Right now, things are a bit crazy. I am sure you've witnessed the state of our grocery stores. Whether you've been able to stock up or not, here are a few tips that should keep you eating well when you're stuck at home or without resources. Be sure to read to the end for a healthy day checklist!
The Freezer is Your Best Friend
For whatever reason, produce seems to be fairly plentiful at grocery stores. I think people are writing off perishable foods and prioritizing nonperishable. My recommendation is to go ahead and take those abandoned veggies!
Roast them or steam them if that's how you'd normally eat them, then put them in the freezer. Raw is also a fine option as well. When I scavenged the store earlier this week, I was able to get kale, beets, and broccoli rabe. I'll roast the beets, steam the broccoli rabe, and the kale has already been shredded and added to the freezer for smoothies! I recommend getting reusable, plastic free baggies like this.
Then of course, meat is best stored in the freezer until you want to use it.
Make Versatile Roasts & Prioritize Veggies
An easy way to feed a larger family, and/or have meals that last is to make large roasts or soups. I recommend getting 2-4lb beef roasts or pork roasts, and slow cooking them with potatoes and root vegetables. These are very flavorful, keep well in the fridge, and can be made into different kinds of meals with varying veggies and sides.
Struggling to find meat at the store? Try a service like ButcherBox (Use my link for $30 off your first box) or search for meat delivery services in your area from local farmers.
Be Mindful of Snacks
I don't know about you, but if I'm in a "I'm just going to hang out and chill" mode, I associate that with eating snacks. This could be a an easy way for you to end up with unwanted weight gain, increased digestive discomfort, and even increase anxiety depending on what kinds of snacks you're eating.
When you stock up, keep the junk out. Try making some homemade snacks and prioritize fruits, vegetables, and nuts for your snacking.
My energy balls are a great option.
Or perhaps a homemade paleo trailmix.
Let's not forget that when you have an apple and nut butter with cinnamon on top, it's like eating a gourmet dessert... at least for me it is.
Get Moving
A major part of being healthy right now is not merely staying fit, but fortifying your immune system. One of the best things you can do for your immune system is to get some form of physical activity in each day. There are TONS of fitness services that are offering free workouts for the next month. All you need to do is find one.
Going outside for a walk or jog is also a great option.
Here's some basic movements you can do in your living room:
Push ups
Squats
Sit ups
Lunges
Burpees
Planks
And there are many more!
Example workout:
5 rounds of:
5 Push ups
10 Air squats
15 Sit Ups
To enhance your workout experience, consider using weighted workout clothes like Kilogear Cut (Use code Robin for discount). I have personally loved wearing these clothes whether I'm at the gym or at home. Now that I can't go to the gym, I am grateful to have some weights to make my home workouts more effective.
Connect Daily
It's easy to get trapped in our own thoughts and anxieties when we're cooped up at home. Grabbing a couple friends to have virtual hangouts on a consistent basis has a powerful impact on health.
In fact, on study, call the Rosetto study, showed that community connection can significantly reduce heart disease. This was irrespective of food, exercise, or other presumed factors. Merely being in close connection with family and friends brought on a healthy heart.
Don't underestimate authentic relationship!
Stay Hydrated
If I'm not up and about, I know I rarely think to drink water. However, if I do not drink enough, I feel it. Being hydrated is a crucial component of foundational health. One of the main reasons is because it helps to reduce toxins.
Get a giant, 40 oz stainless steel water bottle and refill it 2-3 times throughout the day. Ideally you should be consuming half your body weight in ounces of water each day.
Get 7 Hours of Sleep:
When Netflix and Disney+ are available all day and night, amidst a crazy, stressful time, it's easy to stay up later than we would to watch movies and shows.
Ensuring that you get sufficient sleep boosts your immunity, your energy, and your mood. Give yourself a bed time and a waking time, and stick to them. You'll be grateful you did.
Be Intentional:
Set an intentions list for yourself each day. Having nothing to do can be a breeding ground for fear and anxiety. Choosing healthy, meaningful tasks to do each day provides your mind with structure and positive activities.
Test it. Go one day without any intentions. Then go the next with them. You'll likely find that the day with intentions that you took seriously and implemented was the one you enjoyed the most.
HEALTHY DAY CHECKLIST:
- Got up at a reasonable time (after 7 hours of going to bed)
- Set intentions for the day
- Ate vegetables
- Ate quality protein
- Made healthy snack choices
- Got in at least 30 minutes of physical activity
- Had a quality conversation with someone outside my home
- Drank half my body weight in ounces of water
- Went to bed at a reasonable time