For when you really, really can’t leave the house.
Despite the isolation we’re going through, most supermarkets around the country are thankfully still in full or near-to-full operation. Toilet paper jokes aside, most foods are still plentiful and readily available. In the event that things take a turn for the uh-oh, though (not saying they are, just saying if), you want to make sure you’ve got a set of nutritious essential foods on standby in the pantry and fridge.
Canned Beans: Varied, nutrient-packed, and some of the longest shelf lives of all canned foods. There’s a reason beans are an emergency staple.
Nuts and Nut Butter: Nuts are a good source of healthy fat, protein, fiber, and other vitamins, and you can keep them for a few months. Nut butter is also more healthy than the regular stuff.
Grains: Rice, oat, and quinoa, to name a few grains, are an important staple of a normal diet. Plus, they’re the kings of dietary fiber.
Frozen Fruit and Vegetables: A healthy diet needs produce, but produce doesn’t keep very long. The answer: go frozen. All the nutrition with a better shelf life.
Honey and Maple Syrup: Honey and syrup are great for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to go overboard. Raw honey is also full of antioxidants, and syrup has some potassium.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This stuff serves a dual purpose; it can add a little healthy tang to a meal, but it also makes a great kitchen cleaner.
Fermented Food: Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles keep for ages and are fantastic for maintaining your gut health. You don’t need to prep them, either. I love a good pickle right out of the jar.
Spices: You can’t cook without a little spice. The more intense stuff like cayenne and turmeric offer health benefits if you can stand the heat.
Frozen Meat: Unless you’re a vegetarian, you’re gonna need a reliable source of animal protein. Opt for leaner meats if you can, since they’ll keep longer.
