Importance of healthy eating during COVID-19
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is key to helping your immune system function properly and to improve your mood and energy levels during COVID-19 and self isolation. We all need to nourish our bodies with good nutrition, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly to have a strong immune system and manage stress. On the other hand there are food we need to avoid that can have negative effects on our immune system, anxiety and physical well-being.
Below are some advice from DPV Heath Dieticians on how to eat well during COVID-19.
Eating healthy during self-isolation:
- Include a variety of foods including plenty of vegetables and fruits.
- Eat according to your appetite.
- Ensure you are keeping up your water intake (use jugs and bottles to help you track your intake).
- Choose home cooked meals instead of takeaway. They are more nutritious and serving sizes are better for weight management.
Foods for boosting mood and energy levels:
- Include whole grains, like wholemeal bread and brown rice at every main meal.
- Small snacks in between meals such as fruits, nuts and yoghurt.
- Variety of vegetables and fruits can help your body function at its best.
- Omega 3s found in fatty fish including tinned fish (e.g. salmon).
- Make sure you get outdoors every day for exercise and Vitamin D. This is important even when the sun is not shining.
Food and drinks that cause low energy:
- Keep processed foods as ‘sometimes foods, in small quantities’ (including chocolates, biscuits, lollies, cakes, alcohol, soft drinks, fried foods).
- Limit caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon, this will improve sleep quality.
- Limit overall alcohol consumption.
- Avoid over-eating.
Below is a great resource from Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute on Nutrition Facts to improve your immune system.
If you need help with your nutrition and diet call DPV Health on 1300 234 263 or book a Telehealth appointment with a Dietician, click here see for more info.
RESOURCES:
https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/news/five-hearty-eating-tips-for-home-isolation
https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes
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