout Sides (Immune Booster #3)

Brussel Sprouts!

These help nourish the thymus gland, which controls much of your immune system function. Eat two servings a day of these beta-carotene rich sprouts for optimal health.

These are amazing veggies that can be roasted to go with anything!

Here is a lovely recipe I found that is delicious and the colors look simply amazing!

1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

1 pound red seedless grapes

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, sliced

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

kosher salt and black pepper

Directions

Heat oven to 375° F. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the Brussels sprouts and grapes with the oil, garlic, thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Turn the Brussels sprouts cut-side down and roast until golden brown and tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

Recipe taken from:

Realsimple.com

Heart warming Tea Recipes (Immune Booster #2)

TEA

I could go on and on and on about tea. It is the BEST. Especially because it fights viruses and soothes sore throats - but also according to Prevention.com, a Harvard study shows that people who drank 5 cups of black tea for 2 weeks had more of the immune boosting protein interferon in their blood than those who didn’t.

Since tea doesn't necessarily have "recipes" other than infusing it with fruit and such. Here is a list of a few tea favorites that will help with many different types of illnesses!

Raspberry Leaf Tea:

Highly nutritious and especially beneficial for women as it helps balance hormones and is good for the skin. It is often consumed during pregnancy as it can strengthen the uterus and is a good source of Magnesium, Potassium, and B-Vitamins.

This is good hot or cold - and simply with water. Add stevia or natural sugars to sweeten.

Chamomile Tea:

Chamomile tea is one of the most consumed teas in the world behind regular black tea. Chamomile flowers have a naturally sweet taste with a hint of an apple flavor. Chamomile is a good herbal source of  Magnesium, and is known as a soothing and relaxing herb.

It makes an excellent in the evening or in times of stress because of its mildly sedative and soothing properties. It is an excellent herb for children and can even be an effective remedy for pink eye.

Another one perfect simply with hot water.

Mint Tea:

My husband LOVES mint tea when he is sick. Peppermint tea soothes the digestive track and is helpful for heartburn, nausea and indigestion. Useful in early pregnancy to help alleviate nausea.

A lot of people like this with hot water - I am one who usually can only drink this is it is infused with fruit.

While it is especially helpful during illness, Peppermint is a delicious tea anytime and can be consumed alone or with other herbs to help increase their effectiveness.

Jasmine Green Tea: Can be used to treat depression and other health issues. Plus it can also be used for Aromatherapy, Stroke Prevention, Antioxidants & Cancer, and Lower cholesterol. On top of that - it is AMAZING. Yum. Perfect simple and with hot water

Chai Tea: 

Chai tea is an ultimate favorite for me and can be good with Raspberry Leaf tea instead of black tea and with coconut milk instead of regular milk. There are many variations of chai tea recipes and with a little experimenting, you can find the one that you like best. Here is a basic recipe to give you some ideas.

Crock Pot Chai Tea Latte

An easy Chai Tea that can be pre-made in the crock pot for a warm drink on the go.

4 cups water

4 cups coconut milk (store bought or well-filtered homemade)

8 tea bags OR ½ cup loose leaf black tea or herbal tea

1-2 tsp stevia leaf

8 thin slices of fresh ginger root OR ½ tsp dried ginger root (optional)

6 cinnamon sticks

8-10 whole cloves or ¼-1/2 tsp clove powder

2 cardamon pods (optional but really good)

1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract

Optional: 1 Tablespoon chamomile flowers and ½ tsp dried fennel seeds

Instructions

Put water in crock pot and add herbs and spices (I really suggest using a cloth bag or reusable tea bag)

Cook on high for 2-2.5 hours or on low for up to 6 (I’ve kept on low overnight). Add milk or coconut milk and stir until heated.

Serve plain or topped with real whipped cream or the cream from a can of coconut milk. Can also be chilled and blended with ice and 2 TBSP coconut oil for an iced version!

Enjoy!

Everything you got - Day 5

Day Five is now in the books.

I was SO spot on with my water today - which was good because i didn't quite squeeze all my containers in today. And the water really helped fuel me for my workouts. I did upper fix and cardio fix for today. AND I did them one right after the other. Yikes.
I may not do it that way again. HA!

I usually take my time and do upper in the morning and then when J is down for one of his naps, I will do the other one. Wellllll, I let the day fly by and when J got to his second nap I decided to go for it - because I knew I would not do them - especially not the second one - if I didn't do both NOW.
Then I just got a huge burst of energy. And I was able to push hard through both - but man was I beat at the end of the second one.

Here is a little something I found that I LOVE about 21 Day Fix. Autumn says it in almost every video and it really pushes me - EVERY TIME.

GIVE EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT....

AND THEN JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE.

YES! Isn't this how every aspect in life should be. We always have "a little more" that we can give - especially when we are pushing for something that we want to accomplish. In everything I do - I never try to do something and only do it halfway. I always try to give it EVERYTHING I've got. It doesn't matter where I am or what I am doing. And this is something that I want. I want to be healthy and be able to BE an EXAMPLE for him not just a spokeswoman.

