Eating Emergency: Are You Prepared?

Do you know what September is?

Sure it’s back to school. And, sure it’s National Fruit & Veggies – More Matters Month. But did you know that it’s also National Preparedness Month? Huh? What?

Yeah, ok – I’ll admit – when I read this I thought what the heck does that mean?! So I did a little research. Apparently September is set aside to take the time to prepare yourself for emergencies and disasters.  Unfortunately, I think we’re all too familiar with the fact that emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. From flash floods and tornado outbreaks to transportation delays and communication breakdowns, emergencies can range from large to small scale. The idea is that preparation prior to a disaster is important. Thinking about what disasters may impact your community and who would be part of your support network lays the groundwork for creating an emergency plan.

So this got me to thinking. But what happens when you find yourself in an eating emergency? You know – when you’re so hungry you need to eat something as quickly as possible. Maybe you even become a little hangry. Sound familiar? Has this happened to you? What do you do? Are you prepared? Do you have a plan in place so you can still eat a healthy meal or snack? Or do you just reach for the closest thing and regret it later?

Why not take the time to avoid an eating emergency? Yes, it’s true – preparation is key. Keeping some items on hand to whip up a quick snack or meal helps you through those eating emergencies. Not sure where to start? Never fear – here are some ideas to get you started.

Nut Butters
Whether it’s peanut butter or almond butter, nut butters contain healthy fats with some protein. Spread on whole wheat crackers or a banana for a snack. On the go? Make a sandwich with whole wheat bread.

Canned Beans
High in protein and fiber, but also inexpensive. Add to salads or pastas to make a quick meal.

Eggs
One egg contains 6g of protein and only 70 calories. Keep hard boiled eggs on hand for a quick snack or on-the-go breakfast with some fruit and a cheese stick.

Frozen Shrimp
Low in calorie, high in protein and easily defrosted. Shrimp cook very quickly. Buy already peeled and deveined to make a quick meal. Or better yet, buy pre-cooked for shrimp cocktail.

Frozen or Canned Vegetables
Frozen at their peak, frozen vegetables are the next best thing to fresh. Canned are a good option too but can contain a lot of sodium.  Look for the low sodium or no sodium on the can.

Canned Tuna
Good source of protein with a relatively long shelf life. Make a sandwich for on-the-go or add to pasta for a quick meal.

What items do you keep on hand to get through those eating emergencies?