Getting Through Flu Season

Things we can do to minimize the effects of the flu and everything else that comes with it:

1. Get the sugar out! Sugar drops our immune system by 50%. Really look into how much sugar your family is eating and find ways to minimize or cut out completely. It can be done.

Some ideas:

~Eat oatmeal instead of store-bought cereal. If you put in a mashed banana, you do not need any other sweetener. Try it, it's great!
~ Do not buy juice. Eat the fruit instead!

~ Use or make a no-sugar jam. Just mash fruit up.

~ Use yogurt, fruit or peanut butter for pancakes, waffles and toppings. Make sure to use plain yogurt with fruit or a tiny bit of honey, and natural peanut butter with no sugar added.

~ Cut the sugar in homemade bakery by 1/2. Use honey or natural sugar or sweetener.

2. Eat a well-balanced diet. Half your plate should be vegetables, 1/4 grains or starches and 1/4 lean protein. Include many different colors of veggies. Absolutely stay away from fast food and junk food! Remind teenagers to do the same. We are what we eat!

3. Get plenty of exercise.

4. Drink plenty of water.
5. Get fresh air and sunshine daily.

6. Reduce stress. Spend time with loved ones. Spend a bit of time for yourself. Ask for help when needed. Remind kids to do the same!

7. Get enough sleep.

Being conscious of these few things will help you and your family gain huge strides in fighting illness. I am not an expert and do not claim to be, but we always try to do these things especially when flu season arrives. If someone is starting to get a sniffle or something, we usually know it is because we are are not paying attention to one of these things! Also, I do make sure my family is getting extra doses of vitamin 'c' and a lot of water when illness wants to strike.