Cold and Flu Season

sick

As we’ve all been hearing in the news, this year’s flu season is just horrible! It’s widespread and it’s deadly. Be careful and be sure to follow all the recommended tips to both avoid and treat the flu. Here’s the link from the CDC talking about the flu. They provide tips on prevention, symptoms, and treatment. They also talk about the differences between a cold and the flu so that you can treat your symptoms correctly.

There are still lots of other viruses and infections out there that can affect us as well. Aside from seeing your doctor and taking medications when needed, what are some of the other things that you can do to make yourself feel better? Sometimes the only thing we can do is get through it and try to minimize the symptoms that we’re experiencing.

Many times, we don’t have much of an appetite but know that we have to stay hydrated and get nutrients to get better. Some of the popular methods of doing this are to drink water, ginger ale, or Gatorade. Sometimes we’re not able to tolerate much in the way of food so oatmeal, crackers or graham crackers, or soup is tolerated a little bit better.

Please see my post from last year on National Soup Day for more information on the benefits of soup and how to make your own!

What about some of the other things that you can do to just make you FEEL better, like cuddling in bed with your favorite soft blanket, a good book, headphones and music? Anything that makes you feel better at times like this is good for you!

I’m kind of old school and new school. I still believe in the power of Vicks VapoRub and NyQuil. I also use peppermint essential oil on my forehead and temples for headaches and eucalyptus and lavender to make me feel better. I grab my heating pad for muscle aches and an ice bag for head pain. When I have trouble concentrating on a book or television, I scroll through Pinterest or just listen to music. I’m also pretty convinced that chocolate makes it go away faster. What are some of the things that you do to get through this?

 

 

National Homemade Soup Day

chicken_soup
chicken soup

Guess what?  I had no idea there was a national homemade soup day, but I’m really happy that there is.  Not only is the best comfort food in the world, but there are also proven health benefits to eating it.  Personally, I think there are also health benefits to making it!  I love the tradition of it, the feeling of comfort that is attached to it, and the memories associated with it.

I love a bowl of chicken soup, whether I’m sick or not.  It’s easy to freeze into individual portions; just the right size for a great light lunch or dinner.  It’s nutritious and good for you, too!  No matter whether or not you believe the old folk remedy of healing a cold with hot chicken soup, there are actually several proven facts to support it.  Moms and grandmothers have, for years, touted the health benefits of homemade chicken soup while the medical field took longer to get on board.  Now, however, after several studies to test the theory, it’s widely agreed that the benefits are genuine.  Studies have shown some of the following benefits: Continue reading “National Homemade Soup Day”

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

fall creeping in
You fall creeping in

Fall is here to stay!  Nothing signals the change of seasons like bringing out your crockpot and making a big batch of soup!  I’d like to share my favorite recipe for taco soup.  I always make a double batch and freeze individual portions in freezer bags. It makes a great quick dinner or lunch at work.  When you have fall sports every weekend, you can have a quick bowl of soup on the table in a few minutes!  For moms that need to sneak in a few veggies, this is the perfect soup to do that!  I don’t remember where I first came across this recipe a few years back, but it remains at the top of my recipe box.

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 16 oz. can chili beans or kidney beans (light or dark)
  • 15 oz. can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 15 oz. can corn, drained
  • 8 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 12 oz. beer
  • 2  10-oz. cans diced tomato w/chilies
  • 1 pkg. taco seasoning
  • 3 chicken breasts

Place the onion, chili/kidney beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, beer, and diced tomatoes into a slow cooker.  Add the taco seasoning and stir. Lay the chicken breasts on top and press down just until covered.

Set on low and cook, covered, for 5 hours.

Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly.  Shred it and put it back in the crockpot.  Continue cooking, covered, for another 2 hours.

Some toppings that you might to add are shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, etc.  Enjoy!