How to minimize grocery store trips
Avoiding the spread of illnesses can include changing how we grocery shop. Lisa Akly, RDN, shared simple, yet healthy fridge, freezer and pantry items to have on hand in order to avoid multiple trips to the grocery store.
Fridge and freezer items
- Milk, yogurt and cheese or non-dairy alternatives that last longer
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Frozen fruits and vegetable, without salty sauces
- Frozen lean proteins like fish fillets and skinless chicken
- Whole eggs in the shell last approximately three weeks after purchase
- Frozen meals less than 600 milligrams of sodium per serving
Pantry items
- Dry beans
- Nuts and seeds
- Canned beans and vegetables, preferably with no added salt
- Old-fashioned rolled oats or other types of high fiber, low sugar cereals
- Whole grain breads, rice, crackers and pasta
- Low sodium broths and/or tomato products
- Canned lean proteins such as tuna, salmon, sardines or chicken
Food safety tips
- Food should not be left out of the fridge at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Leftovers will keep for up to four to five days in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers will keep for up to six months in the freezer. Freeze in realistic portions for you and your family for easy and safe reheating.
- If you are unsure of the safety of a food item you have, it is best to throw it away.
During this season when there are lots of viruses, limiting visits to the store and making nutritious choices can help you and your family stay healthy.
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