Doing without

[Sharon]

Forgive me for the "alert" prefix, but I didn't know what to prefix this as. However, IMHO this is important. I've waited a few days to report, trying to think this through.

As many of you know, DH and I purchased our retirement/bugout/vacation home on ebay 2 years ago come December. We've gone up there working on this home now about 4 times. We have no electric, no running water and basically we camp out in what we call our "hard shell tent" (the home itself). We cook with a propane stove, carry with us about 40 gallons of water (just for cooking and drinking) and get the rest of the water by carrying gallons and gallons up a steep hill from a stream across the road.

While we're there we are so proud of ourselves for doing this. The property is paid for and all work is done with cash and by us. The area is in the coal mining area of Ohio and is absolutely beautiful. We love being there and enjoy a few weeks each time with no sounds but our talking, the birds, (some traffic on the road) and that's it. Not even the sound of a refigerator motor.

The problem that amazes me occurred this trip. We had with us all kinds of healthy snacks, oatmeal for breakfast, and canned veggies, canned ham, chicken, beef and tuna. Boxed potatoes, rice, mac and cheese, and on and on and on. We had preps out the kazoo as well. What happened? We lost our appetite. By evening each day I would fix the best meal I could think of and we both pushed the food around on our plates, no appetite. Thank the good Lord there was a small combination gas station/convenience store/ice cream palour/restaurant 4 miles down the road. When DH went each evening and brought back cheeseburgers, hot dogs, or whatever, we were hungry and ate.

People, we were happy, proud and grateful for where we were, what we were doing and what we had. But still, we lost our appetite. DH and I were only scratching the surface as to what we may be facing if TSHTF.

The water situation is difficult (and you'll need a LOT more than most think, even being conservative!), the cold or heat and other discomforts will effect you in ways you can't prepare for. You'll have food and not want to eat.

Because DH and I have been fortunate enough to go through this (and if you knew our history, you'd know that we've gone through this before, but as a way of life, not as a sudden shift in our normal behavior patterns) I know again there's more preparation to do. Not with the physical but with the mental and emotional.

I've seen some of the members in the past post threads about them praticing for an event that would come about if TSHTF. If possible, please practice this, for a week, preferably 2 weeks or more. Turn off the electric, make water only available by what you've stored or can get from streams, etc., and use only what food you have in the home.

There's more to prepping than stocking the shelves.

 

[Deena in GA]

Good reminder, Sharon! Thanks! Thankfully we haven't had a major loss of electricity during this heatwave (in GA), but I do worry about how many lives will be lost if one occurs - not only from the heat itself, but the emotional reaction to extreme heat.

 

[adgal]

Thanks for your post! You're absolutely right! We need to not only prepare - but also store what we eat. It's great to have cases of food - but if no one likes it, what good is it. Of course, "if you're starving you'll eat anything." But, why put more stress on your body (and your kids bodies) by not having some of the things all of you like. Peanut butter, mac and cheese. jellies, hard candies - CHOCOLATE!!! All really important storage items. Especially Chocolate.

And start eating some of your storage foods now - wheat is great, but if all of the sudden you start eating mostly wheat and your body isn't used to it. Well- all I can say is that your toilet paper supply better be pretty large!

Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to get some dehydrated hamburger patties and dried potatoes for a burger and fries night. I know that we plan on hooking up the generator at least once a week and having a movie night (been collecting a lot of dvds) just to make everyone feel a little less stressed.

Practice makes perfect!

 

[Sharon]

I'm grateful for the experience. The first three visits we were fine with whatever food we had taken and we could fix. The last visit, and our reaction surprised us. It helps us to be prepared mentally for this happening and know that it's just part of the adjustment we may be facing and to contend with it rather than fold under it.

 

[Vere My Sone]

could be the fat you were missing?

maybe those hamburger rocks and spaghetti would be more appetizing?

for some reason, I've been thinking about those rocks lately

could be cause I have my first bull calf to do something with this fall, and he's going to make alot of something to keep somehow

my neighbors mom canned a whole cow one time

I'm not sure I'd be up for that
just trying to do some mental preparation for that

 

[Sharon]

Vere: We thought the same, the fat possibly could be the problem, however, as I said this was our fourth time up there and this never happened before. I think it's something for us to be aware of happening and the most important thing is to not freak out over, but accept and deal with.

