How to Stock your Pantry and Freezer for Emergencies
The original title of this blog was going to be "What to stock up on for when the shit hits the fan again" but we're trying to think positively these days.
We are fortunate that most of our clients are in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, which have weathered a quarantine and managed to flatten the coronavirus curve. We are currently enjoying a lull in cases while other states are seeing surges. That said, we are well aware of the fact that a second wave of cases this fall could send us all back to our homes. While the idea of homeschooling and hoarding toilet paper again causes waves of anxiety, we take solace in the fact that this time, we can be better prepared.
So here is what we are asking our clients to stock up on in case of another quarantine-
- Frozen bags of mixed berries- perfect for smoothies
- Frozen bags of spinach and kale- easy to add to smoothies, soups and egg scrambles
- Bonafide provisions soups- throw in some protein like cooked chicken and it's a comforting, healthy meal
- Organic chicken breast, ground turkey and ground chicken
- Shelf stable Non Dairy Products- unsweetened almond milk, light coconut milk and Nut Pods dairy free Coffee creamer
- Frozen cauliflower rice quickly adds bulk and substance to any meal!
- Simple Mills mixes- we love the banana muffins and pancake mix
- Dried lentils, quinoa and dried beans- Legumes and pseudo grains (quinoa) are a filling and healthy shelf-stable option in moderation.
- Raw nuts and nut butter. Healthy protein and fat is a must!
- IQ Bars- One of the few bars we approve for clients in a pinch.
- Choc Zero and cold brew coffee - because, sanity.
- Vital Proteins Collagen powders- to add to smoothies and coffee for extra support.
- Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Clorox, masks, gloves and Tylenol- Just in case.
- At home workout equipment- Your bodyweight is all you really need, but props like resistance bands, light dumb bells, blocks and a strap can help you get an effective at home workout.
What to make ahead and save:
- Healthy grain free Soups. We give our clients lots of recipes but we love Danielle Walker and Paleo Grubs for fresh ideas.
- Meatballs- we love to make turkey and spinach meatballs in bulk and freeze them for a quick and hearty meal
- Grain Free Pancakes, Waffles and Muffins- Whip up a triple batch of Simple Mills waffles and freeze them. You can easily reheat them in the toaster!
Can you freeze it? The answer is YES to so many more things than you'd think.
You can freeze eggs for up to one year. Uncooked chicken and fish are great to stock up on. Overripe bananas can be peeled and frozen for use in smoothies or banana muffins. Just label and date everything so you aren't stuck eating outdated food. When in doubt check out the food safety guide to how long food keeps and err on the side of caution. No one needs ecoli in the middle of a pandemic.