EBOLA Can you AFFORD to Shelter In Place? (Mortgage/rent/bills etc.)

[WildDaisy]

I agree with TerryK. If you are looking for excuses to die, go ahead and give your preps to your neighbor. However, if you are looking to survive, a "can do" mindset is much better. It is not a death sentence and can be planned for in advance.

Diabetics CAN eat beans (protein), rice, wheat, (carbs), etc. However, they need to monitor what they eat and how much to adjust their insulin (if they are on it) and monitor their blood sugar. But nothing says that they cannot eat these foods. If you are a diabetic and a prepper, you need to plan for a long term food storage meal plan with veggies with low sodium, proteins and less on the carbs, but it can be done.

Plan for brown rice instead of white. Plan for wheat bread instead of white. Oatmeal, cream of wheat, no sugar cereals. During the summer months, can your garden abundance. Store bought canned veggies and fruit are an alternative, but watch the sodium and syrup. Can your meats when you get them on sale in larger lots. There are tons of alternatives to eating junk in a SHTF situation. It just takes planning and that is what this forum is about.

Type I diabetics cannot make insulin on their own and need to take insulin, which needs refrigeration and does not have a long shelf life (though I believe there is a new insulin out that does not require the fridge). This is the biggest concern for Type I's. Type twos are mostly on oral meds, some on injection, but either type needs to monitor their blood sugar levels, some more often than others. In a stressful situation, or in situations where there is sickness, blood sugar levels can fluctuate wildly. So that needs to be planned for as well.

Diabetics can eat almost anything as long as they monitor what they are eating and I can probably assume that most Type II's and Pre Diabetics will be eating better on a rice and beans diet than on a fast food/junk food diet that got them that way.


Food Considerations During A Disaster

1. Food and water may be limited/contaminated. Discard any food you think may be contaminated. It may be necessary to boil water for 10 minutes before use.
2. Maintain your meal plan as best you can.
3. Sugar and sugar containing foods should be avoided.
4. Avoid products with these (sugar) ingredients: dextrose, sucrose, corn, sweeteners, honey, molasses, sugar and fruit syrup.
5. Avoid greasy foods.
6. Try to eat meals and snacks at the same time every day.
7. Increase food intake during periods of increased activity by either eating between meal snacks before the activity or by carrying additional food with meals.
8. Carry a fast source of sugar with you at all times:

• • 3 B-D Glucose Tablets
  • 1 small box of raisins
  • Small hard candies
  • Tube of decorating icing

Sick Day Rules During A Disaster

1. Always take your insulin or pills on time or close to it. NEVER OMIT YOUR INSULIN UNLESS PHYSICIAN DIRECTS YOU TO DO SO. Insulin is still good if there is no refrigeration available. Bottles of insulin may be kept at room temperature for one month. Discard unrefrigerated insulin after 30 days.
2. Keep an extra bottle of insulin on hand at all times.
3. Eat no later than 30 minutes after taking your insulin. Try to eat on time.
4. Never skip a meal! If you are unable to eat due to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, sip a regular soft drink, eat hard candy, or fruit instead of your regular meal plan. Most importantly do not let yourself become dehydrated, drink plenty of fluids and in-between meals sip diet soda (this will replace water, sodium, and potassium into your body)
5. GET PLENTY OF REST!
6. Check your blood sugar. Notify your doctor if your blood sugar average is over 240mg, or if you have been ill for 2 or more days.
7. If you use insulin, test your urine for ketones when:

• • Your blood sugar is over 240mg
  • You are vomiting
  • You have symptoms of high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger fatigue, stomach pain)

http://www.baymedical.org/Services/Diabetes-Services/Caring-for-Diabetes-During-A-Disaster.aspx

 

[Mo Earth]

Short term - yes. Debt free, adequate retirement income, but while we were busy getting out of debt, we were only able to put aside enough supplies for about 3 mos. Working on building that and helping grown children get started prepping.

 

[JWP]

The upside is that my bank now has free check deposit by phone, so now for the clients that send us checks, we can put them in the bank without even leaving home.

In the event that you did have to shelter in place, I would advise caution handling mail. Good thing I stocked up on nitrile gloves when they were on sale. =)

 

[R.Tist]

I am a type II diabetic and yes I can eat rice and beans to the cows come home
It's not the best thing for you, but who in the hell expects an optimum diet if shtf??

