In The Square Root of Self (√Self) Bidfood puts the focus on the wellbeing of NHS staff during the COVID-19 response and examines the importance of diet and nutrition for both mental and physical health and wellbeing.
David King, Hospital Sector Marketing Manager at Bidfood says: "The stress and strain placed on these key workers over this period has been huge, and the effect this in turn could have on their long term wellbeing must be recognised. Back-to-back shifts, drastically increased patient numbers and an increased scrutiny on procedures are just a few of the many complicated factors those working in the NHS have had to deal with in recent months."
Bidfood has drawn on the expertise of Christine Bailey, an award-winning Nutritional Therapist, Chef, Author and Broadcaster to outline the links between diet and brain function as well as the gut and the brain, and make a series of recommendations around what foods to eat and what to avoid for better mental health.
It will come as no surprise that avoiding sugary and processed foods are one of the top three recommendations, alongside increasing consumption of healthy fats such as Omega 3 and monounsaturated fats, as well as proteins.
√Self also includes Christine's nine-point guide for maintaining energy, focus and concentration during a busy night shift through food choices and eating habits:
• Plan ahead
• Watch your caffeine
• Think Mediterranean & colour
• Include gut-healthy foods
• Pack healthy snacks
• After your shift
• Meal planning simple tips
• Exercise
• Hydration
“The importance of healthier choices and nutritious meals has been a key focus for the NHS for a long time now and COVID-19 has certainly amplified this. I really hope that this guide gives them the tools they need to make healthy meals that fuel them for their long shifts,” David concludes.
The √Self initiative pulls together a range of health and wellbeing support resources available for NHS staff into one, easy to access report. Click here to access the full guide.
