Hello!

Cold and flu season are fast upon us and I am curious as to what your go-to healing food is when you are ill. I'm actually hoping to get a few recipes/ideas so I can see if I like it before I'm super sick and feel like I'm dying. I usually get really sick at least twice a winter. Previously I've eaten homemade chicken and noodles but going vegetarian has made me feel awesome.

I'm fairly good in a kitchen, but if it can go in the crock-pot, even better!

That's such a good idea - once I'm actually sick I'm way too lazy to be creative and just resort to soup most of the time (if there's nothing good on hand).

This option is definitely an acquired taste, but when I'm feeling all stuffed up and congested, I like to eat really spicy food, especially if it's in a stew-like form. Chili is always a good option! When I was younger my dad would make jambalaya and I'd add tons of hot sauce, which also warmed me up and made me feel less like I was suffocating. I haven't tried to recreate jambalaya since going fully vegan, but I'm sure there has to be a way!

I also haven't tried to cook this one myself yet, but I'm looking forward to it: one of my college roommates used to make a big veggie stew (basically she'd just cook up all the veggies she could find with some vegetable broth) and then use an immersion blender to combine it all so it was one creamy texture. Hers was always spontaneous and a way to clean out the fridge, but I figure with planning (and possibly consulting recipes) you could make a great one (I'm looking forward to doing it with butternut squash in the fall!).

Thanks for the suggestions! I love spicy and I always think it helps clear my sinuses.

Eating well has the most amazing vegetarian tortilla soup recipe. It's spicy and soothing and so good. Just go to eating well and type in vegetarian tortilla soup.

I predict that you won't get sick this season!