KEEPING IT LIGHT
FOOD
Local dietitians weigh in on how to avoid the “Quarantine 15.” BY TALLITHA REESE | CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Light yet delicious meals like One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta (left) and Zucchini and Black Bean Quesadillas (right) add variety and nutrition to your diet. Both recipes are on page 33.
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any of our routines have been upended by the tempted to exercise control over their eating when everything Covid-19 pandemic. Work, school, shopping and else feels out of control, which isn’t a good thing, either.” “For the unforeseeable future, this may be social activities don’t look anything like what our ‘new normal,’” adds Jamie Pronschinske, a they used to, and that spills over into our registered dietitian at Mayo Clinic Health System. eating habits as well—hence another side “It is important that we learn ways to manage and effect of the pandemic: gaining the dreaded cope that promote our long-term health and well“Quarantine 15.” being.” With more time at home due to Successful management and coping practices quarantining, following stay-at-home will look different for each individual. For some, directives or working remotely, as well as a meal planning can be a useful tool, while others general rise in stress, worry and anxiety for might benefit from focusing on remedies for much of the population, it’s important to boredom and stress that don’t include food. In some remain mindful about how and what we’re Cindy Solis, Gundersen Health System cases, actively avoiding having unhealthy snacks eating. and foods in the house might make the biggest difference. Keeping a food diary that provides a way to look back at CHANGING WORLD, CHANGING EATING HABITS “Some people find that their days have less structure lately, when, why and what you eat could also benefit some people. which may lead to less structured eating and not really paying “If your usual routines have been upended,” Solis says, “try attention to their hunger and their fullness,” says Cindy Solis, to implement and follow a new routine”—one that includes registered dietitian and clinical manager of the nutrition balance and being mindful of your eating habits. “Include therapy department at Gundersen Health System. “Others are time for yourself to relax, practice a hobby or find activities
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