So in this, and in everything, I will give it everything I've got. AND just a little bit more.

All Around Me - Day 4

Everyone around me is getting sick - and I can feel my body trying to fight it off - HARD.

It makes me even more thankful for shakeology and healthy eating.
Today I had a pretty spot on day of clean eating. Oatmeal for breakfast with strawberries, a whole wheat chicken sandwich with walnuts and cranberries for lunch, my strawberry shakeology, and a brown rice and steak bowl.

I have also been drinking a ton of water. Which is another thing that I feel is helping me stay healthy when the rest of my family is sick.

Todays workouts were Pilates Fix and Upper Fix.
I LOVE pilates days.
It refreshes my muscles and gives me the perfect amount of stretch and challenge for the middle of the week.

Water is so important to keep your body strong and healthy so, today, make sure you get the amount you need!

Support Groups

After 2 rounds of T25!

Changing my HEALTH.

The picture on the left is where I was a few weeks ago - and I am still working hard this month. Isn't it amazing being able to notice progress. I have never been one to be "I need to get my bikini body ready for summer". Maybe because I have never had an "ideal" bikini body - HAHA - but now I have that motivation but for a different reason. I have always loved myself and my body. It has taken encouragement and strength over the years but I loved it.

After I had my baby - it became more about health and less about "looking hot". I could care less about what I look like in a bikini but I DO care about being healthy and not letting my body get in the way of enjoying things with my son and husband.

Stronger

Progress is progress.

This is something that I tell myself a lot and something that I think everyone needs to tell themselves. 

I am specifically referring to fitness and weight loss but this could be applicable in any area of life. We like to call these "non-scale" victories. At first, I used to struggle a lot with the scale. Stepping on that dreaded thing (daily) to find that the numbers have not moved or have even gone UP after a day (or week, or month) of a lot of work. 

How frustrating is that?! 

But I have learned:

1. Not to step on the scale every day
2. Muscle weighs more than fat AND
3. That the scale doesn't define progress

ANY "non-scale victories" mean progress. Any inches lost means progress. Weight loss is progress too - but progress isn't simply defined by it.

I have lost a lot of weight and inches since I started my journey, but I have also changed my eating habits, cut out certain foods, I am able to do normal push-ups (not many - but anything is better than 0), I can push through a full workout with no breaks, I work out on days I don't want to or don't feel like it, I use heavier weights than when I first started, AND most importantly I have not given up. 

These little victories are what push me through and allow me to keep going when I feel like quitting. Progress IS progress and do not let anyone tell you otherwise - especially not the scale. AND even more - especially not YOU.

A Little Bit of Awesome

I love taking the time to research a little bit every now and then, the ingredients that are in Shakeology.

Today, for one of my groups, I chose to research the Goji Berry.

Man superfoods are amazing!

GOJI BERRY

"Scientists have found the goji berry to be one of the most nutritionally dense fruits on earth. Here are the main nutrients found in the goji berry that makes it such a potent wellness agent.

Goji berries contain special polysaccharides which fortify your immune system and are responsible for controlling your body’s most important defense systems. Scientists atrribute most of goji’s amazing health properties to these special polysaccharides.

Goji berries contain 19 amino acids–the building blocks of protein–including all eight essential for life, Goji berries are a better source of Vitamin C than oranges.

Goji berries contain complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin (supports the eyes). Goji berries are the best source of carotenoids of known foods.

Goji berries also include:

B-complex Vitamins

Vitamin E

Essential fatty acids

Betaine"

Other special things about the Goji berry are:

• To treat: diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, and age-related eye problems
• Have also shown to have benefits in mental well-being and calmness, athletic performance, happiness, quality of sleep, and feelings of good health.
• They have one of the highest Antioxidant Powers of any fruit
• They have close to 20 different vitamins and minerals, which makes it one of the most nutritionally beneficial foods available

And the list goes on and on.

And just think that this is only ONE of SEVENTY amazing ingredients in Shakeology. 

Prepping Time

Last minute prepping for my Ten Day Clean Eating Challenge.

These are free challenges that I will do every once in a while.

I love these because it gives people an opportunity to see how beneficial it is to change your diet - even for just a week! When my husband and I first signed up to do one of these, we were BLOWN AWAY by how we felt. And it is actually kind of funny because we didn't fully realize how great we felt until we skipped a day and started eating badly again. We felt horrible.

It is amazing how good you feel and how great your body feels when you fill it up with REAL food. There are so many benefits to eating clean. And "Abs are made in the kitchen" anyway right?

What will you do today to make sure your body gets the right amount of nutrition and none of the wrong kinds?

Will you drink only water for a week?

Will you cut out sweets?

Will you change your afternoon snack from chips to veggies and hummus?

What step will you take this week to ensure a better you?