I think we're all going to go through adjustments we hadn't expected and the most important thing is attitude and acceptance.

 

[adgal]

my neighbors mom canned a whole cow one time

Wow! That was some big Canning Jar!!!

 

[Cardinal]

Vere: We thought the same, the fat possibly could be the problem, however, as I said this was our fourth time up there and this never happened before. I think it's something for us to be aware of happening and the most important thing is to not freak out over, but accept and deal with.

I think we're all going to go through adjustments we hadn't expected and the most important thing is attitude and acceptance.

You got me to thinkin, there are times nowwhen I have no appetite for anything but certain items that will be unavailable wtshtf.
I need to buy some of that astronauts ice cream.
I need to store more canned butter and oil for frying stuff. Anything will taste better fried

 

[WalknTrot]

Hot weather will make most people lose their appetite...also just fresh air and hard work. Problem is, most folks never experience one or the other to any great extent anymore.

Also...haven't you mentioned this in the past? I seem to recall a similar thread by someone in the last year or so. Because you are in mining country at your place, you are sitting on some "interesting" geology. I'd have the water tested and the house checked for gas.

Ya just never know.

 

[Trivium Pursuit]

Good points, thanks for the report, a pat on the back for what you've made for yourselves. Agree about chocolate---but store it CAREFULLY. The *&((*&(*& Mice ATE MY PREP CHOCOLATE. I took it personally, and killed 20 of them...

 

[adgal]

I took it personally, and killed 20 of them...

I totally understand!!!

 

[optimistic pessimist]

Sharon, I agree with you 100%!

We used to take a vacation waaay up in the boonies 3 houirs by 4x4 then an hour by boat to a log cabin in woods-- got all water from a nearby spring, no electricity, no refrigeration except an ice block "fridge" using ice from the lake from the previous winter.... outdoor shower used water from the lake and wood stove to heat and shower with.... outhouse.

The biggest things I remember is the comfort foods-- and things that were easy to make and not requiring a whole lot of water- water is precious!!!

We had a wood stove to cook on, that also had an 'oven'.' Cast iron skillets.

The most important things were tp, water, the food, warm clothes and warm bedding, kerosene for the lamps, and care for the sick (not a fun thing when you don't have running water!). We went through many a wind storm and lightening storm up there...quite fun!

If TSHTF, and the comforts as we now know them are removed, people will go into shock because they are out of their routines and familiarities- much like culture shock. This is where the appetite loss comes in. When we got used to our 'vacation' spot, we always had appetites, and always did a lot of snacking as well- but if not used to it, it can be a system shock of sorts. I remember we did eat instant oatmeal for breakfast, and lots of fish, lots of canned and boxed stuff. Wasn't bad.... but then if there are no grocery stores and supplies began to run low... different story!

Stock up on the comfort foods as well!

 

[oldladydoolin]

Thanks for your post! You're absolutely right! We need to not only prepare - but also store what we eat. It's great to have cases of food - but if no one likes it, what good is it. Of course, "if you're starving you'll eat anything." But, why put more stress on your body (and your kids bodies) by not having some of the things all of you like. Peanut butter, mac and cheese. jellies, hard candies - CHOCOLATE!!! All really important storage items. Especially Chocolate.

And start eating some of your storage foods now - wheat is great, but if all of the sudden you start eating mostly wheat and your body isn't used to it. Well- all I can say is that your toilet paper supply better be pretty large!

Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to get some dehydrated hamburger patties and dried potatoes for a burger and fries night. I know that we plan on hooking up the generator at least once a week and having a movie night (been collecting a lot of dvds) just to make everyone feel a little less stressed.

Practice makes perfect!

You are exactly right. My preps are things I know we'll eat. I figure we will be stressed out enough with what is going on in the world that I don't want to add more stress by having to eat stuff we don't like. I've even include stuff for baking cakes, pies, cookies, muffins and making fudge (in the winter if there is no electric to cool the fudge).

 

[dimensiondancer]

Whoa, this brings back memories.

We bought a hard shell cabin to finish out in summer of 98. No electricity, running water, nothing! Since we only could work on it for a few weekends every other month it took 5 years to finish to the point we had a well, running water to house, a septic then toilet (that toilet was the best!) and finally hot water and shower.

