But while many people still believe that helping your immune system requires big, sweeping changes to their lifestyles, we think a simple, consistent, and—most importantly—proactive approach is the way to go. Here are some small habits that will strengthen your immune system in meaningful ways (some of which you might already be doing, in which case—keep it up!). Fear not, though, because this doesn’t mean you have to eliminate sugar altogether—reducing your intake by a few grams a day will go further than you think. Craving some candy? Swap it for a handful of seasonal berries. Chocoholic? Try out a lower-sugar brand—we’re huge fans of Lily’s Sweets, whose products include chocolate in all its glorious forms (bars, chips, nut butter cups), all with no added sugar. And since we’re talking about simple, sustainable methods here, what’s an easier habit to stick to than enjoying a piece of chocolate? Our solution? Find a wind-down routine that works for you—and stick to it. Our bodies are huge fans of regular schedules, so doing the same things every night before bed (like minimizing screen time, drinking something warm, getting lost in a good book) is all it takes. There are plenty of steps we can all take to reduce our stress—starting as soon as today. Tried-and-true techniques like meditation and exercise are great starts; sometimes there’s nothing more rewarding than a good old-fashioned (mindful) indulgence. To us, this means foods that are rich and decadent but also that sport an ingredient list we can get behind. Among our current obsessions are the dark chocolate bars from Lily’s Sweets, which deliver all of the goods…with less of the sugar. If you’re keeping score at home, so far we’ve told you to eat more chocolate and avoid long bouts of exercise—who says this immunity thing is hard? Not only does water flush out toxins from the body, but it also delivers oxygen to your cells, which basically helps everything function more optimally. Want to take these immune-boosting powers to the next level? Infusing your water with things like lemon, kiwi, or grapefruit will add an extra punch of vitamin C—the OG immunity booster.
