Health is Wealth

Nicole Tella, MS, RD, LDN

“Pandemic weight gain” is real and for good reason. In these days of coronavirus, we are experiencing unparalleled stress coupled with social isolation and easy access to our refrigerators and cabinets. This is a recipe for weight gain.

Fortunately, there are easy ways to avoid packing on those pandemic pounds.  It’s important to create a home environment that supports your health goals.  

Make healthy meals and snacks easily accessible. Keep less healthy foods out of sight or even out of the home. To make healthy foods visible and easy to grab:

• cut up fruits and veggies and store in clear containers
• pre-pack snack size bags or small containers with whole grain crackers, tortilla chips or nuts to avoid mindlessly eating out of packages
• create a snack drawer in the fridge with Greek yogurt, pre-measured or single serve hummus or guacamole, hard boiled eggs, cheese sticks and prepped produce
• make a soup or stew on Sunday for quick lunches or dinner
• prep salad fixings ahead of time including veggies, protein and dressing for a quick meal