Spring Forward, Fall Ill

Ugh. Colds. As soon as the time changed I started to fall ill with very sore throat, swollen adenoids, stuffy nose--you know, the usual. 

However, I'm extremely grateful that I am dealing with only a cold right now. Friends of mine have befallen much worse lately. 

To combat my symptoms and help my body heal I am using all organic and natural products. I love Hyland's Sore Throat and use them regularly when feeling under the weather. I have also found Eclectic Institute's Vita Biotic which helps boost your immune system. You can take them every couple of hours and they really helped me feel better.

My wonderful husband has made homemade minestrone soup and that always makes me feel better.  It is chocked full of vegetables and beans. It is the most soothing meal we make.

Laureen's Minestrone Soup

Laureen's Minestrone Soup 

**For Vegan, use the quinoa. For meat eaters add the chicken

Ingredients

4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts diced -or- 1/2 cup quinoa
1 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 cup diced onion
3/4 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup green beans
--you can add any other vegetables you would like
 
1/3 cup diced red or yellow bell pepper
3/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano
1 1/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 3/4 cups peeled and diced tomatoes
3/4 cup shredded cabbage
4 cups vegetable stock
16 oz drained and rinsed red kidney beans
16 oz drained and rinsed garbanzo beans
2 teaspoons chopped parsley

Instructions 

1. In a large saucepan, heat coconut oil with garlic and onions. Cook over medium heat until onions are translucent. 
2. Add chicken, if including, and cook through. If you are not including chicken jump to next step. 
3. Add carrots, celery, peppers, herbs and spices and continue to cook just until vegetables start to get tender--about 7-8 minutes.  
4. Add tomatoes, cabbage, stock and quinoa, if you are including it. Bring to a boil. 
5. Stir in the cooked beans and continue to simmer over low heat for 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft and quinoa, if using, is cooked.

 Adapted from the Canyon Ranch Spa Recipes

Serve hot with some sourdough bread or crackers. It is the most wonderful, soothing soup. It not only is emotionally soothing but is great food for your body to use to cure you. 

After taking all my supplements, eating my soup, and getting some extra sleep, I was better the next day. It's hard to believe but it was true. I really was better the next day, not just somewhat better, but better. Not even a sore throat, which is something I get frequently.