Feel-Good Vegan Foods for When You're Sick

A few days ago, I actually really wanted to start blogging every day. But I started getting flu symptoms on Monday. I still don't know where they came from, but I'm feeling better today. I guess I did have a good rest, watching some documentaries and sleeping for hours at a time during the day. I didn't get sick when I ate, but I didn't have much of an appetite either (much less any energy to prepare food).

I've decided, what better time to write an entry giving my opinion about what foods make a sick person feel best?

DRINKS: Plain, black tea (preferably decaffeinated); juices high in Vitamin C for the immune system; carbonated water for stomach problems; and just plain water if you can't stomach anything else. (No matter what you have, hydration is always important. Dehydration is always a risk and drinking lots of fluids can really speed up your recovery.)

FOOD: Carbs are the best thing for an over-stressed body, because they are used for immediate energy. That's why you crave carbs when you feel overwhelmed. At the same time, sneaking in some vegetables and fruits for nutrients is also helpful.

Toast: The mainstay of sick people. Adding margarine is probably not the best thing. Peanut butter would be better, or possibly a natural fruit spread.

Vegetable soup: Some vegans will suggest mock chicken soup for when you're sick; why? I have always found both real and fake meats to be too heavy for me when I'm not feeling good. Vegetables, on the other hand, are light and packed with nutrients. A nice tomato broth and any vegetables on hand (preferably made by someone else you have to take care of you) will do the trick. If you're alone, canned soup is easier than anything.

Light snacks: I enjoy eating rice cakes and other light snacks (basically whatever low-calorie foods I have on hand).

Okay, so I guess my illness diet is very simple and I don't have TOO much experience. If anyone has any better ideas, let me know!

If you get hungry, you should definitely eat one of the above foods or something equally healthy and light. But if you're not hungry at all, you should just make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids. (And if it continues for a couple days, see a doctor!)