Importance of good food

[Callieslamb]

For the last 4 weeks, I have been settled in my chair letting my foot heal from surgery. Food has been an extreme challenge. The purpose of this thread isn't to show how we can handle this better but to point out what I have learned.

My limiatations don't leave a lot of time for meal preparation and we bought some very simple things for me to feed myself. Long ago, we had decided that if we absolutly had to, we could live on simple items like those from out of our BOBs - cheese/PB and crackers, tuna, granola bars. I have found that I cannot exist on these foods -even almost totally immoble. I am tired and weak. It's not from the surgery. It's the lack of good food.

I can't wait to get back on my feet and cooking again...we are going to have to revamp what is in our BOB - even the small MRE's might not be enough. If you are planning on living on emergency foods - PB, tuna, etc..you might want to try it out first. Perhaps you can- we have found that it hasn't been pleasant for us.

[Sonshine]

It's always wise to eat a balanced diet, but even more so during times of stress.

[olivehill]

No way. I don't even need to try. I KNOW I can't. I need a meal every now and again. I'm glad you were able to try it out and figure it out before it really counts.

[springvalley]

Have any of you ever heard of "Cliff" bars ? They are a high energy bar that mountain climbers carry with them for some energy and a boost while they are climbing. I was in the sporting goods store around Christmas and found them. They were less than a buck a bar, so not a bad price. They also contain caffine for that extra kick in the ars, so keep that in mind. They were good, filling, and did the trick. So if you want something that is good and cheap, I would recomend them. > Thanks Marc

[wvstuck]

Good post, nice to hear from experience... Thanks for taking the time to share.

[Karen]

If you have planned for a lot of variety and a balanced diet, I think it will be different when it actually happens. Right now it's knowing you don't have to eat that way and 'could' get better stuff whenever you want to; or as soon as you get through your current state. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak.

But if a real and big TEOTWAWKIN were to happen, I think most of us would be thrilled to have what we've been able to store. I'm sure there will be plenty of times we wished we had a nice juicy steak or fresh foods, but I feel pretty certain we'll be satisfied and thankful for what we have to eat. That's my theory anyway..lol.

[Callieslamb]

We have much more extensive menus for TEOTWAWKI...It's the BOBs that I was thinking of. Right now, I get a decent meal at night, but it's not enough. On my current bfast and lunch menu - I get really hungry and I can't put off lunch for as long as I used to. SO that's another adjustment that might be made - just eat more of what we do have packed.

Also- I'm totally appalled - all this time me growing our own food, cooking from scratch...and DH and DS are THRILLED about TV dinners!!! Yuckamosso! DS said he hasn't had such gooood fooood in suuuuuchhhhh a long time......GRRR!

I have just really noticed this week how emotionally and physically food plays a very important role. I'm fine, but I was surprised since I am sitting on my fanny in a chair for going on 4 weeks now....you think I wouldn't need much food at all!

[bee]

Callieslamb..It is my unscientific opinion that A, you are healing and that takes energy and B, you have way too much time to dwell on food..which can make you hungry and dissatisfied all out of proportion! Then there are those TV dinners...something your family does not get/often, once they become same ole same ole you can expect them to go back to "normal" eating. JMO...YMMV! Get well soon! bee

[SilverFlame819]

There is an energy bar company based here in Salt Lake called ProBar. Their bars are these big, almost square, thick slabs. They are whole grains, real fruits, cashew butter, etc. REALLY well-balanced, healthy, and super tasty (and I believe mostly organic). They aren't like a regular energy bar that just has grains and sugar, and some caffeine to give you a boost. These are well-balanced bars full of all kinds of crazy (real) ingredients. They're worth looking into if you're wanting something other than crackers and tuna in your BOB. But they are all plant-based. You will get plenty of protein from them, but if you really like a meat-sourced protein (like canned chicken or tuna), you'd also have to include that in your bag.

Anywho, here's their website...

ProBar

[wvstuck]

The problem as I see it is that a BOB is for surviving during stressful, exhausting times while on the move. I see the point Callie is making. If there isn;t enough substance to keep you filled while healing in a chair, how would there be enough substance to keep you moving 18 hours a day moving from place to place or trying to get home on foot. Hiking, running, lack of sleep... All things that require high protein and extra good carbs.

Something to think about... Using your BOB as a get home bag... Do you want to spend 5 days trying to get home, while getting weaker from lack of nutrition with each step... Once you are hungry and your body isn't getting enough good food you won't even be making good decisions.

I Keep mountain house meals, energy bars and extra nuts and stuff in my bobs... The Mountain House meals are made for two people, I plan on making it a one person meal and doubling up on calories. I think I'll take my 12yo Daughter for a survival camp for 3 or four days when the weather gets back below 20 and see how we fare on the BOB food. Our BOB's are strictly for getting home from somewhere in the event of an emergency... We are living at our BOL turned full time home so this is where we are headed. It would be good to know for sure how the food holds up under stressful conditions.

