In general, many people tend to take advantage of certain periods of time such as summer, Christmas or a trip to overeat. We are at that time right now, because as a result of the coronavirus we are going through a period of confinement where the same thing can happen.
Staying at home day in and day out aggravates emotional hunger and we end up resorting to food in an addictive way to calm the stress generated by the situation.
The result is none other than uncontrollable weight gain.
In similar situations it has been proven that almost half of the people can put on 3 to 5 kg of weight.
A balanced immune system is key to avoid contagion, but in those who suffer from obesity there are alterations in cellular and humoral immunity. The consequence is an undesired reaction to the viral aggression and a greater ease for the disease to appear.
On the opposite side we would find those who take advantage of the occasion to adjust their diet and eat what is necessary to strengthen their organism, such as: vegetables, fruits, fish, fermented dairy products, among others.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀.
What can we eat during confinement to maintain our well-being?
A proper diet will help your body to nourish and strengthen the organic defenses. Dr. García Valdés, Chief of Endocrinology and Nutrition at San Fancisco de Asis Hospital, summarizes how our eating habits should be during this time.
Processed foods should be completely avoided, as well as drinking a lot of coffee or sweetened soft drinks. We should also reduce the intake of meat, seafood, fatty cheeses, pasta, white bread, bacon and flour, and eat few legumes and rice. And as for alcohol, little or none.
On the contrary, he advises eating 4 to 5 meals a day and drinking at least 2 liters of water. In addition, it is a good time to cook hot chicken or vegetable broth, as they help maintain body temperature and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Other tips to take care of our diet:
- Drink infusions of green tea, ginger, rosemary, eucalyptus or thyme.
- Eat yogurts frequently and drink skimmed or fresh cow’s milk and fortified vegetable drinks. ⠀
- Eat fruit, especially oranges, kiwis, apples, strawberries, pears or raspberries.
- Resorting to vegetables, garlic, onions, spinach, pumpkin, broccoli, carrots or mushrooms.
- Eat white and blue fish, such as tuna.
Dr. García Valdés recommends, above all, strawberries because of their high nutritional value. They are rich in vitamin C, diuretic and low in calories. In fact, 90% of their composition is water, so they satiate and nourish with few calories.
In addition, they are excellent for people who want to lose weight and have a tendency to retain liquids. But the diuretic effect also benefits those who suffer from kidney stones, hypertension and uric acid. And for the time we are going through they are a great ally, since vitamin C is an antioxidant substance that protects the body and strengthens the immune system.
These recommendations are useful for anyone who wants to continue taking care of their diet or is considering a change of diet.
However, it is always advisable to assess the age, state of health and diseases you may have, because in your case these tips should be readapted to your needs.
Finally, remember that Top Doctors specialists continue working to take care of your health, even when you are at home. Through the telemedicine service you will be able to solve your doubts without waiting.