Bug Killer Soup

It's cold and flu season kids! That means that nutrition is extra important. Your body needs all of the nutrition it can get to fight off the constant barrage of bacteria and viruses trying to take over! Be smart about food and do some other good things too. Here's a short list of what I recommend to keep your immune system in tip-top shape:

1. Eat well - lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean protein (including fish), fat-free or low-fat dairy (especially yogurt!), and good fats like olive oil
2. Sleep enough - 7-9 hours per night for most people
3. Relax - stress is a killer! Be sure you're taking time to breathe, pray, and meditate...bubble baths are optional, but I recommend them
4. Laugh - laughter is just good medicine and spending time with people who laugh and who make you laugh is good for your immune system (trust me on this one)

If you still get sick, here's my recipe for "Bug Killer Soup", sure to help cure what ails you:

• 1 lb organic chicken breast
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Dice chicken and saute in olive oil over medium low heat in a heavy bottom pan until about 1/2 cooked.

• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1/2 package of sliced mushrooms
• 5-7 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence
• dash of red pepper
• salt and pepper to taste
• water to cover

Add first 5 ingredients to pot and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic and herbs and spices and mix thoroughly. Add water to pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer and cook for 25 minutes.

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 lemon

Add chopped parsley. Squeeze in 1/2 lemon and toss in the lemon too! Taste and adjust seasonings. Enjoy!

There is so much goodness in this pot! Lean protein, vitamin packed veggies, good fat, and bacteria-fighting garlic. It tastes good and is good for you. I like to make it when I'm under the weather, but there's no reason you shouldn't make it for prevention too! Happy eating, folks, and be well!