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The COVID-19 shutdown has had a huge impact on our lifestyle, including what we eat. It’s not always easy to deal with. Let’s talk food and lockdown.

First of all, are there foods that can protect you from the coronavirus?

The short answer is no. No food or natural health product can prevent or cure COVID-19. Beware of fake news on social media! However, eating a variety of foods (fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins) can help you feel fit and give you energy to get through the lockdown.

Planning

Meal planning has become a must in order to reduce trips to the grocery store and follow the rules. To help the person who does the grocery shopping and prepares the meals in your home, and to make sure you’ll have food you like available when you’re hungry, write down what you’d like to eat on a grocery list. And include some satisfying snacks so you’re not famished between meals. Here are some ideas:

• Pita bread and raw veggies
• Frozen yogurt, granola and berries
• Granola bars
• Bananas and nut butter
• Crackers and cheese
• Dried fruit and mixed nuts

Listen to your body’s hunger and fullness signals

Being at home all the time can make you snack more – out of boredom, as a way to pass the time, or simply because food is always right there. Listening to your hunger and fullness cues is super important. They tell you know when to eat and how much in order to meet your body’s needs.

Hunger signals: A growling stomach, an empty feeling in the stomach, low energy, difficulty concentrating, headache.

Fullness signals: Less desire to eat, food is less tasty than at the first bite, feeling of wellness, belly just full enough.

Take your time when you eat

Get into the habit of sitting down at the table with a family member to eat meals. In addition to structuring your day, it can help you be more attentive to your stomach’s signals. If you’re alone at mealtime, why not set up a FaceTime call with your friends and eat with them?

If your eating habits have been disrupted during this period and you have questions, feel free to click on “Ask an Expert!” at the top of the page. I’ll be happy to answer!

Valentina Gancia, nutritionnist