PREPPER: 25 Survival Foods You Forgot to Buy

PREPPER: 25 Survival Foods You Forgot to Buy

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When it comes to survival foods, there are the staples such as rice and beans and pasta that can be found in almost every bunker. But there’s a whole host of other great survival foods that are often overlooked.

If you’re a prepper, then chances are you already have most of the foods on this list, but I’m posting it on the off chance that you’ll come across a few great survival foods that you simply forgot. For example, I was recently surprised to discover I didn’t have any taco seasoning stockpiled, which is crazy because I love tacos! I thought sure I had some, but apparently I used it all and forgot to replace it. You can bet I fixed that situation immediately.
Below you’ll find a list of 25 survival foods you might have forgotten to buy:



1. Bouillon Cubes – Bouillon cubes have an indefinite shelf life and are a great way to add either a chicken or beef flavor to the meals that you prepare. If you’re throwing together a stew with whatever you have on hand, I can tell you from personal experience that bouillon cubes make a huge difference. Don’t forget about them.
2. Millet – You may know millet as the main ingredient in birdseed, but millet has also been a staple of mankind’s diet for thousands of years. This affordable, nutritious grain presents a good alternative to wheat and rice. It’s also a great option for people with a gluten sensitivity.
3. Kamut – Kamut is a type of wheat and, like millet, is another alternative grain for you to consider stocking up on. It’s very nutritious, easy to digest, and packed with more energy than regular wheat.

4. Vanilla Extract – If you want to add a little sweet vanilla flavoring to the dishes you prepare post-disaster, we’ve got some good news: Pure vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life, allowing you to sweeten your foods and drinks long after the grocery stores have closed down. I always have some on hand because I use it when I make pancakes.
5. Coconut Oil – As a general rule, oils don’t last very long. Coconut oil is the exception, though, with a shelf life of 2+ years. As an added bonus, coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils that you can cook with. As any paleo dieter will tell you, it’s far healthier than vegetable oil. Plus, it has many survival uses.
6. Ramen Noodles – Ramen noodles aren’t the best food to sustain yourself with as they’re very high in sodium and generally pretty unhealthy. But if money is tight, they’re a good option as they’re dirt cheap, tasty, and last forever. If thousands of college students can survive on them, so can you.

7. Honey – Honey has an indefinite shelf life, and when I say indefinite, I mean it. Archaeologists found pots of honey in a 3000-year-old tomb and it was still edible! Honey is a great way to sweeten up your meals and drinks post-disaster, and it’s very good for you. I eat a tablespoon anytime I start coughing and it seems to work better than Robitussin.
8. Cocoa Powder – Cocoa powder can last 30 or more years if stored properly, allowing you to enjoy a nice, warm cup of hot chocolate at any point after the SHTF. It’s especially great to have in winter months or if you have children.
9. Popcorn – My wife would be furious if we ever ran out of popcorn, so we have quite a bit of it on hand. Note that we’re not talking about the microwavable popcorn. Instead, stock up on the kind of popcorn kernels that you have to pop on the stove or over an open flame. They last forever and make for a tasty snack.

10. Jello – Jello powder has an indefinite shelf life. While Jello certainly isn’t the healthiest survival food, stocking up on powdered Jello packets will allow you to enjoy the occasional sweet treat when times get tough. This is another great one to stock up on if you have children.
11. Pudding Mixes – Pudding mixes are like Jello in every way from a survival standpoint (tasty, long-lasting, unhealthy) but in a different flavor. If you like it, you’ll be glad you have it.
12. Taco Seasoning – Turn ordinary ground beef into a tasty meal with a packet of taco seasoning. These pre-mixed spices last forever and can add a Tex-Mex kick to any ground meat (beef or not). I personally use it with canned chicken to make chicken tacos or chicken taco salad.

13. Yeast – Bread won’t last long post-disaster, but the ability to make bread will enable you to keep it on the table long after every loaf in the supermarket is gone. But to make bread, yeast is one of the things you will need to have on hand.
14. Powdered Milk – We all know ordinary milk doesn’t last long. To enjoy milk after a disaster (or at least some version of it) you will want to either secure a milk cow or stock up on dried milk, which has a shelf life of 20+ years when stored properly. For most people, the latter option is going to be far more convenient.
15. Powdered Eggs – Same story, different food. To keep enjoying eggs after a disaster, you may have to make the switch to the powdered variety. Granted, most powdered eggs don’t taste very good, so you might want to try getting used to them before they become the only option. They’re worth it, though, for all the nutritional benefits.

16. Instant Coffee – Easy to make and energizing, instant coffee has a shelf life of 30+ years, allowing you to continue enjoying a steaming cup of Joe in the morning come what may. If you hate the taste, here are a few other ways to make coffee.
17. Protein Bars – These aren’t just for bodybuilders. Protein bars are great for preppers, as well, providing a quick boost of a nutrition that is often in short supply during disaster scenarios. They’re also one of many great foods for your bug out bag. Just be warned that the kind with chocolate are liable to melt.
18. Canned Tuna – Enjoying meat long after a disaster means either hunting/fishing for it yourself or eating it out of a can. Canned tuna is a great place to start if you opt for the latter option, as it is affordable and has a decent shelf life. Be sure to get the kind that comes in oil, not water, as it has more calories.

