Lately a stomach flu has been spreading across the entire nation, affecting seemingly everyone. When struck by a stomach flu, it can be hard to consume regular meals, as it’s tough to know which foods are safe to eat. The lack of nutrients can leave the stomach and body weak. Therefore, it’s important to take a break from regular foods to let your body heal. During the peak of a stomach flu, the BRAT diet is highly recommended, which includes Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are bland but easy on the stomach, providing the necessary nutrients for a speedy recovery.
Even after feeling better, be mindful of what you consume. Your body still needs time to recover, so it’s best not to indulge in all the foods you missed out on. Instead, you can try some simple, light, and healing recipes that support gut health and ease you back into regular foods. These recipes will provide all the necessary nutrients and prevent any further stress on your digestive system.
Turmeric Omelet
Turmeric is a well known and loved anti-inflammatory spice. Used for years in Ayurvedic cooking, it supports not only digestion and inflammation, but also helps with skin disorders, allergies, joints, and upper respiratory infections. Eggs are also a great food for the transition back to a normal diet: full of protein and relatively light on the system.
Ingredients:
8 eggs
1/2 shallot
1/4 tomato
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp turmeric powder
4 tbsp avocado oil
Cilantro to taste
Instructions:
Whisk the eggs in a bowl.
Chop the shallots, cilantro, tomato and garlic. Add to the bowl along with the salt and turmeric. Mix well.
Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Pour in 1/4 of the egg mixture and turn the heat to medium. After two minutes, check to see if the bottom has set. If not, cook longer. If it is set, flip the omelet over and cook until set on the other side.
Do this for four omelets, or cut the recipe as needed.
Enjoy!
Golden Turmeric Stew
Here comes turmeric again, in all of its glory! This stew is full of plant protein, anti-inflammatory properties, and soothing ginger. Paired with coconut milk to give it a warm, creamy texture, this soup may become a part of your regular recipes! Best of all, it comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp ginger powder
2 15 oz cans coconut milk, full fat
3 cups cauliflower florets
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp pepper (optional, depending on how you feel)
Instructions:
Heat the oil on low heat. Add the onions and saute for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute one more minute. Add the lemon juice and scrape any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the turmeric and ginger and stir.
Add the coconut milk and season with the salt and optional pepper. Add the cauliflower. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, or until florets are tender.
Add the chickpeas. Simmer for another minute or so. Remove from heat and add in the parsley.
Serve in a bowl with bread or over rice.
Enjoy!
Chicken Poppers
When healing from a stomach flu or virus, it is best to stay away from heavier meats like steak and pork. However, chicken and turkey can be a lighter way to have meat without irritating the stomach again. These light chicken meatballs are easy on the stomach, full of flavor, and are so versatile. Add them to pasta with a light sauce, or make a sandwich with some chopped veggies.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken
2 cups grated zucchini (Squeeze out excess liquid)
2-3 sliced green onions
3-4 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
3/4 tsp cumin (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, grated zucchini, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper and optional cumin.
Form the mixture into small patties. Depending on how large, there should be 20-24.
Stovetop:
Heat avocado or coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the meatballs 4-5 at a time for about 6 minutes on the first side. Flip, and cook about 5 more minutes on the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
Oven:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Drizzle a bit of avocado oil on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Optionally, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve with pasta, on a sandwich, or on their own!
Enjoy!
