Well, foodies. Irene is headed up the east coast and the divas and I are preparing for a yucky weekend. While I don’t think we’ll get the full brunt of the storm, our area is prone to power outages from normal storms, so who knows what this weekend will bring.

But this gave me the occasion to think about emergency rations for WLS folks. A friend on Obesity Help rightly pointed out that most non-perishable food is loaded with sodium. This is true. But the thing to understand is that the sodium (many times via a preservative) is exactly what makes a food non-perishable.

Still, how do we prepare for these types of situations? What do we stock? Here are a few ideas:

Bottled water along with drink sticks and/or Mio

Of course you’re thinking about your whole family, but make sure you get enough water for you to have at least 64 oz. of water a day. For many WLS patients, plain water is not tolerable. If that’s you, I’d suggest drink sticks and/or MiO. Of course, I like Mio because it’s easier to control the level of sweetness.

Shelf Stable Milk

You may have seen the box cartons of cow’s milk on your grocery store shelves. It’s been treated and had the air removed so that it doesn’t need refrigeration until opening. To that effect, get the small ones as opposed to a larger one and use in individual portions. Milk is a good source of protein. If you can tolerate protein shakes made in a shaker bottle, all the better.

Canned meat and a manual can opener

You would not believe how many times I have heard of people getting the canned goods but forgetting they only have an electric can opener. Canned tuna is an excellent source of protein as is canned chicken breasts. Now, if you’re like me and don’t like just plain tuna, you might invest in some tuna and/or chicken lunch kits. Those come with packets of mayo and relish to dress your tuna. Otherwise, you can also invest in some packets of mayo. Unless your area is uncharacteristically hot, they usually last in the open.

Roasted edamame

These are roasted soy beans. They come in various flavors from plain to wasabi. Most grocery stores carry them. In some they are in the health food department (added bonus: I doubt that particular section of the store will be crowded). These are also a great source of protein and do not require refrigeration.

Jerky

If you’re anywhere near a GNC or other health food store, I highly recommend Ostrim jerky – a blend of ostrich and beef that tastes akin to a Slim Jim. They are small, 80 calories and have about 14g of protein. Though all jerky is high in sodium, this can get you through a bind.

Be safe, my Foodies! I will be thinking of you all as this storm marches up the east coast. If you have any other WLS friendly emergency rations tips to share please, please, PLEASE leave them in the comments section.

New Additions!

Protein Bars

As noted in the comments, protein bars are also non-perishable and might be favorable over canned meat, especially if you live somewhere where it’s warm. I admit warm, canned meat does not sound appetizing. But do still keep some on hand just in case.

Peanut Butter

Just because it’s a “yellow light” food for me doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stock up on it! Peanut butter has some protein in it and is non-perishable. If you are a bread person, you might also invest in some whole wheat Arnold Thins to spread it on or some high fiber crackers (I like Ak-Mak and Wasa whole wheat). Or if you are a peanut butter addict…connisseur like me, straight off the spoon is fine too! 

Note: I’ve temporarily removed moderation of comments so you all can freely share ideas. Bots and spammers, your comments WILL be removed if I see them! The rest of you, keep the ideas coming!