Shelf Stable Meals Will Help You In An Emergency

By Karyn Shields


Survivalists tell us that we must have, already prepared, a bug out bag with enough supplies to last us at least three days. Water, itself, because of the weight, will be an issue, however, food is a bigger one as most people like to eat a few fresh things every day and there can be none of that in a bag that must be grabbed quickly in order to survive. That is why shelf stable meals will help out when you need to get going.

The bug out bags that you may have heard about must contain water, food and shelter for about three days for you and your party. Dragging along a bunch of cans, which are safe, will be a load that you may not want to tackle. Dehydrated food, which is stable for long periods of time, is a better option and the selections available are better than they used to be.

These dehydrated foods are manufactured by many companies and sell them to the military as well. They are called MREs and that means, literally, meals ready to eat. Some are completely dehydrated and many are simply canned, individually, as a means of providing one person one meal. They can be placed with your normal stock of food in the pantry even if you do not anticipate a disaster.

You can also prepare your own meals from the basics that comprise the largest food groups most people eat. These are the carbohydrates, proteins and fats associated with a fairly balance diet. Each type of food can be processed so you can be prepared for any emergency that comes along and you will still be able to eat.

Grains and beans will comprise the largest part of your meals and are carbohydrates. They are inexpensive and also have vitamin B as well as other sources of proteins. Sugar and honey fit into this category also. Sealed plastic bags or buckets are the way to store this food stuff as long a it is protected from vermin, insects and moisture.

The proteins everyone needs can be satisfied with meat and fish. These, however, do not store very well as the moisture content is too high for safe food outside of a refrigerator. These items can be stored and packed easily in a bug out bag by canning them. Individual portions can be as delicious, out in the field as they do at home, when you have a selection of them to consider.

You can not ignore fats in your diet, either. This is not very easy to store but it is necessary for energy that will be needed if you are concerned about safety in your new circumstances. There are not only vitamins in fats that can not be obtained from other food, the taste of everything is improved because of it. Most fats will go rancid after a fairly short period of time, however, coconut oil will not do this. It can be stable for quite some time, resistant to rancidity even at room temperatures.

Since you know what is needed to make your bug out bag truly self sufficient, you are now in a better position to have meals for you and your family that actually will help you survive and, possibly, thrive. The stable food is all around you and you just need to be prepared to find it. Whether you buy it or process your own, you will be in a better position to survive the next natural or other disaster.




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