Survival As A Low Carber During Times Of Emergency

So-- with all the brouhaha around this election, and hubbub around Hurricane Ike, and possibility of riots (I live in Seattle-- home of the WTO riots)-- I thought it might be a good idea to think about how to prepare for emergencies or disasters.

Let's face it-- Low Carbers have very specific needs-- and if the only foods available are granola bars—or high sugar foods handed out by rescue workers.. well, we're in trouble.

I grew up in Southern Illinois and Southern Indiana and I got used to being snowed in-- two weeks out of the year.

And, just my opinion, but losing your job also qualifies for the designation of disaster. In these crazy economic times I think it's very important to be prepared. So here we go.

Oh, and if you're reading this and have suggestions, please feel free to comment!

So on to my list and suggestions.

I've got some large quantities listed here, but you don't have to buy all of this at once! Check sales at drugstores and Costco and buy in quantity when the items listed are on sale. I'd store this food in a couple of foot lockers or a few of boxes in the basement or a closet. If you're lucky enough to have a pantry, you may want to section off a part of it as “Emergency Only”.

Because there may not be power-- the foods listed here are foods which do not require refrigeration that will be safe to use during an emergency situation:

First the obvious:

(And this is for dire emergencies-- like flood, fire, getting trapped in your car)

Atkins Shakes, canned, two or three dozen (for the car 1 dozen)

Atkins Bars, 3 boxes (for the car, 1 box)

Lots of bottled water (for the car 1 dozen)

Vitamin packs (1 dozen for the car)

Emergen'cy packs sugar-free ( 1 container)

MEATS

Canned meats: Tuna, Salmon, Chicken, Corned Beef, Ham, fish(sardines, kippers, herring) 6- 1 dozen each

Spam , 1 dozen

Deviled Meat , 1 dozen

Canned cocktail sausages , 1 dozen

Beef Jerky 6- dozen packages

Pork Rinds 2 or 3 dozen large bags

VEGETABLES:

Canned Vegetables, Spinach, Mushrooms, Olives, Artichoke Hearts,Asparagus, tomatoes

get at least 6 cans of each

OTHER CANNED GOODS

Canned Salsa (lowest carb brand you can find)

Chicken Broth, 6-12 each

Beef Broth, 6-12 each

Cream of Mushroom Soup , 6 each

Canned Macadamia Nuts 1-2 dozen cans

Canned Salsa, 6 each

Bottled Water, 2 cases per person

Diet Soda, 2-3 dozen cans or 6 per person

LEGUMES:

Canned Black Soy Beans, 1 dozen

DRY GOODS

(For these items I heartily recommend investing in a Vacuum Sealer-- the better to protect your food from water or contamination. )

TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) Sealed

Powdered Eggs

Soy Protein Powder (unflavored)

Dreamfields Pasta, All Types, 1 or 2 dozen

Crystal Light To Go , 4 o 5 cartons containing 10 packs each

Splenda Packets (individual)

Stevia

Shiritaki Mushrooms