Combating the cold

I have spent a whole weekend playing nurse to a sick husband and two teenagers. I must say, they were not the worse patients I could have had, but were definitely a handful. I had all my days running between fetching tissues, making tea or hot chocolate to feeding the lot. A few visits to our GP just added to my already full programme.

Although sick children often lose their appetitive, it is important that they take in fluids and something healthy before they swallow any medication. Even if they sip on a tiny cup full of soup, they will get enough vitamins and nutrients to help them get better sooner than expected.

Take enough fluids

It helps to hydrate the body and water thins the mucus and flushes the system. Warm tea not only warms the body, but it is full of infection-fighting antioxidants. Stay away from sugary drinks, even fruit juice, which has added sugar, because sugar prevents the white blood cells from fighting the infections.

You can of course always try these smoothies. I sneaked in a few vegetables for added wooma!

Soup

Not only does it bring comfort and is literally like a hug in a bowl, but the warmth of the soup combats the forming of mucus and also has anti-inflammatory properties. My favourite soup to have when I'm sick is delicious Tom Yum Goong.

Protein

Try to eat some protein, lean if possible. Protein is good for the white blood cells, which are the fighting cells. How about a delicious toasted cheese sandwich? Any kid (young or old) would love one.

Vegetables

Even a little goes a long way in restoring your health. Try some roasted vegetables, they are packed with flavour, crunch and goodness.

www.my-easy-cooking.com