No better time than now to eat well
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/05/2020 (1128 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
While there is no one food or beverage that will stave off COVID-19, people with health complications do seem to be at risk to suffer the worst effects novel coronavirus.
The more severe the health complications, the greater the risk of a serious infection or even death.
Eating healthfully, of course, has a direct impact on health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and improving one’s immune system. Food is our fuel so it is important to choose a higher-grade fuel source as much as possible. This would include eating more whole grains, such as ground flaxseed and oats along with a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries, pineapples and green peppers are all good sources of vitamin C. Try to limit processed and packaged foods such as luncheon meats, sausages, and store-bought muffins, cookies and junk foods such as potato chips. Many of these items are high in salt, fat and sugar.
Making your own meals is always the first step to eating healthier. While grocery shopping now seems like quite a chore with social-distancing in place, it is wise to try to purchase extra items when possible to avoid going to the supermarket weekly.
Stock up on extra dry goods such as pasta, canned fish and pulses along with frozen fruits and vegetables. Dried fruits and healthy nuts like almonds and walnuts are always handy to have in your pantry.
It is also important to drink healthy beverages. Choose water or flavoured water over pop or juices; try herbal teas or making herbal/fruit iced teas versus lattes and cappuccinos.
Now that the nicer weather is here, it is important to get outside in the fresh air. Whether that is going for a daily walk or bike ride or doing spring yard work or gardening, fresh air certainly brightens the day.
With gyms and pools being closed, alternate forms of exercise can be explored such as working out to exercise videos or re-examining some of that workout equipment that has been tucked away.
Eat well — stay well.
Lisa Lagasse is a registered dietitian and community correspondent for Charleswood. Email her at Charleswoodres@gmail.com
Lisa Lagasse
Charleswood community correspondent
Lisa Lagasse is a registered dietitian and community correspondent for Charleswood. Email her at Charleswoodres@gmail.com or find her on Twitter: @LisaRD42324393