Staying Healthy During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Several safety measures are taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. It is the perfect time to protect and improve your health while practicing social distancing. Here are some practical tips to stay healthy:

1. Plan ahead your supermarket visits to minimize your trips outside the house.
2. Allow your children to participate in preparing meals while staying home. You can teach them math while measuring spoons for meals, science while observing how heat changes different ingredients, and reading while reading different recipes. 
3. Stock up on foods such as:
4. Fruits with longer shelf life including apple, melon, and grapefruit
5. Vegetables with longer shelf life such as potatoes, cabbages, onions, beets, carrots…etc.
6. Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables
7. Grains such as rice, quinoa, etc.
8. Yogurt, eggs, hard cheese, non-refrigerated milk
9.  Chicken, meat, seafood
10. Canned and dried beans, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, seeds
11. Infant formula (if needed)
12. Limit purchases of foods such as chips, ice creams, sodas…etc.
13. Help older adults by getting their groceries while buying yours and save them a trip to the grocery shop. Remember to leave their groceries at the doorstep so they can pick them up later after you leave. All products, groceries should be cleaned and disinfected before use.

Supporting your immune system is particularly important during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Here are some foods that can help support your immunity:

• Almonds, particularly unsalted almonds, which constitute a quick immune-boosting snack.
• Bell peppers as they are rich in vitamin c.
• Broccoli as it’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E and potassium and has lots of healthy fiber.
• Citrus fruits such as clementine, orange, lemon, lime etc. have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, thyme, etc. are good sources of beta carotene, which is associated with reducing inflammation and increasing disease-fighting cells.
• Garlic as it contains compounds that naturally act to destroy bacteria and infection.

It is essential to stay physically and mentally healthy by following a healthy diet, practicing physical exercises, sticking with a specific routine daily, staying busy and engaged by reading a book, preparing meals, practicing hobbies, etc.