Prepare for Emergencies to Ensure Nutrition
By Brandi Goodman
Emergency situations may arise at any time. It is important that you're prepared for days like this if you want to make it through. Many people stock up on canned goods and boxed items because they know these last longer. Although this is true, not all of these options are healthy to eat. You want nutritious foods so that you can keep up your strength. Foods packed with sodium and unhealthy ingredients may give you something to eat, but they won't keep you satisfied and feeling well.
Plan Each Meal of the Day
Many people simply grab whatever food items they think will last. They don't often think about the amount of meals they'll be eating each day. Having canned beans and veggies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner can get old fast and won't give you all the nutrition you need.
Think about possible options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to ensure you get a variety that will keep you satisfied. Steel oats are a great option for breakfast. Just one cup offers 5 or 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber on average. A container of oats can last a year or more. Canned beans, fruits, vegetables, and tuna, as well as boxes of ready-to-eat tuna and crackers, make excellent options for lunches and dinners. Find items that are low in sodium to help your health.
Start Canning
Canning your own foods is a great way to stay prepared for emergencies. This allows you to have healthy ingredients on hand instead of the typical canned goods loaded with sodium and calories. A well-sealed jar of salsa made with fresh ingredients can last more than a year if the seal is intact. You can use the water canning method for high acidity foods, such as fruits, and pressure canning for meats and lower acidity foods. Sliced fruits and vegetables, diced meat, jam, salsa, and pickles are all home-canned possibilities. This gives you a variety of healthy food options to enjoy when you're in a bind.
Keep More Than Enough Water on Hand
Water can go quickly in an emergency situation. You should have more than enough of it if you want to stay hydrated. You may also want to use water on occasion for cooking or bathing. The recommendation is one gallon of water per day per person. You should use at least half the water to drink and the other half for additional purposes. Drink more if you're in hot weather, pregnant, or ill.
Preparing for an emergency involves much more than grabbing a first aid kit, some water bottles, and a few cans and boxes of food. You want to pack nutritious food items that will actually have you feeling well when you need to eat. Eating canned SpaghettiOs and chocolate granola bars day in and day out will not help you keep your strength if the emergency situation lasts a while.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Evans, Ga.