November is Thrive at UBC!
As we navigate these difficult times, you may be feeling stressed or worried, and the isolation of physical distancing may be exacerbating these feelings. Research points to five ways that can help promote a healthy mind: the Thrive 5 — simple, easy-to-implement ways to help support your mental health.
Eating a balanced diet is one amazing way to help fuel your body and mind! While physical distancing may mean fewer trips to the grocery store, it is possible (and important!) to provide your body with nutritious options. Here are some tips from our registered dietitians:
Eat breakfast
It's the most important meal of the day and will help you maintain alertness and focus!
Keep healthy snacks on hand
Snacks can be a part of balanced eating, providing energy and nutrients. See here for snack ideas to help keep you feeling nourished and energized.
Eat your fruits and veggies
Research has shown that greater consumption of fruits and veggies may be correlated with greater happiness and positive well-being. Aim for ½ your plate to be a variety of vegetables and fruit, see Canada’s Food Guide for a visual example. To start increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat, try including one more serving at each meal and increase from there every week.
Try the power of plant-based
Try incorporating one plant-based meal into your diet each week. Tofu, chickpeas, lentils and canned/dried beans are great plant-based, protein-packed foods to try.
Stock your pantry with nutritious staples
With winter weather coming up you may be inclined to hunker down and head out to the grocery store less often. For fresh fruits and veggies, stock up on options that will store for a long time, such as apples, yams, carrots, and beets. Don't be shy of frozen fruits and vegetables, either!
Practice intuitive eating
Listen to your body when it tells you that you are hungry or full. And don't be afraid to eat certain foods: there are no good foods or bad foods. We're working on a blog post focusing more on this tip, so check back in later this month!
Connect with us!
UBC’s Registered Dietitians are here to help. And for nutrition tips, recipes, and more, visit the UBCO Food Services Nutrition Blog.
For more information about mindful eating while studying and working from home, visit our blog post here!
Learn more about Thrive
- Learn why mental health literacy is an important skill to help you live, work, and learn at your best.
- Talk about mental health to reduce stigma and access educational resources to identify signs that help is needed.
- Explore ways to support your mental health and your community at UBC through the Thrive 5+, and
- Check out the Thrive calendar for events throughout November to help support and maintain your mental health. Head here!
