Content created in partnership with Thompson's the Master Herbalists

Not only is eating well the first line of defence against illness, but by packing immune supporting ingredients into all her family cooking Kelly keeps everyone in her household running on a full tank.

“Eating nutrient dense healthy food is the best starting point for anyone wanting to support their overall health, and I strive to incorporate ingredients that are high in vitamins and minerals into all the meals I create for my family,” the well-known foodie tells Kara Rickard.  

“We all know from first-hand experience that eating a diet high in seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables makes you feel so much better than a diet of heavily processed food.”

The good news is, there’s no need to sacrifice flavour – or enjoyment – to optimise your health and power-up your immune health.

“Being mindful of what we are putting into our bodies is an amazing place to start, especially if we can make it taste as good as it feels. My goal is to show people that healthy food can be utterly delicious and full of joy.”

And while some kids might recoil at the mere mention of a spinach leaf, Kelly has recipes to entice even the pickiest of eaters. A banana, courgette and spinach smoothie is a firm family favourite, and being jam packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin B12 and zinc - it packs a punch on the nutrient front too. Beetroot is another winner, and rounding out the evening meal with an Asian-inspired bowl of stir-fried shiitake mushrooms (hello zinc!) always goes down a treat.

We may be coming out the other side of a dreary winter, but the importance of supporting our immune systems has never been greater. Many of us are still battling ills and chills, especially as the country opens back up and we start to get more comfortable socialising. Eating well and supporting our immune system is the very best way to protect ourselves.

But as Kelly explains even when you are eating a healthy, balanced and nutrient-rich diet, sometimes it’s still not enough.

“While I definitely eat a diet rich in seasonal produce, it is hard to rely on that for the full daily dose of vitamins and minerals, so I make a high-quality immune multivitamin a key part of my morning routine.”

She’s not alone. Many people who prioritise their health and wellbeing top up their  immune defences with a daily immune multivitamin - and the Master Herbalists Thompson’s Immune Support Health range offers the full spectrum of support. From high quality Vitamin C, Echinacea, Olive Leaf and Garlic Perles supplements through to their more complex  Immunofort, an immune multivitamin that features a unique ‘power of 5’ formula including Chinese and Western herbs, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to provide year-round optimal immune support.

Featuring Andrographis, Vitamin C, B12, echinacea, ginseng and zinc, Thompson’s Immunofort is a simple and effective way to supplement your diet. Immunofort can also be helpful for people with busy lifestyles who want to support their immune health, especially in times of stress, worry or when travelling.

With more than 70 years crafting high quality herbal formulas across Australia and New Zealand, Thompson’s is the herbal experts you can trust and count on. And just like Kelly, they like nothing better than supporting Kiwi families to boost their immune health and achieve better health outcomes.

To find out more visit Thompson’s the Master Herbalists at thompsonsherbals.com/en-nz.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Integria Healthcare, Auckland NZ.