The wellness tip this week was all about building the immune system. Even though summer is here and a winter cold is the last thing on most minds, the ongoing pandemic and general health maintenance make it just the right time to rev up our engines.
As I prepared one of my favorite lunchtime staples, I thought I’d share a little of it with you. It’s hot, and I don’t like spending much time in the kitchen during this time of year, so salads are always a good option, but I get bored. One of the great things about salads is that you can make them any way you’d like. Gone are the days when a basic garden salad was the only option. With a base typically (but not always) made of leafy greens and other ingredients to your liking, it can be a satisfying full meal and pretty quick and easy to make.
With this week’s Wellness Wednesday Tip fresh on my mind, I made a salad with loads of tasty, immune-boosting ingredients. I used a combination of roasted root veggies and other kitchen staples, and my lunch was fast and satisfying. Here are the immune-boosting goodies hidden in some of them:
- Beets: This gem contains potassium, betaine, magnesium folate & vitamin C.
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, potassium, and anti-oxidants.
- Avocado: Full of healthy fats, dietary fiber, folate, magnesium, riboflavin, and a variety of vitamins.
- Pea Shoots: Contains protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, and fiber
- Pumpkin Seeds: Contains zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus
Staying on top of our immune systems doesn’t have to be complicated. We can use what we have and do what we know to help keep ourselves healthy and strong. A quick visit to your cupboards and fridge is a great place to start. Happy building!