Healthy Eating Tips During The COVID-19 Outbreak


The COVID-19 outbreak is turning the lives upside down for everyone across the world. Schools and colleges being closed many parents are finding themselves at home spending all of their time with their kids.

Panic buying and disruptions in the food supply have made things harder where food is getting difficult to find. Many people are facing an additional challenge with unemployment and no income.

Parents are nowadays willing to cook different meals which are easy and reasonable to make. They have found ways to feed their kids in a convenient, affordable and healthy way. Here is how you can help your baby grow with nutrition and support by changing their eating habits. 

ALSO READ: Fun Activities To Do With Kids During Quarantine

Increase fruit and vegetable intake

Purchasing, storing and keeping the fruits and vegetables fresh in the lockdown situation is challenging. But you still got to make sure that your kids are getting all the intake of fruits and vegs. Whenever you find fresh fruits and vegs, buy them and freeze them because it they are likely to keep their nutrients and flavor. Use fresh vegs to cook soups, stews or other dishes that will last for a few days so you can freeze and reheat them.

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Use healthy dried or canned food when fresh produce is not available

Fresh produce is almost always the best option, but when it is not available then there are ample of healthy alternatives that can be easily stored and prepared.

Canned beans and chickpeas provide plenty of nutrients and can be stored for months or even years. Canned oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and salmon are rich in protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and a range of vitamins and minerals. These can be used cold in sandwiches, salads or pasta dishes, or can be cooked as a warm meal.

Dried items like dried beans, pulses and grains are also nutritious, long-lasting options and are good in taste, filling tasty and affordable too. Moreover, oats cooked with milk or water can serve as an ideal breakfast option and can be served up with yogurt, chopped fruits, or raisins. 

Stock up on healthy snacks

Children always need something to munch on. Go for healthier snack options like nuts, cheese, yogurt, chopped or dried fruits, boiled eggs rather than sweet and salty items. These foods are nutritious and filling and build healthy eating habits that last a lifetime. 

Make cooking and eating a fun time

Cook and eat together in a way that it becomes a part of the family routine. This will strengthen the bond and will be fun as well. Involve your kids in food preps and let them help you with the dishes or sorting out food.

Stick to a fixed mealtime routine as a family as this will help your kids to stay connected with you and stay stress-free during these COVID-19 circumstances. 

Advice for breastfeeding children

Breastmilk is great food for children between 6-24 months. Women with COVID-19 can continue to breastfeed if they want to. They should practice respiratory hygiene during feeding while wearing a mask. Also, wash hands before and after touching the baby and clean the disinfect surfaces. If you are too unwell to breastfeed due to the virus or other complications, then mothers should be supported to provide newborns with breastmilk in the safest way by using breast pumps.


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