Why Nutritional Variety Is So Important to Your Survival

During the initial stages of any life-threatening situation, your only mission is to stay alive. Give 150% of everything you have, by any means necessary, simply to survive.

But if you're looking at a prolonged situation or what I refer to as "long haul" survival, there are other things you must consider.

One very important item is accessing your caloric intake, and what you have available to keep you going. When I was in S.E.R.E. (survive, evade, resist, escape – POW) school in the SEAL teams, I went seven days without eating while "on the run." Even the idea of finding a ketchup packet sounded like a five-course feast.

After the conclusion of this training and the loss of 25 lbs., the local Outback Steakhouse more than fulfilled this desire.

That said, if you find yourself in an emergency that lasts months vs. days (a "long haul" scenario) you need to prepare now for the requirements of your body.

Let's be honest. If you're in this situation it will not be easy. And the daily physical demands will be very taxing. To maintain the energy required you are going to need to "feed the furnace."

That means not only consuming the appropriate number of calories, but also sufficient variety.

Generally speaking, the ideal combination is as follows:

• 30% Protein
• 20-30% Fat
• 40-50% Carbohydrates

Could you survive for a year on a single food? Yes, but I can guarantee you'd wish you'd spent some time focusing on variety – both for nutrition and morale.

Now if you've already ordered a 4Patriots Survival Food Kit you are in great shape. It's an excellent foundation.

But to put yourself and your loved ones on stronger footing, you need to consider the addition of nutrients your body needs to operate at peak performance. That's why I highly recommend continually upgrading your survival supplies, to increase variety, taste, and available nutrients.

A cache of freeze-dried berries adds welcome nutrition, as well as a versatile way to "change it up" even if access to fresh fruit is impossible. (Oatmeal and pancakes are filling for sure, but a punch of berry nutrition adds flavor and much needed variety, especially in a long-haul scenario.)

Let me once again state that a survival situation will be very difficult. It will push you to the limit and impose demands that you've probably never felt before in your life.

But what is the alternative? Quit?

That's why I constantly preach that preparation is 90% of surviving any situation.

Take the time NOW from the comfort of your home to prepare. Take stock of your supplies on hand and add to those to give yourself more than a fighting chance, support your health, add welcome variety, and reduce your discomfort.