With the country facing a lot of uncertainty regarding lockdowns based on the increase in COVID-related infections what if at very short notice we were informed of a sudden lockdown? Although essential services are said to be running, we do realize that more often than not we end up desiring things that we can’t procure due to non-availability or limited stock.
The first important thing is to ensure that your pantry is adequately stocked. In the pantry, provisions should be made to include meals that have a combination of proteins, fiber, micronutrients, adequate fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Vegetables and fruits provide minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients.
If you were to make a loss for your pantry do include the following in cereals – ragi, rice flakes, Samoa, vermicelli, semolina, cereals, and barley.
In Lentils include Rajma, chana, and different types of dals.
In greens, you can include curry leaves, mint leaves, lettuce, and coriander leaves. Vegetables apart from the regular onions in ample stock you can include ladies finger, bitter gourd, cabbage, French beans, brinjal, tomatoes, etc
In roots and tuber – ginger, beetroot, lotus roots, tapioca, and potatoes.
In fruits – seasonal fruits that do not spoil if kept for a few days.
Apart from food one must keep essential like diapers, sanitary napkins, some extra towels, bedsheets, etc
Some household cleaning items for utensils, floors, etc. Matchboxes, candles, torches, and essential medicine are very important too.
Life during lockdown tends to get monotonous and dull, so a few items for entertainment are also important.
If you have children in the house to keep them busy and occupied is a daunting task so get hold of some board games, or indoor games and try and participate as a family. Reading material like books, music CDs, movies will keep you and the entire family entertained.
Remember, life during lockdowns may appear stressful but not if you are adequately equipped to dispel the boredom and monotony!
