The Alabama Bright Light series is taking a different approach during the COVID-19 crisis. Were talking with experts who can offer advice on things we may not consider in these days of school and business closings and self-sequestering.
Auburn University Nutrition Specialist Katie Funderburk said good nutrition is crucial during the pandemic.
Plenty of foods will boost your immune system. Funderburk said. Theres no one food that will do that. Instead, a varied diet with balanced food groups is the best way to stay healthy, especially during such a crisis.
As part of her job, Funderburk works with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
We have an office in every county of the state, and during this challenging time we are working online and disseminating the information that way, she said. We are all working remotely to support social distancing and to ensure that we are prepared.
Funderburk stresses that cooking for yourself is usually healthier than eating sourced food or picking up from a restaurant.
A big reason a lot of people dont cook is because they dont have time. Right now, time is a resource we actually have a lot of, Funderburk said. A great use of this extra time would be to help your kids get involved in the kitchen. Research shows that if kids help prepare something, theyre more likely to eat it as well as develop a preference for those healthy foods.
Auburn University nutritionist Katie Funderburk offers healthy eating tips during COVID-19 crisis from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System website, http://www.aces.edu, has lots of nutrition and cooking information, such as:
When caring for a sick family member while quarantined, keep a steady supply of tummy-friendly foods. Remember to follow your physicians dietary orders at all times. Foods that can be introduced as permitted include clear liquids and broth, ice pops and gelatin snack cups, electrolyte replacement drinks, dry toast, saltine crackers and pretzels, bananas, white rice and unsweetened applesauce.
When people heed professional advice about eating well and dealing with emergencies like COVID-19, Funderburk feels she has done her job.
Hearing stories from the community about how the work that weve done has helped children eat more fruits and vegetables, and how weve helped families afford healthy food on a budget, it makes it all worthwhile, she said.
Alabama Bright Lights captures the stories, through words, pictures and video, of some of our states brightest lights who are working to make Alabama an even better place to live, work and play. Award-winning journalist Karim Shamsi-Basha tells their inspiring stories. Email him comments, as well as suggestions on people to profile, at[emailprotected].
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Alabama Bright Light in the COVID-19 crisis: Advice from a nutritionist - Alabama NewsCenter
