Food Hygiene and Healthy Eating Tips

September 28, 2020

Health

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At this moment, there is no clear evidence of food or food packaging being the reason for the transmission of coronavirus. It is more possible if a person touches a surface or an object where the virus is present. The higher risk of getting the virus is from being in close contact with others while receiving food delivery or food shopping. Good hygiene is important when handling food to prevent any food-borne illnesses.

Food Hygiene Tips

• Wash your hands carefully for at least 20 seconds before preparing any food
• To prepare uncooked fish and meat, use separate chopping boards
• Cook food to the suggested temperature
• Always use clean utensils and plates
• Have a goal to reprocess or dispose of food waste and packaging in a proper and hygienic way
• Wash your hands before eating and make sure your children do the same
• Keep perishable items refrigerated or frozen and pay attention to product expiry dates

Healthy Eating Tips

1. Keep up vegetable and fruit intake

Cooking, storing, and purchasing fresh vegetables could be challenging in a lockdown. Wherever possible, it’s important to make sure children are still getting plenty of vegetables and fruits in their diet. If it is possible to get hold of fresh produce, do so. Vegetables and fruits can be frozen and will still retain most of their flavor and nutrients. Using fresh vegetables to cook large batches of stews, soups, or other dishes will make them last longer and provide meal options for a few days. These could be frozen too and then being reheated quickly.

2. When fresh produce is not available, you can swap in healthy canned or dried alternatives

Always the best option is fresh produce. However, if it is not available, other healthy alternatives are easy to prepare and store. Canned vegetables are likely to have lower amounts of vitamins than fresh produce. However, they are a great option once frozen vegetables or fresh produce are hard to come by. Also, dried goods are nutritious, long-lasting options that are tasty, and affordable.

3. Have stocks of healthy snacks

Children need to eat a lot of snacks during the day to keep them going. Choose healthier options instead of giving kids salty or sweets snacks. Choose foods that rich in nutrition that help build healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

4. Limit highly processed foods

Fresh produce might not always be possible. In your shopping basket, you may try limiting the quantity of highly processed foods. If you have bought processed foods, try to choose healthier options. Drink a lot of water and try to avoid sugary drinks. Adding fruits or vegetables such as lime, lemon, or cucumber slices to water is a great way to add an extra twist of flavor.

5. Make eating and cooking a meaningful part of your family routine

Eating and cooking together is a great way to create healthy routines. Wherever you can, involve your children in food preparation. Small children can help with washing foods while older children can take on more complex tasks and help to set the table. In these stressful situations, a routine helps reduce anxiety for children.