Have you managed to avoid the flu so far?? I have, and my fingers are crossed for you too. Right now we are dealing with a tough flu season in New York City! It seems like everyone is sick, including my husband. At times like these I take extra precautions by making a few tweaks in my diet. During flu season, I make sure that I am getting enough zinc and eating plenty of garlic, as both contribute to a strong immune system.
I made my hubby a tea with garlic and ginger… boiled it down for 45 minutes and then strained. He wasn’t very happy drinking it, but it did help his awful cough.
I put garlic in practically everything, so that’s an easy one for me. Zinc is something I know I can get from oysters, crab, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, and dark chocolate, (I eat Xocai chocolate, which is a powerful antioxidant), so this time of year I make sure to keep those foods in heavy rotation on my menus as well. And of course, don’t forget to add some “Jewish Penicillin” to your diet during these colder months. If you don’t have a great chicken soup recipe, check mine out.
Just as we discussed in my last blog, January is often the time where I get my discipline back and re-focus on my health and nutrition. I think many of you do too! One of my year round health routines is my morning smoothie. I make a quick cashew milk (and I also use this as a non-dairy creamer for coffee!), which I combine in a blender with fresh or frozen strawberries, green powder (a dried veggie supplement available at health food stores), chia seeds, and protein powder (which you should consult with a doctor about before you add to your diet. Some people need a boost of protein in their diet, and some don’t). I mix it all up and drink it down. It makes such a big difference in my energy level and sets the tone for a healthy and nutritious, and of course flirty, day. Scroll down for the full recipe.
Pamela’s “Wake Up and Savor the Flavor” Smoothie:
To make the cashew milk:
1 cup cashews
3 dates
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To make the smoothie:
1 & 1/2 cups cashew milk
1 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen
1 scoop protein powder mix (available at health food stores- only add to your diet after consulting with your doctor)
1 scoop green powder mix (dried veggies in a powder form, available at health food stores)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
I soak the cashews in enough water to cover them for 4 hrs, and then blend in a vita mix blender with dates and vanilla extract.
To make the smoothie, combine 1 & 1/2 cups cashew milk in a blender along with the other ingredients. Drink and feel terrific!!
