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.
