Nutrition
Nutritionist Approved Dishes To Help You Recover From the Flu
Feeling under the weather? It’s essential that you nourish your body right when you’re sick to get better as soon as possible.

While the flu might leave us with a poor appetite, it’s still important to nourish your body as much as possible during this time. Having the right nutrients and vitamins is essential to recovering quickly. While foods alone cannot cure flu, but they help in alleviating the symptoms and speeding up the recovery
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You may have heard that it’s good to drink as many fluids as possible when sick, and this actually works. This is because our body tends to lose a lot of water and electrolytes because of fever, diarrhoea and vomiting, which are common symptoms of the flu. It's crucial to choose our beverages and foods wisely during the flu since not all fluids and foods are equally beneficial.
We spoke to Dr. Lakshmi K, Head Nutritionist, UR.Life and have curated recipes that help with the flu recovery. She shares her go to food when she feels under the weather.
Quinoa Ginger soup
This hearty soup combines the goodness of quinoa, a protein-rich grain, with the aromatic flavours of ginger and garlic. The addition of carrots, beans, and shallots not only enhances the taste but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Turmeric brings its anti-inflammatory properties to the mix, while coriander adds a refreshing touch. This soup is not only delicious but also an excellent source of antioxidants, fiber, and immune-boosting ingredients. Furthermore, quinoa is gluten-free and easy to digest, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. So, indulging in a bowl of quinoa ginger soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
02
serves350
calories20
minutes2/10
simplicity
Easy Steps
01In a medium-sized pan heat oil and sauté the turmeric powder, grated ginger and garlic.
02Add the carrots, beans, shallots, coriander, and fry for a few minutes.
03Stir in the rinsed quinoa. Add required water. Add salt and pepper and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is cooked.
04Stir in the chopped coriander and minced garlic.
- ¼th cup quinoa
- 1 carrot (medium)
- 5 to 6 beans (chopped)
- 2 to 3 shallots
- 5 g ginger (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic
- ¼ th teaspoon turmeric
- Handful coriander
- 1 teaspoon oil
- Salt and pepper (as per taste)
Serve hot.

Nutritive Value
- Energy: 40 cal
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
Healing Chai
This warm and comforting beverage combines the richness of almond milk with a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Ginger, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting qualities, helps alleviate flu symptoms, including nausea and sore throat.
Cinnamon and cloves add a touch of warmth and provide potential antimicrobial benefits. Moreover, cardamom and nutmeg contribute to the overall flavour profile while potentially offering digestive and anti-inflammatory support. This healing chai not only provides comfort during illness but also aids in boosting the body's defences and promoting a faster recovery, making it a nourishing choice for those under the weather.
01
serves40
calories10
minutes1/10
simplicity
Easy Steps
01Boil almond milk, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
02Allow it to boil for a few minutes.
03Mix well.
04Serve hot.
- 100 ml almond milk (1 tea cup)
- 1 cardamom
- 1 small stick cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg powder
- 1 clove
- 3 g ginger chopped

Nutritive Value
- Energy: 80cal
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 1.5g
Ragi Neer Dosa with Vegetable Stew
Ragi Neer Dosa with Vegetable Stew makes for a wholesome and nourishing meal, especially beneficial for flu recovery. The dosa, crafted from a blend of ragi flour and rice flour, offers a gluten-free and easily digestible source of nutrition.
Ragi, rich in essential nutrients like calcium and iron, aids in strengthening the immune system, which is crucial during illness. The vegetable stew, brimming with a medley of carrots, peas, capsicum, and cauliflower, provides a diverse array of vitamins and minerals to support overall health and recovery.
Ginger, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, adds a soothing touch to the stew, while coconut milk enhances the flavour and provides healthy fats. Together, this combination of dosa and stew delivers a comforting, easily digestible, and nutrient-packed meal that can help replenish vital nutrients and promote healing during a bout of flu.
Ragi Neer Dosa
03
serves80
calories15
minutes4/10
simplicity
Easy Steps
01Mix equal quantities of ragi flour and rice flour. Add chillies, jeera and stir well.
02Add required water to make a thin consistency.
03Add salt as per the taste.
04Heat Dosa griddle, pour a ladle full of batter and cook for a few minutes.
- ½ cup ragi flour
- ½ cup rice flour
- 1 to 2 green chillies (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp jeera
- Salt (as per taste)
Serve hot.

Nutritive Value
- Energy:80cal
- Protein:1.5g
- Fat:0.5g
- Carbohydrate:13g
Vegetable Stew
02
serves150
calories20
minutes5/10
simplicity
Easy Steps
01In a saucepan, heat oil, Add grated ginger,cloves,cinnamon,curry leaves and saute for a minute.
02Add onions and cook for a minute. Add grated carrot, capsicum,peas and cauliflower.
03Saute well.
04Add diluted coconut milk. Boil the coconut milk with veggies.
- 1 clove
- 1 small cinnamon
- 5 g ginger (chopped)
- 1 onion (small)
- 1 carrot (medium)
- 20 g peas
- 1 capsicum (small)
- 3 to 4 few florets cauliflower
- 3 ml oil
- 2 tablespoon coconut milk
- Handful of curry leaves
Add salt as per taste.
06Serve hot.

Nutritive Value
- Energy: 150cal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
The right choice of foods plays a pivotal role in the journey to flu recovery. A well-balanced diet, featuring ingredients like ginger, garlic, turmeric, and nutrient-rich vegetables, can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to bolster the immune system and alleviate flu symptoms.
Moreover, comforting dishes like quinoa ginger soup, healing chai, and ragi neer dosa with vegetable stew not only nourish the body but also soothe and comfort during periods of illness. These meals offer a holistic approach to recovery by addressing nutritional needs and promoting overall well-being. So, whether it's a steaming bowl of soup or a warming cup of tea, choosing the right foods can make a significant difference in aiding the body's healing process and helping one bounce back to health more swiftly.
UR.Life nutritionists are your trusted partners to help you achieve a healthier you. With their expertise and personalised approach to nutrition, they craft custom-tailored diet plans that align with your unique needs and goals. Whether you're aiming for weight management, better energy levels, or improved overall well-being, UR.Life nutritionists have the knowledge and experience to guide you. We understand that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to nutrition, and that's why we take the time to assess your individual requirements, preferences, and dietary restrictions. With UR.Life nutritionists by your side, you'll receive not just a diet plan but a sustainable and enjoyable way to nourish your body, helping you achieve lasting results and a healthier, happier life.
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