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Poet Photography
Sep 22, 20224 min read

Healthy Eating During the COVID-19 Pandemic


Support your physical and mental wellbeing with healthy eating

We are living during difficult times because of the coronavirus pandemic. Those challenges can affect us both physically and emotionally. It’s hard to keep the same routine when you have to physically distance from others, especially if you’re at higher risk of getting really sick from the virus. That makes preparing meals a special challenge. Here are some tips that can support you and your household both physically and mentally:

  • Do your best to eat nourishing meals, like those rich in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Those foods can help keep your body and mind healthy during stressful times.

  • Cut down on foods that can ramp up anxiety, such as sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.

  • It’s important to enjoy small treats, but avoid going overboard. Try to limit excessive consumption of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. Overindulging can lead to increased anxiety or sluggishness.

  • Feeling the urge to “stress snack”? Acknowledge your cravings, then take two or three deep breaths and ask yourself if you’re really hungry or just passing the time.

  • Having daily schedules and routines can ease anxieties and help you stay grounded. This applies to meals, too! Try to eat at regular meal times and avoid snacking in between. For more tips about managing stress, read Managing Stress and the Threat of COVID-19 (PDF).

  • If you’re staying at home with other people, try to eat at least one meal together each day. It can help dampen feelings of isolation, and help you practice mindful eating. Cooking together can also help you connect with others and ease the stress.

  • If you’re struggling to afford groceries, there are Minnesota-based resources available to you. Learn more about resources to help you afford food.

Safe grocery shopping

You can help slow the spread of the coronavirus, even while you’re grocery shopping. By following a few basic guidelines, you can shop safely and efficiently, protecting yourself and others. The key is to plan ahead, limit your exposure to the virus, and buy only what you need—there’s more than enough food available if shoppers don’t hoard.

Just follow these basic tips:

  • Think ahead to limit your time in the store. Make a plan for meals and snacks for one or more weeks. Be flexible in case an item is temporarily out of stock – there might be a substitute.

  • Include healthy foods on your shopping list that have longer shelf-life. Those items can include carrots, turnips, potatoes, yams, beets, onions, squash, cabbage, apples, melons, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes, as well as frozen fruits and vegetables.

  • Limit exposure by sending only one member of the household to shop. Do not bring along additional members, if possible.

  • Wear a cloth face covering when shopping. Also, many stores have cleaning stations to sanitize your shopping carts and hands. Use them if they are available. Don’t forget to wash your hands after leaving the store and after putting away the groceries.

  • Maintain at least 6 feet from other shoppers and grocery store staff as much as possible while shopping.

  • Touch only what you plan to purchase.

  • Do not use soap, detergent, or sanitizers to clean produce. They can get into the food and make it unsafe to eat.

  • Need help planning nutritious meals? The University of Minnesota Extension Service has an easy-to-follow Two Week Menu Kit that includes a grocery checklist.

Resources to help you afford food

Many people living in Minnesota face challenges to get safe, affordable, healthy food. That challenge is tougher because of the coronavirus pandemic. If you’re having a hard time affording food, or even if you might, there’s assistance now, before you run out of food. The following resources are available to help you:


Healthy eating for the whole family

Social distancing guidelines and virtual learning have meant big shifts in family routines, and that may include how you feed your family. Good food is fuel, not only for the body but also for the brain. That’s especially true for younger and school-aged children. Preparing a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day may seem overwhelming, but taking it one step at a time, and focusing on progress--not perfection--can help.

Follow these tips to help your family set a healthy eating routine:

  • If possible, set up times for household “to-do’s,” including meals and snacks, time for physical activity, school, free time, and regular bed-times.

  • Try to plan out your meals and snacks before you go to the grocery store. That helps you limit your trips while making sure you have the right foods for you and your family to eat a balanced diet.

  • Ensure healthy, appealing snacks are available and visible, such as a bowl of fruit or carrots. Stock up on nutrient-rich snacks like dried fruits and nuts, cheese, boiled eggs, yogurt, chopped veggies, and hummus.

  • Involve kids in meal planning and cooking. Involving children in simple tasks like reading recipes, measuring, and learning about fruits and vegetables. That can be a part of their “distance learning” in reading, math, and science!

  • There are lots of online healthy lunch recipes for kids. Involve them in choosing and creating those lunches. Try this website from the University of Minnesota Extension for recipe ideas and cooking tips: https://reallifegoodfood.umn.edu/

  • Serve milk or water, and avoid sugary drinks. If you give your kids juice, limit it to one small glass of 100% fruit juice a day.

  • Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play during the “school” day, and if possible, spend time outside each day, while practicing social distancing guidelines.

  • Try to do your best to be a role model for healthy eating.

  • If you’re struggling to afford groceries, there are Minnesota-based resources available to you. Learn more about resources to help you afford food.

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