Foods You Really Need to Buy at the Grocery Store During the Coronavirus Lockdown

• Beans and legumes are excellent protein sources and can be cooked in different ways.
• Choose sugar-free canned fruits and vegetables.
• Dried fruit, popcorn, and chocolate are better snacks than junk food.

Most likely, your government has already ordered the people in your hometown or country to stay at home to prevent from getting infected by the coronavirus. Understandably, people are flocking to grocery stores to stock up on food and other essentials – sadly to the point of hoarding (which is not cool, by the way).

According to Alyssa Pike, a registered dietician and manager of nutrition communications at the International Food Information Council, it’s possible to eat healthy even when you’re stuck at home. The key is to choose shelf-stable items such as pastas, rice, legumes, beans, and canned goods.

So if the plan is to avoid going out of the house, your pantry and refrigerator must be stocked in such a way that you can forego multiple trips to the grocery store.

Now what do you need to buy to make sure that you can stay cocooned at home and still get to eat the nutritious meals that we all need especially at this time?

Beans and Legumes

These are excellent sources of plant protein that are long-lasting and can be cooked in various ways. Lentils and chickpeas can be mixed with pasta dishes and salads, or used on stews and soups. You can also use them to make homemade hummus.

Whole-wheat and bean pastas, brown rice and quinoa

These grains are nutrient-rich and can be used as side dish or mixed with proteins and vegetables.

Canned fish

Canned tuna or salmon will give you the boost of omega-3 fatty acids for a healthier heart.

Steel-cut oats

Just add savory toppings such as sundried tomatoes, grated cheese, or even eggs for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Nut butters

Not only are these great sources of protein and healthy fat, they also go well with lots of food types, from breads to bananas. Sun butter is a great alternative for those with peanut or tree nut allergies.

Canned, sugar-free fruits and vegetables

Go for the sugar-free variety for a more nutritious fare. Canned vegetables may contain salt, so it’s better to rinse it first to remove the sodium before eating or cooking.

Dried fruit, popcorn, and chocolate

Having nutritious snacks is better than eating junk all the time during the lockdown. Stock up on dried apricots, prunes, raisins, figs, and cranberries. Instead of chips, serve popcorn instead, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

Of course, you will need chocolate to survive these trying times – best to go for dark chocolate, which is healthier and rich in anti-aging flavanols.

Milk and coffee

You need coffee more than ever to get you through a few weeks of isolation. Since going out to get a latte from your favorite coffee shop is out of the question, you might as well stock up on beans and learn to create your own brew. Perhaps now is also the perfect time to invest in a decent coffeemaker.

As for milk, you can buy the kind that you don’t have to refrigerate, just in case you don’t have anymore room in the fridge.