What to eat while you're ill with COVID-19

"Keeping the body nourished during any illness is essential. If you're trying to recover from COVID-19, nutritional and fluid intake is very important," says Vitality dietitian, Terry Harris.

Many people report not being able to smell or taste as a symptom of COVID-19. Others report that the symptoms can negatively affect your appetite.

"Don't drastically change your diet if you're diabetic or have specific dietary needs around existing conditions," she says.

"If you're losing weight or strength in your muscles, you may need to think differently about the foods you're eating," she adds.

Terry advises that you should try to:

1. Monitor your weight: If you are rapidly losing weight, inform your doctor.
2. Check the colour of your urine: Dark urine is a sign of dehydration. Aim to drink enough water to keep the urine a pale straw colour. Avoid alcohol and include nourishing liquids such as smoothies prepared with fresh fruit and plain yoghurt.

Experiment if you can

Changes to your taste and smell are common while coping with COVID-19 and can make eating and drinking difficult.

"Experiment with herbs, spices and different flavour combinations if you are struggling to taste food. Sometimes, a new and different flavour may improve your ability to taste. Try foods hot or cold and decide which goes down better," she says.

Eating when you are short of breath or have a dry mouth

"Eating can be very challenging when you are short of breath. Try to eat smaller portions of energy and protein-rich foods, like Greek yoghurt, lean chicken and seafood, more frequently throughout the day. Take your time," says Terry. "Choose soft, moist foods that are easier to chew and swallow."

Nebulisers, inhalers and oxygen therapy may cause a dry mouth. It can make it difficult to chew and swallow foods, and the taste of food can change.

"Try to drink six to eight cups (1.5 to 2 litres) of liquid every day, including water, fresh fruit smoothies and homemade vegetable soups," says Terry.

Right now, focus on the quality and not the quantity of calories

Eating well when you've lost your appetite can be difficult but try to eat small amounts of foods you enjoy when you feel up to eating. A handful of unsalted nuts, peanut butter and a fresh apple, smashed avocado on whole-wheat toast or crackers, and yoghurt and fresh fruit are all healthy options.

If you're battling to eat food, go for powdered nutritional supplement drinks that are available from most supermarkets and pharmacies, as well as online. You can take the supplements between meals or have it as a meal to help you to get the extra nutrition you need while you're unwell.

Getting food to you

"Now isn't the time to exert yourself in the kitchen. If you aren't able to prepare meals yourself, ask for help from friends, family or neighbours," says Terry.

If you live alone, arrange to eat regularly with a friend or family member by phone or video call, she says. It is important to stay socially connected.

If you are isolating as a family or by yourself, make use of convenient food delivery services which have healthy options. Vitality has a number of HealthyDining partners who have healthy food options for home delivery.