Image: Getty, Design: EatingWell
When you think of healing foods, what comes to mind?
Is it a warm, cozy bowl of chicken noodle soup?
The nostalgic flavor of moms cookies fresh out of the oven?

Photo:Image: Getty, Design: EatingWell
Or is it throat-soothing tea for sick days?
For Dylan Dreyer, balance is key.
I grew up eating well-balanced meals, theTodays 3rd Hourco-host and NBC News meteorologist tellsEatingWellin an exclusive interview.

Ali Redmond
I don’t diet, I don’t deprive myself or my kids from anything.
I really love the feel of fall and cooking in the fall.
These fall flavors arent just delicious: they also pack a nutritious punch.
The kids like it because its a little sweet.
Its got carrots, zucchini and onions.
I throw in peas, corn and potatoes.
It’s nice, hearty and filling.
It’s something super hearty and healthy because of all the vegetablesvery satisfying.
While she sometimes makes her own crust, Dreyer admits to a time-saving secret: store-bought gluten-free puff pastry.
Luckily for us, Dreyer shared her favorite sick-day recipe that she makes for both her and her kids.
I think smoothies really help, she explains.
My kids, I don’t know why, but they don’t eat oranges or clementines.
When you have a cold, vitamin C goes a long way.
And Dreyers 4-ingredientOrange-Mango Smoothieis definitely packed with vitamin C, thanks to its namesake ingredients.
And I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk to mix it all together.
Plus it provides 171% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. Whats not to love?
Routines Mean Less Stress
We all have our morning rituals.
For some, it could be waking up to walk the dog, to-go cup of caffeine in hand.
For others, it may include watching theToday’s 3rd Hourcrew share feel-good stories and delicious recipes.
Before the cameras start rolling, Dreyer has her own morning routine to help her feel her best.
I am all about routine, she says.
I think it’s the only way I can stay organized and keep myself from getting stressed.
I just wake up and get dressed.
She loves her Farberware percolator coffee pot, claiming it makes the hottest, strongest coffee.
She says her husband isnt a vegetable lover, but he can eat her roasted broccoli like popcorn.
Plus, berries like raspberries and blueberries are recommended by gastroenterologists to support your gut health and healthy digestion.
Just be sure to enjoy less nutrient-dense options in moderation.
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