When the Cold and Flu Bugs Strike...

So, you’re on fire with the workouts, getting the hang of this eating thing, starting to see some awesome results, and then…you get sick! Ok, so do you totally fall off the wagon, throw in the towel, and forget the workouts and healthy eating? I woke up in the night with a bad sore throat and sneezing my head off. Being in the midst of pregnancy, I can’t simply pop a Benedryl or Sudafed and head back to bed. So, I’m sharing some tips here to help you (and me!) get back on your feet and back to seeing those results!

• Comfort Food! – Ok, I don’t mean the junk kind here. But rather than popping some pills and waiting for them to do their thing, try the old-fashioned way: chicken soup! Some other healthy “comfort foods” are scrambled eggs, hot oatmeal, warm apple sauce with a little cinnamon, whole wheat pasta or brown rice, and mashed sweet potato. If you’ve got a stomach virus though, make sure you take it easy with what you eat, just a little at a time to see what your stomach can handle. And this is an especially important time to stay away from fat and sugar!
• Drink your water! – Liquids are even more important than solids when you’re sick so make sure you’re getting enough! Try to get in at least 8 oz. every hour. Drink water, warm tea, plain chicken broth, or even suck on ice chips. I’ve found when I have a sore throat, something that always helps is warm water with 1 tsp. Apple Cider vinegar and 1 tsp. honey.
• Take your vitamins! – Don’t slack off on your regular multi-vitamins during an illness. This is when you need them most! Try to include foods that are high in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, mangos, papayas, cantaloupe, and honeydew.
• Get moving! – That is if you’re not running a fever or throwing up. But if you’re simply congested, one of the best things for clearing those sinuses is to get in some exercise. If you don’t feel up to doing an hour-long workout, no problem. Just do what you can, even if it’s just going for a brisk walk.

So, when a bug strikes, don’t give up! Try some of these tips and hopefully you’ll be back to yourself in no time!

* If symptoms persist for more than 2 or 3 days or if you are running a fever, please see your doctor! Don’t try to treat your symptoms on your own!