7 foods to stockpile during the lockdown
The government has enforced a nationwide lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. What this means is that all non-essential services have been shut down temporarily. While foods are outside the ambit of lockdown, it is imperative that you limit your trips to the market to purchase food supplies during this period.This is because if you frequently step out of your house then you may not be following the rules of social distancing. You will become susceptible to the virus.To prevent this, you should avoid unnecessary trips to the market and buy more (not excessively) in one go.Another thing you can do is buy foods that have a longer shelf life and supplies the necessary nutrients that your body needs. Here is a list of foods that fits the bill –
1. Beans, pulses, legumes
Beans and legumes not only last for weeks but they also add a variety of nutrients to your meal. They are good sources of plant protein, especially kidney beans.Stock up on a wide range of pulses like green moong, masoor, urad and toor. Dals are very common in Indian cuisine and the best part is they go with almost every dish.
2. Peanut butter
Like peanut butter spreads with bread? Peanut butter is not only delicious but also extremely nutritious. Peanut butter is rich in healthy fats so it is very filling which means you don’t have to snack often.Moreover, diabetics can safely consume peanut butter as it does not increase blood sugar levels. Ensure that the peanut butter you buy is low on sodium. So read the label carefully.
3. Dried fruit, seeds and chocolate
Dried fruits like raisins, dates and apricots are tailor-made for situations like these. They are filled with nutrients, iron and fibre. Besides you can prepare trail mixes with a mix of dried fruits and seeds for a healthy snack.When we say chocolate we are referring to the healthier variety – dark chocolate. Chocolate has a long shelf life and is very nutritious – it contains antioxidants that are good for your heart. Besides, it can also give you something delicious to munch on as you pass the time.
4. Milk powder
Liquid milk has a very limited shelf life but not milk powder. Milk powder is also very useful – you can use to prepare a cup of coffee or mix it in warm water and consume it as milk. Either way, milk ensures that you get Vitamin D, a nutrient that you also get from sunlight that may be hard to come by right now as you will mostly be indoors.
5. Ghee
Ghee is a healthy food that is often ignored. In fact, ghee can be stored for years with refrigeration. And you can consume it with practically anything. In times when fresh vegetables and fruits are hard to come by, ghee is a very good investment. It is a good source of energy. It contains a micronutrient Vitamin K that plays a role in bone health.
6. Whole grains
This one goes with saying! Whole grains like rice and whole wheat are a staple in our diet. Besides these two, you should also stock up on other grains like millets. Millets such as Ragi and Bajra are nutritional powerhouses. Mix and match multiple grains so that you end up eating a variety of nutrients.
7. Whole wheat crackers
Instead of buying unhealthy cookies, opt for whole wheat crackers. These yummy slightly salty biscuits are perfect for people with blood sugar. It can also be an accompaniment for your beverages. Being high in fibre, these biscuits also promote satiety.
Other essentials you need at this moment
Besides food, there are a few more essentials that you need to cover for. They are –
- Life savings medications if you have ailing loved ones who have chronic illnesses like asthma.
- Soaps and sanitisers to maintain personal hygiene.
- Face masks to protect yourself when you go out to purchase essentials.
Conclusion
To stay safe, don’t venture out of your house unnecessarily. Stay home and maintain strict standards of personal hygiene to beat COVID-19. [av_promobox button='yes' label='Consult A Doctor on MediBuddy' link='https://www.medibuddy.in/?utm_source=blog_cta&utm_medium=blog' link_target='' color='blue' custom_bg='#f00' custom_font='#ffffff' size='large' icon_select='no' icon='ue800' font='entypo-fontello'] Coronavirus is spreading at an alarming rate, and is something you should be cautious against! So, don’t leave space for any confusion! If you have medical queries on Coronavirus, call us on 080-47193456 [/av_promobox] References:
