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We all react differently when we’re feeling a little under the weather. Some people crave comfort food, while others lose their appetite altogether. It’s important to keep well hydrated and nourished when you’re feeling ill, so we’ve rounded up some of the best dishes for body and soul.
Chicken Soup
The ultimate pick me up when you’re feeling down. Every family has their own chicken broth or chicken noodle soup recipe that they use to feel better. It’s great for a number of reasons. Firstly, it has a lot of vegetables, giving you much-needed vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The chicken itself is rich in protein. The liquid content is great for hydration. It tastes great and is not too rich, meaning that it’s less likely to upset your stomach if you haven’t eaten in a while.
Yogurt
If you’re feeling ill, yogurt can be a good option. Choose a probiotic version if you’ve had an upset stomach. Its rich consistency is good for energy. Try and avoid anything too sugary or with added fruit etc.
Smoothies
These are the superstars of nutrition. A well-balanced smoothie can incorporate fruit, vegetables, protein, and other nutrients into a nutritious and filling drink. It’s a great option if you don’t feel like eating anything.
Depending on your preferences, you can make it juice based or add yogurt for a more substantial ‘meal’.
Porridge Oats
This simple food can work wonders at any time of the day. Oatmeal is an excellent choice when you’re ill as it is great comfort food. If you’re feeling nauseated, you can keep the oatmeal simple, without adding anything. Or you can add fruit, spices or honey to give it that extra flavor. It’s also deceptively nutritious. Most oatmeal brands contain good amounts of iron, protein, fiber, and zinc, all of which you need when you are unwell.
Bananas
If you’re suffering from an illness with your stomach, then doctors often recommend you stick to the BRAT diet. This stands for bananas, rice, apples, and toast. These foods are quite simple, easy to digest and have a good range of vitamins, fiber, and carbohydrates. Bananas can be a good source of energy and potassium, so eating them when you’re ill is recommended.
Tea
As the British. There’s nothing like a cup of tea to make you feel better. The compounds in black tea can help soothe your stomach and make you feel better. Have it with some honey and lemon for the ultimate pick-me-up when you have a cold or a sore throat.
Takeaways
Food is often the last thing on our minds when we’re not feeling well. Often, we’ll reach for the most convenient foods, which might not be the best option and could even make you worse if you have a stomach complaint. Yet it’s when we’re ill that it’s the most important to fill our body with the right types of food. Stick to these fantastic recipes for simple but effective nutrition when you or your family are sick.
