The survival diet is about self reliance, being able to feed yourself in case of an emergency. If you do not have access to convenience stores, you need to have a backup plan. Foods need to be non-perishable and able to be eaten as-is or easily reheated. Electricity is often a luxury most people do not have in an emergency situation. Ideally survival foods should have high levels of calories, protein, and carbohydrates, so you can eat less and still get the nutrients you need. No matter the emergency, these are the five foods you should keep on hand for survival:
1. Canned or Dried Protein
Protein is essential for survival in an emergency situation. Canned protein like beans, tuna, and meat provided vital calories and amino acids. Protein will keep you full longer. Higher calorie foods are important for physical activity. Beans and nut-butters also offer carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy. Canned foods can be heavy if you are going camping, hiking, or plan to be on the move. Dried protein sources like beans, nuts, and meats are a lighter option.
Until an emergency, everyone tries to avoid carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are great for survival diets because pasta, rice, couscous, and oatmeal are quick to prepare and are complex carbohydrates that will give you energy and keep you full. Chips and other simple carbs are not ideal because they can leave you feeling hungrier. Try to avoid overly processed carbohydrates like cookies or cakes that are high in sugar. Whole grains are higher in nutrients and help with digestion.
3. Canned or Dried Fruits and Veggies
A protein and carb-only survival diet does not provide the body with everything it needs for long-term survival. Fruits are great for a quick energy boost, a treat, and contain important vitamins like Vitamin C which is essential to prevent scurvy and to keep your immune system working. Vegetables contain vitamins like Vitamin D which is very important for bone health, especially if you will not have access to the sunlight. If cans are to heavy, dried fruits and freeze dried vegetables can be used.
Honey is a magical food for survival prep. It has an incredible long shelf life. It is great as a sweetener for food, but also has medicinal properties. It can be used to heal burns and bug bites. It is antibacterial and can be used on cuts, wounds, and infections. Honey will keep the skin moist and protected. Manuka Honey has the highest antibacterial properties. Honey can be used internally for sore throats and coughs.
Salt is sometimes overlooked as an important food for the survival diet. Salt can do more than just help bland foods taste better. Salt can be added to drinking water as a source of electrolytes to prevent dehydration. It can also be used to cure meats and other foods.
Survival foods are crucial in any life-threatening situation from from camping or hiking to nuclear fallout. You will need to eat more calories if you are traveling by foot or doing physical activity, than if you are staying relatively stationary in a bunker or safe house. The right survival diet will keep you healthy and energized. Choosing the right foods and preparing for the situation keeps you be self-reliant and ready for anything.
The number one most important way to be prepared as a survivalist is planning. If you’ve ever gone to a supermarket before a hurricane or blizzard, you know how quickly stores turn to chaos, as aisles become bare, and every last item is bought. The most important survival foods are the first to go, like bottled water and nonperishables. The roads become packed with bumper-to-bumper traffic, leaving worried residents wondering if they will get out in time. Being prepared can help you avoid the danger and chaos.
Food and Water
Depending on what you are preparing for, your food supply may need to last you anywhere from a few days or a few months. You may be able to cook meals in a safe place or eat food as you travel. Clean water is absolutely essential to survival. Humans can only go a few days without water. Unclean or contaminated water can quickly lead to illness or disease. Water can be very heavy, which is okay if you are staying in one place, but if you plan on being mobile, you need to map out fresh water sources along the way. Water can be purified with tablets or travel water filters.
Where are you going to go? If you have a safe place in your house, make sure it can be ready quickly if there is little warning of the disaster. Make a checklist of everything you need and take inventory, rationing the correct amounts for each person. If you will need to go to another location, how will you get there? If you are traveling by car, be prepared for traffic and the possibility of the gas stations running out. Can your shelter be used for any season and endure the elements? Severe weather can turn deadly, fast. How many people will be with you? Can you fit them all in your shelter? If you need to build a shelter, do you have all of the tools you need?
A first aid kit is very important for treating any injuries that may occur during traveling or any accidents. Important contents for a first aid kit are ibuprofen, antihistamines, antiseptic ointment, Band-Aids, gauze, wraps, slings, antibacterial wipes, tweezers, needle and thread, insect bite treatment, and duct tape.
During a disaster, chaos can turn violent. Self-defense may come in handy if resources become scarce. Looters try to find food and other essentials from homes. Riots often break out. You could come across robbers while traveling to your shelter. Do you have any weapons to defend yourself or your family? If something happens to you, does everyone in your group know self-defense and how to use the weapons?
Clothing and toiletries
Proper clothing is important for various weather conditions. You may not be able to wash your clothes, and dirty clothes can make life uncomfortable and unsanitary. Jackets for the cold or rain are very important. Proper shoes are needed for walking or climbing. Prepare enough clothing for any weather conditions, layers that can be taken off or put back on. The more clothes you can wear, the less you will have to carry. If you’re staying put in a shelter, clean clothes will help make you feel comfortable.
Preparation and planning are essential for survival during an emergency. Some disaster situations do not give much warning, and time becomes precious. People tend to panic during emergencies and the panic can lead to safety hazards, lack of resources, and congestion. Being prepared allows you to make sure you have enough food and water and can get to a safe area before the disaster strikes.
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