The worst: Running electric and installing insulation in Mid August heat - in the middle of an Okalhoma drought. Insulation is bad enough, but when you try to wear the proper attire to work with insulation in the heat, it was truely hell. I have a job sitting on my butt every day in air conditioning and that heat was so tough for me to get used to. We took ice water from the ice melted in the ice chest then wet a towel with it to cool us down. It was a wet T-shirt contest all that summer.

With regard to food - nothing tasted good when you are dehydrated. (Don't drink beer!) I do recall that for a fact. We cooked on an old charcoal Weber, hot dogs and easier foods. Yuck! Trips to town for breakfast were very good.

Now, to the main point. Most people that I know hear this story and cannot believe we did without a toilet, running water or electricity. Much less that we had to haul 30 gallons of water with us each trip. Even with only the toilet and septic in, we used our precious hauled water to flush the commode. When it rained, we collected rain water to flush so that we didn't waste our hauled water. You learn to reuse things when you do without.

Doing without such as we did was a perfect prepper's experience which I will always cherish.

Our cabin now has all those things we didn't have, plus a fireplace, central heat and air. Yeah baby!

 

[A.T.Hagan]

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?t=168006

.....Alan.

 

[Sharon]

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?t=168006

.....Alan.

Wow Alan...I forgot...another lesson. I thought we'd made it just fine on the other trips, how in the world did I forget that lesson so soon? That "forgetting" is another lesson. I'm just having a hard time believing I could have forgotten so quickly...OK you head shrinks, please step in here.

I now realize that the lesson has happened at least twice and I forget, put it back in my mind, refuse to look at it, whatever. I'm so grateful you found that Alan, it gives me a profound insight as to what I'm obviously refusing to look at. I guess I'm wanting to believe my food preps are sooooooooo good I'll be OK.

Time for me to give this SHTF a different look. Thank you!! Any suggestions? I must not forget, I must adjust, I must be prepared for the change, sounds good, but I now see in reality it didn't work.

 

[Freeholder]

In the summer, we eat a LOT of salads. I think one of the most important preps is a vegetable garden so you will still have fresh green stuff to eat. Secondly, in case you have to leave your garden behind, know what wild green stuff is edible, and how to find and fix it -- and practice fixing and eating it, so you aren't eating strange stuff in an emergency. Thirdly -- VARIETY!! I know people joke about 'dog kibble diets', and dogs and cats can do just fine on the same brand and type of kibble day in and day out -- but we can't. We need variety in our diets. Condiments and spices can help, but basically you should plan out a series of menus using your prep food and vary things. Can you fix baked beans one day, Spanish rice the next, stew the next, tuna salad the next? (Insert whatever you like here instead.) Include fixings for favorites -- tacos, hamburgers, etc. Did you know that you can can hamburgers? You can can chickens, fish, etc. -- buy meat on sale, if you aren't raising your own, and can it. It will save you money even if you don't put it in your preps. And yes, you CAN can meat -- our family has been doing it ever since canning was invented, and has NEVER had anyone get sick from it. You just have to do it right.

That said, it's true that heat and hard work can make you lose your appetite. I think that's why we eat so many salads in the summer -- they are cold, have a high water content, and don't require cooking to fix them. Are you taking potassium tablets? I have to take four a day in hot weather if I'm doing any physical work, or I'll be sick. And stay hydrated!

Kathleen

 

[John H]

Most canned, prepared and fast foods, even burgers, contain sugar these days to make you want to eat more and buy more.

It may be necessary to add some sugar to your prep food and taper it off over a week or so to avoid sugar withdrawl, which may be what you are experiencing.

John H

 

[hitssquad]

I must be prepared for the change

What change? In an emergency involving loss of water service, natural gas service, and electric power service, my diet would not change.

 

[Worrier King]

We are in a somewhat similair situation Sharon. It takes a whole lot more effort to do little things like wash dishes, or be hygenic, much less when it comes to toting the water etc. It seems to us, there's kind of a addiction to convenience that has to be overcome. You want to take a break from what your doing because its not what your used to. You just have to retrain yourself into mentally eliminating those "options" like running into town etc., and to create new habits that become your norms.

Like Freeholder said, strenuous activity can remove appetite also, we've done days were we didn't bother to eat at all, or, like you on the one meal of the day, shoved it around the plate. No biggy, you are losing fat and gaining muscle adn hopefully getting healthier. When your DH gets hungry enough he'll eat.

