Ashley’s answer: We all feel your pain—holiday colds are the worst! There’s so much to do (and so little time to do it) without even factoring in travel. And, of course, you want to be your best self with your friends and family. Here are some tried-and-true tips and advice to keep you healthy for the holidays.

  1. Stop stressing and slow down. If you’ve got the sniffles, an itch in your throat, or the unshakeable desire to nod off mid-day, your body is sending you a warning. Proceed at full steam, but with caution. What your body really needs is extra sleep and less stress so that it can help tend to some weaker areas that might be attempting to fight off a bug.
  2. No alcohol, added sugar, or dairy. There are very few times that I set such strict rules, but trying to prevent a cold—especially when you’re about to travel—requires 100% effort. Instead, increase your intake of water and add lemons or limes for extra alkaline-forming benefits. Choose naturally dairy-free options like nuts, seeds, avocado, and whole foods that are naturally sweet like cooked pumpkin, roasted carrots, and baked sweet potato. (Their orange color means they’re packed with immune-supporting nutrients.)
  3. Try hot liquid nutrition. Organic soups, stews, purées, juices and teas—especially ones packed with cold-attacking spices like ginger, chilies, and turmeric (curcumin)—require less digestive effort to absorb the nutrients. Plus, warm temperatures coat the throat and keep your body warm and cozy. Add some raw honey for extra immune support. Hang in there and, most importantly, get extra sleep: the body does its best recovery work while you’re resting.  Chewing over a food quandary? Send it to AskAshley@Prevention.com Ashley Koff is a registered dietitian, Qualitarian, nutrition expert, and