If you get a cold or the flu every winter like clockwork, you’re likely always on the hunt for natural ways to treat your illness at home. Before you drag yourself out of bed to go to the doctor, try these all-natural home remedies to help banish your sore throat, soothe that runny nose, and make your aching muscles feel as good as new. (But consult your doctor for professional medical advice first!)

1. Drink as many fluids as possible. When you’re feeling all stuffed up and congested, one of the best ways to rid your nasal cavity of mucus is by drinking plenty of fluids. Aim for eight to ten glasses of water per day, and supplement them with herbal teas, sports drinks, and even broth-based soups.
2. Inhale steam. Another way to clear your stuffy nose is by leaning over a pot of boiling water, placing a towel over your head, and breathing deeply through your nose—just be careful not to breathe too deeply and burn yourself.
3. Adjust your diet. By incorporating things like lemons, garlic, and honey into your diet, you can absorb their vitamins and antimicrobial properties. Green tea or peppermint tea also help to rid your body of cold or flu symptoms.
4. Gargle with salt water. If a sore throat is keeping you up at night, this old wives’ tale can help to decrease the swelling in the throat’s mucous membranes and ease your pain.

Home Remedies for Colds [WebMD]
Cold and Flu Home Remedies [Doctor Oz]
22 Natural Sore Throat Remedies to Help Soothe the Pain [Everyday Roots]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/kankan

So you’ve decided to cut out the snacking and get healthy in the New Year, but now you don’t know where to start. If your New Year’s resolution centers around losing weight and getting in shape, these smart and simple tricks will help you to make it happen.

1. Choose a specific goal. Although you don’t want to choose a weight loss goal so lofty that it’s actually dangerous, it's beneficial to have a concrete number in mind. Work with a doctor to develop a realistic weight loss goal that you can work toward throughout the year.
2. Create a schedule. For most people, lack of time is the main thing that stands in the way of weight loss goals. By scheduling your meal prep or workout like a job, you won’t be as likely to put them off.
3. Start slowly. You’ll probably be full of energy and excitement about becoming the newer, healthier you, but it’s important to start a routine slowly so that you’re more likely to stick with it.
4. Prepare yourself. Your weight loss won’t be easy, but it will be much more bearable if you make the necessary preparations before New Year’s Eve. Join a gym, research healthy recipes, or even make a trip to the health food store.

Fitness 101: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Exercise [WebMD]
14 Tips for Starting and Sticking with a Workout Routine [SparkPeople]
How To Start Working Out When You Don’t Like To Exercise [Summer Tomato]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Eric McGregor

Texas is known for many things, but barbecue is surely one of the most important. Rudy’s Country Store and barbecue restaurant is a standout spot in Austin’s booming restaurant scene, beloved for the way it merges a restaurant, general store, and even a gas station if you need to fuel up after dinner.

While the operation is quirky, Rudy’s food menu is one to be reckoned with. Half-pound racks of tender, juicy ribs, moist brisket, tangy potato salad, and sweet creamed corn keep regulars coming back again and again. Order at the counter and watch the skillful cooks slice your meat right in front of you, and then enjoy your meal over a cold soda or beer at one of the long, communal picnic tables either inside or out. Finish your meal with Rudy’s excellent banana pudding and you’ll leave feeling positively stuffed.

Rudy’s Country Store is open 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends. On Sundays, the restaurant is open 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Rudy’s Country Store & Barbeque
11570 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 418-9898
www.rudysbbq.com/page/location/name/bbq-austin%20-%20360
www.yelp.com/biz/rudys-country-store-and-barbecue-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/erik forsberg