8 Smart Ways You Should Stock Up Your Kitchen for Challenging Times

During times of challenge, whether in your family, community, nation, or even the world, be sure to think about these 8 smart ways you should stock up your kitchen for challenging times.

Challenges can vary greatly, and everybody’s personal situation is different.

But even though I usually try to keep a healthy supply of most of these in my kitchen, I try to stock up on supplies in each of these areas and depending upon the challenges we are facing. I try to build a comfortable selection in each of these 8 areas to give myself easy meal options when I am more stressed.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Probably The most important choice you can make to support your health during stressful times, really at all times, is having a good selection of fruits and vegetables.

Most will store just fine on your counter, if you have limited refrigerator. And when in view they are often thought of first as a quick snack. I try to stock up on:

• potatoes – I picked up big bags of sweet potatoes and yellow potatoes that are loaded with nutrients and fiber to keep you filled up and keep things moving through
• onions – We go through onions fast, but I picked up the big bags usually available for lots of flavor and nutrients
• mushrooms – Such a great, filling protein source and loads of variety
• greens – I picked up a big variety for salads, sauteing, soups, and more, for a major dose of nutrients every time
• carrots and celery – I bought the big bags of these to include in many of our main meals and snacks often too
• apples – We all eat apples daily, so I grabbed a few bags of the crispest fuji and gala for easy snacks and meals
• citrus – lemons and limes, oranges, etc. for loads of vitamins
• cabbage – lots of nutrition and a variety of options both raw and cooked
• bananas, tomatoes, and avocados – These are all used differently but regularly in our meals, snacks, and desserts, and I plan to use these up within the first week.

You can chop and saute mushrooms and then freeze them flat to save on refrigerator space, if you don’t have electrical issues. Also keep in mind that you can dehydrate or buy dehydrated fruits and vegetables to rehydrate and use in soups and other dishes.

If you’re in a situation with no power, I would skip the mushrooms (or cook and eat within 1-2 day). I’d also store the greens standing up in containers with their roots in a bit of water.

Otherwise, plan your meals and snacks to finish your fruits and vegetables starting with those that won’t usually last very long including:

• mushrooms
• greens
• bananas
• tomatoes
• avocadoes

Frozen

If you’re challenge you’re facing might be a while get plenty of frozen fruits and vegetables too. You can usually get a good variety at most grocery stores, but I generally get a better price on the bigger bags when available. For the current virus (shelter and isolate at home) challenge we’re in the midst of, consider:

• strawberries
• mixed berries
• blueberries
• diced butternut squash
• diced mango
• dark cherries
• broccoli
• green beans
• cauliflower, carrot, broccoli medley
• corn
• boneless meat options that take little space and defrost quickly

We’ll use these up no matter what’s going on. Plus we have a deep freeze, so we have space available, but be sure to consider what storage space you have available before buying.

Smoothies, nice cream, easy stir frys and side dishes, and soups are just a few options we can choose from to access the wide variety of colors and nutrients to support our immune systems during this stressful time.

Dry and Canned Options

Dry and canned options are definitely a biggie in these 8 smart ways you should stock up your kitchen for challenging times.

We try to keep a good selection of dry beans in the pantry most of the time. They are filling, easy to build a meal with, and nutritious. I chose to stock up on:

• black beans – I can usually get a big bag and canned cases at Costco for a pretty good price and love that they are loaded in fiber, protein, and so many other nutrients to keep you satiated and healthy
• garbanzo beans – Both dry and canned are handy for easy hummus and other meals, but we also love them seasoned and roasted as a flavorful, crunchy addition to salads and as a healthy snack
• lentils – I find great deals online and in local stores and usually focus on the green (yes) but red lentils mostly because they’re so versatile and an easy to include in a variety of meals for thickening sauces while adding fiber, protein, and other nutrients without a strong taste
• pinto beans – I usually want either pinto or black beans in the fridge and ready to use, and switching them up can give you more variety.

