I really hadn’t appreciated the implications of self-isolation until I had it thrust upon me when I returned from Auckland a few days ago. Walking the dog, seeing friends or visiting the local shops are all out of bounds for me for 14 days.
As a nutritionist I love food shopping and have always taken it for granted. But self-isolation has put paid to that. I could place an online order but do I really want to wait 5 days (here in Brisbane) for my weekly shop? I don’t think so! Thankfully I can rely on my wonderful family to replenish the fridge and pantry, under my strict instructions of course!
Because I know that no amount of frozen dessert (currently limited to one per shopper in certain stores) is going to keep me healthy, I am quite firm with them as to what our Australian dollars should be spent on.
You might be familiar with that old saying “you are what you eat”, so I’m going to share with you my 5 priority must-haves on my shopping list.
- VEGGIES: broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, capsicum peppers and cauliflower are all great sources of vitamin C which research shows is great for your immune health.
- FRUIT: blueberries (frozen) for their intense antioxidant qualities and kiwi fruit, strawberries, pineapple and papaya again for Vitamin C and other vital nutrients.
- NUTS & SEEDS: whilst most of these are packed full of health-boosting nutrients, I particularly love immune-supporting Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds.
- FERMENTED FOODS: kimchi and sauerkraut as fermented cabbage is overflowing with Vitamin C as well as being touted for its gut-healing properties. The gut is home to much of our immune system so it’s super important to keep it working well.
- OTHER FOODS: onions, ginger, garlic, turmeric, herbs, spices, coconut oil and apple cider vinegar plus lots of other colourful fruits and veg, legumes, good quality meat, eggs, wild seafood, black rice, quinoa and buckwheat.
As you can see, there’s no room for processed and packaged foods such as cakes, cookies, pies and the like but hopefully someone will surprise me with a nice bar of dark chocolate!
Using the above and a bit of imagination I can rustle up some crackers, dips, muffins and wholesome meals with little fuss.
Thankfully I work from home, so can carry on working without too much hassle.
So if you’d like to find out how you can boost your immunity through your diet, contact me on 0484 314 163 or send me an email – bev@avanawellness.com.au and we can arrange a 20-minute zoom or skype session for just $59.
Stay well!
Bev