Quick Tips For Staying Healthy At The Grocery Store And For Staying On The Right Track

During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Let's think about this.....we are a society that has been raised to be social beings.  We learn in social settings, we find comfort and entertainment in social settings, we change our environment to lift our spirits, our children learn from their social relationships, and we are a society used to getting instant gratification whether it be in a store, restaurant, and yes, even in a supermarket.   Fast forward to today and we face a new reality......social distancing, staying home, face masks, gloves, food and paper good shortages, and the intensity to get in and out of the supermarket or big box stores like Flash Gordon.  

If your like me, your spending an extended amount of time thinking about what you and your family can do to live your healthiest lifestyle possible given the social parameters we are following to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Lets start with food. First, make a detailed list of what you will need from the grocery store for the week and do not deviate from it.  You will save a great deal of time and anxiety knowing exactly what you need when you hit the ground running....and don't forget to bring your GalsShopper so that your list and coupons are right in front of you ready to go!! As a Registered Dietitian, I know that what you put in your body right now is very important in helping your immune system be the strongest it can possibly be.  Your list should include:

•  Fresh vegetables and frozen vegetables (no sauces, get plain) .  Frozen vegetables are great to have so that you don't need to keep going back to the supermarket.  
• Include fresh fruits like apples, oranges, melons, grapes, and bananas.  Canned fruits in water can also come in handy for food longevity. Whatever you do, do not throw out fruit that has become too ripe to eat for your liking!! Instead, place them in your freezer and use for a later time in a smoothie!  
• Your shopping list should also contain whole grains such as whole gain breads, brown rice, pasta, pancake mix, and whole grain cereals.
• Eggs (I have been doing at least 1 breakfast dinner per week and the family loves it!!
• Cheese makes a great snack (string cheese, cubes, sliced).
• Nuts (get snack packs for good portion control)
• Chicken (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Soups (they actually make a healthy lunch)
• Fish (frozen or canned)
• Beef (get lean ground beef or choose lean cuts of meat)
• A good tub of yummy ice cream of course (everything in moderation!!)

Besides eating well, make sure you are drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep (7-8 hours preferably).  If you were a gym person before, you don't have to stop exercising......do floor exercises at home...sit ups, push ups, planks, lunges, or exercise videos on YouTube are great!!!  Also, take time to breath, spend the time you didn't have before with your kids, think positive thoughts, and perhaps read a great book. 

To our GalsShopper community, your GalsShopper is even more important and more super useful than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic....because we are practicing social distancing and also facing never ending lines in the stores, thankfully there are many supermarkets and big box stores that have "scan and go apps" that allow you to enter the store, scan your items with your phone, and pay on-line without ever standing on a line or in front of a cashier!! Also, there is no exchange of money or credit cards involved in your transaction!!  Simply download the store app on your phone, place your phone and your list in the GalsShopper and go shopping avoiding lines and spending the least amount of time possible in the store. 

I wish you all good physical health and a healthy mind!  Let's get back to what's really important....our health, our families, and our friends. The United States of America has always set the standard for strength and prosperity and although I didn't think it could be possible........we will be even stronger and more prosperous when we come out on the other side!!!