In these turbulent times, you never know when disaster will strike. Being prepared beforehand will save you endless stress and worry in case something unexpected happens. After all, if you wait until a few days before that big storm is about to hit, you may find that all the best foods at the grocery store have been bought up. Here are 14 foods to keep on hand in case of an emergency.
Dried Fruit
Fruit is an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, and it makes a yummy snack. Dried fruit is full of natural sugar to keep you energized. It is also loaded with fiber and potassium to keep your body working properly.
Canned Fruits and Vegetables
It is always important to get your veggies in, and canned food can survive almost anything. Canned fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients and are guaranteed to stay good until you are ready to eat them.
Peanut Butter
This food is nutrient rich and low maintenance. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated, so it is a great food to pack in your disaster survival kit. Peanut butter has lots of protein, which will be hard to get in an emergency because most sources of protein are refrigerated (i.e. meat, cheese, yogurt, etc.) It is also rich in healthy fats. Peanut butter will definitely add a little balance to your emergency meal plan.
Crackers
Crackers are easy to store and go great with anything. Whole wheat or whole grain crackers are filled with fiber, which helps in digestion. This is definitely a plus since your meals will likely be sporadic and unbalanced in an emergency situation. The saltiness of the crackers can also help with nausea. This healthy snack will leave you well prepared.
Whole Grain Cereal
Cereal is a great snack to have on hand. The whole grains are rich in fiber and bran. These will help you maintain a healthy blood sugar by slowing the body’s breakdown of starch into glucose, which is where our cells get their energy!
Vitamins
The human body needs lots of vitamins on a daily basis. In case of an emergency, you will probably not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. This means that you will probably not get all the vitamins you need. A multivitamin can help prevent malnutrition and ensure that your body has the nutrients it needs to work properly.
Powdered Milk
This one may sound weird, but it is a simple solution to a tricky problem. Since you won’t have access to refrigerated milk, you will want a good source of calcium and vitamin D. This nonperishable option will replenish these nutrients and bring back a familiar taste. It will go great with your whole grain cereal.
Water
This one may seem obvious. After all, we need water every single day. But not everyone uses bottled water. It is good to have some set aside in case of an emergency. Try to keep three days worth of water in your emergency kit. Remember, the recommended amount is one gallon per person per day.
Power Bars
Bars are compact, easy to carry, and a great source of energy. You can switch up your nutrients depending on what kind of bar you get. Nut and granola bars are rich in healthy fat, while protein bars have almost a meal’s worth of protein in each bar. Get different kinds of bars so you can adjust your meal choice according to what you need most.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a great healthy snack to keep for a rainy day. Nuts are a great source of healthy fats and protein. They are easily divided into portions, and they stay fresh for a long time. You can even add dried fruit to your trail mix for extra flavor and nutritional value. Make sure your trail mix is vacuum sealed so it will stay fresh as long as you need.
Canned Fish / Meat
When it comes to survival, canned food is the way to go. Fish and meat are high in protein content, which is essential to your diet. Most canned meats last over two years, so they are perfect for your emergency kit.
Sports Drinks
These easy-to-carry drinks are high in electrolytes and carbohydrates. They may be the only way to get certain essential minerals, like potassium and magnesium. Sports drinks are also hydrating, so you can make your water supply last a little longer. They even have a little extra sugar, which will be great if you want something sweet.
Canned Soup / Chili
These are like having an entire meal in a can. Canned soups have plenty of nutrients, and they are a great way to consume a few extra veggies during a disaster. Chili contains beans which are high in protein. Look for low sodium options, since the preservatives in canned food often contain lots of salt.
Spices
In case you are able to do a little cooking, keep some spices on deck. Salt and pepper can really bring out the flavor in a food, and the familiarity might bring you a little comfort.
When it comes to planning for an emergency, it is better safe than sorry. These foods will help you keep up your nutrition during any emergency. Remember to make sure all food is sealed properly, and rest easy knowing that you are well prepared for a disaster.
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