NUTRITION IS THE 'NEW NORMAL'

New Normal Lifestyle, New Normal Nutrition ??

The “new normal” - we all heard this word probably for the first time during 2020 when the world was gripped with the fear of Covid. Within a span of a few days the world was working as per the protocol of the “new normal” that caused many shifts in the way we went about our regular work. The home was the new workplace, new school, new college and much more. This new normal lifestyle also affected our relation with the diet and our physical activity awareness and commitment. The fear of a pandemic instilled in many people the importance of a nutrition-based diet. 

Many found the lost love for nutrition-based food and if you have made changes to your diet since the pandemic started then rest assured you are not alone!

People are now proactive and are looking for food and consumable items that help them achieve holistic nutrition thus improving their immunity. As per a report published in Consumer Product & Retail Sector, EY India “Indian consumers have opened their wallets towards fitness classes and activities, consuming natural foods, health supplements, and following specialized diets”

Understanding Nutrition 

Healthy Wealthy and Wise, Yes !! Right nutrition does mean good physical and mental wellbeing 

Let's have a look at the benefits of taking Right Nutrition :

 1. Supports Good well-being - Poor diet can impact physical and mental health. A good diet ensures the right nutrition which consists of essential fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

 2. Improves and Maintains Strong Immune System - Strong immune system means Strong defense against diseases. A diet that is poor in nutrition value can lead to weak immunity. For a healthy immune system prefer consuming fruits, vegetables, and less processed foods.

 3. Improves skin tone and keeps the organs healthy and young - Consuming food that is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins ensures that our organs are functioning properly. It reduces the oxidation process which can lead to skin problems like wrinkles while also promoting cell regeneration that causes new skin.

 4. Energy Booster - Macro and Micronutrients generate energy for the body to work. Hence we are able to work throughout the day. Have you ever noticed how the energy levels are down after consumption of food that is high in sugar content or fat or alcohol intake.

Nutrition also helps to ensure that we maintain healthy body weight and aids in normal pregnancy outcomes while also reducing the risk factors  that lead to chronic diseases

As per WHO “Healthy children learn better. People with adequate nutrition are more productive and can create opportunities to gradually break the cycles of poverty and hunger.”

Are we consuming right nutrition - Check for yourself 

Now that we know that nutrition is important for a healthy life. Try to answer the following question to understand if you need advice on nutrition from your doctor.

 

• Do you suffer from High or Low Blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol?
• Do you have a family history of diabetes, osteoporosis, or heart disease?
• Are you overweight?
• You love junk food and consume it on a regular basis 

If you answered any of the questions as yes then do consult the doctor for the right nutrition and how it can help you become healthy.

Scientists all over are of the opinion that we shall be experiencing more waves of the virus hence the focus on our health and nutrition is of prime importance. So if you want to boost or improve your immunity then your diet and lifestyle should be the focus as it plays a major role.

Some of the steps through which you can improve your nutrition intake are :

  1. Prefer consuming whole food like vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. They contain a good amount of nourishment for the body

 2. Avoid processed food like bread, cheese, packed food items 

 3. Prefer a diet that gels with your lifestyle and ensures that you are healthy and have better immunity. Indian traditional food has a lot of spices that have medicinal       properties 

 4. Avoid diet without proper consultation. Everybody is different and one side does not fit all. FAD diet might be able to reduce weight but can lead to serious complications 

 5. Exercise at least 4 days in a week 

 6. Ensure that you are exposed to the sun during the early hours to intake natural vitamin D 

 7. Follow a hobby or passion that relaxes you and keeps you stress-free 

 8. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of daily sleep 

 9. Limit your exposure to technology and try to spend some time with your family or loved ones 

How can nutrition help you recover post-Covid