Nutrition Updates
Making Nutrition a Priority During a Pandemic

Healthy eating is especially important for keeping your immune system in top condition. These current safety measures and the need to stay in place present a perfect time to protect and improve your health.

Here are some steps you can take to improve your health during COVID-19:

1. Limit trips to the grocery
   1. Meal plan and make a list before you go to the grocery store
      • Plan your breakfast, lunch and dinners for the next 5-7 days. Make a grocery list and stick to it best you can (plan for possible substitutions)
      • Check out The Defined Dish’s Pantry Meal Plan(http://www.thedefineddish.com/pantry-meal-plan/)
   2. Try Online Shopping
      • It will save you time and help you socially distance. Be sure to plan ahead - many stores need a day or two from order to delivery/pickup.
2. Stay safe when ordering in
   1. Eat food while it is hot
      • Pick up meals when you are ready to eat. Don’t let them sit out on your counter.
   2. Hand washing
      • Make sure you wash your hands after handling take out containers and before you eat your meal.
3. Make healthy food choices
   1. Keep healthy foods around
      • Whole grains, vegetables, fruits and lean proteins are building blocks to a healthy meal
   2. Limit buying foods that are high in empty calories
      • Chips, sodas, cookies, and ice cream will cause you to stay hungry leading to grazing
4. Make eating at home a positive experience
   1. Involve your family
      • Have your kids set the table or help measure out ingredients
   2. Mix up your dining locations
      • A picnic in the back yard or a movie night dinner in the living room
   3. Cook a new recipe
      • Try a new cookbook to inspire a healthy dish (Current favorite: The Defined Dish)
5. Create Balance
   1. Have planned exercise time
      • Schedule walks and workouts from home just as you would schedule a meeting
   2. Schedule breaks in your day
      • Plan for 30 min breaks to read, play a game or work a puzzle. This will help you stay productive during the day
   3. Set a structured sleep schedule
      • Set alarms on your phone to help you wind down and wake up on time

https://nutrition.org/making-health-and-nutrition-a-priority-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/2020/03/25/food-safety-nutrition-and-wellness-during-covid-19/