We thought it would be encouraging to check-in with one of our RISE Expert Faculty, Dr. Mark Hyman and glean a few of his favorite ways to strengthen and fortify our health for the journey ahead.

 “We have to protect ourselves, our families, and communities. Above all, we have to stay healthy. Here are a few things I've been focusing on over the last few weeks to support my immunity:

1. A whole-foods, nutrient-dense diet.

Our immune system relies on nutrient-dense whole foods to function well. Vegetables are the foundation of a nourishing diet, and they provide so many immune-supporting nutrients like vitamin C (red bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach) and carotenoids (carrots, sweet potatoes, and kale). Aim for two servings of fruits and eight or more servings of vegetables a day! (A serving is half a cup.)

Berries, pasture-raised meats, and nuts and seeds are also nutritional powerhouses that will hold up great in the freezer, so you can stay stocked without going out.
 
2. Cut o...

As the weather starts to warm up, it is a great time to try an açaí smoothie bowl as a delicious breakfast option! These intense berries not only taste good but are rich in antioxidants. A few studies have shown that açaí fruit pulp is even richer in antioxidants than cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The açaí berry can be described as an inch-long, reddish-purple fruit. It comes from the acai palm tree, which is native to Central and South America.

Açaí Smoothie Bowl Ingredients

• 1 packet açaí, frozen
• ½ cup mixed frozen berries
• ½ banana 
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup water or coconut water
• A few drops of liquid stevia (optional)
• Handful ice (optional)

Directions

1.  Add the açaí, mixed berries, banana, stevia, vanilla extract and water to a blender and start to blend. Add more liquid till desired consistency.

2. Add ice to thicken, as needed.

3. Pour into a bowl and top with toppings of choice.

Optional toppings that can be used i...

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey

1 onion chopped

6 cloves garlic minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 bell peppers, any color seeded and finely chopped

1/2  teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoons ground cumin

1 ½  teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon of turmeric

Sea salt and pepper

1 28 oz can diced tomatoes or Fire roasted diced tomato

1 28 oz can of tomato sauce

1 28 oz can black beans or kidney beans (optional)

1 cup chopped zucchini

Toppings:

Diced onion

Avocado

Directions: 

1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil. Cook turkey and onion over medium-high heat, stirring often to break up meat, 5-10 minutes.

2. Add rest of ingredients to the crock pot. Add the meat and stir.

3. Add zucchini 30 minutes before end of cooking time. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

4. Serve with diced onion and avocado.