Staying home right now is important so that we can stop the spread of the second wave of the COVID-19 and keep not only us but our loved ones too safe and healthy.
But staying at home is not as fun and easy as we earlier used to think. It has become a challenge for us all to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. Having to deal with the new challenges created by the so-called ‘new normal’ is very difficult and our health has been affected in many ways.
Stress eating has become a daily activity and the routine that we had set for our exercises has been completely interrupted. Mealtimes are all over the place and many of us who are working from home may have skipped meals too.
UNICEF says, “A varied, nutritious diet is one important way that families can help to maintain their children’s immunity against COVID-19.” While there is no guarantee that a certain food will keep us safe from the virus, the organisation explains that a diet which has all the essential nutrients and avoids foods that are unhealthy is the best to support the growth, development and long-term health of children.
Here are some tips to balance a healthy diet while staying home.
Having regular meals
When we are staying home, we tend to lose track of time, so it is better to have a schedule for day-to-day activities.
Setting a schedule for your meal time will let you follow the timing and not forget about it. It will also give you time to prepare your food and not just pick up some junk to eat.
Not all of us are lucky to have a mom, so setting a routine will help someone who is staying alone as well. You will be mentally prepared to cook a meal and eat on time.
Nepalis all know how none of our parents encouraged us to eat in the restaurants and cafes. So, it may not be that bad to start cooking and learning from our moms. Not only will it keep us healthy but will give us the chance to connect with our moms during the difficult times.
Eat fresh vegetables and fruits
It is a challenging time for all of us, so buying fresh vegetables and fruits and storing them can be challenging since the shops are closed most of the time. But try to eat fresh vegetables and fruits to get better nutrition.
Balanced and nutritious food will give us the energy to be productive and keep us fuller for a long time. We have to understand that the food we eat not only affects us physically but mentally as well. It impacts our mood.
Foods that contain large amounts of sugar, salt and/or animal fats and low amounts of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals are unhealthy.
So try to avoid junk food which will help you improve your eating habit even after the lockdown.
Drink a lot of water
Dehydration leads to feeling tired and sick which can affect our productivity and peace of mind. We are already tired of hearing all the bad news, and the political issues going on in the nation, we do not want more headaches, do we? So, staying hydrated will help us feel fresh and also maintain the immune system.
If you are working from home, make sure you have a bottle of water on your work-station at home. And try to avoid drinking too much soda or sugary drinks.
Fresh fruit juice helps too but since everything is closed, it is better to stay home, and drink lots of water.
It not only keeps you feeling fresh, it also helps to keep your skin healthy.
For those who are working from home, it is indeed hard to keep track of time but when you eat, try to put your work aside and just enjoy your meal. And well, it is the best time to try out some home cooking and new recipes.
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