The Foods You Should ACTUALLY Be Stocking Up On While Quarantined

We’ve all seen the pictures on Facebook and Twitter of the bread and pasta aisles of the grocery store COMPLETELY wiped out. But is this what we should really be eating at a time when our immune systems are being tested?

If you want to stay healthy and energized, bread and pasta is probably the last thing you should be eating. Fats, proteins, and nutrient dense foods are what we need to be eating more of.

Here’s what I’m stock up on:

• 100% grass-fed ground beef

• Canned tuna

• Yogurt

• Frozen vegetables

• Frozen blueberries

• Brown rice ramen

• Bone broth (read all about its benefits here)

• Nuts

These are all things that are probably still available at your local grocery store. For some reason nobody thinks to pick up these healthier options that also have long-term shelf life.

Remember the most important thing is your health, especially during times like these. Don’t let your healthy diet go down the drain just because of the panic that you see in the media. You don’t need to stock up on just carbs and canned foods. Our food supply will be fine. The grocery stores won’t close.

My Favorite Home Workouts To Do While Quarantined

Many of us have already been told to quarantine by our local government officials. If your city is not yet officially on shut down, it’s bound to come. This means no leaving your house for work, school, coffee, or the gym. While it can be a struggle to be pulled away from your normal gym routine, your workouts don’t have to suffer.

You can do almost every type of workout from the comfort of your own home. Weight lifting, pilates and yoga are just a few of my personal favorites.

1. Melissa Wood Health

   I’m sure most of you have heard of Melissa Wood Health, a pilates and meditation instructor. She teaches online “flows” through her website and mobile app. Her workouts are low impact and can be done just about anywhere. They are anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes long, depending on how much time you have. She is currently doing a 7 day trial with her videos, which I plan to take full advantage of. She also has a few flows posted on her YouTube channel and Instagram.

2. Down Dog Yoga Livestream

   My favorite DC yoga studio is doing live stream yoga classes at 6pm every day! They are 75 minutes long, just like their in-person classes. I have no doubt that this will be a challenge but also a great way to get out those work from home jitters.

3. Using bands

   Bands can be used to replace weights in just about every weight lifting move. My boyfriend is a personal trainer and walked me through how to do my favorite gym moves at home using bands he found on Amazon. Watch this Instagram video for more detailed instructions.

4. Walking your dogs

   This is such a simple one and the one that will bring you the most joy during these tough times! There is nothing like taking your dog for a walk with a friend or family member, enjoying each other’s company, and getting some fresh air. And your pup will be extra happy! Even if you don’t have a dog, get out there and get moving. This is the perfect activity to do during your lunch break.

5. Outdoor sports

   Does anyone else miss sports practices after school, being outside and getting in some friendly competition? Living in the city, I don’t get outside and play baseball, basketball, or just run around as much as I used to as a kid. I miss it! Gather a group of people (ones who you know are healthy) and play a few games. It’s a great source of entertainment and exercise!

While it can be easy to feel anxious and lazy during times like these, the most important thing to do is get up and MOVE! Exercising makes us happier- science has proven it. No matter what you do, don’t stop exercising and don’t stop getting out of bed just because you don’t have to. For more fitness tips, be sure to follow along with my quarantine journey on Instagram.

Fend Off Corona Virus With These Immune-Boosting Mushrooms

We all know that the corona virus has been the talk of the town. I don’t think I’ve been able to escape a single conversation without it being brought up. If you have a strong immune system, chances are you will be fine.

There are many ways to ensure your immune system is performing at peak function. One of my favorite ways is to incorporate mushrooms into my daily diet. I like to add Four Sigmatic mushroom powders to my coffee each morning and add a drop of mushroom tincture to my tea before bed.

While most mushrooms are great for your health, to boost your immune system you want to be incorporating resihi, chaga, and cordyceps specifically. Each one serves a different purpose and is extremely beneficial to your health.

Reishi powder, Reishi tincture

Chaga powder, Chaga tincture

Cordyceps powder, Cordyceps tincture

One Pan Meals

Wondering how to get in your protein and veggies when you are on-the-go or have little time? My hack to this is always the one-pan meal. I can cook my protein source and veggies on the same pan, usually in less than 30 minutes. All it takes is a hot oven and a little bit of prep work. I love using the pre-made crab cakes from a seller at my local farmer’s market, but any kind of fish or meat will do.

Why all the hype over bone broth?

You’ve probably heard everyone talking about bone broth and how healthy it is for you. It is truly a superfood for your gut and immune system. It is an excellent source of collagen, a protein that makes up most of your connective tissue.

The most important thing is making sure it comes from humainely-raised animals! Look for ones made from animals that are pasture-raised or 100% grass-fed. My favorites are Belcampo and Brodo.