Feel-Good Food
With 49 US states reporting widespread cases of flu, you’ve probably seen work colleagues, schoolmates, or family members dropping like flies.
To keep from falling victim, some swear by garlic, magic cough drops, or extra hours of sleep. For my part, I tend to consume massive quantities of orange juice and citrus fruits. They make me FEEL healthier, and that’s good enough. I’m a big believer in the power of positive thinking. (Some could call it denial — “I’m not sick, I’m not!”)
What do you eat or drink to stay healthy in these sickly winter months? Is there anything you avoid? Is it all in our heads?
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By Alison L. McConnell
Alison L. McConnell is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and writer. A native of New Jersey and upstate New York, she attended Bowdoin College in Maine and the London School of Economics before settling in Washington, where she works as a financial reporter, food freelancer, and studies at L’Academie de Cuisine. Some of her favorite things to make are risottos, roast chickens, and cakes. She abides by a long-standing family motto: McConnells always finish their desserts.
About The Humble Gourmand
The Humble Gourmand is published the first Friday of each month, edited by Alison L. McConnell, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and writer. It is designed to offer straightforward lessons and advice to aspiring cooks, oenophiles, and all other eaters and drinkers.
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Pedroiscool
March 6 10:35 a.m. 1Im with you. i drink plenty of orange juice. but i also try drink lots of hot tea. it makes me think I am doing something good for myself; whether or not it works i don't know. ill just say this: i haven't caught the flu in three years.
Alison
March 7 1:30 a.m. 2Ironically, a few days after I wrote this post, I came down with a 3-day version of the flu. So much for the OJ-and-positive-thinking theory. Pedro, stay strong.
chad
March 13 3:20 p.m. 3Garlic cloves... by the drove. I had about five cloves in one sitting -- mixed in with mac-n-cheese -- the last time I was sick. It works.