Michele Payn

Can food really boost your immunity? Episode 71

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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