Survival foods: the basics

By Terrance Franklin


There are a variety of considerations to take into mind when figuring out just what best meals to consume for survival are. There is of course the sum of calories involved, if you're going to be surviving, you'll need energy to relocate with.

There are variations in the volume of calories you will get from food items. In most cases, meat is denser in calories compared with plant matter. Consider this, are you feeling more completely full after consuming a steak or a dish of spinach? Some plants possess a lot of water, that won't provide many calories but is crucial for keeping alive in dry locations.

While getting animal meat is better coming from a calorie point of view, it can be a big risk. It usually takes a large amount of calories in order to capture an animal. Can you think of the kind of workout you would get chasing down a deer? Even if you catch it, you'll be very fatigued and if you don't catch it you'll have spent all of that for nothing. With a survival situation, it's a big risk but a huge reward.

There's always the hazard factor linked to pursuing wildlife. In one of my favorite tv series, Dual Survival, the host Cody Lundin always criticizes his companion Dave Canterbury for taking a great number of risks. Dave does all sorts of crazy stuff like hunting alligators with self-made spears so he's a bit of an excessive example.

Back to eating animal products though, in extended survival conditions the protein may be critical. With out protein, your muscle tissue will waste away which will make it tougher for you to move around across terrain or protect yourself if you have the need. So it's imperative to find some type of protein so that you can stay alive. Meat will do this a lot better than other things.

If you ever end up catching something, the best way to keep it portable is by making it into jerky or smoking it. By building a fire, you can not only smoke your meat but signal to others that you are in the area. Smoke is a sure sign to any would be rescuers who are looking for you.

So in short, it's best to have a combination of foods for survival. Calories will get you energy but you need protein to stay fit if you're going to survive in the long run.




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