19. Tang – Tang allows you to turn ordinary water into orange juice (sort of), and it was even used by NASA when they flew astronauts to the moon. Regardless of whether or not you find Tang to be a good substitute for orange juice taste-wise, it is full of great nutrients such as Calcium and Vitamin C.
20. Kool-Aid – Kool-Aid is another powdered water enhancer that lasts for years. Though it’s not nearly as nutritious as Tang, you may find the flavor to be a little more appealing, at least for special occasions.
21. Raisins – Just a cup full of raisins is equal to a full serving of fresh fruit in terms of nutrients. These dried grapes are full of protein, fiber, iron, potassium, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. Raisins can be used as an addition to other dishes or eaten by themselves for a healthy snack. For even more variety, consider stocking up on a number of dried fruits such as dried bananas, strawberries, plums, and more.

22. Maple Syrup – Maple syrup has an indefinite shelf life, meaning that if you are able to figure out a way to make pancakes after SHTF then you will have the perfect topping for them. Personally, I can’t imagine eating pancakes without it.
23. Pancake Mix – Speaking of ways to make pancakes post-disaster, pancake mix is affordable and easy to store. It only has a shelf life of about a year, though, meaning that you’ll have to replace your supply every year, which may be more trouble than it is worth.
24. Canning and Pickling Salt – Most everyone remembers to add iodized salt to their stockpile, but did you know that you can’t use regular iodized salt for canning and pickling? Instead, you will want to ensure that you have canning and pickling salt at your disposal.

25. Garbanzo Beans – Garbanzo beans – also known as chickpeas – are high in protein, flavorful, affordable, and when purchased dry, they have a shelf life of 30+ years. While dry pinto beans are a staple among preppers, garbanzo beans are often overlooked. Given their flavor and nutritious value though, this shouldn’t be the case.
Like I said, the majority of preppers probably already have most of the foods on this list–and I’m sure I’ll get a few comments to that effect–but my hope is that you at least saw one or two foods you either forgot to buy or hadn’t yet considered. Food fatigue is very real, so when the SHTF, you’ll want a wide variety of things to eat for both your physical and psychological health.

50 Things Everyone Should Know How To Do

50 things everyone should know how to do. You could call these vintage skills, pioneer skills or just plain skills. It all comes down to learning skills to teach the next generation. Some of these are practical skills, many are must learn skills, and others are fun skills. I would love to make this list 100 skills with your comments, so let’s get started.

Some of the ideas I have listed we all do and some are a little harder to master for some people, including me and my husband. I really believe we will need all of these skills and much more, but this is a great start. I bet some of you took sewing classes in Home Economics and woodworking in a shop class, and so on. Keep in mind, we won’t learn these skills overnight, we will have to take the time to learn them. Some we’ll be eager to learn and others we may never be interested in at all. I get it.

50 Things Everyone Should Know

1.Gardening skills based on your location and your climate.

2.How to save seeds. Remember, GMO seeds can’t be used the next year after they are harvested, they will not reproduce. Buy only non-GMO seeds, you’ll be glad you did.
3.Learn how to get rid of insects in your garden without pesticides.
4.Canning food.
5.Dehydrate your food.
6.How to compost.
7.How to make play dough.

8.Learn how to tie knots.

9.Train your dog(s).
10.Change a tire and change the oil.
11.How to hunt wild game and dress it out.
12.Learn how to fish.
13.Learn how to clean and cook fish.
14.Learn how to sew and quilt.
15.How to wash clothes without electricity.
16.How to use a clothesline.

17.Make your own laundry detergent. Laundry Detergent/Soap by Food Storage Moms
18.How to bake without power.
19.How to knit or crochet.
20.Grind your own wheat.
21.Learn how to make your own naturally healing salves.
22.Prepare your homestead for blizzards.
23.Prepare your homestead for tornadoes.
24.Stock your pantry.
25.How to grow herbs and preserve them.
26.Cook using cast iron.

27.Learn how to plant fruit trees for your climate.

28.Learn how to prune your fruit trees.
29.Learn how to purify water.
30.Learn basic carpentry skills and buy a few non-electric tools in case the power goes out for weeks or months.
31.Learn how to use alternative power sources.
32.Live within your means and pay off all debt.
33.Prepare a grab and go binder with important documents.
34.Put some things you can use in a box or bag to survive for 72 hours, at the bare minimum.
35.Learn about charcoal and which ones work the best.

36.How to make pancakes and other meals from scratch.
37.Learn basic first aid skills., CPR, EMT or Paramedic classes.
38.Have a first aid book in your home and car.

39.Gather your first aid products and organize the ones you need most often.
40.Know how to use honey for health benefits.

41.Learn how to start a fire in a safe location.
42.Learn how to grow potatoes in pots or in the ground, buy organic and you will always have some potatoes to eat. I love digging for potatoes. They are one of the easiest vegetables to grow.

