Top nutrition tips during quarantine

Now more than ever it's important to take care of our bodies. Eating healthily during the COVID-19 quarantine may present its challenges with seemingly less opportunities to consume fresh foods and be physically active. But that’s not true! Plus, proper nutrition will keep the immune system strong during this crisis and beyond.

General nutrition tips

Prioritize fresh products

During this time of panic-buying and stockpiling, I've noticed there's hardly a shortage in fresh produce. It may be tempting to buy (and overbuy) items with the most shelf life, but more likely than not, those items are highly processed and less nutrient dense than fresh products. Continue to buy fresh produce--fruits and vegetables. Plan the meals you'll cook with them so they don't go to waste. Grocery stores are consistently re-stocking goods, so avoid over-buying to avoid food waster, plus allow others to buy what they need.

Prepare home cooked meals

With fresh ingredients and a homemade touch, you're more likely to be eating something that's on the healthier side. A balanced, nutrient-rich meal includes protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. 

Need help with selecting items in those categories? Click HERE.

Be aware of your hunger cues

Bored? Stressed? Overwhelmed? Probably all of the above. Those feels can lead to overeating (or even under eating!). Stay mindful of your meal times and evaluate if you are genuinely hungry, or just trying to fill time/looking for something to do. Try your best to stay in a routine when it comes to eating and watch your portions.

Stay hydrated

This is a big one, and something can be so easily neglected. Just because you're home and probably less active doesn't mean you need less water. Drink up! The general rule of thumb is to divide your weight in half, and that equals the number of ounces to drink per day.

Bonus tip: avoid over-consumption of alcohol. SIGH...I KNOW. Alcohol is not only dehydrating, it's entirely nutrient deficient. And in this quarantine situation, it has the potential to become an unhealthy coping mechanism, and/or poorly affect your mental state. All I'm saying is, don't drink TOO MUCH, not none at all (we all need a little something to take of this edge...).