As the fall season comes to an end the weather outside is very obviously changing and it may or may not be a change for the better. As common as it is to catch a cold and be sick during the winter season, there is always one thing that can help. Food.
Eating the right foods to aid your sickness can help it go away a lot faster than you'd think. Your body need nutrients when it's sick so that it is able to rebuild and get back to being healthy again.
Although you may not be up to chow down on a four course meal when you're feeling under the weather these 10 foods may be able to help make you feel at least just a little bit better.
1. Soup
No matter the diagnosis is, soup can always cure. This may be the most obvious food on the list but whether it be a stuffy nose and sneezing or the dreaded sore throat, a bowl of steamy and warm soup always gets the job done. The feeling of warm soup hitting a sore throat just can't be beat.
2. Crackers
I don't know about you, but when I had a stomach ache in school and got sent to the nurse her cure was always, "eat some crackers." From that point on I saw crackers as more than just a snack, it's a medicine. They are just light enough to be soaked in soup or ate on their own. Crackers are and always will be a childhood sickness must have.
3. Toast
I think toast goes hand in hand with crackers. It is just something plain enough to be still appetizing while being sick, but it's still food. Anything is better eaten than nothing while you have an upset stomach. Just lather some butter or jam on a nice crispy and warm piece of toast and enjoy.
5. Eggs
Scrambled, poached, over easy, or hard boiled, no matter how you like your eggs they are always a great source of protein. They are easy to make and easy to chew when you need some food and you're not feeling your best. Eggs will help you get your day started in the right direction, especially while sick.
6. Pastina
Yes, Pastina, commonly known as the Italian Penicillin. But, Italian or not, a warm bowl of Pastina is for everyone. For those of you who don't know what Pastina is, the tiny star, circle, or mini bowtie shaped pasta gets made into a warm soup with egg and milk and served to, mostly, the sick. Although you can eat it whenever it seems to taste best while not feeling well. (And don't ask me why.) Don't forget to sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor!
7. Vitamin C
Although it is not technically a food, getting as much Vitamin C in your diet while sick can boost your immune system and speed up recovery. My favorite way to get my source of Vitamin C is by mixing in the popular supplement Emergen-C. It mixes right into water and can be found in endless fruity flavor for a taste that kicks!
8. Tea
Tea may also not technically be a food either but it is a sick day staple. Without tea how could we cure a sore throat at home? There is nothing better than sipping on a hot cup of tea while resting in bed. Try adding honey, sugar, or milk to make plain tea taste a little bit sweeter!
9. Oatmeal
With its soft texture and immense health benefits, oatmeal is one of the most underrated foods to eat while sick. What makes it so great is the endless add ins to make it taste exactly how you like. By adding fruit, granola, cinnamon, or really anything you desire, oatmeal can always be taken to the next level. Plus, it's so simple to make!
9. Yogurt
Being very similar to oatmeal, yogurt is a treat you can also make your own. With the endless flavor options, there is sure to be a type of yogurt that is right for you. Yogurt is a probiotic and contains immense amounts of vitamins which is exactly what your body needs when its not feeling its best. Same thing, by adding fruits, granola, honey, or even chocolate yogurt can be quite the treat!
10. Popsicles
Although it may not be the healthiest option to eat while sick it is okay to treat yourself! With the stress of life going by and you not feeling your best it's always good to have something a little sweet. Plus the cold can feel good on a sore throat!
With flu season approaching it is important to understand the value of food. In my experience, eating these foods while I'm feeling sick always makes me feel at least a little bit better. Oh, and definitely don't forget about water. As much as we love food, it's most important to stay hydrated while sick!