Staying Healthy During Seasonal Weather Changes

Hey there, Skinny Chef fam! Welcome back to The Skinny Chef Diaries Weekly Blog! How’s everyone doing? Can you feel it in the air? Spring is almost here! 🌸 Let’s chat about how to keep ourselves in tip-top shape as the weather flips the script, because let’s be real—we’ve all had those “ugh” moments when the sniffles sneak in. But not this time! Ready to boost your immunity and feel unstoppable? Let’s dive into five surefire ways to crush that seasonal slump!

Fuel Your Body with the Right Foods—Let’s Get Cooking!I

t’s time to get strategic with our meals, people! Seasonal foods are not just a trend—they’re your body’s best friend. Head to your local market and grab those fresh, affordable ingredients that are bursting with the nutrients you need right now. A balanced diet and a regular workout routine are the dynamic duo that will supercharge your immune system and have you and your family feeling fantastic.

Move It, Don’t Lose It—Exercise That Feels Good

Don’t let the season slow you down! Staying active is your secret weapon against the common cold. Whether it’s a brisk morning walk, a jog around the park, or a spontaneous dance-off in your living room—just get moving! Even pacing around the office counts. Every step you take is a step towards better health.

Unleash the Power of the Flu Bomb—Your Immune System’s Best Friend

Ready for my secret recipe? Say hello to the ultimate flu fighter—the flu bomb! Fresh ginger, garlic, lemon, and a dash of cayenne pepper come together to create a potent potion that’ll knock those nasty bugs right out. Blend it, sip it morning and night, and watch as your energy soars and the sniffles disappear. Plus, it’s a natural weight-loss booster—talk about a win-win!

Camphor Magic—Your Go-To for Instant Relief

Let’s talk about camphor, the unsung hero of natural remedies. This aromatic powerhouse is a lifesaver when it comes to muscle aches, headaches, and respiratory issues. Got a stuffy nose or a pounding head? Pop some camphor in hot water, drape a towel over your head, and inhale the steam. You’ll feel the tension melt away, and you’ll be ready to tackle the day—or drift off into a peaceful sleep.

Hygiene Heroes—Simple Habits, Big Impact

Let’s keep those germs at bay! Good hygiene is your first line of defence against seasonal sickness. Wash your hands like a pro, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and keep that sanitizer handy. These small steps can make a huge difference in staying healthy and keeping those around you safe.

So, here’s the deal—get to know your body, listen to what it’s telling you, and take action! Seasonal changes can bring on symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia, but with enough sleep (8 hours, minimum!), a solid diet, and regular exercise, you’ll breeze through it all with a smile on your face.

Thank you for hanging out with me in this week’s blog! To sweeten the deal, I’m leaving you with a spicy, healthy side dish that’ll elevate your braais or barbecues to the next level—because it’s almost that time of year! 🌞 

Espinacas Con Garbanzos

This simple spinach and chickpea stew is a Spanish delight. Served piping hot, it is as healthy, tasty and comforting as any homemade stew should be. Spinach, which is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, is a low-carb, high-fibre vegetable, which also contains small amounts of sugar. It packs high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron and calcium. The chickpeas are also a rich source of vitamins and minerals which offer a variety of health benefits, such as weight man- agement and improved digestion.

Ingredients

•   100g dried chickpeas, soaked in water over- night, or 1 can of tinned chickpeas

•   300g fresh spinach leaves, washed

•   2 thick slices gluten-free bread, cut into cubes

•   15 blanched almonds

•   ¼ cup tinned tomatoes or tomato passata

•   3 garlic cloves,chopped

•   Extra virgin olive oil

•   2 tablespoons sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)

•   1 teaspoon ground cumin

•   1 teaspoon paprika

•   Salt to taste

•   Cayenne pepper to taste

•   Serves 4

Method

1.Coat a large saucepan with some of the olive oil and heat to medium-high.

2. Before the oil gets too hot, add the spinach (in batches if necessary).

3. Sauté the spinach until it has just wilted and remove from the stove and strain in a colander (strainer).

4.Recoat the pan with olive oil and add the bread cubes and almonds. Fry until the bread and the almonds are crispy on both sides.

5. Add chopped garlic, cayenne pepper, cumin and black pepper and fry for a few minutes until the garlic is fragrant and turning brown.

6. Transfer the ingredients to a blender/food processor and add the sherry vin- egar/red wine vinegar.

7. Blend all ingredients until you get a thick paste (do not over-blend or it will become gooey)

8. Return the paste to the pan, then add chickpeas and the tomato passata sauce.

9. Stir gently until the chickpeas are completely coated by the sauce; you may need to add a bit of water to thin things out.

10. Add spinach and gently stir until its evenly incorporated and hot.

11.Season with salt and pepper and olive oil and serve.

Thanks for reading, stay healthy, stay safe, and I’ll catch you right here next week—same time, same place!