[Jena]

As a scientist, the first thing I think is...has anyone done the math? How many calories does a person need for a day of sitting around, basically doing nothing and how many calories does a person need for a day of walking or whatever? Do the math (I'm sure the info can be found online) and stock accordingly. Make sure there are enough calories for the anticipated situation.

[mpillow]

When you are sick and broken your body needs more nutrients and calories to do its job...

Callie--dont you have some family next door or friends to help out? a big beef stew with some rolls...or a spaghetti sauce or a chili....its the weekend so get extra done for the week? crockpot dish and a stovetop dish....maybe roast a chicken as well...get hubby on it!

And I can totally relate to the kids enjoying crap convenience food....my husband would never touch the stuff! He will cook if he has to and make lunch pots for the fridge to heat and eat in the microwave....

[Callieslamb]

Originally Posted by bee

Callieslamb..... you have way too much time to dwell on food..which can make you hungry and dissatisfied all out of proportion! Get well soon! bee

Thanks, bee- this is what I think too...but it's something to consider. Nothing makes food more important than to not have what you want. Thanks, I will be up and at 'em soon enough.

Originally Posted by wvstuck

The problem as I see it is that a BOB is for surviving during stressful, exhausting times while on the move. I see the point Callie is making. If there isn;t enough substance to keep you filled while healing in a chair, how would there be enough substance to keep you moving 18 hours a day moving from place to place or trying to get home on foot. Hiking, running, lack of sleep... .................It would be good to know for sure how the food holds up under stressful conditions.

Thanks for saying so well what I was trying to say! It isn't that I'm stuck in a chair. Yes, friends have brought us meals. We are FINE. BUT...I've learned that had this been for real - since I am eating some of the similar things in the BOB....I wouldn't be doing so well. If I ever use that BOB it will be in a stressful situation - whether we are moving around all the time or not. We are revamping our meals. More protein. More variety. And just MORE. Thankfully, DS is old enough to carry about 30 or so pounds now too.

Unfortunately, most of the power bars/protein bars have a lot of soy in them and soy makes me sick. We have them. Stacks of them. Daytrex also makes some that supposedly have enough calories for an entire day - I tried it. I got really hungry. They will sustain life, but.....I'm afraid I'd be one of the ones going crazy on it. It has been a good thing to learn for us while we have time to make some changes. I'm a bit envious of those that can live well off little.

[Callieslamb]

Originally Posted by mpillow

When you are sick and broken your body needs more nutrients and calories to do its job...

Callie--dont you have some family next door or friends to help out? a big beef stew with some rolls...or a spaghetti sauce or a chili....its the weekend so get extra done for the week? crockpot dish and a stovetop dish....maybe roast a chicken as well...get hubby on it!

And I can totally relate to the kids enjoying crap convenience food....my husband would never touch the stuff! He will cook if he has to and make lunch pots for the fridge to heat and eat in the microwave....

I have meals and great friends. I can't heat up much due to the time it takes to be up and about. DH has been very, very busy so no time to cook. It's the time I am home alone that has taught me so much and I am thankful for it. It's been a great expience on many levels ( DS can now to laundry and sweep the floors). I remember baking all homemade bread and cookies for myh kids. I started it 20 years ago. I was so happy to be able to do this for my family and learn to do it will ...but it was a real eye opened when one little voice once asked - "Mom, do you think we could have store-bought cookies just once?" And four other little voices added their vote too. So we bought some and they gushed over how good they were.....GRRRRRR I haven't made many cookies since. But I still make all the bread. Families!

[mpillow]

and on bee's line of thinking....I've read true stories of folks up in alaska working so hard all day/night to get their cabin built that they were too tired to eat! Kind of like being on your guard all the time in zombieville....at that point your taste buds are not fussy and your energy level is too low for daydreaming about food.

[PATRICE IN IL]

Callie here's a suggestion for a hot lunch or breakfast......get a couple of mini crockpots that you can set up on a tray table near your chair. Have your DH or DS set them up at night then plug them in for you first thing in the morning. You can do oatmeal for breakfast in one and you can have some homemade or canned soup/stew/chili heating up throughtout the day to eat for lunch. Just eat from the crocks and you won't have to worry about extra dishes.

[Danaus29]

Your bob diet is lacking fruit and vegetables. I like my home made trail mix, raisins, banana chips, cranberries, apple, pumpkin seeds, mixed nuts, pistachios for a quick energy boosting snack.
I am not fond of commercial granola bars even as an emergency ration.

You have my prayers for a rapid recovery.

[Sanza]

Are you also taking vitamins right now? That could help with your weakness and tiredness, but inactivity also makes you feel sick and sluggish - besides being bored with the limited food you're eating.
So hang in there and eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies during the day, and then lots of protein in your evening meal.
Heal fast!

[oth47]

Good tasty cooked food is a great morale booster,too.Snacks are fine on a limited basis,but not for the long term.

[Callieslamb]

You are all so kind to give advice. I do eat veggies and fruit and a vitamin pill. I wonder if a person couldn't adjust to this kind of diet over time. I mean, if you can get used to TV dinners....you can get used to anything, right?