No doubt about it: Being sick sucks. The sniffling, coughing, nausea, exhaustion, and general ickiness of it never gets easier. And when you’ve been through the wringer with a cold or the flu enough times, you know that all you can do is make yourself as comfortable as possible while things run their course. One thing that can be particularly challenging, though, is keeping yourself fed while your body’s doing its thing.
Being sick can sometimes decrease your appetite in general, and even your favorite foods might not sit well when you’re feeling off. Plus, some symptoms, like a sore throat or an upset stomach, can make you want to skip meals even if you feel hungry or have low energy. But getting enough nutrients is super important for helping your body fight off whatever is making you feel miserable. Truthfully, the best foods to eat when you’re sick are the ones that you enjoy and are able to keep down. And while your meal isn’t going to be a magic cure, some foods and drinks do have certain qualities that might make you feel bette