As we move back inside and prepare to hunker down during the coming winter months, we will continue to face threats to our health. In so many places, COVID is still raging strong and case numbers continue to rise. That means none of us can afford to let down our guard and ease up on measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones. And one of the most important ways we can continue to protect ourselves is by staying healthy through eating healthy. As Professor Grayson Jaggers from USC makes clear, “The connection between the pandemic and our dietary habits is undeniable.” Noting that there’s a strong relationship between eating a balanced diet and maintaining a strong immune system, Jaggers makes clear that we need to socially distance ourselves from some of our most comforting food “friends,” i.e., “Ben and Jerry”, “Big Mac”, and “Tom Collins”!

For many, comfort foods represent a small indulgence in a time of large deprivations. If I can’t see my loved ones or enjoy social engagements, at least I can watch a movie at home while sipping a soda. In fact, new research suggests that our brains, evolved from centuries of the hunter/gatherer evolutionary process, almost seem hard-wired to seek out high-calorie foods. Yet these sugary food indulgences may be precisely the fuel that speeds up our aging process and keeps us in a constant state of inflammation, which certainly takes its toll on our immune system as well as contributing to such chronic diseases as diabetes and heart disease. So before you reach for another french fry or alcoholic beverage, re-think whether now is the time to be compromising your immune system and speeding up the aging of your body.

If you’re paying attention and being proactive, what should you be putting on your plate? There are lots of helpful resources (including from agebuzz) that provide guidance on how to maintain a healthy diet. Some additional sources of recommendation include the Eating Well As You Age article from HelpGuide as well as this recent AARP post on crafting a diet for after age 50. Both of these sources stress the importance of a good balance of such basics as fruits, veggies, fiber, and varied sources of protein. One important point from AARP underscores the concerns about inflammation: “Anytime you raise the insulin level in your body- a natural response to sugar and starchy foods- you’re going to see an increase in body-wide inflammation.” That post even provides a sample menu for a “perfect day of eating!”

Finally, if money is no object and you’re searching for a good healthy food delivery service, you may want to check out the best meal delivery services for seniors here. But if you’re on a budget (as most of us are these days), and you’re trying to figure out healthy food while conserving cash, take a look (or listen) at this recent NPR guide on Healthy Eating On A Budget.