Soup and Cracker Shortcut for the Sick

In an ideal world, we would all have some homemade chicken stock in the freezer that we can bust out at any given time.  Heck, maybe we are even lucky enough to have some soup made with that stock in the freezer!  When you feel yourself getting a little under the weather, the first thing you want to do is consume something warm that helps your immune system; however, the last thing you feel like doing is taking time to make homemade broth, make soup and gluten-free crackers.  It is totally within your capability, but totally outside your realm of desire at that moment.
Chicken soup has been linked to what people give you when your sick because the gelatin in broth is so healing!  However, storebought broth doesn’t contain that healing element.  So, here is the best shortcut you can do if your caught in the predicament of needing healing food but have no time or energy. It’s much healthier than Cambell’s and saltines!
Cheater Soup and Crackers
carton of organic, gluten free soup (any kind)
unflavored gelatin
store-bought crackers such as Simple Mills
Directions:
Heat up your soup and add 1 Tbsp of gelatin.  Consume with grain-free or sprouted crackers.
*In addition to your soup, make sure you are getting adequate Vitamin D, probiotics, garlic in everything, and an immune support supplement to manage symptoms if needed.

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

As some of your are aware, I have added another title onto my list to juggle which means I am spending a lot more time on research, teaching doctors, and implementing lifestyle medicine ideas into programs.  That means I’m in Chicago most of the week, and I can’t be around in the same capacity for my patients.  In order to continue providing options for patients, I still take cases, do all the diagnostics, devise a care plan, etc.  However, when it comes to making it work for the patient in a way that works for their lifestyle, I have enlisted the help of a wellness coach named Carole Turnbo.  Some of you may know her as the amazing athlete and trainer.  I know her as my trainer but also as a colleague after all these years tag-teaming patients to change their life and health.
She recently posted a recipe for butternut squash soup that peaked my interest!  I obviously put my own spin on it, but love the original concept, and I encourage you to follow her blog for all her upcoming ideas about a Primal Thanksgiving!
A Balanced Life is the name and she would love to have you visit. ;)
Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
1 butternut squash, peeled, cubed
6 carrots, chopped
3 garlic cloves
1 squirt anchovy paste (optional but so good)
1 can full fat coconut milk
2 cups chicken stock
1 can pumpkin
1 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp maca
1 Tbsp turmeric
1 Tbsp curry paste
1 Tbsp ghee or coconut oil
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Sautee garlic, anchovy paste, curry paste, and oil for 2 minutes.  Then add the butternut, pumpkin, carrots, coconut milk, chicken stock, spices.  Allow to simmer until butternut is fork tender (about 35-45 minutes).  Blend with an immersion blender and serve!  Put in a thermos on a cold day!