Maintain Healthy Eating Habits Working at Home
Blues Perspectives
| 2 min read
More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are still working from home. For some, having a kitchen or pantry steps away makes healthy eating easier, while others struggle with easy access to food and snacks. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make healthy eating easier when you’re working from home. When it comes to whipping up quick and comforting meals, pantry staples are your friend. These are the items you keep stashed in the back of your pantry for off-the-cuff cooking and they’re items that will come in handy when cooking more at home. With a little bit of creativity, you can turn these staple ingredients into complete meals that are comforting, filling and delicious. Pantry staples include:
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Pasta
- Oats
- Beans
- Nuts
- Nut butters
- Dried fruit
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fish
- Stock and broth
- Heart-healthy cooking oils
- Spices and herbs
Here are some other nutritious ideas to keep you energized during your at-home workday.
- Include probiotic-rich foods to support gut health and boost immunity. These include yogurt, kefir, kombucha and pickled vegetables.
- Include vitamin C-rich foods, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, kiwi, oranges and bell peppers.
- Pay attention to the timing of meals and snacks. Avoid overeating due to emotions and stay in tune with hunger vs. satiety. Make a list of other things you can do instead of going to the kitchen.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water or herbal tea.
Visit ahealthiermichigan.org for recipes you can make with items you may already have in your pantry, including Apple Pie Overnight Oats, Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chili, Red Bean and Quinoa Salad and Wild Rice Mushroom Bake. Get more inspiration to eat healthily at home by checking out this Blue Cross® Virtual Well-Being webinar. You can sign up for future employer-focused and general interest webinars here, where you’ll also find past sessions and resources. Related:
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