If you’ve been to the grocery store lately, you have likely experienced the frustration of not being able to purchase the foods that you normally buy. As such, the reality of staying on-track with your diet may seem bleak.
However, eating healthy when your go-to options aren’t there isn’t impossible! If you plan accordingly, it’s far easier than you may think.
How to Shop For Food
Tip #1: Arrive Early
Although it may seem like there is a food shortage by the looks of store shelves, this is only temporary. Stores are quickly running out of non-perishable foods due to panic-buyers who are trying to keep their homes stocked, but there is more than enough food to go around!
Grocery store employees work after the store closes to restock shelves, which means that the most options are available during early-morning hours. Thus, the best way to guarantee that you’ll be able to purchase the foods that you need is to arrive before everyone else.
Tip #2: Shop with a plan
Before you go to the grocery store, make a list of the foods that you want to purchase and the amount that you need in order to ensure that you have enough food to last until your next trip. This way, you’re not wasting unnecessary time in the grocery store or tempting yourself with foods that you shouldn’t be purchasing when trying to stay healthy.
Tip #3: Have a backup plan
Store shelves have been clearing fast, so don’t be alarmed if your local grocer runs out of your favorite food choices before you make it to that aisle! Avoid panic by bringing along a list of foods that you could substitute for your initial choices of fruits, vegetables, etc.
Tip #4: Look into meal delivery services
If you are not comfortable going to the grocery store yourself or would rather not deal with the hassle, many companies are now offering delivery options. For instance, the following companies can deliver fresh food right to your door:
- Amazon
- Walmart Online Grocery Delivery
- Target
- HelloFresh
- Blue Apron
If you don’t feel like cooking, any of these options are great alternatives to takeout:
- Postmates
- UberEats
- DoorDash
- GrubHub
For more helpful tips and resources on how to navigate COVID-19 while staying on track with your health, read these related stories:
- What to do when food supply is limited because of the coronavirus
- 3 ways to make canned vegetables taste fresh
- Things to do when you’re stuck at home during the COVID-19 outbreak
- Coping with emotional eating triggers
- How to stay on track during the coronavirus pandemic
