An endurance sports nutrition recipe to help boost immunity

’Tis the season when everyone becomes preoccupied with finding ways to ward off the latest cold and flu bugs. And hard-training endurance athletes need to make a special effort to stay healthy this time of year, since marathon training, triathlon training, and the like present additional immune-system stresses. But instead of searching your medicine chest for ways to build your defenses, why not raid your refrigerator? The following dinner, created by Kimberly Day, a triathlete and Founder/Chief Decadence Officer of Decadent Health LLC (www.decadenthealth.com), is packed with nutrients that will keep you healthy: loads of vegetables to boost immune function; protein to rebuild muscle, joint, and bone tissue, prevent injuries, and speed muscle recovery; and omega-3 fatty acids for heart health. Eat up and stay healthy!

Seafood Bonanza
Makes 4 servings

4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
4 carrots, sliced
4 stalks celery, sliced
1 red onion, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 cups tomato, diced
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 pound halibut, cut in ½-inch cubes
1 pound sea bass, cut in ½-inch cubes
½ pound shrimp, peeled and halved
3 zucchini, sliced
1 tablespoon herbes de province
1 teaspoon thyme

1. Heat olive oil in a large stock pot.
2. Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic and cook until tender.
3. Add tomatoes and broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for thirty minutes.
5. Add halibut, sea bass, shrimp, zucchini, herbes de province, and thyme.
6. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily.
7. Serve warm.

Nutritional Info (per serving): Calories 469, Total fat 11 g, Cholesterol 169 mg, Carbs 23 g, Fiber 9 g, Protein 68 g