Winter is just around the corner here in Texas! In this article I will discuss how to prepare your pantry to support your body a little extra during cold and flu season. The foundation to a healthy immune system start with basic principals of a healthy lifestyle. This can include balanced meals, eating enough, and getting healthy movement.
In order to eat the good for you foods, first, you must stock your panty. Here’s how to do it.
Intentionally Stocked Winter Pantry
- Bone broth
See this article for more information on bone broth! Be sure to stock up on the ingredients needed to make it or keep some store bought broth on hand.
- Vitamin C Rich Foods
Vitamin C is a heat sensitive vitamin, so most of the time raw produce is the best place to get a healthy dose of vitamin C! Some seasonal produce that includes vitamin c includes: oranges, pears, or apples. Growing some lettuce in containers is another option to keep a steady source of vitamin c all winter long. Camu Camu is a shelf stable and potent source of vitamin c.
- Zinc Rich Foods
Canned oysters, red meat, and lentils are rich source of this mineral known for supporting the immune system. Lentil pasta is a quick and easy way to include zinc.
- Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is known in research for its antibacterial properties. (1)
- Spices for making tea
Warming spices can be a comforting way to stay warm when its cold. There are several shelf stable options that make a delicious tea such as ginger, star anise, and clove. These can be seeped with red rooibos, any tea you enjoy, or on their own.
Citations
(1) Mandal MD, Mandal S. Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011;1(2):154-160. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60016-6
Other Credits
Blog Photo is by: Jessica Isaacs Photography