3 Reasons to Eat Well During the COVID-19 Scare
When our lives have been turned upside-down practically overnight, we’re all but consumed with keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe, establishing some sense of normalcy, and just getting through the nearly global lockdown best we can.
Whether you’re housebound or working an essential job you can’t perform from home, you’re likely limiting grocery shopping and cooking. But supplies of fresh foods are robust and widely available, so take advantage. You may be surprised just how important good eating is right now.
1. Healthy foods strengthen the immune system.
We’re not saying swap handwashing for honeydew or social distancing for turmeric tea. What we are saying is that it’s important to prioritize good nutrition. And yes, certain foods help boost the immune system. Think of good nutrition as an extra shield: if you are exposed to a virus or pathogenic bacteria, a well-nourished body has a better chance of fighting it off than a poorly nourished one. So keep your immune system in top shape by maximizing foods known to boost immunity: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and beans.
2. Making good decisions helps with a sense of control.
One of the hardest parts of dealing with a crisis is a feeling of powerlessness. It’s tempting to console our fears with an abundance of comfort foods. But when you have the ability to make impactful decisions and act accordingly, it can help alleviate much of the stress, anxiety, and helplessness that often accompany tragedy. Taking care of yourself and your loved ones by making and encouraging healthy choices helps manage a time that provokes fear, sometimes even paralysis, neither of which will help you get through it in a healthy way. We are here to help you eat better and help inspire your loved ones to do the same. We all have power to mitigate our own vulnerability.
3. Acts of solidarity battle feelings of isolation.
Sharing healthy food – while strictly following food safety guidelines, of course – can foster a sense of community in an otherwise isolated world. In my town, where I volunteer to cook for the local homeless population, our kitchen was shut down due to coronavirus. These folks depend on our meals, so volunteers are coming together to assemble healthy “to go” meals. It’s important to help one another in constructive ways. And there are so many ways to help each other eat well – whether you share a big batch of lentil soup with your neighbor, bake fruit and oat bars for your kids, or drop off a bag of apples at your friends’ homes, encouraging others to eat healthfully is good for everyone.
