Bolster Your Immune System

[chefhal1]

Winter is a tough time for our immune systems because of all the
people we come in contact with that have a cold or the flu.
There are things we can do this time of year to help ward off the
bugs.
1) <b>Exercise</b>(duh): I know, I know. Getting out there in the
cold
to jog or walk is a ridiculous thought. Go to a gym or plug in
your
favorite Pilates or Yoga video.
Just get the cardio going ang get that lymphatic system moving the
immune cells through your body.
2) <b>Be Happy:</b> Stress and depression lowers your immune system.
Do
things bring you joy. Your hobby or going for a drive, socialize.
Just
something that gets your mind of your stress. RELAX. BE HAPPY.
3) <b>Add Color To Your Plate:</b> The more colors you eat, the more
broad
spectrum your immunity boost will be. It has to do with
PHYTOCHEMICALS
(that's what gives fruits and veggies their color-it's their immune
system) Reds, Oranges, Red-Purples, Orange-Yellows, Yellow-Greens,
Greens....you see where I'm going with this?
Tomatoes, grapes, pomegranates, blueberries, papaya, kale,
spinach,
pears, endive, sweet potatoes, carrots etc....
4) <b>Avoid Cool, Raw Foods:</b> Traditional Chinese Medicine advises
eating as few raw foods as possible during winter because they are
hard
to break down. It takes more for your body to digest and breakdown
these
foods. To keep things humming you should try warming and cooked
foods.
Soups, sauteed veggies, lean proteins, eggs, oatmeal.
Garlic, Ginger and scallions keeps the body warm also and helps
to
strengthen your QI (chee).
5) <b>SLEEP:</b> Your body takes the down time of sleep to repair
itself and
to detox and heal. If you do not get enough sleep at night, try
napping
when you can, like on the weekend. When you are sleep deprived
your
body has a harder time to repair itself.

With all that in mind "Stay Healthy and Happy"