All About the Panic-Free Lifestyle of Self-Sufficient Living

Food

Food Part III: Nutritional Compromise

by Kellene

FoodIn the last two segments in this series on Food, I’ve attempted to address our vulnerable reliance on our world’s food supply. When there is a shortage, we pay for it dearly. When a great deal of products are reliant upon one particular crop, we give away much of our freedom as well.  When the core of our habits for feeding and enjoying are based on a particular product, we are also subjected to the price demands which come with such dependence.  I’m sure that many of you remember how difficult it was to adjust our monthly budgets to meet the drastic increase in fuel prices.  Not long after that shock, over 70% of all credit card holders had their minimum payments on their credit cards increase substantially.  Thus far I’ve addressed the availability and the cost of our foods due to our system at present and how our preparedness efforts can counteract such unpleasant realities.  Today, I believe I’m addressing an even more important aspect of food though—it’s compromised nutrition.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Today’s Object Lesson

 

by Kellene

[caption id="attachment_4252" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin C"][/caption]

Well, folks. I guess I get to be today’s object lesson in taking care of yourself with what’s on the shelf, no transportation, and no medical assistance. I managed to get sick somehow, in spite of being extra mindful of germs and such. (Although I have had this same lady coming to all of my classes and she hacks a lung all during the class! Ugh)

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Food Part II—Some Kernels of Truth about Corn

by Kellene

[caption id="attachment_4256" align="alignleft" width="218" caption="You might be surprised to learn what is made from corn."]corn[/caption]

Did you know that batteries, diapers, cheese, peanut butter, Coco-cola, Motrin, vanilla extract, baking powder, white vinegar, saccharin, Sweet and Low, charcoal, a slew of household cleaners, drinking alcohol, condiments, toothpaste, dental floss, toilet paper, iodide salt, finger paint, crayons,  and margarine all have corn products in them? This list is in addition to the obvious corn products that you are already no doubt familiar with.  Corn is in a slew of food additives as well such as maltodextrin, pumaric acid, di-glycerides, Ethel acetate, xanathan gum, semolina, absorbic acid, gluten, citrus cloud emulsion, saccharin, calcium stearate, xylitol, and sorbitol as well as a litany of other “ides, ites, and tols.”  Did you also know that

By Preparedness Pro, ago

A Lesson from Haiti

by Kellene

[caption id="attachment_4178" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Looting is rampant despite relief sent to Haiti"]Haiti[/caption]

I’m taking a pause from the Food Series to address what I feel is a timely and important issue in Haiti.

The biggest disaster to hit Haiti is unfortunately not the earthquake, rather it’s how the Haitian people are responding to the circumstances brought on by the earthquake. I watch in amazement as events more deadly than the earth’s rumblings brutally strangle a country that is already on its knees economically and socially.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Food—Dressed to Kill Part I

[caption id="attachment_4143" align="alignleft" width="201" caption="Will your pantry shelves mirror the store shelves in an emergency or food shortage?"]Food[/caption]

There is a serious food supply emergency going on right now. We don’t have to wait any longer folks. In fact, I would say we are at Level Orange with very little more required to push us to Level Red.  No. I’m not spewing fear and chaos. I’m trying to share information with you laid out in a rational, factual manner so that you can be aware and to take measures to insure that you are affected by this food crisis as minimally as possible. Remember. I don’t teach fear. I teach preparedness.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Saturday Morning Breakfast

[caption id="attachment_4662" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="What's for breakfast?"]Breakfast[/caption]

by Kellene

While growing up, it was always a special surprise if we got to have something other than oatmeal or cold cereal for breakfast. Saturday was our best chance to get something delicious and homemade from the kitchen. Every once in a while my single mother of 5 would surprise us with a special homemade breakfast dish that we would gobble up before the first episode of Abbott and Costello was over. (Yes, I actually quickly did my chores every Saturday so that I could watch that show as well as The Eastside Kids.) Even better, my little sister would be undaunted in the kitchen and somehow conquer a great recipe too. Somehow it’s been my little sister (“Sissy”) who’s dramatically influenced and improved my cooking over the years. I’ve never seen

By Preparedness Pro, ago

I Hate Emergency Preparedness

by Kellene

Yup. You read that right. I hate emergency preparedness. I loathe the use of the phrase “emergency preparedness.”  I suspect that some psychotic Anarchist came up with the phrase in an attempt to capitalize and commercialize fear.  The word emergency is intended to quicken the heart beat, make the breathing more shallow, make one feel out of control and vulnerable and replace confidence and competence with debilitating anxiety. The very use of the word “emergency” sucks all of the peace out of the word preparedness. To me “emergency preparedness” is much of an oxymoron as is “stimulus bill.” It’s no wonder the words

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Anticipating Elderly Care

by Kellene

[caption id="attachment_4101" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Over 46 million American adults are presently caring for an elderly relative or friend"]elderly[/caption]

Over 46 million American adults are presently caring for an elderly relative or friend.  The majority of these instances actually involve the elderly living in their home with them, while the rest represent adults taking care of “Aunt Ruthie” in her own residence.  In the event of a long-term survival scenario, the elderly are typically the most vulnerable, even with all of the advances in technology, and in some instances, because of modern-day technology. Given these vulnerabilities, considering their needs now, in a time of comfort, can provide a great deal of relief and care—even in a time of chaos.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Conspiracy Programming

[caption id="attachment_4076" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Conspiracies--Fact or Fiction? photo co corrupt-org"][/caption]

by Kellene

I’ve probably said this before, but one of my favorite conspiracy bumper stickers of all time says “Just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t after me.”

I find that there is a dangerous and debilitating stigma in our international society.  If a proposed theory has anything to do with the fact that a person or group of persons has actually conspired, plotted, and planned to bring about the demise of another person, then the proposal is discounted as audacious and mentally deficient. “Conspiracy!” they cry—as if

By Preparedness Pro, ago

How to Can Meat Step-by-Step

 

[caption id="attachment_4052" align="alignright" width="300"] When you can get meat at a killer deal–can it!
All Rights Reserved 2012 Preparedness Pro/Kellene[/caption]

I think if the real Suzy Homemaker had to can 100 pints of meat, or anything, she would be haggard and worn.  However, modern day technology and science makes the tasks of our ancestors a proverbial cake walk.  I often tell my students that I truly am the laziest preparedness person they will ever meet. If there is an easy way to do something, I find it. I work full-time nearly 6 days a week and have to manage my physical and emotional energy wisely. I assure you that if canning meat was a real torture, I certainly wouldn’t be doing it.  So today, I’m going to hold your hand and walk you through this task step by step.

By Preparedness Pro, ago