Ask The Nutritionist is the newest addition to this page! Outside of my weekly show Wine About It (Facebook live on Thursdays at 5:30pmCST @Basically It Meals), I love answering your questions! Post them in the comments here or on Instagam I will answer them in this weekly post!

The first question is from Sherry; “why is it important to add flax seeds to your diet?”

Flax seeds may seem like one of those foods that you don’t want to buy because you don’t know how you will ever include it in your diet. BUT as far as health benefits go, it is one of my favorite seeds and I try to include flax every day. Flax seeds contain #omega3 fatty acids which are great for brain health as well as skin and nails. Studies have also shown them to reduce the risk of stroke and cancer. I always used to have nails that broke and peeled, but when I started adding flax to my diet, they changed to the most sturdy nails that would literally be as long as my arm if I didn’t cut...

It's that time of year....

Cold and flu season!!

So fun.

One amazing cold and flu season food is raw oysters. While they aren't for everyone, once you hear the benefits you may change your mind.

Here are a few reasons why you should give raw oysters a try this cold and flu season:

1. Super high in zinc which is phenomenal for the immune system
2. High in omega 3 fatty acids which are great for brain and central nervous system function
3. Contain magnesium which is great for a stressed out immune system
4. Contain iron to keep your blood rich with oxygen for tissue repair
5. Full of B12 which can be depleted with illness
6. Great source of vitamin D which most people don't get enough of in the cold weather, or while they are cooped up inside sick!

Top with fresh lemon, garlic or horseradish to kick up the flavor (and open those nasal passages if you know what I mean!).

Hayley