As we are re-opening in many States after such a long shut down owed to COVID-19, we must still remember to take precautions to mitigate and prevent its spread by practicing social distancing, wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and consuming healthy meals in smaller amounts. The pandemic of COVID-19 with the high rates of Type 2 Diabetes both nationally and globally brings awareness of how important it is to value healthy home-cooked meals; the preservatives found in processed foods has led to many health issues. The saying of ‘what you put in, is what you get out’ is something to think about. Looking back 40 to 50 years, the fast food chains were not as popular nor was the size of burgers and soft drinks as large. Many families enjoyed home-cooked meals as only one parent worked outside of the home. Nowadays, having both parents working and coming home after a long day at work can be challenging to start preparing healthy dinners, so the quick and easy alternative is to pick-up, order in, or use frozen entrees. Many have remarked that they are eating healthier as we are cooking at home during the COVID-19 shut down.
Despite the demands placed on several individuals with respect to work and having to care for their families and young children, meals can still be enjoyable and healthy without resorting to processed foods. Preparing meals in advance on the weekends to store for later use during the week or for at least 2-3 days can help to prevent complications owed to the frequent intake of ‘junk foods.’ Healthy home-cooked meals using your own ethnic foods result in better control of your blood glucose, blood pressure, weight, and mentality among other benefits such as saving money.
The picture with this blog shows our breakfast with oats that was prepared on the stove with water and cinnamon, the remainder was stored in the refrigerator for later that week. Note that we added fresh fruits such as berries and bananas with skim or low-fat milk; it is both tasty and healthy. You can rotate breakfasts with a slice of 12-grain wheat toast and a hardboiled egg, strawberry or pineapple jelly, a piece of cheddar cheese, or depending on your ethnicity, you could also change-up the breakfasts by making healthy and tasty choices using whole grains or fresh citrus fruits to start your day. On the weekends you can make an omelet when you have more time. The COVID-19 pandemic has led several individuals to make home-cooked meals and this can continue as we are all going back to work, just prepare easier meals during the week and reserve the ones that take longer to cook for the weekends.
Please stay healthy and well, and checkout our services on the Shop page for help with managing your diabetes and preventing its complications.
