The combination of cold, short winter days and the ongoing flu season can make it difficult to focus on proper nourishment. Whether you’re dealing with a stuffy nose, body aches, or fatigue, if you aren’t eating the right foods, your recovery can be slower, and your symptoms might feel worse.

It might be tempting to indulge in highly processed comfort foods, but these often do more harm than good. Foods like white bread, pasta, crackers, cookies, soda, and ice cream cause spikes in blood sugar, leading to hormonal responses that can make you feel even more fatigued and moody.

Not eating at all is also not a good idea. When you’re sick, your body needs essential nutrients to function and recover. A lack of vitamins and minerals can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off illness. Fortunately, you don’t need a fancy recipe to nourish yourself or help a sick friend—you just need a few simple ingredients.

Here is a twist on classic brownies, a sweet treat loaded with ingredients that can help you feel better faster. Eggs are a great source of protein and vitamin B, both important for energy and healing. Milk is obviously a source of vitamin D, crucial for boosting immunity. Coconut oil is full of omega-3s, which support brain function and reduce inflammation. Dark chocolate, nuts, and seeds are rich in protein, magnesium, and omega-3s, and then add whole grains into the mix which are a great source of fiber, helping support your gut health—a key factor in a strong immune response.

Many keto-friendly brownie mixes, like the one from Duncan Hines in the Feel Better Brownies recipe, include almond and coconut flours, which provide extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor. So, whether you’re making these brownies for yourself or a friend struggling with seasonal flu, allergies, or COVID, this nutrient-packed treat can be a comforting way to brighten the day and support recovery.

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

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