The world has now gone corona-crazy. EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED.

For a lot of people this includes going grocery shopping not as often as before corona.

Even though we may be venturing to the shops less, it doesn’t mean we need to go totally crazy. Instead of panic-buying, we need to think with nice calm preparation and altruism.

I for one am thinking about what’s best to buy and eat during this weird time. So I’m here to guide you and your plant-based kitchen, with comprehensive food lists to cover the plant-based basics.

You know what the most important essential thing to stock up on for lockdown is?

The ONE thing that you will NEED and rely on through all of this.

Well, let me tell you, it’s…

Tequila.

Just kidding.

Okay. Okay. Now I’ll actually tell you.

It’s in fact…

Wine.

Just kidding again. Okay okay, I’m sorry, I’ll tell you what you’ll really need to be thinking about.

The most important things you need to buy are non-perishable shelf stable foods and frozen fruit and veg.

These are nutritious, low cost and will ensure a well-balanced whole foods diet through any lockdown.

Just because we’re in quarantine, it doesn’t mean we need to eat unhealthily. If anything, food and nutrition holds the key to a strong immune system.

But, if you’re like me, you’re thinking: What else do I need to buy? What will go the furthest? What are the healthiest options? How do I do this without spending a ton of money? Is there anything extra that I don’t normally get I should be picking up?

How Much Food To Buy

On 11th March 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that the COVID-19 was now a ‘pandemic.’ What this really means is that a new disease for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world beyond expectations. There are from the WHO concerns over its geographical spread.

There is a HUGE difference between being prepared with 2 weeks – 1 months supply, and panicking and buying everything.

No one needs so much of anything that it’s clearing the shops out.

The CDC has recommended that we keep a two week food supply. That’s the recommendation. Do not panic, aim for 2-3 weeks food. Food shops will always remain open.

Medications

I started with this one as when you think ‘quarantine’ you might automatically think of food and of course, you might also think of our dear old friend toilet paper.

EVERYONE else seemed to be thinking about toilet paper when the world went crazy in March 2020.

But medications are also very important. If you need a supply, it’s a good idea to make these a priority. If any children or family members have any food allergens, it can be good to grab some extra of what they might need too, just to be on the safe side.

How To Store For An Emergency

Buying shelf stable non-perishable goods. AKA things that don’t ‘go off’ easily and quickly. Think longevity and also nutritious. If you’re not sure about nutrition and how to get your vitamins in, then I’ve got you covered, check out 5 Quick Tips To Eating A Nutritious Vegan Diet.

Grab your non-perishables and store the dry goods separately from your normal food, in a box somewhere cold/room temperature in your house. Then when the time comes you’ll know you have already got the bulk of food. For frozen fruit and veg, now is the time to have a ‘clean out’ and use the freezer for the backup supply.

PLANT-BASED FOOD MADE SIMPLE

Eating plant-based doesn’t have to be complicated. This Complete Plant-Based Diet Foods List makes grocery shopping quick, easy and delicious.

Shelf Stable Foods Dry Store

Here is a comprehensive list of what to stash that normally goes in the dry store.

For the beans, chickpeas, lentils you can either buy them canned or dried. It’s up to you really, but I’ll be buying a mixture of both for the purpose of stashing. I like the dried version for this more because a little goes a long way. You soak the beans and chickpeas for example and they expand and then you get SO MANY meals out of them.

Rice
Quinoa
Oatmeal
Cereal
Noodles
Pasta sauce
Beans
Chickpeas
Lentils
Vegetable stock
Tortillas
Bread
Oat milk
Coconut milk
Almond milk
Peanut butter
Almond butters
Spices
Nuts and seeds
Canned fruit
Protein powder
Soup mixes

Shelf Stable Foods Freezer

Frozen fruit
Frozen veggies
Nutrient smoothie mixes

Some Fresh Plant-Based Foods

We have been told that this could all develop for several months to come. If you’re preparing now for the future, then stick to the non-perishables and frozen fruit and veg only.

But, if you fall into the category of buying your food right before you are on lockdown or being quarantined then you are good to also include some fresh fruits and veggies in your diet.

