Here we are, 60-plus, and my guess is none of us has experienced a global pandemic before. Initially hard to believe that a new virus could spread as rapidly as it has, we are now confronted by several realities.

It’s important to isolate for your good and the good of everyone, so the spread of the virus will slow. It’s also important that you take extra good care of yourself. Your immune system is counting on it.

There are two key actions you can take to help your immune system stay healthy and robust.

Strengthen Your Respiratory System

The first is to support your lung energy by not smoking, keeping fresh air in your home, and exercising enough to get you breathing deeply.

Avoid breathing in any toxic chemicals, including the smoke from commercial candles. You can also view my video where I demonstrate some simple acupressure points that can support your lungs and immune system.

Count on a Whole Food Diet

The second key action involves your diet. I know as part of the Sixty and Me community you are someone who values your health and well-being. There has never been a more important time to nourish yourself with simple whole foods.

These are foods like whole grains, vegetables and fruits of many colors, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes and high quality antibiotic- and hormone-free meats if you eat them. Don’t forget to drink plenty of clean water and herbal teas.

Because of the vital importance of nourishment right now, I developed a plan that anyone can try, which includes recipes for preparing simple dishes. I’ve heard from many people who habitually ate out until now, and the idea of cooking at home seems impossible to them.

Simple, but Full of Flavor

It clearly is not if you are open to trying. Aim for very simple dishes. Every simple dish can be spiced up in whatever way you like. You start with the basic dish and enhance with seasonings that provide flavor.

Here are just a few examples:

• Italian flavor – garlic, basil, oregano
• Indian/Middle East – cumin, curry, coriander, turmeric
• Mexican – chiles, annatto seeds, canella, cilantro
• Asian – ginger, lemongrass, star anise
• African – paprika, harissa, cumin

These spices take a basic grain or vegetable and transform it into something with a flavor common to its part of the world. It makes eating interesting.

During the isolation or social distancing that occurs in the time of pandemic, you will be well-prepared and well-nourished if you have the staples and pair them with one another and with the various spices and flavors described above.

One day you can eat foods with Italian flavor; the next day you try African, etc. You may grow to like this way of eating so much you never go back to the less nourishing ways you used to prefer in the past.

The Wellness and You website offers a lengthy how-to list for preparing grains, vegetables, and other dishes, closing out with a black bean brownie recipe. We all need a little sweet in our lives, but now is not the time for refined sugar. This brownie recipe sweetens with syrup instead.

Stay well. Stay happy. Stay safe and may unexpected pleasures come your way during this very unique time.

What lifestyle changes have you adopted in this time of social isolation? What do you do to keep to a whole-food diet? How do you keep your air clean? Please share with our community.