Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, the media strives to keep the public both well informed and somewhat distracted. There seems to be an interesting balance of news that keeps us updated as well as articles, blogs and social media that weave in ways to stay healthy, stay active, stay busy and stay sane. Over the last few weeks I have been interviewed by a few websites regarding eating disorders, health and wellness and how it relates to today’s world.
US News and World Report
US News and World Report featured a wonderful article Anorexia Recovery Stories on February 28th. The article, written by Vanessa Caceres interviews three people in recovery as well as various experts in the field. One point that is especially pertinent to COVID-19 and eating disorders is how trauma affects or triggers symptoms.
Dealing with trauma – such as the excessive stress and death that Sturken experienced – is a common theme among those struggling with eating disorders, including anorexia, says registered dietitian and certified nutritionist Maria Sorbara Mora, author of "Incorporating Science, Body, and Yoga in Nutrition-Based Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery: The Integrated Eating Approach" and founder and executive director of Integrated Eating Dietetics-Nutrition PLLC in New York. Eating disorders can be a way to cope with trauma – whether it's death, sexual abuse, divorce, questions about one's sexuality or chronic bullying and name calling, Mora says.
Unfortunately, we will be adding to the above list. The kind of crisis spawned by the pandemic will likely have negative effects on symptoms as those in our care grasp for ways to feel in control. That said, the article shares stories from those in recovery who fight against the odds. The inspiring voices show us that using recovery skills instead of symptoms in times of crisis transform our lives. I continue to be in awe of our clients who are working hard to stay in recovery during the pandemic as well as other incredibly difficult moments of life.
To read the full article: https://health.usnews.com/conditions/eating-disorder/anorexia-nervosa/articles/anorexia-recovery-stories
Martha Stewart Health and Wellness
Another article featured on marthastewart.com Health and Wellness section called What Not to Eat or Drink When You’re Sick directly speaks to nutrition and immunity during this unprecedented time. On March 23rd the article by Jenn Sinrich interviews medical and nutrition professionals as to their health and wellness recommendations while sick.
"If there has been one consistent message regarding COVID-19 it is that those with weaker immune systems are at far greater risk of contracting the most severe symptomatic consequences," says Maria Sorbara Mora, R.D., founder of Integrated Eating. "While our nutritional status may not dissuade this foreign and novel invader from entering our body, how healthy we are can mean less severe symptoms and a better prognosis for recovery." Whether or not you're sick, proper nutrition is essential for keeping your body healthy both in the short and long-term.
The article lists foods and drinks that may and may not be helpful to consume while fighting a cold, flu or even COVID-19. For example, experts discuss that while coffee may weaken your immune system by increasing certain stress hormones, tea is a better choice:
It can give you a caffeine boost while arming your body with powerful antioxidants that can fight off certain viruses. It also has anti-inflammatory effects keeping your health at its peak, so that you lower your chances of getting sick in the first place, notes Mora.
To read the full article: https://www.marthastewart.com/7735992/what-not-eat-drink-when-sick
Ask Men
Finally, AskMen.com features an article on March 25th by Jennifer Brin called Best and Worst Frozen Foods-Frozen Foods Get a Bad Rap, But Some Are Actually Healthy.
While we endure the pandemic and shelter-in-place we are learning food markets may not always have what we are in search of. Many have stockpiled frozen foods to decrease the amount of shopping trips needed per week. Some have wondered if frozen food is healthy as their fresh counterparts. Experts discuss whether frozen fruit is as nutritious as the fresh variety. We agree that frozen do the trick and are more cost effective!
Maria Sorbara Mora, founder of Integrated Eating Dietetics-Nutrition PLLC agrees, saying, “Fruits such as blueberries increase their antioxidant activity almost 30 percent after three weeks of being frozen — and they’re more cost effective.” Referencing her own recent trip to the grocery store she says, “I went to Trader Joe’s today and bought both frozen and fresh blueberries. A 12oz bag of frozen blueberries was $2.49 and an 11oz container of fresh blueberries were $3.99.
Another topic the article shares is whether microwaves are a safe and viable way to prepare foods. As stay-at-home orders are in effect for much of the globe, especially the U.S., we are preparing our meals from home more than the norm. The experts disarm speculations that microwaving foods are harmful or less healthy.
There’s a lot of doomsday conspiracies out there that microwaves are bad for you. People will say at best they nuke the nutrients from your food and at worst they’ll kill you.
Our experts unanimously disagree. Mora even says using a microwave may help retain nutrients in some food since many forms of cooking we’re used to leach nutrients from food.
“Microwave steaming preserves the nutrients in food better because there’s less water and cooking time is reduced.” She adds, “Some research suggests trypsin inhibitors in beans are destroyed during microwaving, making the bean itself more absorbable and digestible.”
To read the full article: https://www.askmen.com/food_booze/food/best-and-worst-frozen-foods.html
Stay tuned for more media coverage from Maria Sorbara Mora and Integrated Eating. Stay safe, my friends. We are in this together. May we nourish ourselves and each other during this very trying time.