It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
Where everyone is queasy, bowels are irritated, and the stomach flu abounds…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Obviously, there is nothing wonderful about the stomach flu (or food poisoning).
I try my best to stay healthy but unfortunately working at a school catches up with me at times. This is the second time I have had the stomach flu in a year. Bless those kiddos hearts, they just love to share.
In a picture perfect world, I would have everything I need on hand to nurture my body when it needs healing the most. That was not the case earlier this week.
My usual go tos would be bone broth, homemade kombucha, and fresh coconut water. I was out of broth and had no coconuts on hand. Nor did I have the energy to attempt to make anything.
That is what I am grateful for convenience foods that can be found at many grocery stores.
7 Convenience Foods to Buy When You Have the Flu or Food Poisoning
1. Coconut Water
Coconut water is one of the first things I reach for when I am recovering from the stomach flu or food poisoning. It is gentle on the stomach and full of electrolytes to replenish minerals and keep you hydrated.
2. Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is a perfect recovery food. While I prefer to make my own there are times I have no energy to even try to make it. Most quality Chinese restaurants make their both from scratch. It may not have simmered for as many hours as bone broth but, it is still full of wholesome minerals and vitamins.
The broth is gentle on a sensitive stomach. It is full of gelatin, which just what a weak stomach and distressed bowels need.
The eggs and broth give you a bit of protein to keep your body going, and if you are like me to ward off a headache from lack of protein.
If you are concerned about the use of MSG, ask your local restaurant to make it without. Many are happy to oblige.
3. Carbonated Water
Bubbles are delightfully soothing for an upset stomach. I remember the days when my mom would give us 7up growing up. Carbonated water is great way to get the same effect without the added sugar.
If you can muster up a bit of energy you can add unrefined salt and vanilla stevia for an electrolyte cream “soda”. You could also add lemon juice and plain stevia.
4. Ginger Ale
Speaking of bubbles, ginger ale from companies like Zevia are another convenience food that I discovered.
I am not am not sold on Erythritol but, I am comfortable enough with it to have it on occasions like when the stomach flu or food poising strike.
5. White Rice
White rice is easy on the stomach and a simple way to start adding calories to your body again. Rice cookers make cooking rice easy but who wants to clean up the pot when you are barely able to lift a finger?
Guess what? They sell packets of cooked rice at the store. I never tossed my microwave because it is wonderful for heating up wheat/rice packs to keep you warm. They are also handy for heating up those rice packets. (Yes, I know microwaves are evil but, life…)
6. Kombucha
Once again, bubbles. Kombucha is naturally carbonated which right off makes it a nice thing for your sensitive stomach. It is also full of probiotics which is a win when your gut is not running at it’s finest.
I prefer to make my own but I have found that it is now sold at all of my local grocery stores.
7. Gelatin
If I could have nothing else, I would pick gelatin to as my top convenience food to use when I have the flu or food poisoning. Before I could muster up the energy to pick up anything from the store I was adding powdered gelatin to warm water this week.
In all honesty, I use gelatin every day in my tea or coffee but when I am sick, I add it to almost everything I drink. It soothes the gut and stomach and adds needed protein and gelatin to your body.
Right now I am using Perfect Supplements, one of my new favourite brands of gelatin.
What are your go-to convenience foods to buy when you have the flu or food poisoning?
I have liver disease and every once in a while I’ll have “episodes” the Dr calls them, it really puts me down for a few days, my 3 daughters will get me some plain egg drop soup helps me tremendously with nausea .
It’s magical.
Egg drop soup really is magical! I’m glad that your daughters can pick it up for you!
Good list!
Thanks!!
Great tips! I love how easy gelatin is.
Thank you Mary! Gelatin is awesome!
Such great info! Saving for next time we’re sick! Thank you!
Thank you Stacy!