Get your greens while staying in

Staying in for long periods of time can easily lead to a, let’s say… less than optimal diet. Being cooped up inside can lead to all kinds of cravings and poor food choices. But fear not, we can still make smart choices to continue to eat healthy while in quarantine or social distancing and come out of this period in tip top shape! First things first, it is important to get both your macronutrients and micronutrients each day. Macronutrients are the major categories in which all foods fit into. The three macros are protein, carbohydrates and fats. It is essential to eat all of these in balance for our bodies to function optimally. Micronutrients are your vitamins and minerals you obtain through food and supplements. These are used for numerous physiological functions throughout the body. Micro’s are essential in our diet and this is why eating nutritionally dense foods is so vital. Without further ado, here are some ideas you can implement that will make sure you stay on top of your eating patterns during these times indoor!

Buy fresh

Having fresh fruits and veggies around will make it easier to make better choices. If you find you are not eating the fresh veggies fast enough, you can chop them up and throw them in the freezer to eat later:

• Frozen bananas and kale can be easily used for smoothies.
• Frozen veggies make for a good stew!

During these times when we may not be certain when we will get to the grocery store next, try having some powdered greens stocked up. I love throwing a scoop of Spirulina or Chlorella into my smoothies to make sure I am getting all my daily needed micros. If I find my stock of fresh veggies in the fridge is running low, I just double up on my powdered greens!

Home cooking

More time at home means more time to try all those recipes you’ve been bookmarking and meaning to get to. I personally have been loving making lentil and rice dishes. Too make it extra tasty and add a nutrient kick, I add powdered bone broths. Easy peasy! Baking healthy snacks is another great way to ensure you have yummy and healthy food within reach! Incorporating a collagen or gelatin powder to your snacks also adds healthy protein to your diet and keeps you fuller for longer.

Don’t forget to hydrate!

Hydration is key to keep your immune system strong. Have fun with your hydration by trying different ways to get that H2O in! You might want to try out a new tea or those Organika Mylk Lattes everyone is raving about. You can also up your hydration to help you avoid excess snacking. The other night, I avoided a late-night snack sesh by making myself a healthy cup of bone broth. There are so many fun ways to keep hydrated, so go ahead and get creative!   Remember: eating processed and sugary foods is not great for you and can compromise your immune system. Make sure to continue to eat healthy even while in quarantine, drink plenty of fluids, and make meals with love. This will all pay off in the long run and will keep you at your very best during these trying times.

Stay safe and healthy,

Amy Wilson Amy is a certified nutritionist with over 7 years of experience working in the health and fitness industry. She is currently in her fourth year as a Naturopathic Medical Student and has a special interest in gut and brain health. Find her on Instagram: @amy_kwilson