Keeping your immune system strong is especially important during times of stress. Toward that end, here are two of my favorite recipes that are not only delicious, but are also chock full of nutrients that can support and strengthen your body’s ability to ward off or recover from illness.
TURMERIC CHICKEN SOUP (the best chicken soup I’ve EVER had!)
from Author Julia Mueller, TheRoastedRoot.net
INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp avocado oil (I usually use olive oil)
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 large parsnip, peeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp sea salt to taste
3 cups chicken bone broth (I also sometimes use regular chicken broth)
2/3 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
1 small head kale chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat the oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the carrots, parsnips, celery, and garlic and continue sautéing, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened but still al dente, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the chopped chicken and cook just long enough to brown the meat, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients, stir well and cover. Cook at a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for at least 30 minutes (ideally one hour). Taste soup for flavor and add more sea salt if desired.
LAUREN’S SMOOTHIE
You will need a VitaMix or similar type of mixer to make it. Use fresh, raw, organic produce as often as possible. This smoothie has been my lunch meal nearly every day for the past couple of years.
1 scoop protein powder of your choice (I mix ½ scoop of French Vanilla VegaOne all-in-one Shake powder with a ½ scoop of tera’swhey plain unsweetened whey protein powder)
1 cup raw spinach (lettuce works, too, if you don’t have spinach)
1 cup raw kale
1 inch piece of cucumber
1 celery stalk
2 inch square piece of red, orange, or yellow pepper
1 inch piece of daikon radish
1 small slice of fresh turmeric
1 small slice of fresh ginger
1/4 cup fresh or frozen berries
2 inch piece of banana
1 cup water (can also use coconut water or steamed veggie water)
1/2 tsp - 1 Tbsp unsweetened Cacao powder (optional; I use Trader Joe’s)
6-8 ice cubes
If too thick, add just a little more water and mix again.