Monday, February 23, 2015

Don't Let the Flu Get to You

Hey there Tritons!

Sorry it’s been a week since I have posted here, that darn flu took me down! In an effort to help promote healthy habits to fight the flu, I have some words of wisdom from a fellow dietetic student here in San Diego. Check out what Austin has to say about combating the flu!

Austin's Advice:

Being students automatically makes us much more susceptible to illnesses due to our constant interactions with other people and busy schedules but it should not stop us from sleeping and eating healthy. Sleep is one of the most important things that we need to make sure we get enough of consistently in order to allow our bodies to recover and protect from bacteria and viruses going around. Naps can save lives! If you don’t get much sleep late at night, I recommend to try and get at least a good 30 minute to hour long power nap during the day to give your mind and body some rest and time to recharge. Something as simple as a little nap can make a huge difference when avoiding the flu that’s going around.

I have found some Superfoods that are not only tasty and easy to eat on the run but they work much better than flu medications! Plus, you can pick them all up on your Dining Dollars at your local neighborhood Market or Dining Unit.

1.      Walnuts: One little cup of walnuts has nearly 18 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber and lots of antioxidants which will not only fight off the flu but also keep you full when passing between classes. Throw some in a baggie and get to class!

2.      Spinach: There is a reason why Popeye was so big and energetic after eating it! There are large amounts of iron, calcium and antioxidants in the little green leafs also which help your body absorb and digest other vitamins and minerals while making you feel fantastic. Just stop into your local Dining Unit and pick up a Dietitian’s Delight Breakfast Sandwich, it’s packed with spinach to help keep you full for longer!

3.      Avocado: We live in California. Avocado tastes amazing and is very healthy for your heart and immune system so let’s take advantage of it! Half of an avocado has more than 4 grams of fiber with lots of potassium and zero cholesterol. Yes half. Avocados can be chopped up and eaten as a snack with some hummus or it can be used as a sandwich spread but either way it’s good for you and tastes even better.

Staying physically active can be one of the biggest determinants of becoming sick or not. Something as simple as taking the stairs to your car or up to the classroom rather than using the elevator will get the blood flowing. Sweating is another great way to detox your body and get rid of the bad toxins so I recommend going for a quick jog or doing something as simple as walking across campus do wonders for your body. Exercising whenever you have time allows your body to heal from the inside out and can keep you energized throughout the day.

Exercise, healthy eating, quick snacking and proper sleep patterns are some simple, yet extremely important factors that us as students must learn to incorporate into our daily routines to the best of our abilities. All of the above factors are clearly important to always be doing but the importance of them becomes much more critical when the San Diego Flu season comes around.

If you do get hit with the bug, don’t fret. All of our Markets are stocked with a Get Well Bundle package to get you the nutrition and feel good items from home you need!

Be sure to share how you’re FIGHT THE FLU and comment here or on the Taste Buds Facebook page! We’d love to hear from you.



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