December 14th proved to be the beginning of my family’s battle with the flu virus. It started with my almost 8 yr old, Anna. She quickly gave it to Daddy, who then gave it to 5 yr old Joel. Aleyah and I managed to stay bug-free…until the following Sunday: exactly one week from when it started. In the middle of church, Aleyah told me she had a headache and that was that. Me, as mom, didn’t separate myself from the sickos. I was the one administering meds, holding hair while vomit came forth, and washing countless sheets/blankets/towels. Many people commented on the miracle of me staying well. There are two reasons in one why I stayed healthy: God’s goodness. God’s goodness was manifested to me in 1. His grace and 2. His created foods. I believe He extended His protective grace over me AND I believe He has given me so many wonderfully created foods to allow my body to fight off flu bugs! Below is a list of immune-boosting foods that was published in The Huffington Post thanks to Roufia Payman, the director of outpatient nutritional services at Northern Dutchess Hospital in New York.The only two items on this list that I do NOT consume on a regular basis are the noodles in the soup (but I LOVE the rest of it!) and honey (that I eat occasionally not regularly). I eat a ton of veggies throughout the day and a good bit of fruit as well. All those awesome phytonutrients created a hefty barrier to that nasty flu virus. So, here’s to all my salads and roasted veggies! I love you! And here’s to my Creator! Thank you for fearfully and wonderfully creating me!

1. Chicken Noodle Soup

2. Onions and Garlic

3. Mushrooms

4. Citrus Fruits and other high Vitamin C fruits and veggies

5. Yogurt

6. Vitamin D and Omega 3 supplements

7. Hot Tea

8. Ginger

9. Honey

10. Black pepper

11. Spices