03/04/2020
Now that a lot of us are home, I'm sure eating habits have changed. For some, it means more organized meals and snacks, for others, there's a bit of chaos. I'm a little in between both right now :)
Here are my tips to help you eat your best to stay as healthy as you can be!
- If you find yourself constantly snacking, maybe you would appreciate 6 small meals a day, as opposed to 3 big meals with snacks in between. A meal can look like half a grilled cheese sandwich on toast with a side of fruit, and the other half 2 hours later. You can have a lighter lunch and a heavier snack, again, 2 hours later. Just remember the Canada's food guide for some inspiration on adequate food distribution. You can probably work on your portions better that way, too!
- DO NOT skip meals. Trust me. Now that you're home, you may be thinking, I don't need as many calories - I'm home all day. You're right! That's why you need to become more active throughout the day to spend more calories. Go for a jog around your house at lunch time. Use that bike you have at home that's collecting dust. If you don't have a machine, no problem! Use a skipping rope. You can purchase one online if you don't already have one. Skipping meals is not smart because :
1. You still get a crazy sense of hunger. Your body doesn't really know that you're under quarantine :P
2. If you don't replace your meal by a snack (at the least) including carbohydrates, you may feel your sugar levels drop and start getting light headed
3. You may not be getting all the other nutrients you need (vitamins, minerals, etc.)
- Drink water! If you were drinking well at work because you always carried that water bottle, why not carry it at home? I do that all the time :) Fluids are especially important during this time for many reasons!
- No distracted eating. I know the news can be overwhelming, and I for one, am for sure a Facebook addict 😅. All the more reason to turn off all social media and focus on your plate and your family during mealtimes. Open the window for some fresh air, eat on your doorstep if you have a porch - or maybe on your balcony in your apartment.
- Continue to include antioxidants & anti-inflammatory foods in your meals, whenever you can : fruits (example: fresh or frozen berries), vegetables (example: fresh or frozen peppers), fish (ex. salmon)... If you're following the Mediterranean-style diet, you know you're on the right track!
- Focus on the positives. In this overwhelming time for all - especially those with young children, health is the biggest blessing. Let's work hard to protect and improve our health, however we can. Go for long walks, savour this as bonding time!
Stay safe & healthy
