This piece is dedicated to my fellow office mates, as I am currently writing this from my desk practically solo: all of my fellow View the Vibers are out sick! I miss them dearly and wish them a speedy recovery. If any of you, precious readers, are feeling sniffly, stuffy and all-over achy, too, this piece is also written for you. Get well soon, all; it’s almost the holidays!

Soups are the obvious answer for a food-related remedy when you have a cold. The warm liquid soothes throats, fills tummies and beneficially packs a nutritional punch. The cold’s most famous soup cure-all, chicken noodle soup, is truly a delicious way to self-medicate: it breaks up mucous (ew), and gently boosts energy levels with its optimal balance of protein and carbs.

Toss in some carrots and celery for a vitamin C (for real!) and fibre-rich punch, and you’ll be as healthy as a horse (assuming that simile refers to only the healthiest of mares). If you can’t fathom the mere (get it?) thought of standing at your stove, pick up a bowl from ubiquitous but delicious Ravi Soups, pricey but super-fresh Soup Nutsy, cheap and cheerful and always available Tim Horton’s, or classic Jewish-deli United Baker’s Dairy Restaurant.

Extra: some Ravi Soups deliver if you call ahead and use your manners.