Coronavirus: How to stockpile healthy food and drink for a 14-day quarantine

Aiming for a perfect fresh and balanced meal can be unrealistic during a pandemic as a rush to the supermarket, with long queues and bare shelves is inevitable. According to government announcements, we are advised to buy enough foods and groceries for 2 weeks. On this article, we will share some tips to stockpile healthy food and drink for a 14-day quarantine as coronavirus spreads.

Firstly, scan what you already have in your larder, fridge and freezer so you are not overbuying. For canned food, try to look for low sodium/sugar foods preferably in BPA free lining. Freezer foods are ideal. When buying fresh produce choose items that store well in a freezer such as bananas, berries, etc. These are good to have at hand, to make smoothies as a healthy snack. Most vegetables and fruits can be frozen except for those with high water content, such as strawberries and melon. Some food items that are important to stock up on are fish, poultry, shrimp, silken tofu, dried or tinned lentils, beans, frozen cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, peas, brown rice, quinoa, millet, buckwheat and bottled tomatoes. For healthy fats we recommend olive, avocado, coconut, flaxseed and hemp oils and grass-fed unsalted butter. These oils can also be added to smoothies as a wellness booster. Make sure you stock up on healthy snacks such as unsalted nuts and seeds, over 73% dark chocolate (contains less sugar), and low sugar energy bars.

Whilst making that shopping list don’t forget your emergency medical kit which should include general pain killers, 30-day supply of your existing prescription drugs, vitamins such as C, D and A which help boost immunity, along with a good prebiotic and probiotic.

Your list should also include a variety of wellness herbal teas. It is no secret that herbal teas are more than just a tasty drink – they have numerous health benefits and can help to heal all sorts of ailments and illnesses, as well as provide wellness support as a regular ritual. Tea is also almost as hydrating as water, so it is great to drink on a daily basis. Traditionally it is believed that antiviral herbs inhibit the development of viruses. Many of the best antiviral herbs boost the immune system, which allows the body to attack viral pathogens. This can be even better than attacking specific pathogens, which antiviral drugs are designed to do, because pathogens mutate over time and become less susceptible to treatment. Not only do antiviral herbs fight viral infections, boost the immune system and work as anti-influenza natural remedies, but they are known to have a number of other health benefits, such as cardiovascular, digestive and anti-inflammatory support.

Here is a list of crucial herbs, spices and teas you should have at hand during the covid-19 outbreak to support your health and wellness

Spices

• Ginger root or powder – Help ease coughing and has anti-bacterial properties
• Turmeric root or powder – Anti-inflammatory properties
• Cinnamon/black pepper/ginger/turmeric – Combination can help with coughing

All of these spices can be added to black, green and herbal teas as immune boosters.

Herbs

• Rosemary – Help ease coughing, especially during mild asthma attacks.
• Lemongrass – Used in ayurvedic treatments to bring down fever.
• Rose hips – Contains high level of Vitamin C.
• Sage – Relieves sore throat.

Whether you present symptoms or not, we strongly suggest you stockpile Wellness & Health Teas, including Healthy Immunity and Antiviral teas as well as Peppermint, Chamomile and Matcha Tea.

Antiviral Tea contains ingredients such as yarrow which helps dilate the bronchi, making it easier to breathe. It also contains peppermint, ginger, elderflower and sage making this a perfect powerhouse combination against viruses.

Healthy Immunity is a combination of rooibos, rose hips, hibiscus and ginger. Collectively the ingredients are known to be high in Vitamin C with anti-bacterial and antiviral properties.

Peppermint Tea has been well documented for its many healing properties. The strong fragrance helps with relieving congestion due to sinusitis or a cold. Even just inhaling the vapors can get those blocked passages to start opening up!

Chamomile Tea is also is known for its many healing properties, such as helping with sleep, anxiety and tummy troubles. It has also been well documented to help with aches and pains and reducing fever. Bathing in chamomile tea can soothe aching muscles.

Matcha Tea is known for many health properties and it is high in anti-oxidants. Matcha makes a perfect pick me up drink – the powder can also be added into smoothies, salad dressings or used in baking.