EWG’s Top Tips for Eating Well During a Pandemic

As all Americans struggle to adapt to the new reality of daily life in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG’s) mission to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment is more relevant than ever.

During this difficult time, EWG will continue to provide science-based, practical recommendations for consumers so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

Healthy eating is key to supporting your immune system during the coronavirus pandemic. But it can be stressful to go to the grocery store these days. That’s why EWG’s researchers have put together a brand-new tip sheet to help you eat well and shop safely, whether you’re heading to the store or placing an order online.

Here are some tips from EWG to help you choose the healthiest options for you and your family while you’re sheltering at home:

Fruits and Vegetables:

Go with frozen fruits and veggies, if possible, to get the most nutritional bang for your buck. Frozen green beans are half the cost of fresh and retain more vitamin A and C than other frozen vegetables.

Fish:

Choose fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury, like wild salmon, sardines and mussels. Choose frozen fish over canned, since it can be contaminated with BPA.

Beans, Nuts and Seeds:

Raw nuts and seeds can help support a robust immune system, but make sure to store them in the fridge or freezer to preserve their healthy fats.

Meat and Dairy:

Choose meat raised without unnecessary antibiotics to reduce your risk of a resistant bacterial infection during the pandemic.

Packaged Foods:

Watch for added sugar in kid’s cereals. A single cup may contain more than a Twinkie!

Tips for Shopping Safely:

Please don’t hoard; purchase only what you need to eat for the week. After picking up your groceries or brining your delivery inside, wash your hands immediately and avoid touching your face. The Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

During this challenging time, we hope that this new tip sheet can make healthy living a little easier. EWG researchers have been working tirelessly to dissect the science around COVID-19 and provide you with the tools you need to protect yourself from the novel coronavirus.

Click here to get your FREE copy of EWG’s Guide to Eating Well During a Pandemic.