Continuing To Eat Healthy While In Isolation

The coronavirus pandemic is still ongoing and with that, many states and cities have been placed under strict stay at home orders. Here in Minnesota, we have received a stay at home order that has brought on many mixed feelings. It’s no doubt that this period has brought some hard times for all of us. We’re all impacted with this and it’s important that you do your part so that we can help stop the spread of the virus. 

 

This time of uncertainty has brought on many feelings of anxiousness for people when it comes to their daily routine and lifestyle. With business closures and chaotic grocery store runs it can feel extremely overwhelming. However, there are still plenty of things that you can do! It’s important to try and keep a positive attitude and help one another. We’re all going through this together and kindness can go a long way, especially kindness to yourself.  

 

Depending on where you are in your health and fitness journey, the closure of gyms and limited supply of fresh food may have you feeling defeated when it comes to continuing your weight loss progress. Your routine may change during this time, but just because it’s changed doesn’t mean that it has to stop, or that your progress will have been for nothing. Learn more about how you can still implement healthy eating and exercise into your routine while still adhering to social distancing laws. Keep reading to learn more! 

 

Eat Fresh Foods 

If you’ve gone to the grocery during this time you’ve experienced it first hand. The shelves are empty, household supplies are gone, and all the frozen food items are picked through. Now, grocery stores and supermarkets are hiring more employees to help stock items, sanitize the store, and provide a helping hand when they can. It has gotten loads better from the toilet paper hoarding days, but one thing that has remained consistent is that the produce section seems to always be in stock. In times of panic, people seem to reach for foods that have a long shelf life. We love a good frozen pizza, but not every day. 

 

Make sure that you’re eating fresh and whole foods. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store — this is where most of the fresh and refrigerated things seem to be, which in turn have the most nutritional value. Get your fill of fresh fruits and vegetables, your body will thank you. 

 

Get Creative with Recipes 

Depending on what your line of work is, most of us have a bit more free time than we once had. Utilizing this time to cook can easily help keep you entertained and healthy. Eating out can be healthy and it’s important to still enjoy and not deprive yourself of your favorite foods but eating at home is usually healthier. When you cook and eat at home, you know everything that you’re putting into your food. Many times restaurants will add extra salt, butter, and oil, which can add empty calories into your food without you even knowing it.  

 

Find a recipe that you’ve wanted to try out but haven’t had the time to. Now is a perfect time to experiment with new foods and flavors. Who knows, you might even find a new favorite recipe! 

 

Cooking can even be a fun activity that the entire family can get involved in. Spend time together both in the kitchen and at the table. 

 

Research Your Food

With all this down time start researching the foods that you eat. Finding out more information about what is in food and what it can do for your body is a great way to stay informed and make decisions about what you’re consuming that will benefit you in the long run. Most people have no idea about what food does for your body and what all those ingredients and nutrients do. Getting a better idea can help you make better decisions of what foods you’re eating. 

 

Learn more about macronutrients. Those macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle and prioritizing weight loss, the media has trained us to be afraid of carbohydrates and fats, when in reality they are extremely beneficial. Cutting various nutrients out of your diet can even lead to opposite negative effects. In one of our last blog posts, we go more in depth about macronutrients and what they do. Learn more by viewing here

 

Drink Plenty of Water 

Make sure that you’re hydrating your body by drinking plenty of water during this time indoors. While the recommended daily dose of water is eight glasses, you don’t have to stop there! Water not only helps regulate your body, helps blood flow, and flush out toxins, it can help you lose weight. Most of the time it’s hard for our brains to distinguish signals of hunger versus signals of thirst. When you’re feeling hungry you may just be thirsty. Most Americans aren’t consuming enough water, which can lead to these signals being sent. Instead of eating and snacking right away, go down a glass of water and let your body think for a minute. Of course, eat if you’re hungry and never deprive yourself of food, but consuming a proper amount of water can help regulate your eating patterns. Keep a reusable water bottle near you at all times to help remind you to drink your water. Even setting reminders on your phone at various times of the day to help remind you can help too! Whatever you have to do, hydrating yourself is just as important as eating healthy foods and exercising.

 

These are just a few tips and tricks to help keep your body healthy during this time. It may not be ideal but it’s what we have to do to stay healthy. Remember that this time is only temporary so try and make the most of it. Take care of your body and mind by giving it food that’s full of nutrients. Not only will it help keep you on the right path towards your goals but it will also help give you something to do. 

 

Remember, if you’re having symptoms of coronavirus, please call your local doctor’s office before coming in. Many places are setting up virtual visits to help decrease the spreading of any type of sickness. We do urge you, if you’re feeling sick with any of the symptoms, avoid going to public offices like emergency rooms or urgent care clinics.