How to Stay Healthy After COVID-19

Worried about how you'll remain healthy and keep up the positive changes you've made during lockdown during the re-opening of pubs/ restaurants, and the gradual easing of restrictions? We've got you covered!

Here are some ways to ensure you feel your best while still enjoying all the fun foods and drinks...only 3 days to go!

Don't beat yourself up if you do go a bit off track, we have had a year of being locked up after all! Enjoy the treats in moderation and where possible, follow these tips to keep you healthy and support your immune system. 

Minimise Highly Processed Foods

Processed foods are typically low in nutrients as well as fibre. They also may contain additives, saturated fat, emulsifiers salt and sugar, all of which if eaten regularly may be detrimental to the health of our gut. When you are cooking at home, keep them off your plate as much as possible, replacing them with lean proteins, whole grains and lots of fruits and veggies.

Enjoy A Diverse Diet 

The more diverse your diet, in particular the wider range of plant foods you consume, the more diverse your gut microbiome will be. 

Try to eat a variety of different foods rather than the same foods every day. Mix up the colours and types of foods. For example: if you always eat green apples try switching to red, eat rye bread one day, spelt another and sourdough another day. Always include a rainbow of colours of fruit and veggies in your daily diet.

Boost Fibre And Prebiotics

Our gut needs different types of fibre to stay healthy, such as resistant starch and soluble and insoluble fibre. It also needs prebiotics which provide the necessary fuel for gut microbes to thrive. Without adequate pre-biotics our gut microbes starve. While fibre and probiotics are clearly important for your post-easter cleanse, it’s vital we eat them daily to boost overall health and wellness.

Prebiotics come from certain types of plant fibre, resistant starch and polyphenolic compounds found in fruits and vegetables. Include wholegrains, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables and legumes to ensure you are getting enough fibre and the very important prebiotics that the gut needs to stay healthy.

Include Polyphenol Rich Foods

Polyphenols are micronutrients that we get through certain plant-based foods. They’re packed with antioxidants and have myriad skin protective benefits. Polyphenolic compounds come from plant foods such as red and blue foods, for example: berries, cherries, extra virgin olive oil and even tea and coffee.

Embrace Fermented Foods

Once thought to be a fad, fermented foods have now shown that they can reduce risks of type two diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease, along with improved weight management. Fermented foods such as saukraut, kimichi, and kefir contain live bacteria and nutrients that may support a healthy gut.

Hydrate

Whilst it isn't the sexiest advice, hydration is key and so, so simple! Try and make sure you are still drinking 1.5-2 litres of water each day. This will help with your skin, concentration, energy and digestion. Being dehydrated makes a hangover 10x worse so beat the hangover with lots of fluid and nutritious meals. 

Oh and of course, you can get our healthy, delicious plant-based meals, soups and beverages delivered for a quick and easy health hit. It's all about balance. Enjoy and stay safe!