I came down with a horrible flu on Saturday, and it has always been a problem for me to stay on (any) plan when I get sick. Usually I use it as a time to grossly overeat whatever want, which I DID NOT do this time, but I still haven't really been staying on plan. Part of it is things I have around the house that are on plan just don't sound good to me right now. Like normally, I LOVE avocado, but right now it sounds horrible. On the good end of things, I haven't bought cartons and cartons of ice cream (my favorite), or any ice cream for that matter, but still. I haven't been eating too much of anything but the things I have eaten, Chinese food, tortilla chips, nachos, vitamin water, haven't been what I would normally eat. Help? How do I stay on plan when I've got the flu?
When I get sick and just feel like comfort food, I just try to count my calories at least and to stick to smaller portions and not over due it. It's usually a bit easier for me because I find I don't have as big of an appetite when I am sick. I crave carbs like crazy when I am sick tho, so like I said, I just try to have smaller portions and not let me self overdue it, and try to still get my fruit and veggies in.
I think when you're sick, you have to do whatever helps you rest and heal. If eating off plan is helpful, then eat off plan. But if that stresses you out, then do your best. Not an easy answer. Lots of fluids are always good when you are not well. So are brothy soups and crackers or toast. Smaller portions of whatever works for you is a good idea. My kids go for popsicles - juice only with no added sugar, but you could grab the sugar-free variety. Jello (also available sugar-free) is a good sweet treat to fall back on, especially if you are not well.
But most of all, don't stress - that will never help you get well.
Oh, and chai spice tea with a little nonfat milk or soy and some sweetener. That's a good hot drink with a little body. Plain tea doesn't always satisfy.
I haven't been sick since I have been on plan, but usually, when I am sick, I crave stuff like lasagna and chicken dumplings.... let's hope I stay well!
I stay on plan when I'm sick the same way I stay on plan when I'm well. There are definitely times when my tummy may only accept off plan foods like white crackers, but for me those times are very rare (actually I've been lucky enough not to have a stomach bug in a very long time). There really isn't any reason I need fast food, ice cream, or other off plan foods to heal, those are just the same old cravings. I do understand the temptation to use illness as an excuse to go off plan, I've had moments in the last few months when I let myself use the intense stress in my life as an excuse. Thing is those foods never make me feel better, they often make me feel worse. It's just one more excuse I use and the kind of thinking that kept me obese for too many years. The foods that help me heal are the same healthy foods I eat most days. I need to hold on to that.
ETA - I love the chai tea idea. Bet that's perfect with nasty flu/cold stuff. I always want hot, strong flavored stuff when I'm congested. I usually end up making garlic broth and chili so spicy no one else will eat it!
Staying on plan when you're sick.
