Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 9 – 12 months, you’ll no doubt be aware that we are in the midst of a global pandemic, the likes of which none of us have ever experienced in our lifetime.
Needless to say, 2020 has been a very testing year, and with many of us living in and out of lockdown, self-isolation, and quarantine, eating healthily and looking after ourselves has been a great deal tougher than usual.
Despite so many people gaining weight, drinking more alcohol, and not being able to exercise as regularly or as intensely as they would like, the fact remains that it is more important now, than ever before, to look after ourselves and take care of our health.
Good health starts with a healthy diet, and if your lockdown diet has been lacking nutrition, here are several tips based upon healthy eating during lockdown.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
Right now, the importance of a strong immune system has never been greater, and one of the best ways of strengthening the immune system is by eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables are loaded full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which strengthen the immune system and help it to function more efficiently. The stronger the immune system is, the easier we will find it to avoid illness and disease and to recover quicker.
Aim for at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables each day, ideally 4 of those 5 being vegetables as fruits do naturally contain fructose sugars.
Cook different healthy meals
Being locked down isn’t the best. Human beings are generally social creatures and when we’re forced to stay indoors away from friends, family, and other people in general, we can go a bit stir crazy.
It is, therefore, important to stay busy during lockdown and cooking is a great way to do exactly that.
If you want to eat healthily during lockdown, stock up on healthy ingredients, look up healthy meals you like the sound of, and go ahead and cook them at home.
This is great because it gives you something to do, plus it also helps to ensure that you eat healthily too.
Use supplements alongside a healthy diet
Whereas there is no substitute for healthy food, if you use health supplements alongside a healthy diet, you will reap the rewards.
Invest in supplements such as vitamin C for the immune system, multivitamins for all around health, and a fish oil supplement for brain, heart, and joint health.
Vitamin D supplements are also important, especially during the winter when we don’t get as much sun which is needed by the body in order for it to synthesize vitamin D naturally.
Drink plenty of water
During lockdown, it’s important to stay well hydrated and to drink plenty of water.
A lack of water can lead to dehydration, and dehydration could potentially weaken the immune system, put stress on the body, cause headaches, drain energy, suppress the metabolism, and generally make you feel unwell.
As for as eating healthily during lockdown goes, yes, okay it isn’t eating, but drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated is vital.
Aim for around 8 glasses of water per day, and ideally opt for mineral water, though filtered will also work.
