Stock Your ER Pantry with Superfoods Before a Storm!

 Stock Up with Superfoods for People (and Pets)... 

Before a Superstorm, Power Outage! 

By Cal Orey

Like a squirrel before winter, store up food stuff before your favorite non-perishable foods are AWOL. If you want peace of mind for you and your companion animals get busy before a snowstorm or flooding happens! You'll be happier and healthier knowing you have enough water, dried food that you like, and pet food for your soulmates with paws.

So, why exactly do people think stocking a pantry with a tin of Spam or SpaghettiOs in a can are basic ER staples?  It's the 21st century! If the power goes out, unless you have a generator, you're not going to have access to refrigerated food or hot stuff (unless you have a gas stove and the gas is on). It's time to think outside of the can and stock up on the good superfoods you'll enjoy eating and get nutrients, too.

 How? How do you put together a nutritious ER stash? A new study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows a Pesco-Mediterranean diet – and intermittent fasting -- is ideal for perfecting heart health.

A bonus: The fact is, when disaster strikes, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol numbers is vital as stress soars. This heart-healthy regimen has vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and extra-virgin olive oil with fish/seafood and fermented dairy products. Beverages include water, coffee, and tea. It’s a plan for an emergency pantry.

As the author who penned the Healing Powers series I must say if I don't have hot tea I'll reach for a ready-to-drink brew. It's not as healthy as a cup of black or herbal tea (RTD contains tea but it also has sugar and caffeine) but it can make you feel better. Ditto with no java. But dark chocolate, and superfoods do the trick...

9 Superfood Groups to the Rescue

What’s more, bestseller “Superfoods Rx” author Dr. Steven G. Pratt, MD points out, “packaged foods have too much fat and trans-fat, sodium, sugar, and other nutrition negatives” but adds “health-promoting choices” are pantry smart. 

Fruits. Opt for canned fruit packed in water or unsweetened natural juices and dried fruit with no sugar added.

2.     Vegetables. Russet and Sweet potatoes have a long shelf life. Opt for canned (low-sodium) varieties and all-natural marinara sauce – a versatile staple.

3.     Grains. Breads, oats, whole grain cereals and pasta.

4.     Fish & Seafood. Consider water-packed tuna and salmon.

5.     Eggs, Poultry, Cheese, & Yogurt, Milk. Try powdered eggs or scramble egg mix. Opt for canned chicken or turkey. Soft cheese like Brie doesn’t have to be refrigerated, nor does powdered yogurt or powdered milk.

6.     Nuts, Seeds & Legumes. Good protein sources are beans, nuts, nut butters, and sesame seeds.

7.     Herbs & Spices. For taste and nutrients use basil, cinnamon, garlic, pepper, and turmeric.  

8.     Meats & Sweets. Try canned all natural beef. Stock honey and all-natural protein bars.

9.     Water & Wine. Bottled water is essential for people and pets... Red wine in moderation can be calming for humans only.

 

Perfect Picks for Annoying Ailments

Cold/flu: You can't go wrong with chicken soup to soothe a sore throat. Try nutritious organic brands in quart brick packs rather than high-sodium canned varieties.  

·       Fatigue: Look for a balance of lean protein and whole-food carbs to keep stable blood sugar and energy levels.  Go for water-packed canned tuna on whole grain crackers or almonds with a fruit cup.

·       Insomnia: Herbal teas can be of help when sleep is evasive, as can a glass of milk, or a hard-boiled egg. Both have tryptophan, a protein that can help induce slumber.

·       Stomach woes: Grab Ginger ale or peppermint tea, both can ease queasiness. 

·       Stress: Try dark chocolate for antioxidant properties and brain-calming benefits.

     In a nutshell: Before disaster strikes – go shopping! Forage for a flavorful, well-balanced ER stockpile for health and peace of mind.