Good Food that Will Last
Focus on Nutrition and Shelf-Stability
As we limit our social interactions in compliance with recommendations for slowing the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, one of the things many of us are trying to do is limit our trips to the grocery store. If you haven’t already made a big trip to stock up, it makes sense to focus on purchasing nutritious and shelf-stable foods for the potentially long haul.
There is no need to buy out the store’s entire supply of black beans – there is no prediction that grocery stores will close or be unable to meet customer demand. Also, part of being a good neighbor is leaving some for others. Here is a list of good options for stocking up for the COVID-19 quarantine.
Beans / Legumes
Not only are canned beans long-lasting, but they are cheap, filling, and nutritious. They are plant-based protein powerhouses and also rich in fiber. Black beans are great in chili or alongside tacos. Garbanzo beans can be used to top a salad or pasta dish or made into falafel or hummus. Dried beans are also a good option and even more affordable. They do require more preparation, such as soaking and longer cooking time.
Canned Tuna or Chicken
Another good shelf-stable protein source is vacuum-packed or canned tuna, chicken, and salmon. Easy to use for sandwiches, salmon cakes, or pasta dishes.
Watch the YouTube Video. Cooking with Canned Foods. Tips for shelf-stable cooking are in the video below.
Peanut Butter and Other Nut Butter
Filling and nutritious, peanut butter, almond butter, and sunflower seed butter are apparent choices for pantry staples. Nut butter is a good source of healthy fats and protein. Households with children already know what an easy snack or meal option these butter are. Smear on bread, crackers, bananas, and apples, or add to a banana smoothie for a filling liquid meal.
Grains
Stock up on lentil or garbanzo bean pasta, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, and quinoa. These grain choices contain more nutritional benefits than standard white pasta and rice.
Old Fashioned Oats
Prepare overnight oats, which requires soaking, or cook the oats and add desired toppings such as dried fruit, coconut, nuts, and seeds. Some people enjoy savory oats with eggs or shredded cheese.
Canned Goods
If you enjoy canned vegetables over frozen, stock up on your favorites. Also, get a variety of marinara and tomato sauces for spaghetti and chili. Lower sodium soups may come in handy in a pinch. Also, grab olives, pickled jalapenos, and chipotle peppers to jazz up your meals.
Easy Snacks
Plenty of snacks are also nutritious. Try a variety of dried fruit and nuts – mix them together to create a trail mix. Add some M&M’s – you’re on quarantine; after all, you deserve a little treat. Don’t forget to stock up on popcorn for all the movies you may be watching.
Beverages
It is essential to stay hydrated. If you happen to catch a cold or flu, “drink lots of fluids” is one of the most repeated pieces of advice. If tap water is acceptable in your area, there is no reason to believe it won’t continue to be potable. If you use a water cooler, buy a couple extra jugs. Other drinks to buy include shelf-stable plant-based milk. You may consider freezing an extra gallon if you drink a lot of regular milk.
You don’t want to run out if you are a coffee drinker! Grab an extra pound with your creamer, which usually lasts longer than regular milk, especially the ultra-pasteurized varieties. Alternatively, powdered creamer will last indefinitely.
Powdered Gatorade is a good choice for electrolytes – again, if you get sick, it is good to have such a drink option on hand.
If you drink alcohol, have some bottles of your favorite beverages ready. It could be a while before things return to normal.
For the Freezer
In addition to staples such as frozen fruits, vegetables, and ice cream, here are some other items for which you may want to dedicate freezer space to preserve their freshness:
- Bread, muffins, tortillas, pastries
- Milk
- Meats and fish
- Waffles
- Shredded cheese for cooking
Use Your Search Engine
When you feel uninspired by the contents of your pantry, take it to Google. If you put several items you want to use into the search bar, a host of recipes will turn up. Let’s try: pasta / frozen broccoli/lemon/cashews…
Viola! – Pasta with Cashew Lemon Sauce
Stay well. We are in this together!
North Highlands Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a North Highlands personal injury lawyer. If you have sustained injuries in a car accident that was the fault of another party, you may be able to seek monetary recovery. Contact us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 toll-free for free, friendly advice.
Read about our firm and our successful outcomes by clicking these links:
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For nearly 40 years, I have worked for injured North Highlands residents.
Photo by CSU-Extension on Pixabay
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