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Friday 23 January 2015

Shelf Stable Meals Will Help You In An Emergency

By Karyn Shields


Most people do not even imagine what would happen to them if the power went out for a few days. They would be unable to cook any food and what was in the refrigerator would go bad quickly. If there was some kind or natural disaster that caused this, they may even need to leave the house for a while. They will need a source of food and shelf stable meals will come in handy.

This bug out bag will need to contain a lot of stuff and, also, should not be too heavy. A bunch of cans is not the best things to place here, since people have to move as quickly as possible through many different types of terrain. The dehydrated foods, which are the epitome of shelf stable, are the better choice as they do not have the weight, yet still have all of the nutrition and taste that you need in your circumstances.

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.

Fats are something everyone needs for fuel and taste. The problem is they will almost all go rancid when left out. There are vitamins in fats that are not present in other foods and it is a staple of many people. Coconut oil is a great way of providing the fat that everyone needs and it will not go rancid even at room temperature for a long time. This is the perfect addition to any bug out bag as it can be used for many things. It will also last on the pantry shelves for cooking at home.

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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