Even those who love to spend time in the kitchen have times when the thought of cooking is a big turn-off. One such time, that hits all of us, is when we are recovering from illness or a surgical procedure. If you are the cook of the house, you will not be up to making meals. Since going out to eat is too much of a strain, what we tend to do is fall back on takeout. It's easy and convenient. With your appetite often reduced because of your ill health, you want food that tastes great. But you also need to eat healthy to speed up your recovery and regain your strength and stamina. And takeout, which consists largely of pizza, burgers, and Chinese food, is not in any way nutritious. So, where do you find takeout that is tasty, nutritious, and inexpensive?

When you are recovering from illness, your diet should be rich in the following.

• Berries: Berries are a powerhouse of antioxidants that your body needs to recover from the damage inflicted by the illness. They are also rich in vitamin C which is essential to the rebuilding of collagen and soft tissue, which will help speed up the healing of surgical incisions.
• Vegetables: Vegetables are full of minerals and vitamins all of which help you regain your strength and stamina. The carbs that veggies contain will help you battle post-illness or post-surgery fatigue. Vegetables are also rich in fiber which will fight the constipation that is often a side-effect of decreased mobility and medication.
• White Meat and Eggs: Your body needs protein to rebuild muscle that has been lost because of illness or damaged because of surgery. Protein also helps to speed up wound healing. Iron will assist in the production of red blood cells.

Also Read: The Great Halal Meat Myth

• Fats: Not all fat is bad for you. Many fats are healthy and good for you. Healthy fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, fish, etc. help to strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of infections. They also help the body absorb all the vitamins that you get from the other healthy parts of your diet.
• Whole Grains: These provide you with essential carbohydrates that keep you alert and stop muscle loss. They also contain essential fiber to help overcome feelings of fatigue.
• Probiotics: These are the healthy bacteria your body requires to efficiently digest food and absorb all the nutrients in it. Illness and surgery can cause major digestive disruptions and unease. The probiotics that are found in yogurt stabilize the digestive system. Good digestion helps all the other aspects of your recovery.

All the foods that help speed up your recovery are part of Mediterranean food. They form the basis of it. From grilled meats, wraps, and salads to yummy desserts, it's all good for you, tasty and easy to digest. In other words, it’s the ideal food to help you recover. Actually, why wait till you are recovering? Great Mediterranean takeout is just a phone call away and great at any time. In San Mateo, all you need to do is call Aladdin Gourmet, the best Mediterranean grocery and deli in the area. A warning, Mediterranean food is addictive but once you regain your strength you can balance the takeout with home cooking using the ingredients you can get from the grocery store.

1. What is a healthy takeout option when recovering from illness?

Mediterranean takeout is a great choice. It includes fresh salads, wraps, and grilled meats, which are both nutritious and tasty.

2. What foods help with recovery after illness or surgery?

Foods rich in berries, vegetables, white meat, healthy fats, whole grains, and probiotics help speed up recovery and rebuild strength.

3. Are there healthy fats in Mediterranean food?

Yes, Mediterranean food contains healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish that support your immune system.

4. Can I get Mediterranean takeout in San Mateo?

Yes, you can get fresh Mediterranean takeout from Aladdin Gourmet, a top Mediterranean grocery and deli in San Mateo.

5. Is Mediterranean food good for digestion?

Yes, Mediterranean food includes probiotics like yogurt, which help stabilize digestion, especially after illness or surgery.

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