Dealing with the New Normal Healthy Lifestyle

As months pile up and the COVID-19 pandemic still remains a threat, people have no choice but to make lifestyle adaptions to deal with it and health is of top priority.

According to NPC Dr. Parolita A. Mission, with the new strain of the virus, which experts fear is more contagious, we should be more vigilant. The mission encourages the public not to lower their guards, increase your immune system, and take measures to prevent and reduce the risk of virus.

Other than following health protocols of wearing face masks and face shields, social distancing, and maintaining personal hygiene, it is imperative to make sure that your body is at its best to fight off infections and the most practical way is to take care of yourself is to have better nutrition.

The National Nutrition Council has prepared a two-part article to guide you into that healthy lifestyle this new year!

RIGHT food choices
We always worry about the food we set on our table for our family to eat but forget about what we should pack for food. Remember that no single food can provide all the nutrients in the amounts needed. Eat a variety of foods, which includes fruits and vegetables, and the macronutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and fats to provide all the nutrients required in the proper amount and balance.

Carbohydrate is an essential macronutrient we need to produce energy and energy keeps us going. It’s important to include this in our diet. Choose fiber-rich carbs and avoid sugary carbs. Protein is a macronutrient that is essential in the body’s growth and maintenance, also in strengthening immune health. We are in a health emergency crisis, not a natural disaster, avoid consuming canned goods for they are high in salt content which can cause our blood pressure to rise. Fat is an essential part of our diet and is important for good health, good fats can help lower the risk for heart disease and stroke. Examples are avocados, nuts, and fatty fish.

Cook food PROPERLY
Choosing the right food is important but washing and cooking them at the right temperature is also crucial. Undercooked food can lead to foodborne diseases which could ultimately weaken your body and your immune system.

Diet HIGH in fruits and vegetables
Eating a diet high in fruit and vegetables helps to have a healthy gut. The gut microbiome (bacteria) has a major influence on the immune system, including inflammation. Antibiotics often given to COVID-19 patients destroy the gut bacteria.

LIMIT added sugar
Emerging research suggests that added sugars and refined carbs may contribute to overweight and obesity. Curbing your sugar intake can decrease inflammation and aid in weight loss, thus reducing your risk of chronic non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Limiting sugar intake is an important part of an immune-boosting diet. (Part 1/2)