And don’t forget other healthy dry and canned options including:

• diced tomatoes, tomato paste and sauces
• salsa and other healthy dressings and condiments
• canned vegetables like corn, beans, and more
• canned meats like tuna and chicken

Every situation is different, but both canned and dry will store for a while, will fill you up nicely (and keep you satiated for a while), and can give you some nice fiber, energy, and nutrition.

Healthy Whole Grains

Being a gluten free household, I avoid choices that would bring gluten into our diets. Items I usually focus on are:

• Quinoa – I get the big bags whenever possible, usually online with Walmart or at Costco
• Oats – I usually get the best deals on the big bags through Walmart online for our favorite, Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats
• Rice – I picked up a big bag for use in a wide variety of sweet and savory meals
• Corn – I like Bob’s Red Mill non-gmo bags of polenta and flour for tortillas, muffins, and as a multi-meal polenta base option
• Pasta -We keep a few gluten free boxes (usually Jovial brand). It’s usually less budget-friendly than the more nutrient dense quinoa

We often include one of these or potatoes in meals as a filling base, and some of these can be easily ground into flour for muffins or various desserts and more.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are smart to include, because they are an easily storable, healthy, whole fat. The favorites I try to keep around are:

• Chia seeds – an easy source of Omega 3s and a topping and more
• Flax seeds – buy whole and grind as you use to hold on to maximum nutrients including Omega 3s
• Cashews – whole and/or pieces are great for delicious snacks, creamy dressing bases, and easy nut milks that don’t take a lot of refrigerator space and you can make as you need
• Almonds – whole and nut butter are great for satiating snacks, sauces, milk, and dips

There are other nuts and seeds that we like to keep around, including pecans and pumpkin seeds, but those listed above are the few that I wouldn’t want to be without.

Surprised that nuts and seeds are 1 of my 8 smart ways you should stock up your kitchen for challenging times?

We use the chia and flax seeds daily for a healthy dose of Omega 3s in most breakfasts. Cashews are our big player for homemade nut milk and a primary thickener in many of my dressings and toppings. Almonds or almond butter are often a part of breakfasts, dips, and smoothies.

They’re just so versatile and filling. Don’t count them out.

Herbs and Seasonings

Regardless of the crisis or common day, there are a few herbs and seasonings that I use so regularly that I wouldn’t want to run out. So for our household, I made sure I had enough of the following herbs and seasonings to last for a while:

• salt and pepper
• preferred sweeteners
• garlic and garlic powder
• cumin
• ground ginger
• turmeric
• oregano
• smoked paprika
• cinnamon
• preferred healthy oil

Drinks

Your stress level is already up during challenging times, so consider simplifying your drink choices. Our favorite choices during hurricanes, flooding, and now sheltering in place are:

• water – we keep a pitcher at the ready and avoid plastic bottles when possible or fill as many containers as usable when there’s a water risk
• herbal teas – we keep plenty of chamomile, peppermint, and ginger teas to help with stress reduction and digestion
• coffee/tea

Whatever your situation, water and herbal teas are definitely powerful resources to support your hydration and overall health.

Also Don’t Forget

As you stock up your kitchen for challenging time, don’t forget:

• medications and supplements
• essential oils
• pet food
• cleaners or ingredients to make your own

Every household is different, and so is every challenge, but don’t forget to consider these too when you stock up your kitchen.

Stock Up Your Kitchen for Challenging Times

When stress levels are high, the last thing we want to do is add more health vulnerability. Nobody wants lowered immunity, heightened tendency to anxiety and panic, brain fog, digestive issues, lower energy, and more.

Of course we are all different, with different situations, and different family dynamics. My encouragement to you is to choose healthier options whenever you can and as often as you can.

I like to have plenty of bean options to give me plenty of meal options and keep everybody in the family happy and well-fed.

I’ve got a healthy selection of proteins, whole food carbohydrates, and whole food fats. Including these in every meal will help keep us healthy and thriving without harm and discomfort.

Whether you are in the midst of our current shelter in place challenge, in relation to the Corona virus, or area fires, or a hurricane, or something else, I pray you are and remain safe and healthy.

And here are links to two other posts you might find helpful during this time: