4 minute read
Staying Healthy During Covid
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By Susan Gazerro
When it comes to being healthy there is no better time than right now. With less running around, less social gatherings and even maybe not having to go to the o ce, there is no better time or opportunity to focus on you and the foods that you should be eating to be the best you you can be. A healthy balanced diet will not just make you feel better and most likely have you lose weight, it will help reduce risk of disease and improve the quality of your life. With the Covid outbreak it is now more important than anytime in our lifetime to concentrate on your health. I hope this article entices you to incorporate healthy habits not only during Covid but for the rest of your life.
What are some of the bene ts of healthy eating? Well for starters, food helps fuel the body and so contributes to brain function. e food choices you make control a healthy diet, are an absolute contribution to your energy level, improve your brain function and ward o diseases. Add to this that eating the right foods provide the vitamins you need, they balance carbohydrates and fats and help keep your body in top condition and feeling it’s best. ese are very di cult times we are living in because of the coronavirus pandemic. e challenges can a ect us both physically and emotionally. It’s hard to keep the same routine when you have to physically distance from others, wear a mask if you go out etc,. All these changes plus the added stress can make preparing meals a special challenge. Here are some tips that can support you and hopefully get you through these di cult times both physically and mentally:
Do your best to eat nourishing meals. Foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. ose foods can help keep your body and mind healthy during stressful times.
Cut down on foods that bring on anxiety, such as sugar, ca eine, and alcohol.
It’s important to enjoy small treats, but avoid going overboard. e key word is “small”. Tell yourself “I know what this tastes like I don’t need a lot of it”. Overindulging can lead to increased anxiety and sluggishness.
Feeling the urge to “stress snack”? Acknowledge your cravings, then take two or three deep breaths and ask yourself if you’re really hungry or just passing the time. Most of the time you are just bored. If you can’t nd something else to do, chew gum. When you chew gum you have the act of chewing and the taste on your tastebuds so you trick you brain into thinking you are eating.
Having daily schedules and routines can ease anxieties and help you stay grounded. is applies to meals, too! Try to eat at regular meal times and avoid snacking in between.
If you’re staying at home with other people, try to eat at least one meal together each day. It can help dampen feelings of isolation. People always feel better when around other people.
Again, during these di cult times, some things are out of our control. Your nutrition does not have to be one of them. Take this time to focus on you. What changes have you been wanting to make? ink about a few goals you want to reach. Write them down and stick to at least one of them everyday. Everyday set aside a few minutes to track your progress.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started. Drink more water. Tell yourself you are going to make it a goal to drink at least eight glasses or 64oz of water a day. Water is a natural detox and it also helps keep your skin smooth and glowing. Cut sugary drinks. If you drink soda, stop. Soda is poison in a bottle. Go on a daily walk. Make it a goal to walk a mile or more everyday. is is easier and more enjoyable if you can nd a walking buddy. If you can’t put some earplugs in and listen to your favorite music. I love walking and running by myself, as long as I have my music. Lastly, if you like to cook, make it a point to learn new recipes. Try using whole, natural ingredients. At rst people say “I don’t like whole wheat or I don’t like sh.”
e reality is, when you eat healthy and you start losing weight, getting more energy or both, you actually start loving the foods you eat and the world is a whole new place.
