Recipes for When You're Sick
Food that clears sinuses, soothes sore throats, and settles tummies
Our hope is, of course, that everyone in your family skates through cold and flu season without anything more than an errant sneeze. But we also know the moment someone comes down with something, all bets are off in regards to appetites and meal planning. Keep these recipes in your back pocket just in case you find yourself in a sea of disinfecting wipes, dirty tissues, and sticky medicine cups.
These comforting meals will nourish you back to health, are easy on the tummy, are great for bringing to a sick friend (see our post on Best Ideas for a Meal Train), and share the love way better than just sticking to the BRAT diet.
Got a cold?
Take these and call me in the morning.
30 Minute Chicken Noodle Soup
The undefeated champion of cold season is chicken noodle soup. Our recipe comes together fast, tastes great, and makes plenty to share.
Easy Vegan Lentil Soup
This warm comforting Lentil soup is perfect for any loved ones with dietary restrictions. Gluten free, dairy free, and vegan, it’s loved by all who taste it.
Healthy Breakfast Banana Split
These customizable bowls are perfect for tailoring to your specific cold. They stand in nicely as a softer alternative to crunchy cereal (in case your throat is sore), contain plenty of protein and vitamins, and the yogurt is great for bolstering healthy gut bacteria (especially if you’re coming off a course of antibiotics).
Sore throat?
Whether it’s a cold, strep throat, or recovering from tonsil removal, these nutritious frozen treats are a must.
Mango Strawberry Banana Smoothies
Nutritious, tasty, classic fruit smoothie. Enough said.
Berry Avocado Popsicles
When your kid is uninterested in solid foods, or strep throat has their appetite at an all time low, these popsicles are the answer.
Tea Lattes
Soothing, comforting, warm—this is exactly what I want when my throat feels like sandpaper. Sweeten them with honey for extra throat-soothing power.
Stuffy Nose?
I’m not sure if ANY over-the-counter decongestant can match the “clearing” power of the spicy, herby sauces in these next two.
Thai Basil Beef
A quick 30 minute meal that’s great on top of rice, is packed with protein and vitamin C, and is sure to clear your sinuses thanks to the gochujang.
Turkey Pho
This comforting turkey soup (*you can use chicken) has wonderful broth and delicate rice noodles. But add the jalapenos and sriracha and the citrusy heat is sure to shock your nasal system back to life.
Stomach Flu…
No one is eating anything solid during the throes of a stomach virus. But once the tables have turned and the Gatorade and Pedialite aren’t cutting it anymore, these next few recipes should help you get back on the horse gradually and gracefully.
Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
I wouldn’t over-commit to the toppings or seasonings, but there is something fundamentally assuring about a baked potato when you’re on the mend, and these are as simple and delicious as it gets.
Eggs in a Basket
Just the teensiest upgrade from basic toast, this is comfort food personified, and still easy on a unsure tummy.
No matter the illness…
Just go ahead and have these around. Since you’re never sure when appetites will return (or on what schedule), it’s nice to have some grab-and-go options that don’t require any warm-up or prep time.
Sour Cream Banana Bread
This soft chewy banana bread tastes wonderful anytime. It’s filling, sweet, and makes a great snack, light breakfast, or midnight munchie. Just go ahead and double the recipe on this one so you have a loaf to share or save in the freezer.
Healthy Pumpkin Blender Muffins
Packed with oats and fiber, we love how easy these blender muffins are to make. Plus, they are gluten-free and freezer friendly!
Ideally, when you are sick, it would be someone else bringing you one of these recipes. So, if you want to be prepared, forward this email to your loved ones as your “not-so-subtle suggestion” how they can best care for you during these dark days.
Stay healthy out there!
