Tips to Prevent Cough, Cold, and Flu!

    With so many family members and friends “under the weather”, here are some tips for prevention!

    Wash Your Hands Often: Most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact. Wash your hands often and/or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

    Drink Plenty of Fluids: Water keeps the tissues of the respiratory system moist and helps the immune system function properly.

    Do Aerobic Exercise Regularly: Moderate exercise – 30 to 90 minutes most days of the week increases immune function and reduces your chances of catching a cold.

    Control Stress: People who are experiencing emotional stress have weakened immune systems and are more likely to catch a cold than their calmer counterparts.

    Strengthen your immune system with the right foods

    • Some studies have shown that eating a daily cup of low-fat yogurt can reduce your susceptibility to colds by 25 percent.
    • Phytochemical are natural chemical found in plants that give the vitamins in food a supercharged boost. Eat dark green, red, and yellow vegetables and fruits.
    • 100% orange juice provides a good source of potassium for a healthy blood pressure, folic acid and an excellent source of antioxidant Vitamin C, which has been shown to help support a healthy immune system.
    • Eat Soup! Did you know? Chicken soup can be a cold and flu fighter! Studies have shown that chicken soup specifically can thin mucus secretions. The vegetables in soup will give a healthy does of antioxidants to support a healthy immune system and the noodles will give you much needed energy from carbohydrate.

    Chicken & Spinach Soup with Fresh Pesto

    5 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each

    Total Time: 30 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
    • 1/2 cup carrot or diced red bell pepper
    • 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 8 ounces), cut into quarters
    • 1 large clove garlic, minced
    • 5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried marjoram
    • 6 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped
    • 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans or great northern beans, rinsed
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/3 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves
    • Freshly ground pepper to taste
    • 3/4 cup plain or herbed multigrain croutons for garnish (optional)

    Preparation:

    1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    2. Add carrot (or bell pepper) and chicken; cook, turning the chicken and stirring frequently, until the chicken begins to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Stir in broth and marjoram; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
    3. With a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken pieces to a clean cutting board to cool. Add spinach and beans to the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
    4. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, Parmesan and basil in a food processor (a mini processor works well). Process until a coarse paste forms, adding a little water and scraping down the sides as necessary.
    5. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Stir the chicken and pesto into the pot.

    Season with pepper. Heat until hot. Garnish with croutons, if desired.

    Nutrition Information:

    Per serving: 204 Calories; 8 g Fat; 2 g Sat; 4 g Mono; 29 mg Cholesterol; 16 g Carbohydrates; 18 g Protein; 6 g Fiber; 691 mg Sodium; 529 mg Potassium

    From: Eatingwell.com