We've been hard hit with the flu and many of us are starting to recover. I got sick immediately after the holidays but recovered fairly quickly, due to some of the healthy eating practices I'd like to share with you. Here are five energizing healthy food tips you can incorporate into your routine today to help you recover quicker: 1. Stay hydrated. Hydration is the key during recovery as it can help clear toxins from the system and help you feel energized. Drink plenty of filtered water, organic green tea, kombucha and healthy vegetable soups to help you rehydrate. 2. Grate fresh organic ginger over your meals right before serving. Ginger contains anti inflammatory properties which help with muscular discomfort, as well as anti nauseous properties. Tip for peeling ginger: use the edge of a teaspoon to scrape off the outer peel. It's quick and easy. 3. Jalapeno! If you're juicing, add it to your daily routine. Not only will it give a zing to your favorite smoothie it will add a boost of energy to your day. Capsaicin found in the pepper's heat helps to stimulate and clear mucus from your nose, reducing nasal congestion. It also contains antibacterial properties that help fight chronic sinus infections. 4. Try adding pickled organic raw foods to your meals. Naturally fermented foods are highly beneficial as they add probiotics to your system which is important to rev up your immune system during recovery. Some of my favorites include kimchee and Pickled Things (found in your local health food store). 5. Try my almond milk chai for a good night's rest. One of the key tricks to getting our health back is to make sure we get enough sleep. This will surely do the trick! Heat in a small sauce pan 2 cups of organic almond milk with ¼ to a 1/2 teaspoon of each of the following: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, coriander and honey to taste. This makes enough for two (if you're willing to share).