43.Teach yourself how to use natural remedies such as essential oils.
44.Eat dinner together as a family.
45.Play board games with all electronics turned off.
46.Learn to cook using solar power. Cook with a Sun Oven by Food Storage Moms
47.Buy old cookbooks from thrift stores, they have great recipes.

48.Learn how to store water for emergencies. Storing water by Food Storage Moms
49.Learn how to store food for emergencies.
50.How to save your rain water, if your state allows it.

10 Tips For Apartment Preppers 

 

Managing the pressure when tension rises (blood pressure, that is)

Posted on June 9, 2017 by Spice

About 30% of American adults have high blood pressure (hypertension), and close to 17% of American adults don’t have their high blood pressure well controlled.  Good thing an emergency scenario wouldn’t increase that further!  O wait….  
This is the first of a new series here at BBBY on dealing with chronic disease (like a cherry on top of the other kinds of problems we prep for).  We’re doing the series because so many people deal with these diseases and they’re not going to conveniently evaporate if ‘some more pressing problem’ arises; they’re just going to become harder to manage.  Please note:  I am not a physician.  I am not pretending to be a physician.  Talk to your real physician for specific advice.  I’m just going to make some observations I hope will be helpful, given that I do have some background in how the body works and sometimes fails to work.
First, if there is some more pressing crisis, is hypertension even worth worrying about?  Many people have it for years without symptoms.  That’s the good news.  The bad news is that gives it the nickname ‘the silent killer’ because while it’s hanging around all symptomless, it’s doing irreversible damage to the blood vessels, and that can wreck every major organ system you own.  The second bad news is that the higher the blood pressure goes, the less likely it is to stay without symptoms.  The better outcome in such cases is chronic headaches and feeling poorly.  Problems scale up from there all the way to tearing open a major blood vessel and very quickly bleeding to death.  So, yah, worth consideration.  So what can you do?
In the short term, have some spare meds on hand if you can talk your doc into it…and don’t forget to actually take them regularly during the crisis.  I suggest asking your doc about what you should do if you can’t get ahold of him for a few days and your normal meds aren’t doing the job; and then getting a manual kit, learning how to use it, and watching it during crises.  It’s natural for blood pressure to rise when you’re stressed, but being natural doesn’t make it any better for you.

This MDF Calibra Aneroid Sphygmomanometer is my personal choice for home use. If a cuff costs less than $25, it generally doesn’t work reliably, in my experience.

The BP cuff is no help without the stethoscope. Might as well get a dual head model (for listening to breath sounds too). Get someone to teach you how to take a blood pressure; it’s useful.

If you can’t get meds, there are still things you can do to help yourself.  There are two major groups of blood pressure meds, and one of them is all about helping you get rid of water.  Less fluid (blood) in the pipes (blood vessels) means less pressure in the pipes.  The biggest culprit making you keep too much water is eating too much salt. Unless you’re careful about what you store, eating from your preps is going to make that situation a lot worse.  Heck, some of the products I’ve reviewed for this site had half the recommended daily dose of salt, though the calories were only about a quarter of a daily diet!
Canned food and MREs are bad about salt, in particular.  Freeze-dried foods tend to be much less bad. Among home-made preps, dehydrated foods can be made salt-free.  When canning, you have some control but be careful:  Salt is just for flavor in some recipes (e.g. most veggies) but part of the preservation in others (e.g. pickled items).

A quarter of a day’s salt in 120 calories of soup is bad…but not unusual.

Another big help:  Exercise.  Sure, some disaster scenarios involve a lot of exercise, such as having to bug out afoot.  Others, such as sheltering in place during an epidemic, could be very sedentary.  In those cases, it’s up to you.  There’s always something one can do even in a house, be it jump rope or calisthenics or weight resistance bands.  Doesn’t sound like what you’d want to be doing when you’re stressed out and things are heading out in a hand-basket?  I hear you.  Nonetheless, exercise is an excellent remedy for hypertension both physiologically and because of what it does to your mindset.
Mindset is, in fact, the other elephant in the room.  Of course the kinds of situations we prep for will be stressful.  The truth is, though, that stress has even more to do with how you deal with a situation than with what the situation is.  We can intentionally reduce (ok, not eliminate) our own stress, no matter the situation.  Learn what works for you, and do it.  Prayer can be very effective.  So can meditation.  Being a biology person, I can also vouch for the fact that simply taking deep, slow breaths and (oddly enough) making yourself smile will calm you and improve your mood.  There’s an odd little feedback loop where if you act as if you’re calm and happy, it convinces your brain to think you’re calmer and happier … so you are.  Sometimes “fake it till you make it” is a real thing.

Pro tip:  All of these suggestions — salt limiting, exercise, and stress control — work even if there Is no emergency situation!  They can reduce or eliminate the need for blood pressure meds in the first place in fact.  A big part of preparedness is taking care of yourself so you’re better able to thrive in any situation.  Why not start now?

How about prayer? Just a thought!