All last week I played Florence Nightingale to my sick husband and three sick children. They all had high fevers, sore throats, muscle aches, head aches, chills, and congestion. All 4 had lingering upper and lower respiratory congestion with cough for anywhere from 4-10 days. I assumed, based on these symptoms, that we were dealing with the flu. I never took any of them to the doctor. I managed their symptoms with rest, hydration, and lukewarm baths when their fevers got up above 102.
My husband, not one to miss work unless he’s on his actual deathbed, took immune-suppressing OTC medications to manage his symptoms, after leaving work early the first day and sleeping all day and night. He was sick the longest. My 8yo and 2yo were very feverish and listless for two days. My 4yo, the kid who would turn down a cupcake for a fistful of kale as a toddler but now wants nothing but processed wheat products, was sick the longest, with her fever lasting 5 full days. I finally caved on the 4th day and gave her some Tylenol so her poor little body could rest.
Confession time: I was going CRAZY being completely couch-bound with my kids. If I got up to take a sip of water or, God forbid, EAT something, the kids would cry for me until I returned to the couch and let them pile on top of me. I kept thinking, They will be better tomorrow; tomorrow I’ll be able to leave the couch. Day 3 I had to miss bible study. I texted my co-leaders, “Please pray that I don’t strangle my sick children.” They gracefully acknowledged how hard it is to be cooped up with needy children, but one of them had a response that hit me right in the heart. Her mother-in-law, a wonderful woman who was in our bible study, had suddenly passed away just two weeks prior. This friend told me, “So hard to be where you are right now, my prayers are that today God fills you with grace to embrace a cold day inside snuggling with your babies while they are still little enough to be snuggled ❤️ allow yourself to ignore the clutter, laundry and ever other distraction, this is what [my MIL] would tell me❤️”
It was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. Almost immediately I felt a renewed sense of purpose in nursing the children and letting the to-do list fall away from my mind. My 4yo, normally a daddy’s girl who doesn’t have much use for mommy, never left my lap. She put her sweet little arms around my neck, gave me little kisses, and whispered often, “I love you, Mommy.” Oh, my heart. Surrendering to the standstill and really focusing on my babies when they needed me was a beautiful lesson.
Of course, during this time I also anticipated the start of feeling the symptoms of the virus that had plagued my house. I had made two big batches of Black Bean Soup and Thai Curry Vegetable soup, which I heated up and wolfed down in the stolen moments between snuggles. I made sure to get plenty of rest. And each morning, I got up before the kids and made myself a green smoothie.
I absolutely credit this concoction for saving me from the dreaded flu. Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and good fats, it keeps me full and energized throughout my morning. I started making this smoothie when I was perusing meal replacement shakes and found them all either containing foods or additives that didn’t jive with my personal dietary beliefs, or so expensive that I’d have to take out a loan just to afford a one-month supply. I have to warn you guys, this is not a smoothie that tastes fruity or like vanilla icing. It is mildly sweetened with a banana, and tastes very earthy and green. If that’s not something that appeals to you, you can add less greens or maybe a little pure maple syrup if you want it sweeter. Also, I highly recommend investing in a good quality blender for your smoothies. I was using a Magic Bullet until Christmas when my handsome hubby upgraded me to a Ninja. WORLD of difference, guys. My smoothies are no longer grainy, stringy, or chunky. They are creamy and smooth and homogenous.
A note about ingredients: all ingredients are not created equal! Be sure you are buying high quality organic ingredients to get the maximum benefit from this smoothie, as well as everything you eat. I’ve contained links to my favorite ingredients. The Superfood Green Powder I use has a fun little disclaimer on the label:
I would take this warning very seriously if I were you, lest you find yourself in a yoga class where you are supposed to be surrendering your body and mind to your practice but are forced to use all your mental and physical faculties to keep from shitting your pants. I’m definitely not speaking from experience or anything.
Immune-Boosting Green Breakfast Smoothie
Yield: one 24oz serving
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana, peeled
1 large handful organic baby greens, such as a blend of spinach and kale
2 Tbs Homemade Power Mix (recipe below)
1-2 Tbs Organic Cacao powder
1-2 Tbs Superfood Green Powder
1-2 Tbs Nut butter
Organic non-dairy milk of your choice
Starting with the banana, add each ingredient to the cup or pitcher of a high-powered blender. Then add enough of the non-dairy milk to make the smoothie your preferred consistency. I use about 3/4c. If you prefer a more liquid smoothie you will need to add more. Blend for about 45 seconds. Enjoy!
Homemade Power Mix
Yield: About 7 Cups
Ingredients:
Pour all ingredients into a half-gallon glass jar with a lid (I use a mason jar). Shake to combine.
Please try this recipe and tell me what you think! Would you add or change anything? Do you have brands you like better? Let me know in the comments!
Katie Haxton 