Many countries observed a shortage of necessary food items in supermarkets or grocery stores. Some of the examples are no availability of dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, etc., one or two packages of poultry left, and most of the vegetables are already sold. This shortage is due to the fear across the country about coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in panic shopping amongst the consumers.
The lack of essential food products created tension for everyone, but it is more stressful for those who follow a specific diet for improving their health conditions or for those who are on their weight loss journey. When your preferred food is not available, it makes difficult for you to survive on normal days, but when the time is not so good and the whole country is following social distancing, it is impossible to survive on your diet.
But there are some ways through which you can continue doing your diet without any stress.
This post discusses some ways for special diets like the keto diet, gluten-free diet and vegan diet in which you can use substitutes, some home cooking techniques and with a lot of positivity and patience you are good to go.
For Keto Diet
This diet is famous amongst most people because of the health benefits it provides, like controlling and managing diabetes, improving heart diseases, epilepsy and effective weight loss. This is a low carb, high fat diet which mostly includes meat, non-starchy vegetables, dairy products, nuts and seeds. Most of the supermarkets lack in dairy products.
So, here are some tips to follow:
To make meals more filling, add more amount of fat in it:
Adding coconut oil, mayonnaise, butter and other fatty foods in your meal can make a keto dish more filling and there is no need to go to stores for other keto products. You can add butter to your coffee to make it more filling.
You can make yogurt and cheese at home:
Taking some dairy products can yield into many other dairy products. Like if you only take milk, sour curd, and heavy cream. You can make more yogurt, ricotta, cottage cheese and cheese from these ingredients at home.
There are some keto products which can be stored for a longer period of time:
There are many products like nuts and seeds, low carb protein powder, clarified butter, coconut oil, canned vegetables, coconut milk and cream, packaged chicken and beef broth which can be stored in airtight containers or in the fridge for a longer period of time and can be used whenever needed. Many products can be substituted like you can use full-fat coconut milk in place of dairy products in many recipes.
Try new cooking techniques for preparing meat:
There is an absence of meat in many grocery stores. You can take different types of chicken and try to make it with different cooking techniques. You can take chicken thighs, beef, tinned chicken, fish, etc. You can also find new recipes on google and try to experiment in your quarantine.
Choose low carb vegetables which are long-lasting:
Some of the low carb veggies which even have long shelf life are cabbage, cauliflower and eggplant. These can be stored for weeks if you keep them correctly.
For Gluten-Free Diet
Most of the gluten products are available or are in less demand in grocery stores rather than wheat products. So, there are fewer chances that gluten-free dieters face any kind of stress during the quarantine. But if there is some absence of products.
Here are some tips and tricks you can follow:
Try gluten-free recipes at home:
The Internet is loaded with gluten-free recipes. You can try gluten-free baking, in which you can make cookies and use grinding nuts as flour. You can even try making gluten-free breads. You have to list down available ingredients at home and then search for a recipe.
Try vegetable substitutes:
You can use zucchini to make zoodles with your favorite sauce available at home instead of gluten-free pasta. You can even use mushrooms and eggplants as a burger bun.
For Vegans and Vegetarian Diets
Here are some tips you can follow:
Try vegan baking:
You can use various methods and vegan food products through which you can make cookies, cakes and pastries. Like use the liquid from chickpeas and other legumes rather than eggs, use coconut oil rather than butter. This also makes their shelf life longer if stored correctly.
Try making nuts butter and other dairy products at home:
You can make nuts butter at home by putting nuts in a food processor. You can even make more dairy products if you have some products available. Like you can make more yogurt if you have sour curd and milk with you.
Shop for long-lasting fruits and vegetables:
Go for those fruits and veggies which have a long shelf life like cabbage, root vegetables, apples and all citrus fruits.
For people who are facing problems while getting their groceries
Now, let us discuss some of the tips and tricks which every individual who is facing problems during quarantine can follow:
Prepare in large amount and freeze everything:
Prepare your meals in double amount and don’t throw the leftovers, they can be used later. These prepared meals can be eaten at any time using a microwave.
Try getting your groceries from local markets:
All those markets which don’t have their chains are still left with food products, so you can go and buy from those stores. You can also go for online shopping for a specific item which is a necessity for you and is not available in local stores as well.
Keep fermenting products:
Fermentation keeps food items good to use for a longer period of time. Start fermenting pickles, onions, peppers, etc.
Try saving food products for family member who is on dietary restriction:
If someone have dietary restrictions like celiac, then food should be stored for that person. Other members should not consume gluten-free food. They should go with normal foods only.
Don’t waste food:
Keep on making meals which are easy to prepare. Don’t waste food while making some specific dishes. Don’t throw leftovers; you can freeze it and use it later. Save vegetable scraps and meat bones for making meat stock.