Under the stay-at-home order, we are spending a lot of time at home to keep us and other people safe and healthy. We need to eat and we are what we eat. We need to pay attention to whay we put into our body which will ultimately affect our general well-being. Here are the tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Meal planning tips:
- Before buying, see what food you have at home
- Practice "first in, first out" rule to eat the oldest food before the newer items
- Create a menu around foods you have on hand
- Choose recipes for the week that incorporates overlapping ingredients
Frozen food tips:
- Read the nutrition facts label
- Limit foods with added sauces
- Compare brands to find the most nutritious option
- Choose those lower in saturated fat, added sugars, and salt
- Pick items higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Canned food tips:
- Look for key phrases: "packed in its own juices," "packed in 100% juice," "unsweetened," " no added sugars," "no salt added," "reduced sodium"
- Drain and rinse beans and vegetables to reduce sodium
- Avoid cans with dents, bulges, cracks or leaks
Practice proper home food safety:
- Clean and disinfect
- Wash hands, surfaces and fresh produce
- Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods
- Use a food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to proper temperatures
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
For takeout and delivered meals, here are some terms that may indicate healthful choices: baked, steamed, grilled, alfresco, roasted, marinated.
More information from Harvard University School of Public Health: Food safety, nutrition, and wellness during COVID-19
