My Week 2 realization: I’m not invincible. I got sick. I ignored signs of this throughout the week, thinking that maybe it was my body adjusting to 100% Paleo. And maybe part of it was- but by Thursday, I could no longer ignore the fact that I just didn’t feel right.
I’ll spare you the details, but the short story is that I have some type of stomach virus + fever. In my feverish crankiness Friday morning, I was annoyed that I couldn’t have some toast and ginger ale- not because I thought either of these would actually cure me, but because that is what I have always eaten while sick.
When I was little, I remember the doctor prescribing a BRAT diet- Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. This is hardly paleo, so I’m proposing a new BRAT diet. And I’m no medical professional, so I’m going to throw my ideas out there, but these are completely open to suggestions.
B is for… Broth!
Katherine wrote about all the benefits of broth here. Luckily, I made free-range roasted chicken last night and saved all the liquids. Although I didn’t follow the directions for homemade stock directly, I was able to throw together a delicious chicken soup that was dark and flavorful, and hopefully had all the same magical healing minerals.
R is for… Rest!
Did I say these would be all food ideas? Well, rest has magical healing properties- maybe even more so than food. I think we can all agree that sleep is important even when you’re healthy. When you’re sick, I think you should just try to sleep as much as possible. And extend that “rest” to your digestive system- give it a rest, allow it to heal as well.
A is for… Applesauce?
Unsweetened of course. And there might be something better than applesauce to put here. But I just so happened to have a little cup of unsweetened apple sauce left over from the paleo pancakes, and it was a delicious little treat after my chicken soup.
T is for… Tea!
Herbal, non-caffeinated tea when you’re sick. There are lots of herbal teas that address every sickness under the sun. I can’t vouch for how effective they all are, but I know that there is something soothing about drinking tea. Plus, hydration is super important, and tea will help you get more liquids in. Nile Valley is a local company that makes a delicious hibiscus mint tea.
Like I said, my list is neither scientific nor all-inclusive. What do you eat/drink when you’re sick? Is it paleo-friendly?
Lisa~
I hope you feel better! When I get sick I always crave comfort in the shape of cold cereal, chili/crackers and my sugar cookie sleigh ride tea:)…it’s only availible during the holidays so I stock up.
I’ve been wondering how I’d handle Paleo through a sickness. I’d TRY to stick with low sodium chicken broth with lots of veggies and maybe fruit. Tough call but good on ya for staying the course.
Hope to see you in class Tues!
B
I really like the new BRAT diet, Lisa! Good work. As you know I was sick this whole week too, but managed to eek out Paleo dinners like seared tuna and chicken soup… yum!
Thanks ladies.
Barbara- I am feeling much better and will see you bright and early Tuesday morning. Or…dark and early…