It’s here! That time of year we all dread. Flu season. Now, if you are anything like me you find yourself asking “do colds and flus really stick to a season?” Here’s the thing you can get a flu or cold year round. No big shocker here. We all have had proof of this at some point in our lives. With that in mind, there are times of the year when we have an increased risk of catching a cold or flu! To no one’s surprise, back to school is one of those times. Stress has a tendency to run high and we find ourselves crunched on time. Which leads to less than nutritious meals that can weaken our immunity even further. I put together this quick, easy, and immune boosting dinner to insure that you and your family are ready for anything that may come your way.
Immunity Boosters
I have told you about several immunity boosting foods in the past. This recipe contains some of my absolute favorite immunity foods such as: garlic, lemon, thyme, coconut oil, and oregano. I am sure that these foods are going to be your favorite new additions to any of your own recipes to strengthen your immunity game. This recipe is a parenting game changer. It is packed with flavor, nutrition and the best part is it’s crazy easy to make in no time at all. Great for those busy school nights when you just need to throw something together quickly. You will no longer have any excuses as to why your nutrition is making you sick. There are enough things in nature that are going to work against you. Why not stack the deck in your favor?
Immunity Must Haves
Want to know what makes these foods an immunity must have? Lemon has tons of great health benefits that should push it to the top of the list on your daily nutrients. Lemon contains:8-geranyl oxypsolaren, D-limonene, citric acid, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to name a few. 8-geranyl oxypsolaren and vitamin C help the body fight off infection and pesticides. Citric acid helps turn carbohydrates into energy, which reduces stress and fatigue. Did you know that one lemon contains around 37 mg of vitamin C. Lemon has also been shown to improve vitamin and mineral absorption making it a must in houses everywhere.
Tips From The Doc
Helpful tip drinking lemon water on an empty stomach prior to taking your supplements will make them even more effective. Garlic helps promote circulation, blood cell and vessel protection, prevent heart attack and atherosclerosis, and keep blood pressure under control. It contains high levels of vitamin C, Copper, Calcium, Manganese, and vitamin B6 which all aid in strengthening the immune system.
Natural Options
Let’s not forget about the herbs, they may be little but they are mighty. Thyme for example, is great for chest and oral infections. It’s high in anti-fungal and antioxidant properties. It contains high levels of vitamin C, A, B6, Iron, Manganese, and Magnesium making it a go to for your immunity boosting recipes. *Helpful tip thyme tea is great for respiratory ailments. Oregano is a natural painkiller, eliminates intestinal parasites, relieves respiratory ailments, and protects against macular degeneration. You need to do everything you can to strengthen your immunity. That is why it is so important that you take your daily supplements, reduce the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume, get daily exercise, and reduce your stress levels. No one likes to get sick, so insure that you don’t with immunity boosting meals like this one.
Immunity Boosting Lemon Chicken Dinner
Dairy and Gluten Free (serves 4-6)
- 2 Lbs Chicken Breast skinless, boneless, halved
- 1 tsp Black Garlic Salt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Sea Salt
- ¼ Cup Water
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 6 Garlic Cloves
- 1 TBSP Parsley
- 3 TBSP Lemon Juice
- 2 Lemons Whole
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 2 TBSP Coconut Oil
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. On a baking sheet place 4 garlic cloves and two lemon halved spray with non-stick and let roast for 15-20 minutes. In a small bowl mix seasonings (garlic salt, pepper, sea salt, oregano, parsley, and thyme). In a slow cooker or Instant Pot, brown chicken with coconut oil. Once chicken has been browned add all remaining ingredients into the pot. In a slow cooker (crockpot cook for 4-5 hours) in Instant Pot (cook for 1-2 hours or until chicken has been cooked through “dependent on thickness of chicken”). Serve hot. I like to serve with a side of roasted vegetables or even rosemary potatoes (baked).
Need a Helping Hand?
A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!