If you’ve been to a grocery store in the last few weeks, you know it’s a battle to get anything in your cart. Finding toilet paper is a mystery, and getting bread is almost impossible. As more and more of our  staples fly off the shelves, many of us are wondering what to do about our diets. In the midst of all of this, how can we make sure that we’re eating healthy, nutritious meals? Unfortunately, most of the foods that last the longest are the ones that lack nutritional value. Today, we’re going to give you some tips for making the most of your quarantine groceries. Let’s dive in!

Head for the frozen and canned section

Obviously, we all need our fair share of fruits and veggies to make our diet work. That being said, if you’re unable to get to the grocery store, replenishing fresh produce before it goes bad may be impossible. While frozen and canned fruits and vegetables aren’t ideal for our diet, they can still help you to get the nutrients your body needs. Frozen veggies can be added to any dish, and frozen fruit makes for a great snack in a pinch.

If frozen produce isn’t available, consider getting some canned foods. When purchasing canned foods, be careful about which cans you buy. Expired or damaged canned food can make you seriously sick, so you need to be vigilant about your food safety. If a can is dented or rusted, do not use it. If you have any doubts about whether the food is safe or not, do not risk your health.

Snack the right way

Quarantine snacks are a hot topic right now, and we understand the need for the simple pleasures. We’re not going to judge you for the occasional cookie or chips. Long term though, you probably want to focus on foods that fuel you during this time. We’ve got a few suggestions for simple, easy snack that last:

  • Dried fruit. It lasts way longer than regular fruit and you get many of the same nutrients.
  • Protein bars. These are great for an after-home workout snack or just to add some protein to your day.
  • Peanut butter. A spoonful of peanut butter gives you a boost of energy and comes loaded with healthy fats and proteins.
  • Jerky. Beef and turkey jerky are good protein sources that last a long time. If you prefer a plant-based diet, consider mushroom or pea based jerky.
  • Almonds. A handful of almonds gives you fiber, protein, healthy fats and it sates hunger. Plus, they’re super portable and easy to store!

A season of soups and pasta

Some of the most shelf-stable foods are ones that you shouldn’t necessarily eat every day. For example, pasta can be loaded with carbohydrates and detrimental to a diet if eaten too often. The same goes for foods like soup that can be chock full of sodium. We’ve got some easy suggestions to help:

Pasta: Try to get noodles that are plant-based, like edamame or soybean noodles. When it comes to sauce, find lighter sauces that are low in carbs or use pesto.

Soups: There are plenty of low sodium soup options, so try to find those that mention their low salt content on the label. Try making your own soup with stock and veggies so you get more control over the ingredients.

We suggest adding protein to your meals in any way you can, whether through meat or beans. Making sure you get protein can help you to maintain muscle mass, ensuring you get to keep those home gym gains.

Have any questions about your at home workout? Reach out to us!