The medical advice to “Feed a cold and starve a fever” dates back to about the mid-sixteenth century.  While today’s scientists aren’t so sure about starving a fever, most medical and nutrition experts will tell you your body needs lots of fluids, fruit and vegetable juices, water and nutrient-rich broths to battle a cold. The “feed a cold” adage reminds us to keep up our nutrient levels up  while the virus runs its course.  Otherwise, our bodies won’t have the strength to fight back.

Sitting home with a box of tissues, a large bottle of water and my favorite quilt, I had the opportunity to test this theory. Yes, I caught a nasty cold and will try just about anything to feel like myself again.  Rustling up all the energy I could, I crept from my cozy bed into the kitchen to find something to feed my cold.  Luckily, I keep my freezer and pantry stocked, so I could put together a simple chicken and rice soup without too much effort.

Simple “Sick Day” Soup
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 small onion, diced
¼ cup wild and brown rice
1 cup cooked chicken
1 quart chicken or vegetable stock

Put all the ingredients in a medium pot.  Bring it to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes, or until vegetables and rice are tender.  Add salt and pepper, if needed.

If not a perfect remedy, it sure did hit the spot and helped, if only for a little while, to unblock my stuffy nose.  Whether you’re feeding a cold or feeding your soul, soup is the perfect solution! 

While we’re on the topic of soup, check out these soul-warming soup recipes:

Cremini Mushroom and Roasted Garlic Rice Soup
Double-Grain Bean Soup
Curried Sweet Potato and Millet Soup
Creamy Cannellini Bean and Amaranth Soup
Italian Bean and Farro Soup
Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta Bean Soup)
 

(Karen)