The main diet focus for COVID patients is to consume foods that would help rebuild muscle, immunity and energy levels.Nutrition plays a significant role for both, the COVID-19 patients and those who are on the path of recovery. During COVID-19, the body gets weakened and it continues for days even after recovering from the symptoms. Thus, it becomes essential to consume the right kind of diet for a speedy and complete recovery of the body. Whole grains like ragi, oats or amaranth are rich sources of complex carbohydrates. Chicken, fish, eggs, paneer, soya, nuts and seeds are some good sources of protein. Healthy fats like walnuts, almonds, olive oil, mustard oil are recommended during these days. To boost one’s immunity, one should take turmeric milk once a day.
What to take and what not to
Make a plan and buy/order only what you need:
No panic buying. Assess what you already have at home and plan your intake. This way you can avoid food waste and allow others to access the food they need.
Be strategic about the use of ingredients:
Prioritise the consumption of fresh products, use fresh ingredients and those that have a shorter shelf life first. If fresh products, especially fruits, vegetables and reduced-fat dairy products continue to be available, prioritise these over non-perishables.
Prepare home-cooked meals:
If you are not run down by fever or other COVID-19 issues, it is better to prepare nutritious meals for yourselves at home. Some examples of healthy recipes with accessible ingredients may also be found below. If your city or town has the option of “contact-less” home-delivery of food where no human interaction is required, thus supporting self-quarantine and isolation measures, use that. But prioritize the items from reliable businesses that you are sure to follow strict food hygiene requirements.
Limit your salt intake:
If you use canned, frozen or processed foods, remember they can contain high levels of salt. Go easy on use of salt when cooking and when at the table for meals. Use fresh or dried herbs and spices for added flavour instead. Cut back if you use excess fats. Fats, contrary to popular belief aren’t all bad. Too much fat can cause multiple health issues like obesity, heart disease, fatty livers, etc. But the body needs a small number of healthy fats to ensure proper nutrition. Our heart also needs a bit of fat to run smoothly.
Stay hydrated:
Whether you need water to stay cool, or to flush out harmful chemicals of drugs or metabolic processes out of your body, drinking adequate water is important for you.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables:
Every day, eat a mix of whole grains like wheat, maize and rice, legumes like lentils and beans, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, with some foods from animal sources (e.g. meat, fish, eggs and milk).
Consume enough fibre:
Fibre contributes to a healthy digestive system and offers a prolonged feeling of fullness, which helps prevent overeating. Eat salads, vegetables, fruit, pulses and wholegrain foods in all meals. Eat dry fruits, eggs to enhance other nutrients-intake. Proteins will help you fight COVID better.
Avoid alcohol intake :
Alcohol is not a part of a healthy diet. Drinking alcohol does not protect against COVID-19 and can be dangerous. It also weakens the immune system, its heavy use undermines your body’s ability to cope with infectious disease, including COVID-19.
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