We’ve all seen the reports across news channels lately about the influx of people at the grocery store buying out all items imaginable to stock their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A few feelings that can instantly come to mind (and heart) are anxiety, panic, and confusion, right? While we are struggling to keep stock of basic necessities at home (hello, toilet paper!) we may find ourselves struggling with what to cook at home with the limited supply we have in our cabinets and fridge. Sure, we could order pizza and call it a day, but we want our families to remain as healthy as possible during all of the chaos. We thought it would be helpful to provide some quick tips to keep your meals healthy and your family’s bodies happy.
Use Spices to Turn Bland to Bam!
Instead of loading up on condiments and salt, resort to your spice cabinet and combine some spices to make your meals pop. Add some garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder to turn your boring chicken into a flavor-packed protein source. You can use many different combinations throughout the week to turn your standard protein and carb combo into a flavorful meal that your entire family will enjoy. Although you may be using the same core ingredients, spices change up the palate and add variety to each meal.
Continue to Shop As Close to Nature As Possible
While the stockpile of food is huge right now, don’t resort to the hoarding mentality that so many people are running toward. Instead, continue to shop for food every two weeks or so, and stick to as close to fresh as possible. Continue to add in fresh fruits and veggies and avoid overly processed snacks and “fake healthy” foods. Be sure to wash your fresh foods thoroughly before cooking or consuming. Adding different fruits and veggies to each meal will keep your body on the right track and add a bit of variety to your plate.
Snack Smart
Instead of adding numerous snack items to your shopping cart each grocery store session, consider finding a few staple snacks that your family enjoys and add those to your daily eating routines. Your snacks can be your constant choice each day while variety is added to your other meals. Allow your children to switch out their morning snack with their afternoon snack to give them a bit of choice and variety in their day-to-day.
Although we are all trying to navigate through a new way of living and eating during this pandemic, we can still be mindful of the foods we put on our plates and feed our children daily. Don’t feel as though you have to stop being healthy because of the food stockpile everyone is creating. Choose foods that are good for your body, spice up your meals and continue to shop fresh and local when possible.
