The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease is turning everyone's life upside down across the globe. While it has made a drastic change in our daily routine, one thing does deserve some appreciation - people are more into healthy eating now.
Eating healthy and nutritious food has always been necessary, but now, it's more crucial to support our immune system so that it can protect us from the deadly pathogens like COVID-19.
However, considering most people are doing panic buying, some foods are now difficult to find. Also, going to the superstores frequently isn't the right choice during this time. So, what will you do now?
This article looks into some of the healthiest options to make sure you stay safe and eat well.
Tips for Safe Shopping & Healthy Eating During Coronavirus
Say Yes to Fresh & Organic Foods
Eating fresh and organic food is always the best choice to keep healthy. Some organic fruits, like the whole blueberries and strawberries, are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Besides, whole green peas or beans provide a nutritional bang as they are a good source of vitamin A and C. However, getting organic and fresh vegetables might be difficult these days. In that case, you can consider having frozen foods.
Some frozen vegetables and fruits retain a good amount of nutrients that are enough to improve your immune system. Frozen beans or peas can retain more vitamins and minerals than other frozen vegetables.
Go for Food Supplements
While it's highly recommended that you eat fresh and organic, some of them may not be available in your locality for apparent reasons. Consider having some food supplements to stay active and healthy during this tough time.
When it comes to superfoods, various companies around the world are producing high-quality supplements that provide a significant amount of nutrients. For example, if you're looking for organic superfoods in Australia, the chances are that you will end up with numerous options of supplements.
Opt for Healthy Protein
If you're a meat lover, it's high time that you change your eating habits a bit. Red meats such as pork, beef, and lamb are high in cholesterol and unhealthy fats, meaning that they will compromise your immune system.
Going for lean organic meat that is raised without unnecessary antibiotics is much safer since it will lower the risk of bacterial infection.
Instead of going for only meat, you can choose some healthier options such as nuts, seeds, legumes, and beans. These are low-pollution proteins and will provide you enough nutrients without increasing your blood cholesterol.
Stock Some Healthy Snacks
While it's easier for you to stay home and eat healthily, your kids may not be as cooperative as you want them to be. They will be hungry from time to time and demand snacks.
Instead of giving them unhealthy sweet and salty snacks, opt for nuts, frozen yogurt, cheese, boiled egg, and cubed fresh fruits. If fresh fruits are unavailable, dried, frozen fruits will do just fine.
Don't Forget Omega-3 fatty Acid
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the improvement of the brain and heart. They can also increase the number of white blood cells that can fight against invading pathogens.
Oily fish such as salmons, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, healthy protein, vitamins, and minerals.
If you cannot find fresh fish in the market, you can always go for frozen and canned fish that are reasonable and contain a significant amount of nutrients. However, while purchasing canned food, ensure they are low in mercury.
Be Careful While Choosing The Packaged Foods
While it's challenging to get freshly produced food every time, try to avoid highly-processed canned food when shopping during this pandemic.
It's because processed foods such as packaged snacks and ready-to-eat meat contain a high amount of sugars, saturated fats, and salt.
When choosing the packaged foods, make sure to check their nutritional facts, if they are GMO-free and BPA-free or not.
Rely on Home Deliveries
As coronavirus spreads when a sick person coughs or sneezes and small droplets fall, anyone near that person can get infected. In that case, going to a supermarket for shopping can increase your risk of getting the virus.
However, the good news is most superstores are now offering home deliveries, which is safer than going to the shop by yourself.
However, there's still a possibility of contamination of the surface of the packaging and food, or from the person who's delivering. In that case, tell the delivery person to keep the groceries at the front of your door, ring the bell, and step back.
Once they leave, wipe over the surfaces with disinfectant wipes. Also, don't forget to wash all the fruits and vegetables to remove the pesticides.
Make Cooking a Healthy and Fun Habit
As you're under a mandatory stay-at-home situation, going out for lunch or dinner is nearly impossible. While it may sound frustrating to someone, it's actually the perfect time to build up healthy eating habits.
Cooking together can be a great way to start eating healthy. Try to make delicious dishes at home. In this way, you can control the calorie and sugar intake.
If you have children at home, involve them in the food preparation as well. While small children can help washing utensils, older kids can help you with more complex tasks.
Make sure all of your family members are eating together. It will help to make the bond stronger while reducing anxiety among children.
What About The Takeout?
This devastating pandemic has forced many restaurants to repurpose their businesses as takeaways. If you're tired of having homemade food, trying some takeaways won't hurt much.
However, while ordering food from a restaurant, you need to follow some strict rules for the sake of your health. Instead of ordering raw and cold items, opt for hot and freshly cooked foods.
To minimize the risk, place the food in a clean dish and immediately dispose of the packaging into the garbage bag, and wash your hand properly. Try to eat with a fork and knife instead of fingers.
Final Thoughts
While the virus is taking a toll on everyone's life, all you can do to avoid getting sick is to stay at home and eat healthy foods. It's essential to boost your immune system, and there's no alternative to building a healthy eating habit.
Wash all the vegetables and meat properly, and cook them at high temperatures. Always throw out the food waste and packaging in an appropriate manner.
While storing packed foods, don't forget to check their expiry date and keep the perishable items in the refrigerator.
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