All along with new year’s resolutions, this season has always much more to offer… From weather changes to surprising viruses in a small nation, one could easily catch the flu and spoil the maximal enjoyment of new beginnings…Time to dive into the healing world of a magical soup for lunch to fight flu in all its forms!

I started my lunch as usual with a salad made of a mixture of lettuce, 30g of Roquefort cheese, walnuts and Goji berries with a simple dressing made of balsamic vinegar and a tablespoon of olive oil!

Walnuts are packed with the micronutrient selenium that will provide you with all-round protection against influenza.Studies at the University of North Carolina unveiled this and I confirm that including a handful of nuts to your salads and as part of  a healthy and balanced diet would be extremely beneficial!

Goji berries are filled with powerful antioxidants and other compounds that will strengthen your immune system; something you definitely need when you’re sick!

I decided to prepare a tomato based soup with vegetables and chicken breast! I placed in a large pot, homemade tomato juice (you can use bottled tomato juice but it will contain more sodium) and mixed it to tomato puree with 2 tablespoons olive oil, Italian herbs, one large sliced onion, 1 large garlic clove peeled and crushed, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp celery salt.I added to the mixture sliced zucchinis, carrots, corn, broccoli and 120g grilled chicken breast, reduced the heat to low, covered, and simmered for 20 minutes.

Take a deep breath with Broccoli

Besides being a great source of vitamin C, high in fiber, and fully loaded with folic acid, potassium and other beneficial minerals, Broccoli is a great source of antioxidants. For three days a group of men have been fed 500 g of broccoli and researchers from the University of California have seen a 200% rise in antioxidants in the participants nasal cells which implies the great role of broccoli in fighting off inflammation that causes allergies, asthma and diminishing the symptoms of flu! A large bowl of broccoli soup might keep the doctor away!

Veggies and tomato juice are fully packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that will strengthen the immune system and help You and I recovering faster!

I strongly recommend you try this Healthylicous soup!

Make sure to hydrate yourself all day long by drinking enough water (up to two liters) in addition to green tea.And to those who dislike Green tea, Good news is that they can drink chamomile tea! According to scientist from Imperial College (London) drinking 5 cups of chamomile tea each day increases the levels of phenols that help fight off colds and diseases.Eat three meals and have two snacks in between even if you don’t have enough appetite, the only way to prevent colds or heal faster is to choose the right natural foods (Fruits and vegetables mainly) because at the end of the day, You are what You eat! And  don’t forget to remain positive and to laugh as much as you can since laughter improves the immune system and helps you fight any flu with a simple large smile on your face!

Dietitian Nicole Maftoum