By the way perhaps you should store up some protein powder. No carbs, pure protein and stores for at least 5 years.
I have a couple of cases stored and I use it regularly as a meal substitute for one meal a day and will use it come shtf.

Also, canned chicken and tuna last for at least 5 years also and again have 0 carbs. Both readily available now.

Jeesh it seems like you are looking for reasons why you can't survive instead of obvious solutions to how you can.

Nope. While eating rice and beans would be unwise in my situation, I have enough canned goods and supplements to see us through for a while. Protein powder is a bad idea since it's all soy based, and I'm allergic to soy. Meds, here in Canada, are problematic to obtain, although I should be fine for 6 months or so.

I have other (serious) health problems that would make surviving difficult, but not impossible, and such things I leave up to God's discretion while doing what I can with my end of the stick.

All the best to you, Terry.


Artie.

 

[R.Tist]

Artie:
Most serious survivalists discount the theory of people taking to the woods to survive.
For most it is just a dream and would be impossible for any extended length of time.
Another factor they bring up is that it wouldn't just be you in the woods. It would likely be several million others trying to make a go of it.
Basically going out for a week or two is not the same as surviving in the wild permanently.

I've lived in the wilderness (right here) for a couple of decades and traveled most of the rest of the world besides, making and living in home-made shelters of all kinds. The number of people who'd go where I'm used to living would never reach triple digits. I know, having BTDT, as I said, for a couple of decades.


Oh and here is your recipe for Scotch Broth, but I thought you were concerned about being diabetic. Anyway, It is a very simple way to put together a years supply at minimal expense. Most people I know that did it for Y2K made smaller batches. You can change the proportions of the various ingredients to suit your taste or dietary requirements.

Thank you SO much for finding this, as I'm sure it'll help a lot of people. I forgot the recipe. (DH and I can't eat it anymore, but we did have some and used it three times, I think (for several months), when we were less than flush financially and still had kids at home.)


http://baconandeggs-scifichick.blogspot.com/2011/03/one-year-supply-of-food-storage-under.html
One Year Supply of Food Storage Under $300
A years worth of food storage for under $300! Yes, you read that right. How does expanding your food storage with literally hundreds of meals for around $300 sound? I think I may have found one of the best kept secrets around for pumping your food storage up REAL FAST and REAL CHEAP.

Scotch Broth is is a combination of grains and legumes and it provides a balanced and nutritious meal on the cheap! "This particular combination is said to provide a balance of ALL of the appropriate amino acids required for a person."

This is really easy recipe to "change" in countless ways.By adding left over meats or vegetables or adding dried vegetables to the mix you could totally change it up. It wouldn't have to be "the same ol' thing either!
The following is an excerpt from the forums at Timebomb2k. This recipe has been floating around the internet for several years but I don't think it has gotten nearly enough attention.


This is what you will need
4 x 22lb (or 10kg) rice. (Any kind will do).
2 x 11lb (or 5kg) kidney beans
2 x 11lb (or 5kg) barley
2 x 11lb (or 5kg) lentils (yellow)
1 x 5.5lb (or 2.5kg) green split peas
1 x 5.5lb (or2.5 kg) chick peas (garbanzo beans)"


( You will also need a total of 30 pounds of bouillon. You will add it to each batch as you cook it. I think I will store both chicken AND beef bouillon. I added this into the cost and it IS reflected in the $300.)

"Method:
Put the rice in a mixing container.Then add each of the other ingredients 5kg at a time, mixing as you go. (Use surgical gloves or you'll have no nails left, LOL!).
When you have all the other ingredients mixed in with the first two bags of rice, add the last two bags of rice and *REALLY* mix well or you'll get all rice on the bottom of your mixture."

"MAKING SOUP.
Take 16oz of the dry mixture and put in about 6-7 quarts of water (with a nut of butter or a tsp. of olive oil to prevent soup boiling over) and add 3 tablespoons (or to taste) of powdered soup stock. We like to use chicken stock.
Then add any veggies, meat, & seasoning you like (if available). (We like to also put in lots of garlic) (DO NOT USE ONIONS - they'll spoil the mixture).
Bring to a boil and let simmer for two hours and you have enough soup for two days for 4 people.

