some basic tips and resources for how to maintain your healthy lifestyle, body weight, and overall well-being while staying home.
- Measure and Watch Your Weight. Keeping track of your body weight on a daily or weekly basis will help you see what you’re losing and/or what you’re gaining.
- Limit Unhealthy Foods and Eat Healthy Meals. Do not forget to eat breakfast and choose a nutritious meal with more protein and fiber and less fat, sugar, and calories. For more information on weight-control foods and dietary recommendations, please check the following. website: www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-causes/diet-and-weight/.
- Take Multivitamin Supplements. To make sure you have sufficient levels of nutrients, taking a daily multivitamin supplement is a good idea, especially when you do not have a variety of vegetables and fruits at home. Many micronutrients are vital to your immune system, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E, as well as zinc, iron, copper, selenium, and magnesium.
However, there’s currently NO available evidence that adding any supplements or “miracle mineral supplements” to your diet will help protect you from the virus or increase recovery. In some cases, high doses of vitamins can be bad for your health. - Drink Water & Stay Hydrated, and Limit Sugared Beverages. Drink water regularly to stay healthy, but there is NO evidence that drinking water frequently (e.g. every 15 minutes) can help prevent any viral infection.
- Exercise Regularly and Be Physically Active. At this time, at-home workouts may be a good idea. But you can also walk your dog or run outside. Be sure you know what’s going on in your area and if there are any restrictions or mandatory self-quarantines.
- Reduce Sitting and Screen Time. Exercise can’t immunize you from your sedentary time. Even people who exercise regularly could be at increased risk for diabetes & heart disease and stroke if they spend lots of time sitting behind computers. Practically speaking, you could consider taking breaks from sedentary time, such as walking around the office/room a couple of times a day
- Get Enough Good Sleep. There is a very strong connection between sleep quality and quantity and your immune system. You can keep your immune system functioning properly by getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night
- Go Easy on Alcohol and Stay Sober. Drinking alcohol does not protect you from the coronavirus infection. Don’t forget that those alcohol calories can add up quickly. Alcohol should always be consumed in moderation.
- A reminder: People with serious chronic medical conditions, including extreme obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are at a higher risk of experiencing complications and getting very sick from the COVID-19 infection. They should talk to their medical providers and listen to their advice.
