DINING

FLU FIGHTING FOODS Holistic nutritionist Ally van de Pol shares her tips for boosting immunity through food

Right now we all want to be Covid-proof. Through better eating habits we can ensure our bodies are working as optimally as possible. Holistic nutritionist and head coach at Dragon Fitness and Coaching Ally van de Pol shares her guide to improving your immunity through food.

Eat more fruit and veg

These guys are full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytonutrients. Fill at least half of your plate with raw fruit and vegetables each meal. Raw is preferred over cooked as cooking reduces the protein in all food by 50 percent, various vitamins and minerals are also reduced up to 90 percent. Without nutrients, some processes may not happen or may be sub-optimal.

Eat organic as much as possible

Food that is grown in nutrient depleted soil where pesticides have been used, reduces its nutrient value. Produce can also lose nutrients when it has had to travel long distances and is picked before ripe. Unfortunately soil nutrient levels have plummeted over the years because of overuse of pesticides.

Minimise animal products

Eating meat, dairy and eggs causes inflammation even if it is organic. Most animal products that people eat contain antibiotics, hormones and in the case of dairy, pus. 24 | SAI KUNG

Many studies have shown that processed and unprocessed meat is carcinogenic and comes with a side helping of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Minimise or remove processed food

Most processed foods contain either high amounts of sugar or processed oils (sometimes both). These are dead foods that bring little or no nutrients to the table, plus they put extra pressure on your whole system.

Being healthy and having good immunity is a lifelong journey and is best approached by making incrementally small changes to improve your overall health. However other parts of our lives should be as healthy as possible too.

It’s important to get enough quality sleep, reduce stress, exercise daily, drink sufficient pure filtered water, get enough sunshine, minimise alcohol and tobacco use and reduce exposure to chemicals. Eating better while disregarding these lifestyle habits is like trying to fill a bucket with holes full of water.

Ally van de Pol is a personal trainer, certified holistic nutritionist and naturopath in training. dragonfitnessandcoaching.com

Nibbles

Wine in can

Popular waterfront bar Momentai has introduced Bold Leaf Wines to its menu this month. Produced in Oregon, the wines come canned in a variety of flavours from rose to pinot noir and can be conveniently taken on hikes, junks or enjoyed at the bar.

Singaling’s new set lunch

The popular roadside restaurant Singalings is offering a new three-course set lunch menu from $138. Choose from a selection of appetisers from

Cheery for churros

Hong Kong has welcomed its first-ever contemporary churrería, Twist & Buckle in Tsim Sha Tsui. Founded by two best friends with roots in South America the churros shop serves fresh homemade churros, in a variety of flavours including Crunchy Matcha and Hazel Lah. Diners can also enjoy its chilled selection of churros and ice cream combinations.

soups and salads to chicken wings before tucking into a hearty main. Finish off your afternoon meal with a sweet treat or tea and coffee. The menu is available on weekdays throughout September.

Takeaway teas

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

Served in an elegant bento box, you’ll find a range of savoury and sweet items including prawn and lobster choux and elderflower summer berry cheesecake. At $398 for two this set is very popular so be sure to order online in advance.

hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com

Fortnum & Mason

The luxury British department store is offering its signature afternoon tea set for pick-up or delivery, so you can spoil yourself at home. Available at $588 for two, savour a range of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and bite-sized cakes, all accompanied by the brand’s best-selling Royal Blend Tea.

181fortnums.com.hk

Rosewood Hong Kong

Rosewood Hong Kong is now offering its signature afternoon tea to-go, available for pick-up from its all-day lounge The Butterfly Room. Packaged in elegant monochromatic boxes, the tea set features an array of savoury and sweet treats including traditional tea sandwiches and baked scones. The set is priced at $625 and serves two to three.

rosewoodhkshop.com