Tips for Eating Healthy When Quarantined with Your Family

Whether you always tried to eat healthily or it’s a new thing you want to try, now is the time. Since you and the family are quarantined because of COVID-19, you’ve got a lot of time on your hands.

Of course, you should let the kids help you prepare meals because it makes them feel accomplished and allows you all to bond while fixing dinner. If your goal is to eat healthier and still enjoy yourself, then these tips could help you.

Change Your Outlook

You don’t have to be a vegetarian or vegan to eat healthily. Don’t restrict yourself on anything and make sure that your food is flavorful instead of bland. The goal here is to live your life fully, even when you can’t go out or be with your friends.

Consider what a balanced diet looks like and plan accordingly. You should have vegetables and fruits, as well as meat and dairy. Snacks are always welcome, but you can choose nutrient-rich ones instead of the empty calories.

That doesn’t mean you can’t allow yourself a treat every so often or a ‘cheat day,’ but you should focus on most of your meals and snacks being healthful.

Eat Breakfast

Since you’re quarantined at home, it’s much easier to sleep in and wake up closer to lunchtime than breakfast. Still, don’t skip meals because it makes you too hungry later. Then, you’re rushing to find something quick, and it might not be as healthy as it could be.

Make it a Family Affair

In the past, you were more likely to push the kids out of the kitchen to play or do homework so that you could throw something together quickly. Now, however, you can take your time, learn a new recipe, and start teaching your children how to cook. This is a skill they are going to need, whether they are male or female.

It’s a bonding experience where everyone can help. Of course, you need to ensure that your child can handle the tasks you give them. For example, chopping should be done under close supervision, and only if you feel that your child can do so safely. However, there are many things young kids can do.

They could wash the vegetables and pat them dry. You can also have them stir things, and possibly learn to use a mixer.

How to Eat Out

Though many countries are trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by closing restaurants to eat-in diners, you can still order takeaway or delivery. Consider having one night a week where no one has to cook dinner. It doesn’t necessarily have to be healthy, but it can be. Whether you want to get some fast food or steak and potatoes, it is acceptable.

It might be best to pick your eat-out day on the same day as your grocery shopping trip. You are already out and about and can pick up food on the way home. However, some people prefer to have them set on different days. There is minimal exposure when getting takeaway, and contactless delivery is an option with many restaurants, too.

Learn New Dishes

Have you ever made the national dish of Tanzania? Ugali is a must-eat food, but many people don’t have or take the time to prepare it. Remind your spouse and/or your children what’s to love about this beautiful dish. The stiff dough includes millet or sorghum, cassava flour, and cornmeal. Then, you can serve it with some lean meat, cooked veggies, and a bean sauce.

Just make sure that you prepare enough because your family is sure to devour it. Generally, it’s served as the centerpiece in the middle of your table, and each person serves themselves. Sit down together and munch away while talking about your respective days.

You can also take Ugali to a new level by pairing it with Nyama Choma. In a sense, this is a kebab with some East African flavors. It consists of barbecued goat, though chicken and fish can also be used.

If you’re looking for something special, either to show the kids or as a birthday dinner, Mchemsho should not be overlooked. The ingredients can get pricey, so you probably aren’t going to make it all the time. Items can include potatoes, carrots, eggplant, green beans, and cabbage. You’re also going to need onions, tomatoes, bananas, sweet peppers, ladies’ fingers, and many spices.

Conclusion

As you can clearly see, you can consider many ways to breathe new life into your home-cooked meals. Get the kids involved, sit around the table, and get to know your family once again. Consider healthy eating paired with exercise to stay in shape during this quarantine. Every now and then, get food delivered to give yourself a break.

Now is the time to focus on what you and your family are eating. That way, you can keep these healthy habits you learned when things go back to normal, and the quarantine is finally lifted.