There's never been a more crucial time to sense check that diet and fill ourselves with good eats. Not only will working from home and being more sedentary put us at risk of weight gain, but missing out on essential nutrients won't help us to ward off the effects of COVID-19.
So, now that the supermarket chaos has become a little less limited, what should you be stocking up on to keep yourself well from within?
CITRUS FRUITS
A great infection fighter, Vitamin C isn't created naturally in the body, so get yours from most citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, lemons and limes. Stick it in a smoothie, squeeze it on your salad or use as a topping on your morning breakfast yoghurt.
BELL PEPPERS
Ounce for ounce, red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus. They’re also a rich source of beta carotene for glowing skin, a healthy immune system and great eye health. Stuff them, stir fry them or dip into your favourite houmous!
GARLIC
Garlic makes the blandest meal taste amazing. It's also a powerful infection fighter, plus helps to keep your blood pressure on the low.
Chop finely and add to salads, blend into a homemade dressing or melt in butter for a great steak or fish drizzle.
BROCCOLI
Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins and minerals including the essential vitamins A, C, and E.
Keep some crunch, as overcooking your broccoli can take out a lot of the good stuff. Throw into a salad, enjoy with steamed fish or blitz it into a broccoli and stilton soup!
SPINACH
Spinach is packed with immune system loving vitamin C. Just like broccoli, spinach is best when cooking is kept to a minimum, to keep all the goodness in. Enjoy as the base of a salad, lightly steamed with steak or finely chopped and sprinkled onto your soup.
GINGER
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great item to have in the pantry. It also helps to ease sickness. Add a clove of ginger to hot water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing morning tea.
BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries can be bought fresh or frozen, and are filled with antioxidants that can help prevent coughs and colds. According to research conducted by the University of Auckland, flavonoids (blueberry-based antioxidants) made adults 33 percent less likely to catch a cold.
So whilst you're prepping that shopping list, be sure to add a few of these superfoods, to help keep you healthy from the inside!
