The current pandemic is all about change, in fact very rapid change. Change like never before. The eating pattern of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) have witnessed an apparent trend across two diverse phases during the lock down that started March 25th.
In the initial days, community at large stocked up on staples and essentials. And then there was a noticeable shift with higher demand for packaged food items like instant noodles, biscuits, chips and ready-to-cook meals.
Due to high paced life people at large were missing family together meals; hence families started preparing food which was posted on social media with the #Lockdown meals or #Familyeating – to state few examples.
You are the Trustee of your own health
Let me remind you all how Government utilized the lockdown time to elevate medical facilities, and create the awareness amongst community towards preventive aspects. Yes, here are the key takeaways.
Friends, utilize this lock down phase to eat healthy to boost our immune system. Precisely, let’s all give a thought “Are We Eating According to Zones”
The Eating Zones
Eating a healthy diet is very important during the COVID-19 pandemic. What we eat and drink can affect our body’s ability to prevent, fight and recover from infections.
Good nutrition can also reduce the likelihood of developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes to name few.
Well are you persistently eating the foods mentioned in red zone if yes shift to yellow and emphasize more eating of foods from green zone.
The Red Zone
- Stop. Think before you eat.
- Try to eat once in 10 days in limited portion.
- This food high in salt, sugar and fats could be the reason in future to develop various micro and macro vascular complications.
| Chocolates | Fried sweets |
| Bakery products | Cakes and pastries |
| Pizza | Aerated drinks |
| Noodles | Red meat and products |
| Pasta | Savory Snacks |
| Samosa | Kachori |
Must Read – Is salt actually bad for you?
The Orange Zone
- It means slow down.
- Consume in moderation as prescribed to you by your dietitian.
| White rice | Mix dal wada |
| Wheat noodles | Poha |
| Fruit juices | Puri |
| Milk shakes | Parathas |
| Popcorns | Sweet dishes like shrikhand |
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The Green Zone
- Go for it!
- Loaded with health promoting benefits, eat them with every meal every day!
| Fresh Vegetables | Leafy vegetables |
| All fruits | Raw mango |
| Vegetable broth and soups | Lemon powder |
| Egg white | Pulses |
| Whole grain cereals like dalia, Chapati, Thalipith | Dals |
| Millets | Sprouts |
| Soybean | Soychunks |
| Skim milk powder | Nuts like almonds, walnuts |
| Buttermilk | Oil seeds like til seeds |
| Dosa | Flax seeds |
| Mix vegetable Idli | mix vegetable Khichdi |
Must read – Top 5 health benefits of eggs
To emphasize
Let’s understand the curative power of food. Bring back the whole nutritious food to our plates and boost our immune system. In our next article we shall be writing about the food which enhances our immune system
Are you hydrated enough? Know how much of water you need to drink, here.