How do you feed a cold?

All during the holiday I successfully avoided the upper respiratory crud that seemed to be moving through my house. While no one was desperately ill for the holidays, there was a variety of coughing, sneezing and sniffling going on. So now that the holiday is over and I am back at work, now I have the Christmas cold. Now I am not a big baby (after all, I've had six kids averaging 9 lbs with no more than a tylenol), but of all routine winter-time afflictions, I really hate having a cold since, while the flu or stomach bug can last a day or two, a cold is making you miserable for 10 days no matter what you do. So what does this have to do with food? Well, I started thinking about the old wives tale that you should feed a cold and starve a fever when lunch, and then dinner came around and I had absolutely no appetite.

I am taking vitamins, and drinking lots of fluids, but nothing really appeals to me when I have a cold. I know that this has something to do with the fact that taste and smell are closely related and when your "smeller" isn't working everything tastes bland. I know there are many proponents of chicken soup, but the only things that seem even mildly appetizing to me when I am fighting a cold are spicy things like wasabi, or comfort food like french onion soup. Something with horseradish is appealing, hot chocolate is great, or even better, a mixture of 1/2 coffee, 1/2 hot chocolate. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice are also on my list as are soft-boiled eggs. What do you eat to feed your cold? I'll happily take any suggestions since I will have at least 6 or 7 more days before I am back to normal!

Comments

kristen said…
Well I think the best remedies are lots and lots of sleep, lots and lots of fluids-water and gatorade are my favorites..and when you feel crappy and nothing sounds good to eat-I always choose mashed potatoes-they are good anytime! Did I mention lots of sleep? Hope you get well soon!
Unknown said…
We drink a lot of this: http://www.emergenc.com/
I feel like a walking ad because I do tell everyone about this stuff.
Hope you feel better soon
Cakelaw said…
Hi Deborah

Thanks for dropping by my blog. Sorry to hear you are suffering from a cold - hope you get well soon!
Deborah Dowd said…
Kristen- I have a good book, a pile of wood by the fireplace, and I plan to bundle up and rest all weekend!

Bakingbarb- I have heard a lot about this and maybe I will get some and give it a try myself!

Cakelaw- I love checking out new blogs, and while I am recovering, I plan to do a lot more of it!
Ronnie Weston said…
A Jewish mother could never recommend anything other than chicken soup.
Deborah Dowd said…
Ronnie- I actually did my own version utilizing turkey stock from my holiday dinner, and it was a big hit (and it did help temporarily!)
Toni said…
When I was a kid, my mom used to make us have tea and toast. As a result, for years and years, I hated tea. The smell of it made me feel sick. Now I love the stuff, and drink it daily - prepared the way the make it in India - with spices and milk boiled with the tea itself.

But I'm definitely a chicken soup kind of gal. It works for me. The other thing that works incredibly well is something called Wellness Formula, by Source Naturals. I don't know which markets in your area would carry it, but it's worth investigating because this stuff is miraculous. Truly!

And I agree with Kristen - lots and lots of sleep and lots and lots of fluids. "Challenge your bladder", I tell my patients!

Hope you feel better soon, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
Deborah Dowd said…
Toni- Thanks for a lot of good advice and I hope you will be checking in frequently!
I really like ginger noodle soup. The hot liquid acts as a decongestant, and the ginger helps with achiness and upset stomach. I also like peppermint tea for the same reasons. And finally, my mom's old stand-by--pastene with butter and salt. Get better, Deborah! :)
Katie Zeller said…
I always make myself a big kettle of chili...enough to last until I feel better! I can spice it up so I can taste it....
Congrats to your daughter!
Deborah Dowd said…
Susan- Ginger-noodle soup sounds so delicious- is the recipe on your blog?

Katiez-What a smart idea- chili sounds great and it can be as spicy as you want!
Edi said…
Some hot spicy chili with an extra dash of jalapeno sauce or just a few cut up jalapenos inside!
Anonymous said…
Chicken soup with every veggie I can find dumped in...Peppermint tea...sleep...and lots of water.
Anonymous said…
Chicken soup with every imaginable veggie tossed in...Peppermint tea...lots of sleep.
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