When you’re not well, even the simplest tasks can become impossible challenges, and that includes eating right. When you’re lacking energy and feeling queasy, you can lose your appetite. Going to all the effort of preparing a meal is certainly out of the question.
This is a problem because if you’re not getting the nutrients you need, the healing process is going to be a lot slower. That’s true of physical injuries, of getting over a virus, of trying to overcome an addiction, and of recovering from major surgery. It’s even true when you’re not seriously hurt, like when you’ve just done a heavy exercise session and your muscles are all aching. You might not want to do anything, including thinking about food.
Portion size isn’t as important as making sure you get all of the necessary nutrients, with some being even more important during recovery. For example, eat dairy products full of calcium to strengthen your bones or protein-rich foods to help with muscle repair. Iron and zinc are also important when trying to repair the body.
Fruit and vegetables are always important and can make up simple snacks if you can’t face a full meal. They’re full of essential nutrients however you eat (or drink) them, whether on their own or as an ingredient in a larger dish. They also contain fiber, which will help your overall digestion.
Keeping hydrated is also vital. This doesn’t just have to be water. As mentioned, milk and fruit juice are both full of vitamins and minerals. Tea and coffee have lots of health benefits and can boost your energy levels. Even soup can count towards your fluid intake.
If you’re having trouble maintaining a balanced diet, you may find you struggle to heal. You may also lose weight and feel more tired. After an illness, injury or hospital stay, you need to be paying extra attention to making sure your diet is adequate. If you still can’t manage it, you may need some form of dietary supplement.
This may mean various forms of tablets or capsules that you can swallow for a nutrient boost. You may also want to enrich your regular diet, such as by adding cheese or butter to dishes to increase the protein. You may also need to consume more fat than normal without worrying about potential weight gain. Your body needs the energy.
