Nobody has time to read long posts right now, so I’ll keep my commentary short.
Winter can look a lot like a covid lockdown for some of us, especially in these northern, cold, snowy areas. Below I created 5 lists to help you make it through both. Grocery Goods, Meal Prep Tips, Preservation, Supplements and General Tips that I use throughout the winter!
Stay safe and healthy!
~Monique
Grocery Goods:
- Dried lentils, bean, rice, millet or quinoa – chose the grains you like (and the ones you can get your hands on!)
- Produce: fresh is best, but frozen produce is better and will last longer if you have the room in your freezer.
- Produce: root veggies (think sweet potatoes, rutabagas, turnips, carrots) and squashes last a long time.
- Canned/jarred wild salmon, tuna, mackerel.
- Stock up on nuts and seeds- these add great crunch plus a punch of nutrients and good fat (plus you can make dairy-free mylks out of these).
- Fruits: chop, freeze in a single layer and store for smoothies and dairy free ice cream.
- Chocolate, dark. Because yes.
Meal Prep Tips:
- Set a few hours aside to cook a couple of recipes so you don’t have to cook every day.
- Make double/triple batches, freeze in single serving containers so you don’t get bored eating the same thing for 4 days in a row.
- Grains- cook a big batch, freeze flat in ziplock bags for easy sides or to add to soups/stews.
- Clean and chop veggies BEFORE you put them away
- Snip the ends off herbs, set them in jar with a little water at the bottom. Store in fridge (you’re more likely to use them when you can see them).
- Choose 2: dressing, sauce, pesto, hummus, vinaigrette, dip. Eating the same thing each day is boring, so prep 2 of these for salads, sandwich spreads, veggie garnish or to stir into soups for extra flavor.
Preservation: Overbought? Eyes bigger than stomach?
- Ferment produce as a way to preserve it and save it from going bad. (need a Ferment 101 class– I have you covered!)
- Freeze it for a glorious homemade broth.
- Blend it into poor man’s pesto or veggie concentrate cubes, then freeze for use soups, stews, dips and sauces.
Supplements: A strong immune system means you have a better fighting chance at what comes your way. (Join my online dispensary and receive a 10% savings on every order! Reach out if you need assistance with what and how much!)
- Vitamin D3: less sunlight means we need to get it another way.
- Magnesium: affects over 300 functions in the body, including sleep.
- Vitamin A: an unsung hero in immune strength and in the regulation of vitamin D.
- Vitamin C: supports your immunity.
- A good multi vitamin: basic support.
- Omega-3: keep your skin plump and reduce inflammation!
- Probiotic- skip the pill and make fermented foods instead.
- Zinc: for immune health.
Snowed in? On lock down? Can’t get to the store? No internet:
- Cut up old t-shirts to use for paper towels; wash and reuse.
- Look to local farmers to deliver veggie boxes- local and fresh? Heck ya!
- Clean out a cabinet, closet or drawer.
- Get clear on what you want, then create a vision board using old magazines.
- Stock up on epsom salt for glorious bath time that is detoxifying and will help put you to sleep.
- Keep electrolyte powder on hand to help keep you hydrated and to recover after those boozy zoom happy hours.