Wellness Wednesday- Eating to Endure The Season
Have you noticed those cooler nights the last week or so? For me the weather changing sends my body into a shift. Many times this adjustment period suppresses my immunity and without warning I get that seasonal cold or flu.
With this being a notoriously busy time of the year, it's important to be mindful. This year I’m trying to be on top of it. One of the best defenses to the common cold is removing any unnecessary ingredients, especially sugar, and turning to whole foods. Time to say good ridden to the lingering Halloween candy and time for some healthy comfort foods!
I thought I'd share a couple of recipes that I love to turn to this time of the year.
I love this bright pink juice recipe. It’s got the right “kick” of energy and flavor to keep me going strong every Fall/Winter.
Fall Beet Boost Juice:
1 Large Grapefruit
2 Carrots
2 Small Beets
1 Lemon
1 Piece of Fresh Ginger
Couple Dashes of Cayenne
I love having this as a last minute throw together meal. Best yet it's that warm meal at the end of the day that I crave during these cooler months
Tortilla Soup:
3 Corn Tortillas
1 2/3 tbsp Olive Oil, divided
1 small White Onion, chopped
6 oz Shredded Chicken (previously cooked and seasoned with garlic, chili, and a pinch of salt)
1 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano Leaves
1 tbsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Cumin
1 14 oz Diced Tomatoes
3 cups Chicken Broth (look for the lowest sodium count)
6 Radishes, sliced
1 1/2 cups Cabbage, shredded
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375°F. To make tortilla strips, brush tortillas on 1 side with 2 tsp oil, then stack tortillas and cut into very thin strips, about 2 inches long (if using leftover tortillas, stack those pieces and cut into thin strips, then toss with oil). Spread tortilla strips on a baking sheet and bake until crispy, 12 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan or small soup pot, sauté onion in 1 tbsp oil over medium-high until it starts to soften. Add shredded chicken. Stir in oregano, chile and cumin; then add tomatoes and their liquid, broth and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Serve tortilla strips, radishes and cabbage alongside to add to each bowlful, as desired.
Making the shift into the new season is always challenging but some good comfort food usually just does the trick. If your body does start to feel weak check out our previous post for Immunity Boosters!
Happy and Healthy Fall!
