Diet & Fitness 

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Diet to beat cold and flu

You have your annual flu jab, frequently wash your hands and get plenty of rest to avoid getting a cold or the flu. But are you forgetting one of the most important bug-busting strategies: a healthy diet?

Your diet could be the key to keeping coughs and chills at bay so this immunity boosting diet includes foods that help your body marshal its defense system to prevent sickness. Here's how:

• Active acidophilus cultures, found in many yoghurts, promote a strong digestive system. That's why this diet incorporates yoghurt into its meal choices
• Vitamin C helps to keep your immune system healthy, is used by your body during the healing process and may protect against cancer. This meal plan includes fruits, vegetables and juices high in vitamin C to help fight off illness
• Whole grains and cereals contain more nutrients than highly processed foods. You'll find plenty of whole-grain breads and fortified cereals in the Immunity Booster plan
• Garlic has antibiotic properties that can help prevent disease. This diet tries to include at least one clove each day in your foods.

Here are some super immunity boosting breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas that will help improve your body defenses right now:

BREAKFAST

Option One
Orange juice
Oatmeal cooked with skimmed milk, topped with blueberries

Option Two
Grapefruit juice
Fortified cold breakfast cereal with skimmed
milk, topped with strawberries

Option Three
Tomato juice with added vitamin C
Whole-grain toast spread with peanut butter
Clementines

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