On the second day you'll need to add some more water (it thickens in the fridge overnight) and another tablespoon of stock. Make sure to boil for at least 10 minutes the second day to kill off any potential bacteria, - especially if you are not storing in fridge, but just in a root cellar or like that in the event of no electricity in summer.

We make our own bread and have a thick slice fer dunkin' with a large bowl of this delicious soup and it serves as a main meal. You are FULL after just one (large size) bowl of this stuff.

Kids will usually only be able to eat half a bowl w/bread, or a small bowl, whichever you prefer. Adults will likely want a nice big bowl.

If there is any mixture left on the third day, just add the new mixture to it. You will need less of course, but you'll get to know how to gauge things as you go along catering to the requirements of your own little family."
"ONIONS>>>Re: onions... They ferment too quickly, and cut down the amount of time you can safely store already cooked soup.

Assuming there are no refrigerators etc., it's best to err on the side of caution and not use them in the soup. If you want to waste fuel and make your soup daily, then onions aren't a problem.

We LOVE onions in our house, and cook them by wrapping them in tinfoil, and putting them in the ever-burning wood stove for an hour. We put in some potatoes too usually, and have a meal of tatties & onions. They taste wonderful prepared in this way, particularly if you add a little butter or olive oil and some herbs when you take them out of the fire. This and some greens is all you need to exist except for vitamin B12.

The recipe calls for the following ingredients by weight
88 pound(s) or 40 kilogram(s) rice
22 pound(s) or 10 kilogram(s) kidney beans
22 pound(s) or 10 kilogram(s) barley
22 pound(s) or 10 kilogram(s) lentils, yellow
5.50 pound(s) or 05 kilogram(s) green split peas
5.50 pound(s) or 05 kilogram(s) chick peas
165 pound(s) or 80 kilogram(s) Total weight

These parts are converted (by weight) as follows to arrive at one pound of broth.
08 ounce(s) rice
02 ounce(s) red kidney beans
02 ounce(s) pearl barley
02 ounce(s) lentils (yellow)
01 ounce(s) green split peas
01 ounce(s) chick peas (Garbanzos)
16 ounce(s) Total Food"

Along with the basic recipe there are also other suggestions to make this truly an excellent source for your long term food storage. One thought that I had was that this would be a good way to have some "charitable" foods on hand. You could package it into smaller containers (1 or 2 pounds) and have a few meals on hand for the less fortunate. Another idea would be to make up a batch and dehydrate it. You would have a fast and tasty "Instant Soup".
If you were to do this over 12 pay-days, and if you are paid weekly, - you would have a10-year food supply in just 3 months. What a super way to "pump up" your food storage!

Thanks again, Terry.

Artie.

 

[R.Tist]

Very informative thread, thank you. My short answer would be yes, for about a year if things continue more or less the same as they are now.

One thing I'll throw out there for consideration: You never know when life can throw a series of game changers at you that you couldn't possibly prepare for. In 2007 I owned my own business (having worked in a highly paid corp position for 21 years) had my home and 2nd home paid for, strong income coming in from multiple streams, almost 500k in the bank, a high 700 credit score, married, kiddos grown, not too old (hadn't hit 50, lol) happy and healthy.

That ALL went away (except the happy and the kids) in just 12 months.

Cancer, the market collapse of 2008 and a husband who couldn't deal with his wife who was labeled "terminal" (he may have baled a little early, lol) took almost everything. Just. Like. That.

So, 7 years later, I'm starting over...a little shell shocked no doubt...but the lesson I got (and am still getting) is that I think the very BEST prep we can work towards is
flexibility.

We take what precautions are prudent to stay out of harms way, but we also have to recognize that sometimes, despite our best plans....stuff happens. I'm looking for ideas on work I can do largely from home to rebuild (and anyone out there with ideas feel FREE to send 'em my way!!) ..but recognize that sometimes it's not a storm you're facing-it's a 100 foot high tsunami, and the only thing you can do is try to get out of the way and figure out how to adapt later.

May God bless you {{{{{{{Pyrate Princess}}}}}}}.

A few of us, it seems, have lost all our preps after years of compiling them - a $Shit happens (or Stuff happens, depending upon how polite you are, ) scenario.

If one is still breathing, one can still prep though, and 'starting over' comes around more often than once in the lives of many.

