Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Leslie Bonci is back  with the truth about immunity-boosting foods, why your gut  health is essential, and, of course - lots of laughs with Michele and Eliz! There's a reason she returns as a three-peat guest - and this episode will help you overcome food bullying during the pandemic.

Leslie Bonci is a registered dietitian and a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics. She is the nutrition consultant for the Kansas City Chiefs, Carnegie Mellon University athletics, and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre – and helps power a wide variety of athletes with smart nutrition.  Listen in, and learn how Leslie’s food insight can help you make smart eating choices, during COVID-19 and beyond. 

Key points:

There is no such thing as an immune-boosting food:

• We can support our health with good nutrition, but we can’t cure a cold, flu, or other illness with food.
• Your immune system is in your gut.
• Carbohydrates are critically important - your microbiome flourishes when fed carbs!
• Eating fermentable carbohydrates produces prebiotics
• We need enough protein, divided throughout the day to produce antibodies.
• Omega 3 fats are essential, too.
• Whole fruits and vegetables supply fluid, calories, carbs, fiber, and disease-fighting phytonutrients.

Stocking “wealth on the shelf”

• Eat well with what you have.
• Canned, frozen, and dried fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of nutrition.
• Stocking your shelf is great for budget-minded nutrition,
• Mix canned or frozen items with fresh to stretch your food dollars: produce, dried milk, canned beans, etc.
• Don’t feel you need to have the brand name.
• A dollar store can also be a great source.

Three tips to overcome food bullying

• Enjoy your food!
• Everybody and every food has a place at the table.
• Sometimes put your hands over your ears and say “enough”.  #DebunkTheJunk

Links:

USDA

Leslie’s website

Leslie’ LinkedIn

Have you liked the Food Bullying Podcast’s Facebook page? https://www.facebook.com/foodbullyingpodcast

Food Bullying: How to Avoid Buying BS by Michele Payn

Embrace your Heart with Eliz Greene