Flu and food cravings - any science behind it? (cold, sore, diet)

[CoraPntr]

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to ask anyone in the know based on personal or scientific experience whether food cravings during the flu and other illnesses help when indulged.

Usually I'm pretty flexible when recovering from the flu. I can eat some chicken soup, some saltines, some other foods. Usually never greasy, almost always healthy and varied.

This year all I want is cottage cheese NON STOP for about 4 days and counting.

I tried to make my diet healthier and include orange juice, flax seeds, and greens, but I can only have a little bit at a time. If I try to eat predominantly other foods, healthy or otherwise, my body starts feeling extremely achy, sore and all out unwell again.

Is it based on actual needs and nutrition? Ie the protein carb to fat ratio actually helps?

Is it psychological and all in my head?

I really am just curious why cottage cheese of all things when so many others crave junk or, in a much better way, very healthy varied foods.

Thanks.

[Parnassia]

Is cottage cheese one of your go-to comfort foods?

Maybe it is all in your head. Your brain knows what you enjoy, so it tells you what to eat.

[Charlie&Rose]

For me, anything tomato, juice or soup.

[Rowan123]

Orange juice isn't particularly healthy. It's full of sugar. Like almost everything else, it's fine in moderation.

[greatblueheron]

Originally Posted by Parnassia

Is cottage cheese one of your go-to comfort foods?

Maybe it is all in your head. Your brain knows what you enjoy, so it tells you what to eat.

Cottage cheese is GOOD, COMFORTING, EASY TO EAT, NO PREP, AND HEALTHY.

I eat 2-3 lg cartons a week!


BTW....flu generally clogs up your nose, making it hard to really taste what you are eating....

[tickyul]

I crave thick, rich, frostingified chocolate-cake, at all times, and I have no excuse!

[jacqueg]

I'm vegetarian most of the time, but I'm just getting over a cold and I totally craved some meat. I normally crave meat about once every 3 months. Coincidence? Or did the cold make me do it?

I dunno. All I can tell you is I ate a sausage, and the craving has apparently been satisfied, because I am no longer craving meat.

[Sydney123]

I am craving pickles and ice cream... I hope it’s the flu.

[jacqueg]

Originally Posted by Sydney123

I am craving pickles and ice cream... I hope it’s the flu.

Actually, today is National Pickle Day (true fact). Maybe you're just tuned into the pickle zeitgeist.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by Rowan123

Orange juice isn't particularly healthy. It's full of sugar. Like almost everything else, it's fine in moderation.

When you're sick, you need the calories, especially with a fever.