We all know that preppers need to stockpile food, but how much do you need?
It’s hard enough to figure out what foods are healthy and which ones will last the longest. Figuring out how many calories you need is even more difficult.
Generally, a male requires 2500-2800 calories, whereas a female needs 2000 calories per day to maintain a healthy body weight. However, this number depends on your activity level, age, and weight.
Lowering your food intake below these levels, and you could lose weight.
In this article, we will dive further into the topic. You will learn about the best foods to stockpile, how to build an emergency food supply, and more.
How Many Calories To Survive (Food)
Males
A man needs to consume around 2500-2800 calories per day to survive. This number may vary, depending on the weight and activity level of the individual.
Females
On average, a woman needs to consume 2000 calories each day. Once again, this number is not set in stone and will vary depending on a number of factors.
To discover the right amount of calories for ‘you’ take a look at the section below…
Use A Calorie Calculator
A calorie calculator allows you to input information about your age, gender, weight, and how much physical activity you do per day.
It will then give you the number of calories needed to maintain your daily weight.
Looking for a reliable calorie calculator? You can’t go wrong with this one.
How Much Water To Survive
It depends on the type of climate you’re living in. However, most people need 90-125 oz of water per day. This number may vary depending on the weight and activity level of the individual.
Drinking water is essential for maintaining hydration and aiding in digestion and waste removal.
You can make sure you are staying hydrated by using a water bottle.
The heat can also affect how much water you need to drink in a few ways. When it’s hot outside, you will likely sweat more.
This means you will need to drink more water to replace the fluid you lose.
Additionally, the heat can make you feel thirsty, so you need to drink more water to satisfy your thirst.
If you don’t drink enough water, you may become dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and thirst.
Severe dehydration can lead to seizures, kidney failure, and even death.
A-List Of Nutrient Dense Foods To Stockpile For A Healthy Diet
Beans
All beans are high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants and low in fat. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, iron, and potassium.
Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, niacin, and selenium.
Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a good source of protein, and it also contains important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium.
Rice
Rice is a grain that is a staple in the diet of many people around the world.
It is a source of carbohydrates, thiamin, niacin, and vitamin B6. It also contains some minerals such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Pasta
Pasta is a fantastic source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. It also has thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin, which are essential for the body to function.
Nuts
Nuts are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants.
Freeze Dried Food
Freeze-dried food is good because it tastes excellent and doesn’t spoil.
You can take freeze-dried food with you on trips or camping. All nutrients stay in the food, so you don’t have to worry about not having enough nutrients.
How To Build Your Emergency Food Supply
Calorie Intake
Before building an emergency food supply, you need to know your required daily calorie intake.
You can then split the correct amount of calories between carbs, proteins, and fats.
The department of nutrition and exercise recommends splitting your calories as follows [1]:
- 45%-65% Carbs
- 10%-35% Protein
- 20%-35% Fats
Carbs
One of the primary sources of energy for the body is carbs. They are found in various foods, including grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk products.
Carbohydrates provide energy for both physical and mental activities.
Protein
Protein is a macronutrient that is composed of amino acids. Protein provides energy and helps build and repair cells, tissue, and muscles.
Fats
Fat is an essential nutrient that your body needs to survive. It provides energy, maintains cell structure, and cushions vital organs.
The fat our bodies need is found in food such as butter, oils, nuts, seeds, and avocados. They also provide vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Reasons To Make Sure You Have Enough Food
If you don’t eat enough food, you may become malnourished. Malnutrition can cause a variety of health problems, such as:
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Impaired brain function
- Dental problems
- Digestive problems
- Skin problems
The average human can go up to 2 months without food, providing they still have access to a water source [2]. However, this number may vary depending on the weight and activity level of the individual.
Surprisingly, women can survive longer than men without food. This is because they have a higher body fat percentage, which can be burned for energy during a freak survival event.
Best Food Storage Options
Air Tight Containers
You should store food in air-tight containers to protect your food from flying insects, bacteria, and mold. Air-tight containers will also keep your food fresh for a more extended period.
Large Buckets
There are a few reasons you should store food in large buckets long term.
The first reason is they are airtight, which helps maintain the food’s quality and edibility.
They also lock out moisture and pests, which helps to prevent spoilage.
Another reason is they take up less space than traditional storage containers. This is important because you can store more food in a smaller area.
Finally, large buckets are durable and can withstand wear and tear. This makes them a good option for long-term storage.
Cans
Cans are great for long-term storage because they take up less space than traditional storage containers, and the food inside them doesn’t spoil as fast as it would in other containers.
Additionally, cans are sturdy and don’t damage easily, which means you’ll be able to store your food for a longer time period.
Glass Jars
Glass jars are better for storing food than plastic containers because they do not contain harmful chemicals that can seep into the food and contaminate it.
Glass jars are also more durable, and they don’t break easily as plastic containers do, so your food is less likely to be damaged.
Unless of course…
You drop them!
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial to have enough food to survive in an emergency. And the more calories, the better! The fewer calories you have, the less time you can survive for.
You should stockpile nutrient-dense foods and store them in airtight containers, large buckets, or cans. Glass jars are also a good option.