For post-workout recovery or staving off an illness, load up with antioxidants and disease-fighting phytochemicals from rich colored fruits like blueberries, spices like cinnamon and turmeric, and herbs like rosemary, basil and mint. After intense exercise, the body switches into healing mode just like when we are fighting off an infection. The antioxidants in darkly colored fruits and vegetables help our immune system by reducing the burden of inflammation in the body. One caveat: when we are already sick, adding antioxidants may actually reduce the effectiveness of our body’s own immune system, so stick to incorporating them before you fall ill to get the most benefit.
- One whole grain English muffin, toasted
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate Sunflower / Pumpkin seeds butter
- Frozen wild blueberries, heated on the stove top (or microwaved) and mashed
- 3 fresh mint leaves, chopped
When it comes to building a tasty sandwich, it’s possible to balance both flavor and nutrition. The key is to choose ingredients that serve a purpose. Start with a base of a whole grain bread product (it doesn’t have to be sandwich bread!), add seeds and Seed Butter for protein and healthy fat, and then choose whole fruits for sweetness with a boost of fiber.
