We’re all getting pretty good at lockdowns, but are we turning into a nation of snackers?
With more time spent at home peering into the pantry and contemplating what to eat next, it’s very easy to get into the habit of eating too much, too often.
Don’t get us wrong, we love our food too, as long as it doesn’t impact our waistline too much. So, to keep your mind off the mid-morning munchies, here are our top tips for healthy eating during a lockdown.
1. Choose nutritious alternatives
On your next grocery run, resist the urge to head down the snack aisle and load up on sugary treats. A high sugar diet can lead to a weaker immune system. But that doesn’t mean you should forgo treats completely. Try balancing it out with healthier alternatives like dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa instead of milk chocolate, which is high in sugar.
2. Look for foods with mood-boosting properties
For some of us, lockdowns can make us feel flat or depressed, but did you know there are certain foods that can boost your mood and are good for you too? 90% of your body’s serotonin is produced in your gut, so eating foods like kimchi, yoghurt and kombucha is awesome for both reasons.
Enjoy oats for brekky and it’ll keep your spirits up all morning. Berries and dark chocolate are high in antioxidants, which is great for when you’re feeling a bit lacklustre during the day. Come dinner time, fatty fish like salmon is nutritionally good in many ways, and it’s known to lower levels of depression. And if in doubt, just eat a banana – they’re high in vitamin B6 and a great source of natural sugar.
3. Steer away from heavily processed food
It’s always easy to go for pre-prepared food when you’re busy and on the run. You know, the ones in the pretty packaging you can find in the freezer section of your local supermarket. Though, with more time up your sleeve, why not try make your next meal from scratch? Processed food tends to have more salt, sugar and nasty preservatives your gut doesn’t need. And like we always say, anything made fresh always tastes best!
4. Stay hydrated
With the majority of us working from home, it can be easy to forget to keep up with your daily water intake (the recommended amount is 10 cups for men and 8 cups for women), but it’s important to stay hydrated. Drinking water regularly can also trick your body into thinking your full, making you feel less hungry.
Looking for the best finger food in Perth for your post lockdown party
When it’s time to get together again, Pinjarra Bakery’s crowd pleasing finger food catering options has got you covered. Sweet or savoury, we make all our delicious finger food from scratch, so get in touch – we’ll be ready!