You might consider getting a trailer with a water tank on it, something around 350 gallons or whatever you can do, just to reduce water toting and/or purifying.

Your further ahead than 99.9% of the people in this nation Sharon. I'd guess >80% of the U.S. population is now totally dependent on all the artificial systems we have, and when those systems collapse, they will be totally helpless depending on someone else to help them out. Because of those people, we pretty much do have the government we collectively deserve.

Thats why I pretty much try to wash my hands of their whole, dirty, entrenched fluster cuck.

 

[Claudia]

Our preps include lots of sugar, honey, syrups, and chocolate.
I think that what we now consider "junk food" will be highly valued and needed . . . I think we have a dozen cans of peanuts stored, a dozen cans of Pringles, a dozen jars of peanut butter, some cans of potato sticks . . . I just wish more junk came in cans or glass instead of plastic bags! I've stored lots of Hershey's chocolate Kisses - found a huge airtight glass jar and just stuffed about a half dozen bags inside. Also stored a few tins of Danish Butter Cookies, and found some Pepperidge Farm cookies in cans at Big Lots for half price. "Feel good food" - it'll be good stuff to have.

 

[BV141]

Sharon,

Buy Premium prep foods, have the extras like flavored drinks with sugar,
spices help a great deal, the sugar withdrawl comments was good, find
special treats to add, also gravy has been recommended at times to
help with food exhaustion.

Canning, if your into that, is excellent way to preserve pears and peaches
and other foods that vary your diet.

Now is the time to prep for these alternatives.

Now the hard part. My wife is Japanese. She is NOT going to enjoy extended
quantities of quality american style dehydrated food regardless of what I do. Even the rice is not perfect (most rice in #10 cans is long grain rice; she prefers short grain rice... )

I know other Japanese families that can ONLY eat Japanese food for EVERY meal
no exception! (I've told my wife that this family isn't coming to our house
if the worst hits.)

I am certain if TSHTF, who else every ends up in your campsite will likely have the
same problems. (Only worse because the prepped NOTHING.)

At some point, you are going to have to grin and bear it.....and barter will be your ONLY alternative besides prepping now.

bv

 

[BV141]

Sharon,

Buy Premium prep foods, have the extras like flavored drinks with sugar,
spices help a great deal, the sugar withdrawl comments was good, find
special treats to add, also gravy has been recommended at times to
help with food exhaustion.

Canning, if your into that, is excellent way to preserve pears and peaches
and other foods that vary your diet.

Now is the time to prep for these alternatives.

Now the hard part. My wife is Japanese. She is NOT going to enjoy extended
quantities of quality american style dehydrated food regardless of what I do. Even the rice is not perfect (most rice in #10 cans is long grain rice; she prefers short grain rice... )

I know other Japanese families that can ONLY eat Japanese food for EVERY meal
no exception! (I've told my wife that this family isn't coming to our house
if the worst hits.)

I am certain if TSHTF, who else every ends up in your campsite will likely have the
same problems. (Only worse because the prepped NOTHING.)

At some point, you are going to have to grin and bear it.....and barter will be your ONLY alternative besides prepping now.

bv

 

[Hermit]

Any lack of appetite following exercise is healthy - it helps you lose weight so that further exertion is easier. It's temporary. Unlike most people, my appetite actually increases after exertion, so I wish I had your "problem!"

I did a lot of longterm camping early last year. I'd say hauling water is one of the biggest pains, so sink a well and get a sturdy manual pump for it. Garbage disposal is another problem, even if you separate out food scraps for the garden.

I had a Luggable Loo from Cabelas for a toilet. I'd splash some Clorox after use to sterilize and keep down the fly population, then dump it elsewhere ... the chlorine evaporates quickly once you dump it. Of course you can also dig a trench about a foot deep and a few yards long, covering your end product with dirt as you go.

Food .... many hikers at higher altitudes find that they have less appetite for protein. Try high carb dishes, rice and oatmeal seem to be especially easy on the stomach. And start hunting, fishing, and gathering now if you're not used to doing so ..... I came to hunting late in life, and killing and gutting some beautiful animal filled with life a few minutes ago, is still repulsive to me. The survival game can be difficult for people not raised on a farm!

