Healthy Ideas for Shelf-Stable and Long-Lasting Foods

Wow, what weird, stressful times…am I right?? I feel like my emotions and thoughts are all over the place right now, so I won’t even try to dive into that.

A lot of shelf-stable and long-lasting foods are highly processed and far from nutritious, and while these are fine in moderation, I urge you to remember how important it is to nourish our bodies and boost our immune systems during these uncertain times. Don’t stress — there are definitely lots of foods we can have in our kitchens and pantries that are long-lasting and still provide good nutrition.

I’ve been brainstorming a list for healthy foods to have on hand, and got an overwhelming response from you guys wanting to see that list! Thank you!!

Many of these items I already keep on hand, but some I’m adding in just in case fresh foods end up being limited. Give yourself grace during this time if you eat a few more x, y or z right now or don’t get to eat exactly how you normally do. All we can do is our best! If we’re healthy and happy and fed, that’s what’s important. This feels like the time to add a quick reminder to buy only what you need and to leave groceries and supplies for others. I am all for caution and preparedness, but not about panic or selfishness. It’s of utmost importance to be good neighbors always, but now especially ♡

PRODUCE

lemons
sweet potatoes
onions
spaghetti squash
carrots
brussel sprouts
broccoli
cabbage
other fresh veggies like zucchini and bell peppers to add to soups/chili/taco meat (than can then be frozen)

PANTRY

chia seeds
collagen + protein powders
nuts
quinoa
lentils
chickpea & lentil pastas
jarred marinara sauce
nut butter
canned green beans and tomatoes (love both for soups) + others
canned tuna, salmon & chicken (love this salmon burger recipe or a simple tuna salad)
bone broth/chicken broth/veggie broth
canned coconut milk
almond flour & other paleo/gluten free baking ingredients
grass fed beef sticks/jerky
pumpkin seeds/pepitas
cacao nibs
healthy bars (I love these - use code ‘thankful’ for 30% off)
dark chocolate
coconut, avocado and olive oils
coconut aminos (or a gluten free soy sauce)
Birch Benders pancake mix (I get the paleo one) or another GF mix
rice, beans and gluten free oats (not normally in my diet, but I may make exceptions)

FRIDGE

non-dairy milks (I usually choose cashew)
free range eggs
egg whites
pickles
sauerkraut
meat/poultry/fish as available (which can then be frozen)

FROZEN

fruit (hello smoothies!)
riced cauliflower (cauli rice + also great for soups & smoothies)
other frozen veggies
chicken or veggie burgers
other meat/poultry/fish as available
cauliflower pizza crusts/pizzas

I know I’ve forgotten something or haven’t thought of some awesome ideas yet, so please feel free to leave a comment on this post or send me a dm with suggestions! I will keep adding to this list!

I plan on making a few batches of soup with bone broth + lots of veggies, and will probably make my chili recipe as well (which would be great to freeze)! I was also thinking a marinara meat sauce (with mushrooms, onions and zucchini added in) would be great to freeze, and I love this flavorful soup recipe.

Stay safe and healthy! xx