Flu Fighting Juices: Guest Post Hillary Coughlin

I wanted to welcome another guest today.  Hillary is a certified yoga instructor, health and wellness enthusiast and lover of all things that encourage you to grow fully. Her degree in Communications and a  performing arts background in dance and acting have played an intricate part in Hillary finding herself drawn to health writing and an ongoing pursuit in Nursing to obtain her R.N. Movement, dance and heart openers are a must in her world. She is currently collaborating to become part of the YMCA’s National Diabetes Prevention Program as a Health Coach in 2015. Otherwise she can be found on the beach as much as possible and always creating and crafting for friends and family. Always searching for the next treasure. Hillary can be found at instagram@HWellnessYoga and pinterest@HWellnessYoga. Inquiries at healthwellnessyoga@gmail.com.

Tis’ the season for scenic snowy evenings, festive get-togethers with family and friends, and getting good use of our favorite tall boots and warmest, long cardigan sweaters. With all of these enchanting moments and social occasions that we happily and tirelessly partake in, we can become run down and therefore are at risk for infections and even the dreaded flu virus. The change of the season and the sudden drop in temperature can cause our immune systems to go into hiatus and become compromised, allowing pesky bacteria and viruses to find their way into our systems despite our best efforts. Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself using natural ingredients and fresh, organic produce. If we’ve heard it once before, we might need to hear it again, that fruits and veggies are our friends. Take that advice to heart during the colder months and you’ll keep the flu at bay while looking and feeling fabulous right through your New Year’s plans.

Whether you decide to get the flu shot this season or not, the vaccination is known for protecting against most of the strains, but not all, and is not a guarantee of you not contracting a flu strain of some kind. Therefore, it is important to be active in protecting yourself in as many ways as possible. So get juicing!

I enjoy using my Breville Juicer and have had no issues with it since purchasing it two years ago. However, you can still enjoy the benefits of juicing with a good blender. This recipe is for a vegetable based juice using carrots as the main ingredient, which is a powerhouse vegetable for aiding immunity. Wash all ingredients before using and remove the skin on the produce. Once everything has been prepared, place all in a blender or juicer to mix and enjoy!

The Carotene Kick

3 Carrots

1/2 Melon

1 Slice of Watermelon

1 Teaspoon of Spirulina

Beta-carotene, which can be found in the above ingredients, is a crucial vitamin for the body as it can be converted to Vitamin A. Vitamin A has wonderful miracle-like powers to boost our immunity during even the worst of flu season. Some additional advantages to drinking this juice other than boosting immunity, are glowing skin, a healthy digestive tract and lung function. For those of you that have not tried spirulina, do not be alarmed as it is green and in powder form. But fear not, due to the rest of the juicy goodness from the other ingredients, the blend is enjoyable. Also, spirulina is made up of proteins and essential amino acids, especially iron which is of great help to our vegetarian friends.

Another yummy concoction is a fruit based juice that is packed with Vitamin C. This recipe is a rich combination of this important vitamin for keeping illnesses away and will add a little pep in your step due to the increase in your energy. An added bonus of this juice is the nutrient biotin, which is found in strawberries, which helps strengthen hair and nails. Yet another reason to guzzle this nutrient packed juice before ringing in the New Year.

Wash all produce and remove skin. Put all ingredients into a blender or juicer to mix and enjoy!

The Vitamin C Power Punch

3 Oranges

1 Guava

1 Handful of Strawberries

You’ll be full of flu fighting nutrients and able to kick off 2015 healthy and ready for what’s to come!

Print

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 1

Author Hillary

Ingredients

• 3 Oranges
• 1 Guava
• 1 Handful of Strawberries

Instructions

1. Put all of the ingredients into your juice one at a time.
2. Enjoy the juice immediately.

Recipe Notes

*choose organic ingredients when possible