Five healthy eating tips during Covid-19

It has become very important to stay healthy as the coronavirus outbreak has put the whole world in a lock-down situation.

Staying healthy has become of utmost importance while people all over the globe is facing this uncertainty.

Unicef has provided five basic steps that can help to maintain a nutritious diet:

1. Consistent consumption of fruit and vegetables

While the world waits on a proper vaccination to fight off Covid-19, one can look at other alternatives to build their immunities. Bodies rely on the nutrients provided by the daily food intakes to remain fit and healthy. To maintain a proper balanced diet, one must always remember to include fruits and vegetables among the various nutritious elements to stimulate immune cell activity.

2. Opting for canned or dried alternatives

Evidently, fresh produce is always the better alternative. That being said, it may not be available at all times. Occasionally, opting for canned foods can be the wiser choice; usually rich in nutrients and can be stored for a longer period of time. Unicef suggests canned oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and salmon which are rich in proteins, omega 3 fatty acids and have a wide range of vitamins and minerals as an excellent example of canned foods. For a cost-effective replacement, buyers could purchase dried goods like dried beans, pulses and grains such as lentils, split peas, rice, couscous or quinoa, advices Unicef.

3. Substituting sweets with healthy treats

All of us are guilty of snacking. More often than not, one reaches out for foods that can provides them with a quick energy boost to keep going throughout the day. It is easy to want a small sweet snack that is high in calories whereas healthier dairy options like cheese or yogurt could be far more nutritious. Non-dairy consumers could opt for dried fruits, boiled eggs and nuts to make snacking a little more beneficial for the body.

4. Steering clear of processed foods

Unicef advices against regular consumption of ready-to-eat meals. These packaged goods are usually high in saturated fats, sugar and salts.  Sugary drinks also must be avoided when possible due to its unhealthy contents.

5. Making cooking and eating an enjoyable experience for the whole family

While everyone continues to work from home and limit their outings, families are desperately looking for ways to find entertainment within safety of their homes. Involving all family members in the process of cooking or planning out fun baking actives or barbecuing together can not only prove to be a fun activity for everyone but also results in a stronger family bond.