Kitchens have become the busiest part of the house, and grocery stores the most visited place outside as most are homebound these days. As many are staying at home, the current situation offers an opportune time to build good habits for a healthy lifestyle.
One-stop-shop for home essentials, SM Home shares a couple of tips from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization on maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
1. Prepare a Weekly Meal Plan and make a shopping list of items needed at home before going to the store. Create the list from the meal plan and include back-up ingredients in case your first choice is out of stock.
2. Stock up on nutrient-packed food items such as whole grains, breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables; and staples like sauces, milk, eggs, spices, and condiments. Fresh products should be consumed first. Frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as canned vegetables and fruits are good alternatives as these have longer shelf life.
3. Build up a stock of healthy snacks for children—yogurt, nuts, cheese, chopped or dried fruits, and more. Stock them up in a stackable glass container to seal freshness and label them.
4. Practice food hygiene and safety. Wash fruits and vegetables under running water and dry them with vegetable spinner. Use separate chopping boards for meat and seafood. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after preparing meals.
5. Stay hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water a day to boost the immune system.
6. Make cooking and eating together a family habit. Kids can help wash and sort the ingredients and set the table before each meal. In addition, practice mindful eating and stay away from processed food.
Shoppers looking for kitchen and dining essentials, among others, can now place their orders online through thesmtore.com and ShopSM app.