As we go under self-quarantine to fight against the deadly Corona Virus, let us keep ourselves occupied and productive with learning new skills or developing healthy habits at home like reading, gardening, innovative cooking, etc. When it comes to food, there are high chances of consuming highly processed & unhealthy foods that tend to have high fats, sugar and salt while at home all the time. Good nutrition is essential for a good health, especially, in times when a stronger immune system is needed to fight the diseases back. Though there is limited supply of essentials and food stocks at this quarantine time, one can continue eating a diet that supports good health even with few and limited ingredients. It would also be challenging to have a variety in healthy food options with only limited access to fresh food items.

But don’t you worry! Here we help you with some innovative food recipes that are healthy as well as delicious.

Plan the Cooking

Before going to the recipe, strategize and plan the use of ingredients as an initial step. First, use fresh ingredients that have a shorter span life to avoid wastage like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Some of the frozen fruits and vegetables can be used over long periods of time, so categorize accordingly and use them wisely.

Brush up on your cooking creativity with these pantry-friendly recipes or breakfast, lunch and dinner. Oats, rice, flour, pasta, variety of pulses, vegetables and fruits are some food items that you can easily get and stock them up. Now, let’s put all these things to a good use and add variety in food.

Apple-Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal for Breakfast

Apple mixed with oats, cinnamon, milk and eggs is a great healthy and easy breakfast option. Apples generally tend to have a longer shelf-life when compared to other fruits and are healthy. Instead of just cutting into slices and eating them, make it into this delicious meal and consume. Mix all the above said ingredients and bake them for about 40 min and consume hot. You can even freeze them up to three months.

Savory Oatmeal

We might be sick of having the traditional fruit-based oatmeal. Here is the delicious Italian savory oatmeal that will make your taste buds satisfying. Oats mixed with pesto and topped with an egg and roasted tomato is another healthy, quick breakfast recipe. You can substitute the pesto with any sauce or spices you have and prefer at home. Add in any vegetables you have at home. You can even top it with some chicken or any other meat for more protein.

Black Bean & Lentil Soup for Lunch

A perfect spicy lunch option for spice lovers! Just boil the black beans with some onions, celery, garlic, carrot and tomatoes. Sprinkle cumin and chilli powder for more fragrance and taste. You can use any lentil or pulse that you have at home instead of black beans. A combination of spices with black beans and carrot is a great protein rich food.

Instant Pot Mushroom Parmesan Rice

If you wish to have a fast-cooked meal, instant pot mushroom rice is a great option. It will only take 20 minutes to cook unless you use brown rice. Add onions, garlic and mushroom in oil/butter with rice, pepper & salt and pressure cook it. Add cheese after pressure-cooking. That’s it- A wonderful packed lunch rich in protein is ready! You can add vegetables or spinach and even top it with meat or eggs.

Ragi Cookies for Snacks

Have home-made cookies rather the sugar-sweetened ones. Ragi Cookies are tasty and healthy and it is the best snack for children as well as adults. Ragi is rich in calcium and fibre and it boosts your immunity. You’ll need ragi flour with wheat flour, jaggery powder, cardamom powder, baking powder, ghee and milk. Mix everything, dough make equal sized balls and bake in the oven. You can even freeze it and consume.

Pasta Primavera for Dinner

Most of us would have been stocked pasta and noodles at this point of time. Use your pasta in an innovative way for a new healthy dish. Just chop all the vegetables of your choice and cook with pasta. Saute vegetables with pepper and salt and add parmesan cheese. Broccoli, tomatoes, asparagus and peppers are a great option to add in the pasta.

Healthy Chicken Fried Rice

If you have chicken, then use it for a delicious food with vegetables you prefer and have at home. A chicken stir fry recipe is quick and easy if you have cooked rice on hand. Cook rice first and allow it to cook. Cook the chicken in medium-heat until all sides are cooked. Saute and stir fry all the vegetables with onions and pepper until they turn translucent and softened. Add rice, chicken and beaten eggs finally. The lip-smacking healthy chicken fried rice is ready to serve for the whole family!

Some Tips for Being Healthy During Quarantine

• Avoid junk, sugar and salt-rich foods like crispy snacks, biscuits, and chocolates, etc.
• Prepare home-cooked healthy meals
• Add more protein to your diet. Pulses and eggs are good sources of protein.
• Ensure adequate fibre intake with more vegetables, fruits and whole grain foods.
• Stay hydrated all the time. Drink lots of water and fresh fruit juices instead of canned, sugar-sweetened beverages.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Enjoy family foods & exercise regularly
• Stay healthy and avoid overthinking.