Is being stuck at home affecting your eating habits? Quarantine can make meal planning difficult! Some of you may feel overwhelmed having to prepare meals at home; while others may find they are eating more due to having stock piles of “Quarantine Snacks” or just out of pure boredom.
Meal and Snack Tips at Home
Have a schedule or routine: I have seen lots of home school schedules online which usually do include specific times for meals and snacks. This is great! It is always important to have structured meals and snacks. Kids and adults alike thrive on routine.
- Have set times for meals and snacks and eat them at the table when able.
- Plan what is going to be served for each meal and snack ahead of time. This helps to improve quality of food choices and portion sizes.
- Try not to offer food between meals and snacks. Especially during this unfamiliar time, it is common to feel hungry due to boredom or even thirst.
Take this time as an opportunity to learn to cook: Basic cooking skills will be useful long after the quarantine is over. Cooking meals at home can save money, pass the time, and be a good learning opportunity for kids. Choose meals and snacks that can be easily frozen or ingredients that can be used for other meals.
Use recipes that can be frozen or ingredients that can be used in other recipes
- Banana Muffins – you can substitute ingredients to make these healthier or accommodate allergies
- Egg Cups – these are a great way to introduce vegetables. They are also easy to freeze and pull out in the morning for a quick breakfast.
- Fruit and Veggies Smoothies – look for these in the frozen section. They make it so easy to whip up a quick smoothie for a snack.
- Stock up on dried beans, grains, and lentils. These are easy to use for side dishes, salads, casseroles, and more!
What foods can help boost my immune system?
While foods are often marketed as “super foods”, there is no specific food or foods that will keep you from getting sick or cure COVID-19. However, there are many foods that contain antioxidants that may improve immunity. Beets, blueberries, garlic, turmeric, and green tea are some examples of foods that are high in antioxidants. Vitamin C is thought to increase production of white blood cells that help fight off infection. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach are good sources of vitamin C. Overall, it is recommended to eat a variety of healthy foods in the diet to maximize your immune system.
