Staying home with little to repetitive routine to go through daily, makes us feel weak or even stressed.

Going out is not even an option because of strict quarantine protocols. As we embrace this ‘new normal’ situation, we have different coping mechanisms depending on what works for us – eating is one of these.

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Food cravings differ each day, compromising the healthy diet that should be observed especially in the middle of a pandemic. Moreover, there is limited access to groceries for nutritious choices, the reason why many of us settle for the most accessible and very much available – junk foods.

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Many of us are guilty of this and there’s no denying it. It is a tough job to resist when you’re in an unmotivated state. But as tough as it can be, it’s still doable. Infusing discipline is a gradual process, anyone can take their time. By doing such, emotional stress eating can be avoided.

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Making small changes in your routine until you are conditioned is the classic trick. For starters, having healthy food alternatives can satisfy both your craving and nutritional diet. By balancing the need for the two, a healthy body is attainable.

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Listed below are food recipes with a healthier twist for common junk foods that most people consume. Now, let’s make a switch!

 

Low-Carb Milk Tea

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Ingredients:

3-4 bags of unsweetened tea

3-4 sticks of Stevia sweetener

cup of heavy cream or light cream

hot water

gelatin

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Method:

Submerge your tea bag in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Consume at least 3- 4 tea bags if you want a stronger flavor. Add the stevia sweetener while it’s hot and stir to dissolve. Stevia is a natural sweetener with more health benefits than artificial sweeteners used by stores. After that, add the heavy or light cream, depending on your preference, and then give it a good stir. Lastly, add gelatin to replace tapioca pearls. Tapioca is made up of starch which is composed of glucose. Add ice to make it cold and it’s good to go.

 

Baked Root Crops-Veggie Fries

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Ingredients:

sliced carrots/sweet potato

olive oil

garlic powder

rosemary

salt

 

Method:

First, mix all the ingredients in a mixing bowl except for the carrots/sweet potatoes. After several mixes, add the carrots/sweet potato and mix it again until the olive oil spreads evenly to the veggies. Transfer it to a pan and put it evenly. Bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices, and it’s ready to be served.

 

Tofu Sisig

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Ingredients:

Tofu

garlic

onion

green chili

oyster sauce

sugar

salt

cooking oil

 

Method:

Heat the cooking oil in a pot. Once oil is hot, deep fry the cubed tofu for 4-5 minutes until it turns golden brown then set it aside. Put a small amount of cooking oil in a different pot then sauté the onion, garlic, and green chili. Put the oyster sauce and stir well. After a few minutes, add the right amount of sugar and a pinch of salt then let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. Mix the tofu and sauce evenly and it’s ready

 

Bala-bala/Crispy Vegetable Fritters

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Ingredients: 

shredded cabbage

carrots

flour

chopped onions

pepper

salt to taste

water

oil 

 

Method: 

Combine all the ingredients and mix it thoroughly in a bowl. Pour little by little until the dough comes together perfectly. After that, heat the cooking oil in the pan, when the pressure is enough to fry the vegetable fritters, scoop some batter using a paddle and let it dip fry. After frying, it’s all ready to serve. Enjoy!

 

Pitta Bread Pizza

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Ingredients:

2 whole meal pitta breads

2 tsp tomato purée

½ tsp mixed herbs

1 tomato, sliced

¼ courgette, sliced

¼ pepper, sliced

grated cheese

ground black pepper

Optional: sliced black olives and fresh basil leaves (torn or cut into pieces)

 

Method:

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C / 400°F / Gas mark 6. Spread a teaspoon of tomato purée on each pitta bread and sprinkle over the mixed herbs. Cover with tomato slices, followed by the courgette and pepper. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top and season with black pepper. Place on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melting and the vegetables have softened but are still crunchy then it’s good to go!

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