1. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Staying hydrated is essential. A simple tip, divide your weight in half, and that is the number of fluid ounces you need to stay hydrated. Add slices of orange or grapefruit with fresh rosemary for a flavor-infused treat. Increasing fluid and Vit C to help stimulate bowel function, washing out bacterial and viral exposure.


2. Eat More Plants. By eating more plants, like vegetables, fruit, beans, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, you're feeding your body with natural, immune-boosting foods. Kale, Collards, Cilantro, Arugula, Broccoli, Carrots, Yellow and Red Peppers, Butternut or Acorn Squash all are rich in antimicrobial properties. Raw, steamed, boiled, and sautéed are best. Roasting kills most of the vital antimicrobial properties.


3. Minimize Refined Flours, Sugar, and Alcohol. Focus on eating whole foods to promote a healthy gut and immune system. Limit added sugar from desserts, sodas, and other sugar-sweetened items. Minimize or avoid alcohol, especially those with high sugar content such as wine, daiquiris, and rum-based drinks.


4. Stay Active. Participate in regular physical activity. Even if you are unable to go to your workout class, there is an abundance of ways to stay active during this time. Check out YouTube for at-home workouts, take a run or walk outdoors, go for a hike, or get creative!


5. Practice Yoga and Meditation. Carving out time to practice yoga or meditation can be beneficial to both your mind and body during this time. Yoga is an effective way to destress because it helps you disconnect from the outside world while reconnecting with your mind and body.


6. Drink Kombucha. There is nothing like a batch of fermented bacteria and yeast to create a happy place in your digestive tract. I know this sounds a little strange, but seriously kombucha is a natural probiotic, which contributes to a healthy gut. A healthy gut means a more productive day, and getting things checked off your list is a sure way to enhance positivity. Kombucha is an excellent alternative to soda and can be an easy mid-afternoon "pick me up."


7. Find Joy and Gratitude in Everyday Moments. Research shows that expressing gratitude can decrease both depression and anxiety while setting an overall positive tone for the day.

• Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.


• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.


• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.


• Stay away from people who are sick. If you're sick, stay home, except to get medical care.


• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. Especially people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.


• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.


• Throw used tissues in the trash.


• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.


• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water before disinfection.

• 1 cup 99% isopropyl alcohol


• 1 Tablespoon hydrogen peroxide


• 1 teaspoon glycerin. Glycerin is a moisturizer found in the cosmetic section of drug stores, supermarkets, and health food stores.


• Water

Stephanie has been working in the field of nutrition and dietetics since 1995. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics from Michigan State University, completed an Approved Pre-Professional Practice Program at Western Michigan University and earned a Master of Business Administration from Baker College.  She’s been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist since 1996 and licensed in Texas since 2007.  In 2008, Stephanie earned her certification in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management. 

Stephanie has extensive clinical & managerial experience, both in corporate settings and in the community.  Now she wants to share her knowledge with you, because most (if not all) nutritional habits begin at home. 

Stephanie and her family reside in Katy, Texas