 

[Sharon]

Any lack of appetite following exercise is healthy - it helps you lose weight so that further exertion is easier. It's temporary. Unlike most people, my appetite actually increases after exertion, so I wish I had your "problem!"

LOL...Hermit. First, thanks for the comments, but, I do NOT want to lose weight. I'm 5' 6" tall and wear about a size 2 to 4. I can't afford to lose weight. But then I bought some Dove chocolate this trip and boy have I enjoyed them.

I think if we had been home, here, at the home we are used to and where most of our preps are it would have been easier. We don't use air conditioning (by choice) here, and we're in Georgia, so heat is no problem, especially since the home was in Ohio and it's a berm home (almost 1/2 underground).

Both DH and I are used to hard work, and stay active, we were no more or less active up there (this time) than we stay here at home.

I think my Lord just gave me and DH a reminder of what it can be like if we have to bugout and to prepare emotionally for it. A lesson he's given us twice now. The first one (as Alan pointed out by finding my post of last year) we chose to forget. Getting ready for the bugout this time was also a reminder of "it's easier to say than to do".

Lots of lessons here!

 

[Seabird]

There are a few elements left out of your scenario. The first-and biggest one--is the fact that when the "SHTF" there will be a traumatizing emotional veil over everyone effected. Stress causes a major difference in eating habits, some eat more, some can't eat at all. After the initial trauma subsides, it probably won't matter what you are eating, if you're family is hungry, they'll eat anything put in front of them.

The second point is that most experts say that when in a dire situation (like for instance, if you were on a boat lost at sea with little rations) they say that no one should eat for the first twenty-four hours. I presume this is to set the true hunger in motion aside from the nervous appetite. True hunger doesn't need that much to be satisfied, but the nervous hunger could empty a cupboard in a short time. If the world was in a disasterous situation and you were at the cabin, you would have had a very different appetite.

 

[Christian for Israel]

**mod**

diet fatigue falls under the prefix of PREP, i believe...changed.

**member**

try getting away from the junk food normally. i eat things now that i would be able to get after TSHTF, that way i won't suffer this problem.

 

[Melodi]

I've read in several of my survival books that even in a real crises, the very young children and the elderly will often no eat strange food that does not apeal to them. This can also be true to a lesser extent to healthy adults, but they can often overide their reactions and force themselves to eat. Young children and the Elderly can slowly starve to death if the food is too strange or unapealing. Since most of us would like to keep our kids and elders around (not to mention being less miserable ourselves) is it very important to stash away some food that everyone likes and/or is a comfort. I try to always have white flour, sugar, oil and spices so in a pinch I can make simple cakes, cookies and other homemade goodies. Every family will differ in what it needs to save up (my personal one is black tea) to keep sane, but it is important.

Now, as for not wanting food while at the cottage, I suspect a combination of heat and stress (with lack of fat and food boredom also playing a part). One thing to remember is, you don't have to eat at supper time. Back when I lived in Mississippi with no air conditioning, sometimes the only time we could face food was about 11 o'clock at night or before 8 in the morning. So eat a good breakfast if you can, and make sure you drink lots of water otherwise. Snack a bit if you can, and if you can't face dinner, just skip it. Eat a hearty late night snack if you can manage it, otherwise just do a good breakfast again. After a few days, your system will most likely settle out and tell you when to eat again, the most important thing being to stay hydrated. If you drink fruit and vegtable juices it will replace some of the missing food.

Good luck and thanks for the report, it is giving me something to think about in terms of our own household.

Melodi/Disaster Cat

 

[Freeholder]

I've read in several of my survival books that even in a real crises, the very young children and the elderly will often no eat strange food that does not apeal to them. Melodi/Disaster Cat

This is true. There was a time when we were living on a VERY small income. Sometimes I had nothing to serve but baked beans or bean soup for several days at a time. My two older daughters hated anything made with dry beans and would go for three days with nothing to eat, rather than eat dry beans. (I'm not a bad cook, either -- can make baked beans or bean soup pretty tasty.) It's really important, if you have children, to 1. prep foods they will eat, and 2. start teaching them now to eat different foods.

Kathleen

 

[momof23goats]

OI am canning and drying meats this summer. also veggies, and fruits, anything I can get my hands on. it is a must, that I do this. I have a feeling , what we have stored is what we will eat. until the garden comes in next year. so get ready and prep now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[astrogirl]

This happens to backpackers too.

