Even during COVID-19, May 11 is National Eat What You Like Day

We mark National Eat What You Like Day on May 11, but because of COVID-19 restrictions, that may not be as easy as in year's past. You certainly can't sit down at your favorite restaurant and may not have all the ingredients to make your favorite dish, but here are a few articles that can help you make the most of it.

12 tips for eating healthy with pantry staples: Your pantry may have ingredients that can not only make your food more tasty, but also more healthy. These easy-to-implement tips from Shaun Segal, one of Virtua Health's registered dietitians, include employing cooking methods that use less fat: bake, broil, grill, braise, or boil. Get all 12 tips here.

How to avoid stress eating during the pandemic: You're allowed to eat what you like on May 11, but you may find yourself stress eating because of the quarantine. Here are some tips to avoid falling into that trap. Need more? Here is some insight into shifting your mindset to avoid stress eating.

Ready for a new favorite? Even if you don't have all the ingredients forthis version of tuna and white bean salad, you can find simple substitutions to make it your own. It's light and tasty, perfect for Spring.

What to eat before and after a workout. New Jersey's COVID-19 response has closed gyms and other fitness facilities (including Virtua's), but that doesn't mean active people aren't exercising. Make the most of your modified exercise regime with some helpful tips for what to eat before and after your workout.

Some tips if you are a new runner. Speaking of workouts and gyms being closed, more people are taking up regular walks and running to stay active. That running may lead to thoughts of 5Ks, half-marathons, or other running challenges once social distancing restrictions are lifted. If that's you, here are some tips for adjusting your diet to help your body run its best.

Good news if you're a snacker. Snacking gets a bad rap. With a few adjustments, you can actually snack your way to better eating. Skeptical? Check out the details.

Since everyone's home, get everyone involved. Gov. Murphy's stay-at-home order may mean your home is more crowded these days, so why not get the family involved in preparing meals? And, while you're at it, make it a fun event that creates healthier meals. Here are some tips for making it a win-win. And here are eight simple recipes you can make - quickly - with the whole family.

Want more protein in your diet? If you're trying to keep the carbs to a minimum, here's a quick video that shows you how to add protein to your diet without a lot of extra calories.

Make a quick breakfast. The pandemic doesn't necessarily mean that everything is slowing down. So if you find that getting a good breakfast continues to be a challenge, here's a quick video on making a healthy breakfast in two minutes or less.

You can get news, information, tips, and guidelines for healthy eating - or any health or lifestyle topic that's important to you - by subscribing to Virtua's Good Vibes newsletter. You can customize the content to match your interests and receive a monthly email that will help you be well, get well, and stay well.