Takeout during a historic pandemic – Covid19 safe eats

Takeout during a historic pandemic – Covid19 safe eats

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Covid19 has changed many aspects of life as we knew it.  The normal is no longer the normal.  The front lines are more dangerous than ever before.  Working in a hospital I have seen what Covid19 has the capability of doing, not just to the elderly, but to young adults.  Even during these challenging times in healthcare and for first responders, one way to help give back to the community is by supporting small, local businesses and restaurants.  Even during these different times, there is a way to order takeout while still being safe and eating healthy. 

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In response to Covid19, restaurants have protocols in place to help limit the spread of the virus.  Different state regulations require all restaurant employees to maintain hand hygiene, keep all kitchen surfaces sanitized, wear protective gear while handling food (including gloves, aprons, and hairnets), as well as stay home if symptomatic or sick.  According to Tamika Sims, PhD, Director of Food Technology Communications at the International Food Information Council, “health authorities affirm that there is no evidence that food or food packaging is causing the spread of Coronavirus”.  However, research has also indicated that this virus can survive up to 24 hours on cardboard and paper, and as long as 3 days on surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel. 

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Minimizing your risk of illness with takeout

• Call the restaurant to ask about their protocols helping to limit the spread of Covid19 – ask about hand hygiene policies, employee personal protective equipment being used, how the packaging is being handled for takeout, and what the policies are regarding an ill employee.  Restaurants’ websites and social media may also have this information. 
• Use your own utensils at home, or request pre-packaged, individualized plastic ware.
• Frequently wash your hands – wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds when you get home, when you are done handling food packages and bags, and prior to eating.  It is important to maintain good hand hygiene as often as possible and avoid touching your face. 
• Eat on clean plates, not out of the delivery containers.
• Do NOT sanitize your food packages – sanitizing food packages has been shown to transfer chemical residues to the food inside.  Cleaning products are often toxic when consumed and ingesting even small amounts can make you severely sick.
• Sanitize your kitchen often – it is important to sanitize all reasonable kitchen surfaces often, including countertops, cabinet handles, refrigerator doors, knobs, and refrigerator shelves.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of effective household disinfectants that can be used to sanitize against Covid19. 
• Minimize cash exchanges – if possible pay and leave a tip online using your credit card or other form of digital payment.  Money is very dirty, so if you do handle cash, be sure to wash your hands after.  In addition, your wallet, credit cards, and cell phone are also all very dirty surfaces, so you should always wash your hands before handling food or eating. 
• Carry your own pen to sign credit card slips. 

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Healthy takeout eating

• Grains

o   Pick brown rice instead of white rice

o   Ask for whole-wheat pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of white pasta

o   Chose whole-wheat breads and pizza dough

• Proteins 

o   Chicken and seafood tend to be a leaner than beef, lamb, and pork

o   Beans are a healthier option than most meats and are also high in fiber

• Vegetables

o   Rather than a starch, chose vegetables as your side dish

o   Ask for cauliflower pizza crust rather than the regular white dough

o   Chose a side salad or a broth-based vegetable soup

• Dairy

o   Ask for the cheese on the side

o   Replace any cheese sauce with avocado (you will still get the creamy texture from the avocado, without the extra saturated fats)

o   Add your own condiments at home to allow for better portion control

o   Be aware of salad dressings, as some are high in added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats

• Limit the amount of fried foods consumed 

o   A baked potato is better than French fries

o   Soft shell tacos are better than a fried hard shell taco

o   Grilled chicken rather than fried

o   Steamed summer rolls rather than fried spring rolls

o   Steamed vegetable dumplings rather than fried wantons

• Limit sauces 

o   Ask for sauces to be on the side

o   Choose a vegetable-based sauce such as salsa, marinara, or marsala rather than a cream-based sauce

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Ordering takeout does not mean healthy eating goes out the window.  However, with that being said, it is okay to splurge every so often, keeping in mind that everything should be consumed in moderation. 

By:  J. Scott, DPT, ATC, TSAC-F

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic

The Food Network