Lemonade or gatorade really help. If you really can't have sugar, have diet. You will want more of the water. Even *think* you're drinking enough, you're probably not drinking enough. Add a little pinch of salt if you don't use gatorade. Both fake salt (potassium chloride) and table salt provide electrolytes that you can use, or so I've heard. I can't find a source on the fake salt thing -- I got that from a mailing list.

We don't expect this to happen because spring water is fantastic, but you can get tired of anything.

 

[hitssquad]

Astrogirl,

Potassium does not provide sodium. It provides potassium.

 

[Sharon]

Thanks Astrogirl and all, great suggestions!!

 

[MaxTheKnife]

Rest assured, when you are hungry, you will eat. Your body will tell you when it's time for refueling. And whatever you have available will be the best thing you could have. Have you never gone without? Have you never truly been hungry? Trust me. When you are hungry you will eat whatever is available and you will love it. You ate burgers because that was available and handy. When it's not, you'll eat what you have and be proud of yourselves for thinking ahead. Period. You think I'm kidding? Wait till you really get hungry. Then you be the judge.

 

[Sharon]

Rest assured, when you are hungry, you will eat. Your body will tell you when it's time for refueling. And whatever you have available will be the best thing you could have. Have you never gone without? Have you never truly been hungry? Trust me. When you are hungry you will eat whatever is available and you will love it. You ate burgers because that was available and handy. When it's not, you'll eat what you have and be proud of yourselves for thinking ahead. Period. You think I'm kidding? Wait till you really get hungry. Then you be the judge.

Thanks Max. I believe you and feel comforted!

 

[barb43]

What change? In an emergency involving loss of water service, natural gas service, and electric power service, my diet would not change.

Is that because you live without water service, natural gas service, and electrical power service now? . . . or what?

We had little more than dry pinto beans when i was very young (late-50's, early-60's, till i was around 5 or 6). I can still remember being so sick of eating beans that, left alone at the dinner table for a bit one evening, i "painted" my arms and hands with leftover cooked beans out of the dish! It's a wonder my mother didn't kill me! But she musta been as sick of those beans as i was because she sat down at the table and laughed until she cried and then made my father go clean me off in the bathtub!

For one thing, Sharon, knowing that you had access to that gas station/small restaurant probably helped kill your appetites for prep food. Y'know, it was just "too" easy to give in and get something you're more used to eating.

 

[Sharon]

No Barb, we have all the electrical, gas, etc. in our home we actually live in. The home I was talking about is a home DH and I purchased for a retirement/vacation/bugout home. Got a great deal on it and it's in the right area (very rural). We gutted it and are redoing the plumbing and electrical so at this time, when we visit it (it's 700+ miles from home), we do without those services.

You make a good point. I think if we hadn't thought about going to Farmer Bill's (that's really the name!!), we would have been much more satisfied. Also, I really believe what Max said!

 

[barb43]

Sharon, i was quoting hitsquad to start with because i wondered why he'd made the comment he did.

Bet y'all have a great place! Southeast Ohio is a neat place -- I'm origninally from Canton, OH (Football Hall of Fame town) and spent lots of time around the southeastern part of the state in my late teens and early 20's.

 

[hitssquad]

What change? In an emergency involving loss of water service, natural gas service, and electric power service, my diet would not change.

Is that because you live without water service, natural gas service, and electrical power service now?

No. It is because my diet consists of dry nutritional components that do not need to be cooked or further cooked.

 

[homemakerof6]

Max the knife...your right ! I remember when I was a kid I was so hungry and poor that I opened the fridge and the only thing there was was a dry sweaty piece of bologne. I ate it. Other than that at times it was just boiling corn meal to make mush...and I ate it and was grateful. When you get there you'll eat it. I've been there. I am now blessed with a family that makes a pretty darn good living but I guarantee you if I got there again I could do it. I've been there and done that. My kids are spoiled but if it got that bad hunger is hunger. I fix just a pot of beans probabley once a week with just cornbread as a side cause I'm a simple girl and believe you should just get back to the basics regularly so I've primed my family. My youngest daughter hates steak and loves a pot of beans so we're on the right track should anything go sour like it seems to be headed for. Some people will be able to do it and some won't. Start now to bring a not so glamorous diet into your families. Little by little will help. Just my .02 cents worth.