Coronavirus-2019 is a Global Pandemic
As of March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Depending on where you live, you may have a quarantine or, worse yet, you may end up sick.
Knowing this, what foods should you stock in your home if you’re still trying to eat healthy? Many survival kits are filled with unhealthy foods loaded with sugars, carbohydrates, and fats. If you want to try to stick to your diet plan, try to avoid stocking “junk foods” that could be tempting during a quarantine.
Healthy Pandemic Shopping List
Nutritionist Kelly Jones (MS, RD, CSSD, LDN) has some tips for stocking up on healthy, nutritious foods rather than cookies, chips, and crackers. Jones says:
“It’s crucial to consider all of the food groups and components that you need to build balanced meals, while also having snack options on hand. You might think that your body won’t need as much energy if you’re stuck at home laying around for two weeks, but the immune system requires energy and nutrients to work overtime at fighting off any illness” (Jones, 2020).
Here’s a list of healthy foods that you should stock to help keep your weight loss goals on track.
Frozen and Canned Vegetables: Canned and frozen vegetables are best as they tend to last longer than fresh vegetables in case of a quarantine.
- Peas
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Green Beans
- Mixed Greens
- Mushrooms
Frozen and Canned Fruits: Like vegetables, frozen and canned fruits last much longer than fresh fruits. If your diet plan allows you fruit, consider stocking up on some of the following:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Pineapple
- Pears
- Apples
- Cherries
Beans: Canned and dried beans are easy to make and relatively cheap, making them easier on the wallet.
Nuts and Nut Butters: A great source of protein and fat are nuts and nut butters. They don’t need to be refrigerated and can last a long while on the shelf.
Whole Grains: Grains half a relatively long shelf-life and can be cooked whenever you’re having a hankering for pasta.
Soups: Having soup in your pantry is probably normal for many people but it can be even more important in case of a quarantine. After all, if you get sick you might get a hankering for chicken noodle soup!
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Vegetable Soup
- Chili
- Broccoli and Cheese Soup
- French Onion Soup
- Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Tomato Soup
Oils and Sauces: If you use oils to cook or season food, consider purchasing an extra bottle or two in case you have to stay home for a while. Additionally many people like having sauces to flavor their food so make sure you have your favorite sauce!
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Sesame Oil
- Tahini Sauce
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Soy Sauce
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Curry Paste
Spices: Let’s be honest… Sometimes those canned foods are just not as good as their fresh alternatives. Spices can help up the flavor factor!
- Garlic
- Rosemary
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cinnamon
- Lemon Pepper
Long-Lasting Foods: If you’re worried about the pandemic lasting for more than a few weeks, consider the following food items which have a longer shelf-life.
- Honey
- Bulk Dried Beans
- Bulk Wild Rice
- Bulk Peanut Butter
- Beef Jerky
- Dried Mangoes
- Canned Tuna