|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

A Survival Food Checklist

You should always have a basic stock of food needed for survival in case of emergencies. The US government recommends keeping supplies of water and non-perishable foods in the house should a natural disaster, viral outbreak or other unforeseen circumstance prevent you from leaving the house. It's important to keep a variety of foods in your checklist to ensure your body gets all of the nutrients it needs.

  1. Meat Products

    • Proteins are an important part of your diet, required for maintaining and repairing muscle and connective tissue. Meat products offer the best source of protein. Opt for canned meats or fish such as tuna, as these do not need to be refrigerated and take no preparation. Beef jerky and other dried meats are a good alternative. Nuts, seeds, beans and legumes are vegetarian options that provide essential proteins; they also have a high nutritional value and long shelf-life.

    Fruits and Vegetables

    • Fresh fruits have a limited shelf life, yet the vitamins and minerals they provide means fruits cannot be ignored entirely. Canned fruits such as peaches, pears and mandarins, though not as nutrient-rich as their fresh counterparts, still offer some valuable variety to your diet. Similarly, canned vegetables should be added to the list. Dried fruits such as plums, apricots and figs are another healthy treat, and a great source of fiber, essential for promoting healthy digestion and regulating insulin response.

    Grains

    • The USDA states that a healthy, balanced diet should contain at least one serving of grains per day. Dried pasta, rice, oats and cereals all have a long shelf life and provide your body with important energy-rich carbohydrates. Opt for whole grains whenever possible for a more sustained, slow-releasing source of energy. Granola bars are another alternative that's great for snacking.

    Dairy Products

    • The proteins, amino acids and calcium contained in dairy products are essential nutrients. Most dairy products require refrigeration and keep for a week at best. Instead of fresh dairy products, it is a good idea to store canned or powdered milk products.

Nutrition - Related Articles