Navigating Nutrition in Uncertain Times

Embracing Imperfection

It’s essential to prioritize our health and well-being during this challenging period. With social distancing, remote work, homeschooling, and quarantine becoming the norm, it’s easy to let nutrition take a backseat. However, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for our overall health, mood, and immune system.

Aim for “good enough” instead of striving for perfection. Your body will thank you for the effort, and remember that it’s okay to deviate from your usual eating plans and focus on making do with what you have.

Getting Creative with Pantry Staples

Turn this challenging situation into an opportunity to get creative with the ingredients you have on hand. Challenge yourself to use up those forgotten pantry staples and experiment with new recipes.

Online tools can help you generate meal ideas based on the ingredients you have available. Experiment with different combinations to create delicious and nutritious meals.

Managing Stress and Boredom

With more free time on our hands, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits. To combat this, try incorporating stress-reducing activities into your daily routine, such as:

• meditation
• exercise
• journaling

Fill your days with productive tasks, like cleaning, organizing, or learning a new skill. This will help you stay focused and avoid unhealthy snacking.

Meal Planning for Success

Meal planning might seem unnecessary when you’re stuck at home, but it’s a great habit to develop. Identify the foods that will spoil soonest, map out your meals, and choose recipes that incorporate:

• protein
• veggies
• starches

Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new recipes! Meal planning will help you stay on track and ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need.

Food Safety 101

In these uncertain times, food safety is more critical than ever. Remember to:

• thaw frozen meat safely
• avoid dented cans
• use up fresh produce quickly
• handle leftovers with care

Practice good hygiene, wash your hands regularly, and avoid cross-contamination to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Reaching Out for Help

If you’re struggling to access food or afford groceries, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Local organizations, such as:

• food banks
• churches
• schools
• restaurants
• grocery stores

may be able to provide assistance or point you in the right direction.