While we are all practicing sheltering in place, it can be difficult to keep up with healthy eating and preparing nutritious meals for your family. Remember this time will not last forever, so focus on doing the best you can with what you have. Be creative and simplify to save time in kitchen with clean up and be mindful about using too many unnecessary ingredients that require going to the store frequently.
Research farmers markets that are providing fresh, local ingredients and scheduling
outdoor pickups. Encourage your children to get involved in picking out ingredients and learning about local farmers and businesses that you are supporting.
In my home, we often begin the day by heading into the kitchen to bake! My intention is for my son to have a healthy relationship with his food while integrating many new skills. Have fun with finding recipes that incorporate essential vitamins for boosting immunity such as vitamin C, E, and B. This is a great opportunity to teach your children that food is medicine and showing them how we can take better care of ourselves by making good choices around what we eat.
Some other fun ideas including sharing recipes with friends, finding creative food ideas on social media, treating yourself to a new cookbook, or inventing your own special dishes! Try and keep a basic routine with meal schedules and snacks to provide normalcy for kids, but there’s no need to be rigid. Mostly have fun, get outside and have picnics, or find a new room in the house where you’ve never enjoyed a meal before.
Resources for Healthy Eating at Home
Simple, Healthy, Plant-based Recipes
Organic Fruits and Vegetables Delivered to Your Home
Information on Local Markets
Gluten, Dairy-Free, Plant-based Food Blog
Simple Recipes by Diet, Cuisine, Season