We have all heard that abs are made in the kitchen, but what happens when your kitchen doesn’t have your usual healthy foods and the grocery stores are out of the items you want.  You are not alone.  As circumstances change, we must adapt and adjust.  This means finding new ways to cook, trying new foods and changing your eating habits.  Below are some nutrition tips to help you during these times.

• Portion control – There are a lot of things outside of our control right now, but you do have control over how much you eat.  Try and eat smaller portions throughout the day rather than overindulging at a mealtime.
  
• Smart snacking – Snacking isn’t the enemy. If you are going to snack, limit the number of times throughout the day and make sure you are eating snacks that will fill you up.  Avoid stress eating and remember the apple test – if you aren’t hungry enough to eat an apple then you probably aren’t that hungry.
  
• Hide the “bad” foods – We all have guilty pleasure foods.  It is okay to sweeten up your life a little, just try and keep these items out of sight.  Push them to the back of the fridge or hide them in your cabinets behind food you don’t eat very often.
  
• Eat fruits and veggies – Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can.  We want to keep our bodies healthy and working at their best.  If fresh fruit isn’t available try canned, frozen or dried.  Sometimes these foods carry more nutritional value because they are picked and packaged at their prime and can retain more nutrients.  Companies love to sneak in added sugar and salt, make sure to check the nutrition label for any unwanted ingredients.
  
• Enjoy the art of cooking – You probably have more time on your hands now.  Try a new recipe or cook something that you have been putting off because it was going to take too long.  As we try and limit our grocery store visits, create meals with the ingredients you already have.  Try this website (SuperCook) where you can input the ingredients you currently have, and it will give you recipe ideas.
  
• Last but not least, DRINK WATER – Have a water bottle or cup near your desk and set periodic reminders to drink.  Water helps deliver oxygen throughout the body, allowing you to be more alert and ready to take on the day.