My take is to be grateful for the given time, within the numbered days of our lives, and... do the best we can.

I love this forum, as it allows us to share our respective challenges and 'be there' for each other with words or even physical help, and I hope this thread will be inspirational to those who've suffered setbacks, and comforting to those who may do so in the future.

May God bless and keep you well.


Artie.

 

[TerryK]

Nope. While eating rice and beans would be unwise in my situation, I have enough canned goods and supplements to see us through for a while. Protein powder is a bad idea since it's all soy based, and I'm allergic to soy. Meds, here in Canada, are problematic to obtain, although I should be fine for 6 months or so.

I have other (serious) health problems that would make surviving difficult, but not impossible, and such things I leave up to God's discretion while doing what I can with my end of the stick.

All the best to you, Terry.


Artie.

Sorry to hear about your other health problems.

There are many good protein powders that are not based on soy.
Actually only the cheap protein powder is soy based.
Most are based on whey, but some are based on casein. In other words milk.
Don't know too many people who use soy based protein sources if they can help it.

If you are type 1 diabetic, you either have insulin or you die.
Some type 2s need insulin but most do not.
Type 2 diabetes where the pancreas makes at least some insulin, can usually be controlled and blood sugars normalized by eating a very low carb diet.
Even Type 1s need drastically less insulin if they eat low carb.

I was wondering about your use of Scotch Broth, since you said you were diabetic.
Granted it's got beans in it but it also has a lot of rice. It would probably be quite acceptable to a Type II if you took out the rice or used brown rice, basically bean soup. The glycemic index of lentils is only 29 and brown rice is only 50 compared to over 90 for white rice.

 

[R.Tist]

Sorry to hear about your other health problems.

There are many good protein powders that are not based on soy.
Actually only the cheap protein powder is soy based.
Most are based on whey, but some are based on casein. In other words milk.
Don't know too many people who use soy based protein sources if they can help it.

If you are type 1 diabetic, you either have insulin or you die.
Some type 2s need insulin but most do not.
Type 2 diabetes where the pancreas makes at least some insulin, can usually be controlled and blood sugars normalized by eating a very low carb diet.
Even Type 1s need drastically less insulin if they eat low carb.

I was wondering about your use of Scotch Broth, since you said you were diabetic.
Granted it's got beans in it but it also has a lot of rice. It would probably be quite acceptable to a Type II if you took out the rice or used brown rice, basically bean soup. The glycemic index of lentils is only 29 and brown rice is only 50 compared to over 90 for white rice.

Thanks, Terry.

On the few occasions that I've given protein powder in our area a glance, they were ALL from soy. I don't do well with dairy, as a rule, but it wouldn't hurt to buy a can and see how it sits.

My carb allowance is 30g per day. (Diet and exercise controlled - no insulin. Last HbA1c was 5.3 - normal for me.)

I took my BG after making and eating some of the soup (made from soup mix I bought around rollover), and it was waaaay too high, as was my husband's, so we donated what we had left to the local food bank and turned our attention to 'friendlier' food.

I still think the soup mix is great, which is why I mentioned it, as it sure helped us out those few times when we needed it, and I thought it would be useful info for the folks here who've said that they don't have enough preps to SIP. Heaven knows it's cheap enough!

Thanks again for the info on the protein powder. Going shopping tomorrow, so I'll let you know how I make out.


Artie.

 

[ainitfunny]

TWO overlooked protein sources that I used to supplement my DH whose appetite was poor.....MILK AND EGG PROTEIN POWDER..AND GELATIN..(Unflavored and Jello)

There is a REASON they push Jello at you in the hospital...it is a way of getting protein into people who are "off their feed"....you can pour a pack of unflavored jello into HOT SOUP and it will be protein spiked....just get them to eat it before it gets cold an jells!! They won't taste it. You can mix the unflavored gelatin into any number of things EVEN DRINKS....First dissolve the gelatin with boiling water and then mix it with more than 2 cups of liquid anything.

The milk and egg protein powder has a taste to it, somewhat like malted milk. It tastes good in a milk shake or mixed with milk over cereal, hot or cold cereal.

 

[FROG]

No, first responders and local infrastructure. Yay.

 

[Taz]

Where do you get protein and egg powder? I am highly allergic to soy so can't use it if it has soy in it. Thanks