Nourishing Chicken Soup

As the weather gets colder and we try to stay healthy, it is important to feed our bodies delicious and nutritious foods.   We love making soups in the fall and winter because they are comforting and always a crowd pleaser.  We love a classic chicken soup, and it is great whether you are sick or just want a traditional cozy supper.  This recipe with rice is a favorite because it is super simple and pretty much fool proof.  You can also modify it to add any ingredients you like :)

Ingredients

• 5 cups water  
•  15 oz chicken broth
• 1 skinless, boneless chicken breast cut into cubes or shredded
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 stalks of celery chopped
• 2 bouillon cubes
• 1/3 cup whole grain rice
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

In a large saucepan over high heat, combine 4 cups water and the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the carrots, onion, celery and bouillon and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.  Add the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes.

{image via}

How to Stay Healthy this Fall

As the temperatures start to drop and fall is in full swing, it is easier to catch a cold.  There is something about the change in season that brings on that stubborn cold that can linger for weeks.  With fall often a busy season, it is important to do everything you can to stay healthy and prevent you and your family from getting sick.  At Our Green House we have lots of great products to help keep that cold away, and we also wanted to remind you of a few basic tips to stay healthy.

1.  Wash you hands!  The germs that cause colds are often spread through skin-to-skin contact.  Make sure you and your family are washing your hands before you eat, when you get home from work/school, and of course after using the restroom.

2.  Drink plenty of fluids.   It is easier to get sick if you are hydrated, so make sure you are drinking at least 8 8oz glasses of water a day.  Remember, soda and coffee don't count!

3.  Get plenty of sleep.  When you are overworked and don't sleep enough, it can be easier to catch a cold.  Have a soothing cup of tea and then hit the sack at a decent hour to avoid getting run down by a cold.

4.  Support your immune system.  Taking your vitamins, getting some sun, and supplementing with natural remedies such as bitters are all great ways to keep your immune system up to fighting off germs.