Right now most people in the United States are under quarantine. This means only leaving your house for absolute essentials, as least often as possible. Basically, you should only be leaving your house for groceries and medication. Going to the grocery store less often means there is probably a portion of time where you will be without fresh produce. This is the time to rely on frozen and pantry items.
A couple reminders:
- This is not a time to start a diet. You may feel you are moving less so you HAVE to eat less. Your body still uses a large amount of energy just to sustain itself. You need this energy to maintain your immune system!
- Why torture yourself by outlawing the kitchen when there really isn’t too many other places to be in your house.
- Creating meals with carbs, protein, and fats will keep you full and satisfied so the urge to snack isn’t constant.
- What’s the worst that could happen if you end up gaining a pound or two? Once you get back to your normal routine your body will readjust. Don’t stress!
- Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh ones
- We’re in a global pandemic, eat the goddamn cookie
- Chili or Soup- You can use old cans of vegetables and diced tomatoes, choice of meat, and pasta.
- Oats- If you’re not one of the people who has picked up baking as a hobby during quarantine then you have probably forgotten about your ginormous tub of quick oats stashed in the back of your pantry. These are great because you can make sweet or savory meals with it depending on your toppings. Some favorites of mine are: peanut butter+ banana+cinnamon or yogurt+frozen fruit. For savory oats try adding some shredded carrots before you cook them!
- Chicken Pot Pie- Use Biquick from your pantry to make the crust, add a bad of frozen mixed vegetables and a can of cream of chicken soup mix then top with the remaining Bisquick mix! Pop it in the oven and your dinner will be ready in 30!
- Nourish bowl- If you are near the end of all your produce making a nourish bowl would be a great use of it. It basically consists of anything you have on hand. Use a bed of greens, add a grain (rice, quinoa, couscous), then any odds and ends you have in your fridge. This could be mushrooms, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, olives, hummus, peppers…
- Meatless burgers- If you want to try something new since you have so much time try making your own meatless patties! Using blackens, chickpeas, sweet potato, quinoa, mushrooms, tofu, or a combination you can make a great alternative to your average beef patty.
Some other options you’ve probably already had on repeat are: pancakes/waffles, mac&cheese, frozen pizza, spaghetti, nachos. The point is you can get creative with what you have on hand so that being in quarantine doesn’t make you go TOO stir-crazy!
Remember, you’re not stuck at home… you’re safe at home.
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