Life In Self Quarantine: Down To Long Life Foods

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What a drastic difference a week makes! The country is closing down.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to tighten its grip on countries across the world, increasing number of cities are entering the lockdown. By the weekend, stores were running empty and checkout lines were topping 45-minute waits!

This has become the norm now. Social distancing has affected all aspects of our lives.

Getting fresh food is one of them. So far, fresh food is ample and available in stores, but if we were to be completely quarantined off, this could change very soon.

It is the time to think strategically when you go on that very important grocery shopping trip. The CDC has stated people buy sufficient quantities of household items to last at least two weeks.

Think About Online Shopping

Can you do your grocery shopping online? It'll save you time and help keep the social distance. Try to plan ahead as many stores will need a day or two from the time you order to delivery.

Think About Making a List

Make a list -and stick to it! It will help you from buying impulse items and you will remember to buy all that you need and avoid extra trips!

Think About Others

We want to start our trip keeping in mind others, especially the elders and those with health conditions in our community. Look out for your neighbors who may need help getting their shopping done. In times like these, we could all use an extra hand.

While we are out there, let's be considerate of those who cannot stockpile or bulk purchase.  Shop only what is on your list and calculate how much you need for your family to last 2 weeks tops. You can save money and avoid food wastage.

Think Nutrition

Healthy meals include whole grains, lentils (how long do lentils last?), fruits and vegetables. Focus on buying more of these and lesser of meat- saves some bucks and keeps saturated fat in control. You can buy a good number of legumes too; they will last a long while with little maintenance.

Lentils: Black Eyed Peas, Green gram, yellow pigeon peas, kidney beans (how long do kidney beans last?), black gram are all good sources of carbohydrates and fiber.

Legumes: White and black chickpeas, pink beans, lima beans (how long do lima beans last?) and soybeans can be prepared in a variety of ways.

Grains: Popcorn, (how long does popcorn last?) oatmeal, rice, couscous (What wine goes well with couscous?), semolina and pasta (how long does pasta last?) are wonderful nutrition packed foods that can be stored for up to 6 months.

Nuts and seeds (how long do seeds last?) and dried fruit (how long does dried fruit last?): Dry, roasted or butters. Dried figs (how long do dried figs last?), and apricots make for healthy snacks. Chia seeds (how long do chia seeds last?), flax seeds can be added to breakfast oats (how long do oats last?).

Spices, seasonings and oils: Dried herbs and spices like salt, pepper, turmeric, all spice mix etc. Flavorings like mustard (how long does mustard last?), vinegar, steak sauces, honey, dressings, yogurts and pasta sauces (how long does pasta sauce last?). Buy the least processed cooking oil that fits your budget.

Dairy: Milks, eggs, butters, cheeses. Long life UHT milk is a good option that will stay longer.

Breads: Bagels (how long do bagels last?), wraps, tortillas, pizza doughs and breads. Flours (how long does flour last?) like corn flour (how long does corn flour last?), rice flour (how long does rice flour last?) and wheat flour for baking from scratch.

Fruits: Apples, oranges, pomegranates, dates and olives will last longer. Frozen Fruits like berries, mangoes and pineapples can be used for making smoothies.

Vegetables: Sturdy fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions, beetroots, carrots, mushrooms, garlic that give a lot of fiber and vitamins. Go for frozen corn and peas instead of canned ones.

Think About Healthier Alternatives

If fresh foods are too costly, pick the healthier alternative in packaged foods. Opt for frozen instead of canned as canned foods contain preservatives and added sodium. Canned fruits contain added sugars that are no good either. If you do buy canned, rinse and drain before use.

Think About Safe Storage

Once your groceries are home, prep the perishable foods and store them to extend shelf life. Date the freezer packages and use the oldest ones first. Keep the grains etc. in cool and dry pantries.

Think About Keeping Costs Down

Consider low cost options. Puree canned chickpeas (how long do canned chickpeas last?) to make fresh hummus instead of buying the ready made one.

Thinking About Takeouts?

If you order takeout, eat the food while its hot. Always refrigerate leftovers and reheat them thoroughly at the next meal. It’s advisable to not store take outs, so try to order only what you can eat to avoid wastage.

Think About Shopping in Your Fridge Before You Head Out!

We tend to over buy and not use food before it goes bad. Clear out your fridge and pantry and use all eatables prior to making that all-important shopping trip!

Think About Water

Remember to keep ample supply of drinking water in case of emergencies.

Preparing is a wise thing to do, hoarding and stockpiling however, are not. We are in this together. Let us try to be giving and forgiving towards our families and others.

For more reading, check out the other posts in this series!