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After three winters in South Florida, I’d almost forgotten how inevitable the cold and flu season is up in this part of the country. For all the traffic, mosquitoes, and … boob sweat (yeah, I said it) — I’ll give Miami one thing; my immune system was *BLINGING* in that climate.

Between our holiday travels, I came down with a nasty cold that didn’t seem to clear for what felt like weeks. (And because I’m nothing if not dramatic, of course I turned to WebMD…which basically said I needed a CT scan…leading me to Google, “can CT scans cause cancer?” You know the drill, lol.)

Anywho…enough about my brush with death, *ahem* I mean, cold. I attribute my recuperation to this Whole 30 I’m currently undertaking, which has included an uptick in health-boosting foods.

I’m resolved to keep consuming a plethora of the following categories all winter long…

Eat Your Omega 3’s

Omega 3 fatty acids are healthy fats that are found in a ton of food types; including nuts,  seeds and fish as well. Omega 3 is vital if you want to reduce joint pain and stiffness. Eating foods filled with Omega 3’s may help to boost the immune system by enhancing the functioning of immune cells. 

Recipes:
Slow-Roasted Salmon
Ginger-Garlic Tofu
Cherry Crumble

Eat Your Fiber

Soluble fiber is essential to your body. You can find it in fruits and veg, nuts and even oats. Consuming fiber-rich dishes is a fantastic way to decrease inflammation and boost your immune system. Soluble fiber can also reduce your cholesterol levels. 

Recipes:
Lentil Salad
Maple-Cinnamon Applesauce
Overnight Oatmeal

Eat Your Orange and Greens

Eating vegetables and fruits that are dark green or orange in color is great for winter. They are packed with all sorts of micro-nutrients to keep you healthy during this season. Think: spinach, kale, squash, carrots, and oranges.

Recipes:
Simplest Kale Salad
Stuffed Butternut Squash
Orange and Avocado Salsa

Eat Your Spices

Onions, ginger and garlic are perfect for adding a bit of flavor to a dish. Not only do they make food taste great, but they are also ideal for boosting immune function. Turmeric is another spice to throw into your winter rotation. Used in Indian and Chinese medicine, it is great for boosting your immune system. It can also help with heart disease and inflammation. It’s super versatile, and whenever you’re making a warm, comforting dish, it is the perfect addition.

Recipes:
Tomato-Garlic Lentil Bowls
Scallion-Ginger Broth
Sunshine Smoothie

What are YOUR thoughts on food as medicine? What dishes are you cooking up to stay healthy this winter? I’d love to know! xoxo