A New Look at Grocery Shopping

A simple task like grocery shopping that we never gave another thought to, is now a nerve wracking trip. Will I get Covid-19 while at the grocery store? What do I buy during this time? What items will be left? Here are some tips that will hopefully ease your grocery shopping anxiety during this time.:

Limit your trips to the grocery store- Try and stock up for at least a week. Make a meal plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the week limiting your time out in public.
Delivery may be an option for you as well. Many stores have started doing pickup and delivery options. If you are concerned about going out to the grocery store this may be an alternative.
If you have any symptoms STAY HOME! It’s very important if you are showing symptoms of Covid-a9, or have come in contact with a person who has Covid-19 to stay home.
While at the store practice social distancing by ensuring 6 ft from others.
Don’t touch your face while shopping.
Wash hands prior to going to the grocery store as well as when you get home.
Buy items that will last a week or more- Breads—corn tortillas, whole grain English muffins, bagels, breads, wraps, frozen whole wheat waffles
Grains—instant oatmeal, quick cooking pasta, frozen brown rice, couscous, refrigerated pizza crust
Fruits—sturdy fresh fruit (apples, citrus), dried, plain frozen, canned in juice or water
Vegetables—sturdy fresh veggies (celery, broccoli, onions, potatoes), plain frozen, low sodium canned, sun-dried
Sauces—tomato pasta sauce, salsa
Soups & Broths—canned, frozen, shelf-stable cartons
100% Juice—refrigerated, frozen, canned, boxed
Milk—fresh, canned, shelf-stable packages
Eggs—fresh eggs, egg whites in cartons
Cheese—sliced, cubed, shredded, crumbled, grated hard cheese
Beans/Legumes—canned beans (black beans, chickpeas), dry beans
Nuts and seeds—bagged, canned, nut butters
Chicken—frozen or canned
Seafood—frozen ready-to-cook fish fillets, frozen shrimp, canned tuna, salmon, and sardines
Beef—pre-made frozen lean ground patties or meatballs
Flavorings—add zing with dried herbs & spices, vinegars, mustard, hot/steak sauces, lemon/lime juice, light dressings, honey, Greek yogurt
Wash, Wash, Wash!!- as always was all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Go easy on the frozen dinners—most are high in sodium, fat, and calories.
Limit purchases of tempting foods like chips, sodas, cookies, and ice cream. They are high in empty calories and run up your grocery bill.
While at the grocery store use disinfecting wipes to wipe down your cart, wear gloves and a mask if available.
Be prepared for items to be out of stock and have an alternate plan ready.

References
https://nutrition.org/the-role-of-nutrition-in-supporting-the-immune-system-relative-to-coronavirus-covid-19/
https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-grocery-shopping-guide.html