Leafy greens are the holy grail of nutrition. They don’t last long but they are one of the healthiest types of fresh veg. Buy in frozen if you can, but also some fresh if you’re buying right before your quarantine will benefit your body and your immune system.

Here’s some other long lasting fresh produce that could be handy for you:

Onions
Garlic
Potatoes
Yams
Carrots
Squash
Jackfruit
Beets
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Kale
Lettuce
Bell peppers
Oranges
Apples
Tomatoes

Recipes That Use Shelf Stable Foods

Think stews, chilis, pastas, curries, Shepherd’s pie. Batch cooking and saucy food can be your saviour for longevity.

Non-Food Items

Water filters
Cleaning wipes
Feminine hygiene products
Toilet paper (who could forget this one?!)
Paper towel
Napkins
Tissues
Activities for children (puzzles, games)

Should I Buy Water

According the CDC “The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”

Just drink whichever water you usually do and you shouldn’t have issues of Coronavirus being in your water supply.

Think Of Your Pets

Pets need to eat too. We have a puppy, Elroy (photo of the little guy below). We definitely have enough dried food to keep us going. I also grabbed a little extra of his toppings and treats.

I’ll admit Elroy is spoilt rotten. He is member of the family and when Elroy is happy, I’m happy. I LOVE giving him treats as much as he likes getting them. I picked up some extra treats too. I can’t have my little Elroy being without his treats can I?

Other pet basics might include poop bags and anything else you regularly need/buy for them.

First Aid Kit

If you don’t already have one, now is a good time to invest in one. Even if you don’t use it, it’s always good to have around. One of the main Coronaviurus symptoms is a fever, so having a thermometer on hand will monitor this incase you feel unwell.

If you have hand santizer, NOW is the time to use it. If it’s available, of course. I know it’s a short supply out there. We found a few bottles lying in back of the ‘medicine cupboard.’ When I found them, I even said ‘jackpot’ to myself as I felt like I’d won something. You know that feeling, it was like finding $20 in the back pocket of your jeans. It was blind luck that we had them really

Now we’ve got one by the front door and we carry them on us too. It’s advised use them as they break down the lipid barrier of the virus and causes it irreparable damage. You should use frequently hand sanitizer or wash your hands with regular soap.

Something Extra

Electrolytes Sachets

In case you do happen to start feeling unwell, these will help you to replace your salts and recover faster.

Vitamins and Supplements

Rumour has that vitamin C will help boost your immunity. Elderflower is also fantastic for healing sinuses, colds and the flu.

Vegan Snacks

Just because we may be living in lockdown for a few more months, it doesn’t mean we need to live a life of deprivation!

If we can’t leave the house, at least we can enjoy Netflix with our regular, most favorite snacks!

Alcohol and Chocolate

If you like to drink a little booze or indulge in some chocolate. Then they can definitely help take the edge off of staying home. Vegan red wine is 100% in my dry store stash. Sorry not sorry.

Think Of Loved Ones

This is in the main guidelines of advice from all of the authorities but I wanted to note it in a food sense.

Do your loved ones, or even your elderly neighbours need some help to buy dried and frozen foods for a two week stash?

They may not be able to carry it themselves. Now is the best time to check if they have everything they would need rather than later.

Do Not Over Stockpile!

I cannot stress this enough. We have a pandemic but that doesn’t mean we need pandemonium, it won’t help. So that there is enough for everyone, buy enough for you and your family but make sure to leave enough for everyone.

Instead of panic-buying, we need to go with calm preparation and altruism. If you take more than you need, you could be leaving others without. Now more than ever, it is the time to be kind and think of others. We need to be compassionate and pull together. So by only taking only what you actually need, you’ll be looking after others and your local community who also need it.

The Bottom Line

If you are still suffering from Coronavirus anxiety then try to moderate your news/media intake as this can only add to it.

Above are handy comprehensive lists and tips for you so that you can be sure to have enough delicious plant-based comfort food in case you happen to find yourself on lockdown or self-isolating for two weeks.

Remember to check the guidelines of the authorities (CDC) of their advice, it has more info on how to navigate this lockdown life.

You can also go grab any supplies you might have missed before. Being and feeling prepared should put your mind at ease. Good luck for stocking up my plant-based friends.

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