Webber Naturals looks into what to do when you catch a cold. 

Without fail, I tend to get a cold about twice a year (although last year was particularly awful, with two back to back colds in the summer on top of my usual two - boo!). However, usually, my first cold shows up sometime in the spring (which, unfortunately, means in the not too distant future); I usually don’t encounter the next one until the fall. My bi-annual cold starts off with a sore throat (that feels a little something like what I imagine swallowing razor blades would feel like), followed by the “sniffles” (to put it politely…) and ends with a booming cough. Not the most fun experience. Which is why I can appreciate the question: “What can I do to help me get through my cold with a little less suffering?”

Best solution: call in sick and take some time to get better. SELF magazine provides some tips on how to take care of yourself when you’re home sick from the office. Hopefully, you’ll be feeling better in no time!

You can also try Webber Naturals’ Cold-A-Tak when you feel that cold coming on!

Image source: teacherappovedbooks.com

Webber Naturals expert Dr. Joyce Johnson shares her secret weapons in the fight against the flu!

You can do more than just a flu shot to protect yourself from viruses this wintry season!

Remember that nasty H1N1 virus? Well, we may not be seeing that particular letter-and-number virus all over the news but the flu season is here. Time to step up our defenses and take care of our health. Check out this video clip of Dr. Joyce Johnson on News Canada,  for our expert tips and techniques to keep you healthy and running up to speed.

Webber Naturals expert Kristin Metvedt spills the beans on smart, healthy school lunches.

Need a few more ideas? Kristin Metvedt has got some that will keep your kids happy and healthy at recess!

Hello October! We're starting the second month of the school year and as parents, we want our kids to have a balanced and fun-filled school year. We organize clothing, supplies and activities, and we should also plan for healthy eating.

In September, I sat down with my 7 year old and we chose 5 lunches and 5 snacks for her first week back at school. When the new school week started, we were ready with our list of healthy food choices! This made my mornings easier and I enjoyed watching my daughter’s sense of empowerment when she reviewed her lunch “menu” for the school day.

One month into school and you might find that your lunch menu needs a little bit of tweaking. Why plan lunches and snacks? It will make your life easier in the mornings and keep your kids eating healthy foods within the season. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your children’s lunches:

When planning, aim to include 3-4 food groups. Lunches that provide a good quality protein source, whole grain carbohydrates and fresh produce will give your kids energy for the whole afternoon. Use fruit (fresh and dried) vegetables and dairy products for snacks. If you work a little to keep the school time foods interesting and your kids will do the rest and happily eat healthy.

Whole Grains:

Choose carbohydrates such as 100% whole grain and sprouted grain breads for traditional sandwiches. Look for breads made with rye or kamut flours for variety, and whole-wheat pitas or sourdough bread are great with soups and bean or veggie dips. Young children’s small hands might find whole-wheat dinner rolls easier to manage.

Barley and quinoa are natural whole grains, which can be added to homemade soups and salads. If you don’t have time to make homemade soup, you can find low-sodium store bought soups.

Healthy Proteins:

Choose natural foods like hard boiled eggs, tuna and salmon, home cooked chicken, turkey and lean beef for rice, noodle and sandwich meals.

Beans and lentils make great soups as well. They provide protein and are a great source of fibre. They are wonderful foods to help sustain energy levels. I usually puree cooked beans and lentils as this provides a softer, creamier and palatable texture that’s appealing to kids. There are plenty of recipes out there in books and on the internet for you to peruse through.

Dairy and dairy alternatives provide healthy snacks. Low fat cheese cubes, 1% cottage cheese, yogurt, soft tofu or baked tofu complement whole grain crackers, rice cakes or fruit salads.

Protein Ideas:

Eggs, hard boiled

Beans (e.g., chickpeas, Edamame, bean dips)

Nuts and Seeds (keep these snacks for after-school as schools are becoming “nut-free” zones)

Fishes such as tuna and salmon

Lean, home cooked or preservative free chicken or turkey

Lean, home cooked or preservative free beef

Low fat cheese (e.g., Swiss cheese, goat cheese mozzarella)

Yogurt (plain, no artificial sweeteners, organic if possible)

Fruit & Veggies:

Select a “rainbow” of fruit and vegetables with lots of red, orange, yellow, green and purple varieties. Young kids can have fun with a yellow or green themed lunch. Cut vegetables into large or small chunks and eat raw or lightly steamed. Use them in sandwichs, pastas and rice bowls, or as snacks!

Find small, whole fruit and veggies like small apples (usually locally grown), plums, grapes, berries and sections of orange. Easy finger food veggies, try bell peppers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli & cauliflower florets and chopped celery.

Water:

Water is the best choice of fluid to send to school with your child. Use a stainless steel, reusable water bottle so your child can keep it at his or her desk and refill often.

Image sources: Strollerderby, Herbal Supplements Review , and Coupon Time