Pantry Planning for Staying Home
It is important to eat heathy during your time at home. Planning ahead will keep your trips to the grocery store to a minimum. If your local stores allow for on-line ordering and pick up, take advantage of it. This will help you stay healthy, on budget, and on track.
Cooking together as a family can be fun and a great learning experience. Take this opportunity to teach lifelong lessons to your children about health. They will have a positive impact forever. Plan meals together for a week or two in advance. Keep these food choices in mind for the pantry, refrigerator and freezer, and good health will be right at your fingertips:
- Black beans, chickpeas, and pinto beans are a good source of protein and vitamins.
- Canned vegetables are a perfect addition to homemade soups or rice and pasta dishes.
- Frozen vegetables without salty sauces (broccoli, spinach, cauliflower and squash) make easy sides.
- Canned and dried fruits like dates, oranges, and raisins are tasty additions to salads.
- Frozen fruits without added sugars are perfect for cereal, yogurt and smoothies.
- Whole-grain pasta, brown rice, bread or tortillas are healthy options and store well in the freezer.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats or instant oatmeal mixed with a little canned pumpkin make a nutritious breakfast.
- Nuts, seeds and nut butters are healthy snacks.
- Cooking oils like canola or olive oil, and nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray cut down on extra fat.
- Balsamic vinegar and low-sodium soy sauce work well in salad dressings and sauces.
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth make flavorful soups.
- Low-fat/non-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheeses, and frozen lean fish, shrimp and chicken breasts are great sources of lean protein.
More Tips for Managing Stress
Chronic stress can take a tremendous toll on you and your immune system. When it is not controlled, it can create physical problems like headaches and stomach issues. Be careful to take a break from the news and breathe!
Most people are comfortable with routine. Using a “to do” list will help you focus on tasks and manage big projects by prioritizing them one step at a time. Make sure to include time to relax and laugh. Laughter makes us feel good, so, don’t be afraid to laugh out loud, even when you’re alone.
Finally, remember not to dwell on things you cannot change. Lean into the things you can change. A new tradition may be a memorable addition this Passover and Easter weekend.
“May God bless you at Easter, and keep you all year through.
May God give you all the faith you need, to make your dreams come true.
May His love and wisdom always help, to guide you on your way.
May His light shine down upon you now, to bless your Easter Day.”
~ Author Unknown