How to eat healthy while grocery shelves are low, boost immune system

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Many healthy options are not currently available in grocery stores as people stock up and purchase enough food to make minimal trips out of the house.

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News Center 7's Molly Koweek spoke with Michelle Kitze, a clinical dietitian with Miami Valley Hospital, who said that when we are stressed, our body produces cortisol.

Cortisol makes us hungry, causing us to eat more, she said. Make sure to fill your body with healthy foods to maintain your immune systems.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, frozen produce is just as good.

"They're actually frozen at the peak of ripeness," Kitze said.

Kitze said kale, spinach, cabbage and brussels sprouts are all foods that could help fight viruses.

Spices like garlic, oregano, and ginger are all said to have some antiviral properties.

Look for alternatives to meat while many grocery stores are out or low stocked, like veggie burgers, canned tuna and dried meat.

Purchase nonperishable food like grains, healthy pastas, rice, cereal, quinoa, and beans.

"Those are just great to have around and those basically keep indefinitely in your pantry," Kitze said.

Dried fruit and nuts are a good choice as well.

"They keep for a long time and they're also very filling."

If you're not moving as much, you shouldn't be eating as much, Krites said, but now is a great time to exercise outside, as the sun can help boost your immune system.

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