Confined eating

The whole world is on pause. The economy is in turmoil, trips are canceled, and spring plans have evaporated... Time, which always seemed to be in short supply, has taken on a new dimension. Never before have we been so united in the solitude of our homes. We consider ourselves lucky to be able to continue living at a slower pace, in the present moment, while others are experiencing greater uncertainty and distress.

While the events of recent weeks have disrupted our carefully planned schedules, we are revising our goals and looking forward to cycling adventures that will arrive along with the summer heat (we hope). Resilient and optimistic, humans make 180-degree turns and keep moving forward, even in adversity. As Fred Pellerin wrote, "it is in the darkness that the light is beautiful." Equipped with our training base, between the living room and the kitchen, we are trying to recreate our Cartel. We put on our bibs thinking of Bruno, who constantly reminds us that watts never come for free...

With this new, perhaps slightly more sedentary lifestyle, we may lack the motivation to eat well and, above all, to maintain our goals, which combine performance and healthy eating. But while we used to complain about not having enough time, this excuse no longer holds water. So now is the time to get creative, roll up our sleeves, and use what we have at home to hone our culinary skills.

As in any field, certain myths cloud our judgment. Sometimes, we don't know who to believe. Although there is a lot of talk about the immune system these days, it's important to know that no food can treat coronavirus or make us "immune." Magic foods, superfoods, supplements, expensive mushrooms, and pills are not weapons against disease.

To keep our spirits up, continue eating well, and optimize our indoor workouts, it's best to try to improve our eating habits in general by incorporating one or two key elements.

1. The routine

We don't like routine, but when it's disrupted, we can feel a little lost. The best way to continue eating well is to follow a meal routine, even when we're confined to our homes. Yes, it's tempting to raid the pantry often, but repeated snacking can replace quality meals, which are essential for maintaining good energy levels throughout the day. Try to keep a stable schedule by eating three meals a day, at 3- or 4-hour intervals. It's normal for your appetite to decrease when you're less active, but that's no reason to skip a meal. Instead, consider reducing your portions while ensuring a balance of protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables. If you're planning to exercise indoors, make sure you've had a snack or a filling meal to give you enough energy.

2. Favorites

Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, water, and dietary fiber. The goal is to add them to all our meals and snacks to maintain good energy levels and a lasting feeling of fullness. In addition to supporting various metabolic functions, they help us stay healthy. They have ALWAYS been recommended, so now is not the time to give them up in favor of chips or other pantry treats. People who eat enough fruits and vegetables (at least 5 servings per day) generally enjoy better overall health. Consider choosing frozen options to limit your trips to the grocery store and add them to your snacks. Turn your ugly vegetables into soup or stew for an extra serving before your meals. Smoothies are also a great way to get a dose of fruit in the morning or after a bike workout.

3. Snacks

If you have more free time, it's a great opportunity to try new recipes, but also to realize that it's not essential to eat sports bars or gels all the time, even if you continue to train. You can make your own package of small sports snacks in just a few simple steps. As a bonus, they'll be a little healthier, cheaper, and above all, less packaged—so better for the environment. Here are my favorite recipes to replace your classics.

4. Hydration

Even if you are at home, don't neglect your hydration. Make sure you always have a glass of water within reach and drink at least 1.5 liters per day. It can be easy to fall into the trap of the nearby coffee machine, but water remains the best option for quenching your thirst. Dehydration can lead to false hunger pangs, constant headaches, lack of energy, and even muscle cramps during exercise. If you find water boring, add slices of citrus fruit or berries. Herbal tea can also help you reach your daily water intake goal, in addition to warming you up on gray days.

5. Imperfection

Currently, we all experience stress to varying degrees, which we manage according to our means, experiences, and temperament. If just seeing Quebec's new culinary talents fills you with anxiety, don't put too much pressure on yourself. No one is asking you to be perfect or to change all your eating habits in a matter of days. Right now, reducing sources of stress is a much more important goal than baking the perfect loaf of bread. This can be achieved through good nutrition, of course, but also through activities that allow us to release stress, whether it's cycling or knitting. Refocusing on the essentials means simply enjoying food without too much fuss— intuitive eating makes even more sense at a time when we are losing our bearings. It also means being satisfied with simple but tasty recipes and, why not, dishes that smell comforting and are full of good memories.

Focusing on the present moment and rethinking our goals and priorities is also part of being healthy. It is when we are able to take care of ourselves that we can show compassion and charity.

One pedal stroke at a time, because the Earth keeps turning, we can only tell ourselves that everything will be okay.